Count Meribel ready to lord it in higher grade

King Of Realms
Second, 2m3½f maiden hurdle, Ascot, Friday, November 24
This gelding has strengthened up well over the summer and looked well in his coat, but he needed the run. Keen over the first two flights, which caused his jumping to be a little off-key, he moved through strongly from midfield. However, as the pace quickened it took him a while to find top speed and he stayed on to snatch second. He will be better when he steps up in trip.

The strongly made Kildisart was full of himself in the paddock and was given a canny ride from the front by Daryl Jacob, who caught many of his rivals flat-footed when he increased the pace and won in a pretty slow time.

Storm Control returned to the track after 209 days off and showed a fair amount of promise. He should appreciate further in due course.