Pearlysteps’ mettle to be tested in the Betfred Grand National Trial
Fresh from his second spot in last Saturday’s Peter Marsh Chase, Pearlysteps is all set for the Betfred Grand National Trial test, which is going to be held at Haydock on February 18.
The high-profile Grade 3 race with 47 runners will start at 3:20. Most of Pearlysteps’ competitors possess marvellous track records, and are likely to be right up there come race day.
However, the gelding’s trainer, Henry Daly, is confident of his trainee’s inherent skills, claiming that the last weekend’s eye-catching performance by Pearlysteps has perked up his momentum to a great extent.
Daly said, “We were very pleased with how the weekend went. The way he stayed on at the end gives you the feeling we'll be stepping up in trip with him now. I'm also sure he'll be better on better ground as he has some good form on good ground.”
He further told, “I'm not entirely sure what we do next, we've entered him in the Grand National Trial at Haydock, but it's unlikely he'll run in the Eider at Newcastle."
The horseracing experts suggest that the Betfred Grand National Trial will be an acid test of Pearlysteps’ credentials. If he thrives in this event, he will be able to have a successful year ahead.
Whatever the expectations and predictions are, the horse’s stats paint a very negative picture as the nine-year-old has just 3 victories to his credit out of 15 races he has run so far.
Owned by The Glazeley Partnership, Pearlysteps started his career on November 22, 2008. His accumulated earning to date is £30,376. The horse is officially rated at 143, and his top speed has been just 121.
However, it will be wrong to adjudge the horse merely on the basis of his past stats, as his recent form may assist him to shine in the Betfred Grand National Trial.
With the mega event just three weeks away, Daly is working hard on building up Pearlysteps’ stamina and fighting spirit. Though the trainer is eyeing on the top spot, but If the horse succeeds in finishing even third or fourth, it will be enough for
him.
Tags: