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Previews31 January 2025

'I see no reason why he shouldn't run well' - who's confident of a bold bid in a competitive Surrey National?

Plumpton is sue to race on Tuesday but the track was frozen on Saturday
Lady Balko: carries top weight in the Surrey NationalCredit: Alan Crowhurst

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A really competitive running of the Surrey National, in which Here Comes McCoy bids to atone for a desperately unlucky defeat on his return at Uttoxeter last month.

Olly Murphy's relatively lightly raced ten-year-old ought to have been three out of three in chases in 2024, but having won in January and March he belted the last when holding a two-length lead at Uttoxeter 52 days ago.

He rallied to go down by only half a length, so it looks like staying is his game, and a 5lb rise might not be enough to stop him, provided he keeps jumping errors to a minimum.

The winner didn't do much for the form next time and nor did the third and fourth, so plenty will be fancying their chances against him.

The early markets suggested Lady Balko, Major Dundee and Passing Well were the main threats, but while Lady Balko has been a three-time winner this season she has been beaten a long way on her two other runs, when the ground was slower than good to soft.

Major Dundee is well handicapped on old form but hasn't really threatened to win since the 2023 Midlands National, while Passing Well, who has been running well, has his first crack at a marathon.

The competition runs deep. Saint Xavier and The Two Amigos, first and second at Haydock last time and no strangers to conditions or trip, are entitled to be on the premises despite becoming teenagers, while Dr Kananga ran well for an awful long way in the Sandown race won by subsequent Peter Marsh winner Mr Vango.
Analysis by Paul Kealy


Going update

The ground was officially soft, heavy in places on the eve of racing. It dried slightly through Thursday but rain was forecast between 4am and midday on Friday and clerk of the course Stephanie Wethered said: "It's likely to ease but we won't know by how much until we get closer."


What they say

David Pipe, trainer of Lady Balko
She'll like conditions and we're trying a bit further. She wasn't up to Listed class last time and the handicapper didn't drop her. Hopefully she'll run well back in handicap company, even with top weight.

Alan King, trainer of Major Dundee
He missed out when the Becher Chase and Classic Chase were lost. He hasn't run since his encouraging reappearance at Bangor but he's in good form and should run well. This should provide the true test of stamina he needs and he's on a fair mark.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Here Comes McCoy
He should have won last time. Jumping wouldn't be his forte but heavy ground round Lingfield and a staying trip might suit him well. It's good prize-money and I hope he's handicapped to be competitive. If he gets into a rhythm I see no reason why he shouldn't run well.

Nicky Martin, trainer of The Two Amigos
It has to be heavy but if the ground stays right I'd be hopeful. He ran a blinder at Haydock. He hasn't run round Lingfield before but I don't think that'll bother him.

Ben Clarke, trainer of Dr Kananga
He's well handicapped after having a wind issue and losing his confidence. His wind has been sorted and he ran a career-best first race of the season, so he should run well.

Richard Hobson, trainer of Saint Xavier
He's ever so well and has taken on a new lease of life since he won at Haydock. But I'm not sure it's his course – he's suited by a flat, galloping track.
Reporting by David Carr


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