Al Shaham tipped for course hat-trick

L SHAHAM is difficult to oppose as he looks to maintain his unbeaten record and complete a course hat-trick in the British Stallion Studs EBF Ripon Champion Two Years Old Trophy today.

- ASHLEY IVESON

A £200,000 breeze-up purchase, plenty was expected ahead of his debut at the Garden Racecourse late last month and he duly delivered, landing cramped odds in the style of a horse destined for bigger and better things.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s juvenile returned to Ripon little over a week ago for what looked a tougher assignment, but passed the test with flying colours, winning with just over two lengths in hand from hot favourite Gold Queen Kindly, who himself had delivered at odds-on on his introduction.

It is a quick turnaround for Al Shaham, but he fully merits this step up to Listed class and the undulating track clearly holds no fears.