In form trainer Harry Derham is set to unleash his high-class new recruit Queen Gamble at Kempton on Monday.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, Derham said: “We just haven't declared her on Thursday at Newbury, there’s a good bit of rain forecast so she’s going to go to Kempton on Monday, all being well.”
The dual bumper winner will enter open waters against the opposite sex for the first time over obstacles following her Mares’ Maiden score at Warwick in May, whilst still in the care of former trainer Oliver Sherwood.
“It’s just a normal novice hurdle, which means she’ll carry level weights against the boys, instead of her carrying a penalty against the girls,” said Derham.
He continued, “The Kempton forecast is dry and the track should suit her well, it’s not a dramatic change of plan. We’ve been thinking about the Kempton race as well and that’s what we are thinking of doing.”
Derham revealed usual rider Johnathan Burke is set to renew his partnership with the mare, following his return from injury. Derham said: “She looks fantastic, she’s trained very nicely. Johnny has schooled her a good few times.”
After 216 days off the track! 😮
Sir Psycho wins the Ascot Underwriting Novices' Limited Handicap Chase going away 🥇#ITVRacing | @Asot | @Harry05Derham pic.twitter.com/xVJfHguIQe
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 4, 2023
Derham’s boasts a 25% strike rate in the last fortnight, which includes Sir Psycho Ascot success last Saturday, his first winner at the Berkshire track with his name on the license.
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Commenting on his stable’s form, he said: “They’re going well. We had a lovely winner on Saturday at Ascot, a second beaten a neck yesterday (Puffin Bay at Hereford) - which was very pleasing and frustrating at the same time.
“So yeah, they’re in good nick.”
Derham’s Boxford base sends out two runners on Wednesday, Nordic Tiger in a novices’ hurdle at Warwick and Fidelio Vallis over fences at Musselburgh.
Derham told the Tote: “Fidelio Vallis runs at Musselburgh, I’d like to think he’s got a huge chance. He’s got a lot of weight but he’s the best horse in the race.
“Nordic Tiger ran nicely on debut at Uttoxeter, I'd like to think he can take a step forward and he can run well.”
Queens Gamble is to avoid the softening going at Newbury but that’s not the case for the classy Brentford Hope, who is declared for a conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle.
Derham said: “Yeah, he runs on Thursday. It’s the start of his season, he’s done plenty of work. It looks like a competitive race but I think he’ll go well. Alice Stevens will ride, she rides out three times a week so delighted to be using her.”
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