Andrew Balding is hopeful Dreamspeed can end the year on a high by claiming the boxingdayraces.co.uk Wild Flower Stakes at Kempton.
The three-year-old has been lightly raced this season but has shown some excellent form, notably finishing second in Listed company and most recently grabbing third in a Newbury Group Three.
The trainer does not see the switch to an artificial surface being a problem and is confident he will give a good account this weekend.
He said: “I’ve been very pleased with his last couple of runs and he seems in very good form at home. He hasn’t had a hard season as he has only had the four runs, so we’re hopeful he’ll run a good race.
“It’s his first run on the all-weather but he’s had a piece of work round Kempton and seemed to enjoy it, so that shouldn’t be a problem. He hasn’t had much racing and should continue to improve, so he’s a nice prospect.”
Irish raider Top Spin is an interesting contender for trainer John Joseph Murphy. The three-year-old was a winner at Roscommon and Killarney earlier in the year but has been off the track since the latter of those successes back in August.
Murphy said: “I think he’s progressed and sharpened up a little bit more, so he’s entitled to take his chance. He’s had a run in Dundalk and seems to handle the all-weather all right.
“He’s just had a break since his last run. We might keep him on the go in some of the better all-weather races in the winter and might use this race as stepping stone to Dubai, but we’ll see. He’s in good shape and hopefully he’ll run a good race.”
Michael Jarvis saddles Hidden Brief, but admits she needs to improve on what she’s achieved to date.
He said: “She’s a well-bred filly and we’re after some more black type with her, but she’s got to raise her game. I’d say she has it all to do. She was a bit disappointing over 10 furlongs at Lingfield the other day but we’re hoping this step up in trip will be in her favour.”
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