Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Horse Racing

Sam Spinner set to have his sights raised by Jedd OKeeffe as novice chasing campaign heats up

, Sam Spinner set to have his sights raised by Jedd OKeeffe as novice chasing campaign heats up

JEDD O’Keeffe is plotting his way back to the top with stable star Sam Spinner.

The popular seven-year-old made his name as a staying hurdler, winning the Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot in 2017.

But the strapping gelding is now plying his trade over fences and is unbeaten in his new discipline.

He has secured back-to-back novice chase victories at Wetherby, much to the delight of his Middleham-based trainer.

O’Keeffe told Sun Racing: “I’ve been very pleased with him so far, he’s two from two and Wetherby is a proper test for a novice chaser.

“One or two people have questioned whether he will make the grade as a chaser because his jumping has been a little cautious.

“But that has been by design. We’ve been to races where we have been the best horse and the most important thing has been teaching him to jump properly and respect his fences.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“When we have asked him to race and jump at speed he has attacked them and he’s been making a lovely shape.

“The faster he went the better he jumped, he is just a lot more comfortable going a stronger pace.

“He has been clever and put himself right when he has been getting in deep, but he isn’t afraid to take one on which is what you want to see.

“We’ve no preference whether we race right-handed or left-handed, he’s won at all types of tracks and is very versatile. We are 100% happy with how it’s gone.”

Second to Paisley Park in last seasons Sun Racing Stayers Hurdle, OKeeffe has not ruled out a return to the smaller obstacles if things dont pan out over fences.

But the team at Highbeck Lodge are confident he has what it takes to succeed over fences, with the Grade 2 December Novices’ Chase at Doncaster next up.

O’Keeffe continued: He will go to the December Novices Chase at Doncaster on 14 December over three miles, it looks a good race for him.

“It would be a step up but we would much rather do that than head to a standard novice chase under double penalty.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“If he is going to cut the mustard with the best he has got to prove it, and better to prove it sooner rather than later.

“If all goes well, we have definitely got the RSA Chase in our minds as his target.

“If he doesnt make the grade for whatever reason, we have always got the option to target the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“We still think he would be very able in that sphere, we beat everyone bar Paisley Park last year, but we want to explore how high he can go over fences first.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Double the Points, Double the Fun All 20 Premier League clubs are gearing up to play twice in Gameweek 29, promising a flurry of...

Premier League

Struggles with Injuries Gabriel Jesus has faced a tough season, missing 16 games due to knee and hamstring problems. His last Premier League start...

Premier League

Liverpool Looking to Secure Top Spot Liverpool is set to face Brighton this Sunday in a crucial Premier League showdown, aiming to solidify their...

Golf

WHEN golf fans talk about "Big Cat," they’re normally bringing up Tiger Woods in conversation. But one Arizona golfer came dangerously close to a...

Premier League

Surprise Visit Singer and Soccer Aid star Tom Grennan made a surprise appearance at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday during Chelsea Women's Champions League quarter-final...

Premier League

Reds Targeting New Star Liverpool is reportedly making plans for a future without Mohamed Salah and has set its sights on Omar Marmoush as...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement