Turf Talk: Global Citizen watched with interest after second-place finish on seasonal bow

Global Citizen, ridden by Daryl Jacob at Kempton in February. PIC: John Walton/PA Wire

GLOBAL Citizen could make a quick reappearance in the Unibet Elite Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday.

Trained by Ben Pauling, Global Citizen burst on to the scene when winning the Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle last February before getting stuck in the mud when favourite for the Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree won by Lalor. He made his seasonal debut at Ascot last weekend and finished second to Fidux.

“He just got tired at Ascot on Saturday and that was quite apparent,” said Pauling. “He jumped brilliantly and travelled beautifully. He has come out of the race well and I couldn’t be happier. Whether or not we go there (Wincanton) depends on how he is this week. There is a a view that we could run him in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham if not.

“I think the Elite would be a good race for him as it would be very much his grade and we know he is going to improve for that run. He is the right sort of horse for that race.”

Having been reopened on Monday, the Elite Hurdle has attracted 12 entries. Nicky Henderson has the choice of running We Have A Dream and the mare Verdana Blue, while If The Cap Fits could make his reappearance for Harry Fry.

County Hurdle hero Mohaayed is one of four contenders for Dan Skelton along with Embole, High Secret and Peppay Le Pugh.

Redicean, Air Horse One, John Constable and Smaoineamh Alainn complete the list.

n Tom George is keen to give The Worlds End more valuable experience over fences before the winter sets in after the exciting prospect’s impressive chasing debut last week.

George said: ““I think we need to keep him busy up to Christmas time before the ground goes. He’s fine on good to soft ground. He needs to have a bit of a break during the worst of the winter so it would be nice to have a good run with him over the next six weeks.”

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

CHELMSFORD: 5.15 Dubai Sunset, 5.45 Chitra, 6.15 Brasca, 6.45 Glendevon, 7.15 Areen Heart, 7.45 Heavenly Holly, 8.15 Roland Rocks, 8.45 Wotadoll.

MARKET RASEN: 12.55 Elysees, 1.30 Carrolls Milan, 2.05 Mia’s Storm, 2.35 Elkstone, 3.10 Midnight Gem, 3.40 Magical Thomas.

NEWBURY: 12.40 Our Merlin, 1.15 Reserve Tank, 1.50 BLACK OP (NAP), 2.25 Aimee du Sivola, 2.55 Moon Racer, 3.30 Vivas, 4.00 Edwardstone.

SEDGEFIELD: 1.05 Celtic Monarch, 1.40 Shaiyzar, 2.15 Informateur, 2.45 Stormbay Bomber, 3.20 Moorlands Mist, 3.50 Promise Of Peace.