Promising Start To Simon’s Season
November 18th, 2007One of the hard luck stories from the 2007 Grand National undoubtedly belonged to the John Spearing trained and Mercy Rimell owned gelding, Simon.
The eight year old had jumped particularly well until coming to grief with only six fences to negotiate. He appeared to have plenty left in reserve at the time of his fall and many people will be keen to include him in their staking plans for the 2008 renewal.
John Spearing started Simon’s campaign for this season in the Servo Computer Services Trophy Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday and some race readers have voiced disappointment at his performance where he finished 26l 5th to a rejuvenated Sir Rembrandt. However, this horse always needs his first run of the season so anyone who has backed him for the big race at Aintree should not, in my opinion, be too downhearted. His jumping was, for the most part, accurate and safe until he became tired on ground that was obviously not ideal. Simon will strip fitter next time up and is undoubtedly a horse to watch closely in the run up to the 2008 National, especially if there is a chance of soft ground at Aintree.
Back Simon at 25/1 with Stan James
