Raymond Tusk and Funny Kid renew rivalry in all-weather feature

Betway Conditions Stakes (All-Weather Championships Fast Track Qualifier) | 2m½f | 4yo+ | SKY

This is a fascinating rematch between Raymond Tusk and Funny Kid, who were separated by just half a length when filling the first two places over the same trip at Newcastle last month.

They race on the same terms and Raymond Tusk was able to win despite recording a Racing Post Rating 6lb short of his best figure. Richard Hannon’s runner was having his first outing since returning from a trip to Melbourne in November and might have been short of his peak after the long journey. I’m expecting him to improve for the run and confirm the form.

Funny Kid (near side) gets the nod in a close finish to the All-Weather Marathon in 2018Credit: Mark Cranham

There doesn't appear much pace in the race and a tactical affair could be on the cards. Deal A Dollar, Funny Kid and Scarlet Dragon are usually played late and pacemaking duties are likely to fall to either Raymond Tusk or Rainbow Dreamer without competition.

Raymond Tusk looks versatile with regards to tactics and there aren’t many better jockeys than Richard Kingscote from the front. He can be deadly when allowed to dictate the pace.

All four of Raymond Tusk’s rivals will have to be alive to the possibility of Kingscote attempting to take advantage of the easy lead that looks on offer.
Graeme Rodway

Key stat

Hollie Doyle has partnered five winners from 23 all-weather rides for Alan King (23 per cent), returning a £1 level-stakes profit a strike-rate of £31.25. She rides the hat-trick seeking Rainbow Dreamer for the Barbury Castle trainer.

What do connections say?

Maxime Guyon, rider of Funny Kid
I really like Funny Kid, he tries hard and hopefully will run another good race. With only five runners it's likely to be tactical but he stays very well and was second in this race two years ago. Raymond Tusk is a good horse and we'll try and turn the tables on him from Newcastle.

Tom Palin, director of Middleham Park Racing, owners of Raymond Tusk
We had a decision to make about whether we put Raymond Tusk away for Finals Day or have a look at the big staying handicap in Saudi Arabia at the end of February beforehand. I think on weights and measures, he is the one to beat. His usual jockeys – Jamie Spencer and Tom Marquand – are not around at the moment, but Richard Kingscote takes over and he is fabulous around Wolverhampton. He always seems to get the fractions right and I would imagine that is what we will try to do.

Scarlet Dragon: will be partnered by Tom QueallyCredit: Mark Cranham

Henry Ponsonby, owner of Scarlet Dragon
The way he ran over a mile and a half at Lingfield last time would suggest this step up in trip would suit and the plan is to get him qualified for the marathon on All-Weather Finals Day. We are pleased that Tom Queally is riding as he gets on well with the horse and we are hopeful he can be in the mix. Obviously, we respect the chances of Alan King's other runner Rainbow Dreamer who won well at Kempton last time.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Saeed Suhail, owner of Deal A Dollar
He needed the run when third on the all-weather last time and will have moved forward from that. He's stepping up to two miles for the first time but I think this sort of trip will suit him and it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

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