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Spencer seeking fast-track qualifier gains with Big Narstie

3 minute read

Progressive To The Bar among opposition at Lingfield.

Trainer: RICHARD SPENCER
Trainer: RICHARD SPENCER Picture: Pat Healy Photography

Richard Spencer feels Big Narstie 's course and distance success will stand him in good stead as he takes a hike in class in the Get Your Ladbrokes Daily Boost Spring Cup at Lingfield on Saturday.

The Cable Bay colt got off the mark on his second start with a game half—length verdict over Give 'Em The Slip in a maiden over this seven furlongs – but now tackles Listed company.

"It's a hot race, and he's got to step forward from what he's done already," Spencer told Sky Sports Racing.

"But he's done nothing wrong, and he's the only course-and-distance winner (in the field).

"I think that does mean a lot round there, because it's a bit of a unique track.

"It's a bit different to what Doncaster is – I know Roger's (Varian) horse (El Drama) won nicely on debut (there). But we know we handle the track, and think that will play to our strengths.

"He was actually one we thought we'd run early on in the year (as a two-year-old) – but he had a small setback, which we had to wait with.

"But he's certainly worth the wait."

The Newmarket trainer added: "We'll stick to the seven at the moment, but I'd like to think he could get a mile (in the summer).

"We'll take each race as it comes, but we hope he'll be running in better races than handicaps."

After wide-margin victories in two novice auction races, To The Bar takes the the big step up to Listed class.

The son of Tamayuz opened his account on his second start with a five-and-a-half-length romp at Southwell – and bettered that with a seven-and-a-half-length saunter at Wolverhampton.

He has earned the chance to book his place in the all-weather championships by competing in this fast-track qualifier, and connections of the Richard Hughes-trained colt are hopeful of a good run.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah, said: "He's an improving horse and Richard seems very happy with the way he's working.

"He's got a good draw (four), he goes well on the all-weather and seems better than on the grass. He's horse that is coming good at the right time.

"If he wins this he'll definitely have a go at the all-weather championships. We're hopeful."

Thank You Next, the only filly in the line-up, was runner-up in the Group Three Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket on her final start as a two-year-old.

Trainer Richard Hannon is already planning to run her back at that level again.

"Thank You Next could head for something like the Group Three Prix Imprudence next month, and this should bring her along," he said.

"She really has done well over the winter – I think she will need this a bit, but she has done a couple of good pieces of work.

"She showed at Kempton last year that she likes the all-weather. Hopefully, she will run well."

El Drama holds an entry in the Qipco 2000 Guineas as does Megallan. John Gosden's charge was last seen finishing seventh in the Group One Futurity at Doncaster in October.

The William Haggas-trained Yazaman has plenty of Pattern-race form, finishing second in a pair of Group Two races – the July and Richmond Stakes – but he disappointed in a weaker grade in his last two starts.


At The Races

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