Cannon ready to fire on turf

LATEST horses to catch the eye of Chronicle racing correspondent Keith McHugh are:

BRONZE CANNON (trained by John Gosden): Seemed to be struggling for part of the way in Saturday’s Winter Derby at Lingfield, but picked up well in the last two furlongs to be third to Scintillo and Premio Loco.

A promising colt last year, Bronze Cannon will be happier when returned to the turf and could make up into a useful middle-distance performer this summer.

GERSHWIN (Philip Hobbs): Having only his second start over fences, Gershwin won a Newbury handicap chase in good style, cruising to join the leaders at the second last and readily asserting on the run-in.

He jumped better than on his debut over the bigger obstacles and could go in again before the handicapper gets to grips with him.

MY IMMORTAL (John Quinn): Trained in the past by David Pipe, My Immortal’s form tailed off, but the switch to Quinn’s Malton stable appears to have done him the world of good judged on his second to Lyes Green at Newbury.

BUSINESS

The booking of Ruby Walsh suggested connections meant business, but My Immortal will surely strip fitter for the run and can be placed to good effect on the decent ground which suits him so well.

NGONG HILLS (Chris Grant): Ran a peculiar race to be second to Shrewd Investor at Haydock, looking well beaten on the home turn before rallying and running past tired rivals.

This was Ngong Hills’ first outing for three months and this game sort should be fitter next time and able to collect another race or two in the spring.

OSCAR WHISKY (Nicky Henderson): Reports of this debutant’s prowess proved well founded as he spreadeagled his rivals in Newbury’s mile and a half bumper on Saturday.

Bred to be a jumper, it was encouraging that Oscar Whisky was able to show so much natural speed and he looks just the sort to make a high-class novice hurdler next season.