THE big guns are starting to appear both sides of the Irish Sea, and despite young talent taking the honours at the weekend, one of the older boys caught my eye in behind, writes Page Fuller
Banbridge ran disappointingly in the Fortria Chase but I wouldn’t be writing him off. Solness set blistering fractions in front, approaching fences two through to seven between the speeds of 31 and 33 mph. Banbridge may have some good form over two miles, but I believe that regardless of the distance, he is better suited to a race that allows him to quicken at the end. In all three of his wins last season he finished with a finishing speed percentage higher than 100% which means he finished quicker than he travelled through the main part of the race. He seems to come unstuck when put under pressure early. He holds an entry in the King George, and I think back to Kempton over three miles, he will find it easier to travel in his comfort zone and make use of his turn of foot, unless.