Scuzeme should certainly have enough ability to claim top honours in the 32Red Handicap at Lingfield this afternoon.
The three-year-old showed very little indeed in two starts last year, finishing last at Musselburgh and at York.
David Barron drew stumps for the year at that point and Scuzeme was not sighted again until pitching up at Newcastle in January, when he ran out a very cosy winner of a moderate maiden heat.
Gelded in the interim, the switch to the all-weather seemed to suit this son of Kheleyf and he only had to be pushed on in the last 50 yards to take a convincing three-length verdict.
He cruised by his rivals that day and while it was only an average event, the fact the runner-up has since won perhaps gives the form a little more depth.
The handicapper has hardly been kind with a starting mark of 80, but Scuzeme is just the type to make sharp progress now he has found the winning groove.
Solajan found only one too good on his racecourse bow and can go one place better in the 32Red-sponsored maiden.
Ed Dunlop’s runner raced prominently that day and after going toe-to-toe with the winner, Dark Titan, he eventually had to give best by a head at the line.
He looks sure to win a race like this before too long.
Our Channel did the donkey work for his stablemate in Listed company last time, but the 32Red Handicap at Kempton should see him get back on track.
The six-year-old was beaten over 16 lengths in the Winter Derby Trial after setting the early gallop, but given the winner Decorated Knight has since gone on to Group One glory in Dubai, that was a very strong heat indeed.
Our Channel had previously proved a bit disappointing in conditions company so this move to handicap level could prove a good move from Jamie Osborne.
Hold Sway is an eye-catching newcomer in the mile maiden for Charlie Appleby.
A Dubawi half-brother to Group One winner Charming Thought, Hold Sway holds an entry in the Investec Derby at this stage and should be making his presence felt here.
Golden Vision can defy top weight for Dan Skelton in the Coniston Hotel Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Catterick.
A winner in France last September, the five-year-old changed hands for £68,000 in December and soon paid back a small chunk of that price with victory at Wetherby last month.
She made all that day and while she perhaps wandered around the track a bit, Golden Vision never looked like being caught and won with a fair bit in hand.
Golden Vision is conceding lumps of weight all round, but she looks a class act.
Nap: Scuzeme
(4.00: Lingfield)
Double: Solajan
(3.30: Lingfield)
Treble: Our Channel
(5.45: Kempton)
Yankee: Hold Sway
(7.45: Kempton)
