Can Serious Look complete hat-trick for up-and-coming trainer or will the rise in grade find him out?

We may be hearing plenty more of Tom Faulkner in the coming seasons. He has quietly enjoyed a promising start to his training career and Serious Look has been one of his flagbearers.

Faulkner has recorded ten winners from 47 runners this year to elevate his overall record to 13-95 and Serious Look is on a hat-trick, having won two Class 6 handicaps at this track. He is ready for this rise in grade, although this race is deep.  

Golspie and Wyvern form a strong team for Patrick Morris, who also saddles Eden Storm. Golspie may be the pick of the Morris challenge, with Hollie Doyle taking over in the saddle.

He was beaten only a length when third in a similar race at Newcastle off this mark last time, maintaining his recent consistency after two runner-up finishes at this track in March.

However, his style of racing always leaves him vulnerable if a solid gallop fails to materialise. 

Others to note include His Finest Hour, who won his maiden at Wolverhampton and should have more to offer on only his fourth start, while Southwell novice winner Dopamine is bred to relish this extra yardage.

Revich is the most interesting runner of all. He kept top handicap company for several years and was beaten only six lengths in the 2024 Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood off 22lb higher. 

He has an all-weather mark to be exploited on his second start for the in-form Adrian Wintle, and a resurgent performance may be forthcoming with Tom Marquand booked to ride.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

George Scott, trainer of Dopamine
She’s been crying out for this step up in trip and will have no problems going left-handed on the all-weather as she’s won at Southwell.

Ross Burdon, trainer of Bearaway
He won well at the track in January and is only 2lb higher. You can ignore his last two runs as he got no run at Lingfield on Good Friday and hated Southwell before that. We’re happy to have Oisin Murphy on board and hopefully he can give us our first winner.

Robert Havlin, rider of Serious Look
He’s an improving sort who is on a hat-trick over course and distance. He hit the front soon enough last time as one went clear in the race and I had to chase him down. Tom Faulkner does well with his horses and hopefully there's more to come.

Patrick Morris, trainer of Golspie, Eden Storm and Wyvern
We’re rolling the dice as all three want some cut in the ground on turf but there isn’t any to be had. This race popped up so we thought we’d give it a go. Of the three, Golspie’s winning turn isn't far away but whether it’s this race or not we’ll see.
Reporting by David Milnes

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