Alan King preparing to welcome back Grumeti and Bensalem
Trainer, Alan King is all set to make a few big bangs this season, as his leading lights from the recent years, Grumeti and Bensalem, are coming back to work.
Grumeti went out of action after facing a narrow defeat at Glorious Goodwood in May. Ahead of missing the gold medal only by a short head’s distance, the 5-year-old marvellously sealed two back-to-back wins.
After taking the honours in the Grade 1 Matalan Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in April, the son of Sakhee proved too strong for the rivals in Royal Ascot’s Leo Bancroft Signature Haircare Handicap the following month.
The McNeill Family-owned did a great job during last two seasons, and would return to action with full of confidence. The exact timing of his comeback is not confirmed yet though.
King, writing in his exclusive column for the Weekender stated: "He is over his injury and back working, in fact he did his strongest piece of work to date on Tuesday. I was delighted with that and he continues onwards and upwards. At this time I am very hopeful of him being ready for Cheltenham, although I haven't made any entries yet."
While the connections are yet to make any decision about Grumeti’s return, Bensalem is ready to make his way back to the track. The 10-year-old is geared up to make his first start in 651 days, and will be seen in Haydock’s Get 5 Free Spins At stanjamescasino.com Graduation Chase, this weekend.
The son of Turtle Island won a Grade 3 handicap at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival. After his Cheltenham success, he made an outing at Aintree in April 2011, when he could only seize the fifth place in the field of 15.
Due to fitness issues, the Peter O'Reilly-bred went out of action afterwards. The handler believes that the imminent run will benefit the horse to a great deal. He also shared:
"I must warn you that I have left a fair bit to work on. The ground won't be a concern to him as he has won on everything ranging from good to heavy."
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