Sam Spinner makes his eagerly awaited bow over fences at Wetherby on Wednesday in the extended 2m 3f novice chase (14:55).
Trained locally in Yorkshire by Jedd O’Keeffe, this Black Sam Bellamy gelding was by far the best of the five-runner field over hurdles.
After winning three times in his novice campaign, he ran a fine half-a-length runner-up in the 2017 Silver Trophy at Chepstow.
He relished a step up in trip to in another Grade 3 handicap at Haydock next time out. Sam Spinner made all in testing conditions, then followed-up with Grade 1 glory at Ascot.
The Long Walk Hurdle has an illustrious honour roll and he added his name to it with another front-running performance.
Sam Spinner was thus well-fancied for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival. Things didn’t go according to plan, however, and he finished fifth to Penhill.
After placing third in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree on Grand National day, it took time for things to drop right last season.
Sam Spinner the pick at Wetherby on hurdles form
Although unseating regular jockey Joe Colliver on his first two starts, he did better at Cheltenham.
He improved two places after finishing fourth in the Cleeve Hurdle on Festival Trials Day. The seven-year-old made up over 21 lengths on Stayers’ Hurdle hero Paisley Park on previous course and distance form when chasing him home.
That earned him his current official BHA rating of 164. It is 24lb and upwards clear of his four rivals in this.
The presence of Warwick Grade 2 novice hurdle winner Beakstown in the Wetherby field means Sam Spinner has a challenge.
However, he is the class act in this line-up and surprising value at 6/4 with Betway. On hurdles form, Sam Spinner is the one to beat.
Although this is arguably a sharper trip than ideal, Beakstown has ground concerns. He hasn’t won a race under rules with cut in the ground.
Beakstown does go well fresh, but this is a home fixture for O’Keeffe and his horse appeals most at the odds on offer.
Bet of the Day: 6/4 with Betway, Sam Spinner wins the extended 2m 3f novice chase at Wetherby.
