Al's Memory set to hit triple figures for Evans

When a horse has already logged 97 career starts it takes patience from all concerned to take a pull in the hope of freshening them up.

Al's Memory had run all but a handful of those races in Class 4 and 5 company, but that didn't stop owners Will and Rachel Dawson sitting down with trainer David Evans last summer and deciding to give him some time off.

"He just got a bit stale so the owners took him away for six or so months, for a change of scenery as much as anything," said Evans.

Al's Memory ran an encouraging race on his comeback when fourth behind another century-maker, Corporal Maddox, at Chepstow in August, though start number 99 was less encouraging when eighth of ten at Salisbury.

"He ran better at Chepstow the time before when he'd had the break and I think Salisbury was probably too soft for him," Evans added.

Al's Memory was due to make it to three figures earlier this week but was scratched from Tuesday's card at Yarmouth, and Evans has wasted little time in getting him back on the road.

First-time partner PJ McDonald will ride the eight-year-old gelding in division one of the sunbets.co.uk Handicap at Wolverhampton (8.45pm).

Evans said: "He’s in good nick, is probably better on the all-weather, and definitely runs. It’s just a shame the draw [ten of 12] isn’t the best. He had a little niggle before Yarmouth but it was nothing to worry about."

Al's Memory has only ever had one set of owners and one trainer and, before his sabbatical, had never missed any significant period of time.

"He’s always been prone to losing shoes and has had a bit of trouble with his feet but he’s been easy enough to train," said Evans. "They can just get a bit stale and the break seemed to do him good."

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