Sa Suffit's return to the track

Saturday November 21st

HAYDOCK

SA SUFFIT justified some confident remarks in the past as he came clear to win with a little to spare in the two mile handicap chase. I've gone on record as expecting him to rate as top Scottish based chaser this season and this performance didn't nothing to dispell the theory. James Ewart's after arce comments suggested that the horse is now stronger than last season and the progressino clearly hasn't come as a surprise. Two miles with cut in the ground will probably suit best.

We witnessed a cracking contest between Kauto Star and Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase. Like many I thought that Imperial Commander had got back up on the line, but a rather fuzzy photo apparently tells us that 'Kauto' held on. I'd expect the Cheltenham Gold Cup to be more up Kauto Star's street, but if the two turn out at Kempton on Boxing Day we could be in for another treat.

For anyone who may have been concerned about Shining Gale who pulled up lame at the finish of the staying handicap chase I have an update. I'm indebted to Racing Forum correspondent Gaz's Way De Solzen who informed Forumites that, "The horse has fractured his pedal bone, he is expected to make a full recovery although he will be out for some time." It appeared to me that the injury happened on landing or shortly after the last fence and guts got the horse home. Here's to a successful recovery.

ASCOT

LEINSTER HOUSE, who showed up well in Carlisle bumper in October, was plunged into a decent looking staying novice hurdle at the Berkshire track. He came a fair dead-heat third to decent chaser Possol and looks sure to notch up a hurdles win in easier company.