Hutton gives update on Pall Mall runners
Kevin Hutton provides the latest on his six runners left in the Pall Mall.
Hutton gives update on Pall Mall runners
Kevin Hutton has six of the 18 runners left ahead of the Betgoodwin Pall Mall semi-finals at Oxford on Saturday.
Despite the kennel suffering from coughing in the last few weeks, Hutton qualified six of his eight runners and has a very strong hand in the Category One event.
He has two representatives in each semi-final and speaking to his blog on www.kevinhuttonracing.com, the trainer gave an update on his runners:
“Litter sisters Coppice Ella and Southfield Poppy served up a cracking buckle in the first heat, with Ella just getting the better of Poppy by half a length in 26.55. It was great to see Poppy back to her best after a couple of missed breaks in recent races, and both girls should come on for the run.
“Rioja Oisin safely made it through to the next round, finishing second in his heat despite a slow start and some trouble just before the first bend. Although he was well beaten by the winner, we were delighted to see him qualify—this was his first run back over four bends since early March 2024. He was a bit fresh and fizzy beforehand, so the outing will have done him the world of good ahead of the semi-finals.”
“Union Rebel continues to amaze. Despite a far-from-ideal preparation, he managed to win his heat by a length in 26.91. This was his first race since landing the Golden Sprint in March, and less than a month since having a flexor tendon removed. He’s sure to improve again and, if luck is on his side, could be a real contender if he reaches the final.
"Antigua Kestrel ran a huge race. After being forced to check at the three-quarter mark, he fairly flew home off the last bend to get up and win by 1½ lengths in 26.51. He’s such a versatile dog and there’s nothing in the competition that would want him turning too close to them.”
“Ella has now won three of her six open races since returning from a gracilis injury and continues to build a terrific record at Oxford.
“Rioja Maxi also deserves credit after qualifying from an exceptionally hot heat in third. She missed the break and found plenty of trouble in running, so she’ll come on a lot for having that run under her belt.”
