EBF Final eyecatchers: three beaten horses who could excel over fences

The controversial finish to the EBF Final took the spotlight, but nonetheless it was an interesting race for a contest often used as a stepping stone by horses destined to fulfil their potential over fences, with Many Clouds, Dynaste and Burton Port among those who were beaten in the race before making their mark over fences. Three Racing Post reporters identify a chaser of the future.

Southern Sam

The lightly-raced five-year-old was well punted before the fiendishly competitive running, backed into second favourite, and although only finishing fifth he shaped with promise.

He was probably caught a bit further back than ideal and would have learned plenty on just his fourth run under rules, with a point-to-point second over three miles suggesting he should be able to step back up in trip in due course.

Trainer Oliver Sherwood saddled Many Clouds to finish second in this race in 2013, with that horse going on to achieve great things over fences, and Southern Sam looks the type to show improved form in novice chases next term.

This is a horse who gave subsequent Grade 2 winner Beakstown a real scare on his debut and should be difficult to beat back in calmer waters.
Robbie Wilders

Trixster: could be one to note over fencesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Trixster

I was really encouraged by the run of Tim Vaughan's Trixster. Although he didn't set a frenetic pace in front, it was solid gallop and he was keener than ideal. Ultimately he was a sitting duck at the last, but battled on well and only faded in the shadows of the post to finish seventh.

His dam is a sister to Welsh National winner Emperor's Choice and Old Vic also features in his pedigree, so you would expect him to excel over fences. He is now looking thoroughly consistent and I expect further improvement as he matures.

A slightly less obvious one, but the outsider of the entire field and eventual tenth On The Slopes also shaped well for a long way and should win races over fences for Chris Gordon.
Maddy Playle

The runners pass the stands in the EBF FinalCredit: Mark Cranham

Skandiburg

There was plenty to like about the peformances of Skandiburg, Boldmere and Senior Citizen in scanning the field for future staying chasers. Skandiburg could be the one to concentrate on as this five-year-old looked to have the most physical scope of the trio.

One of the youngest in the field, he was not subject to a hard race on the testing ground and this bumper winner will have learned plenty from just his fourth run over hurdles. It was no surprise he did not have the pace to go with them when they quickened into the home straight but he plugged on gamely.
Bruce Jackson

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