Phantom House ready for action in 2011

THE New Year starts with a flurry of runners from Phantom House, with five horses set to compete tomorrow at either Lingfield or Kempton.

William is optimistic that he can nail a first winner for 2011 with Stirling Bridge looking the most likely to score – on paper, at least.

He returns to Kempton, scene of his post-Christmas success, for a shot at a six-furlong handicap.

The three-year-old gelding is due to run under a 6lb penalty, collected by virtue of his six-length course and distance victory, and he faces six rivals from a box five draw.

William said: “Stirling Bridge bids to follow up his quite impressive win. The handicapper has taken a very dim view of his performance and raised him 17lb.

“So I have got no choice but to back him up in this race, for which he is effectively 11lb well in. A repeat of his recent victory effort should put him bang there.”

Stirling Bridge is joined at that twilight meeting by fellow Phantom House inmate, Profligate.

The trainer added: “She drops into claiming class and this would give her a chance of being competitive.”

Earlier in the day, William is scheduled to be busy at Lingfield where he will saddle three runners.

He explained: “We start with Al Jaadl, who is returning to maiden company over seven furlongs.

“This doesn’t look a particularly strong event and I would be hopeful that she could just get her head in front.

“Aquilifer runs in the following mile handicap. The penny is beginning to drop with this horse and he was only beaten heads and necks last time. It would be nice if he could get off the mark.

“Cuthbert runs in the seven-furlong handicap at 3.25. His last two efforts have been disappointing but, having said that, this race doesn’t look the strongest and he is a course and distance winner.

“So, overall, we are in for a busy day and are hoping for at least a winner – it would be nice to have two! Certainly, we want to put something on the board to get us up and running for 2011.”

Thursday sees a rare runner under Rules with In Vigo set to contest a 1m 6f NH bumper at Huntingdon.

Jarvis said: “This horse has taken time to get his act together. At the time of writing, we are not sure who is going to riding but it is looking like being either our Sports Personality of the Year AP McCoy or Robert Thornton.”