Richard Fahey hoping Kimberella can destroy rivals in Chipchase cracker
KIMBERELLA heads to Newcastle with unfinished business after an unlucky run in last year's Chipchase Stakes.
The popular veteran was stopped in his tracks when about to challenge for victory in the Group 3.
Fahey's contender heads a competitive field of eleven for the all-weather sprint, and his eight-year-old comes into the race in good form following a fine second last time out.
That was on turf, and considering the son of Kyllachy is arguably a better horse on synthetics, it's not surprising his trainer heads to Gosforth Park full of confidence.
The old-timer probably would have won last year's race if he'd had a better passage through, and this race doesn't look significantly harder.
With a few front-runners in opposition he should get a nice tow into the contest, and Fahey is hopeful of a different story this time around.
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He said: "He's in good form. He ran in it last year and was a bit unlucky.
"There's some unfinished business, but it's a very competitive race and a very open race. At least we know he handles the track."
Among Kimberella's opposition is seven-furlong specialist, Yafta.
Richard Hannon's handicap winner is dropping down in trip, but the stiff Newcastle finish should play to his strengths.
The trainer said: "It is a big step up for him, but he is going the right way.
"I think he wants seven furlongs, but six furlongs at Newcastle should suit him.
"I thought he was going to win last time, but he could not quite get past the winner in the last 50 yards. However, he was giving him plenty of weight."
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Also taking part is Hugo Palmer's Never Back Down.
The son of Kodiac wore first-time blinkers and clearly benefited from a gelding operation when springing a 25-1 surprise in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes, and his trainer is hopeful he can back that up.
He said: "I'm very happy with him. He's less to find to win the Chipchase than he had to win the Carnarvon," said the Newmarket trainer.
"He's been in good form at home and it's fingers crossed."