Trafford Lad set to step up a gear

TRAFFORD LAD is napped to leave a moderate first effort over fences well behind by landing the Grade 3 A Space Cabins Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown this afternoon.

He returned to action on this track last month, going off a heavily-backed favourite to see off four rivals. Trafford Lad was eventually beaten a short head by Rare Bob, but got the contest in the stewards’ room, after suffering minor interference on the run in.

Rare Bob did nothing for the form when subsequently well beaten at Naas and that’s an obvious worry. But Trafford Lad, a cracking novice hurdler last season, will surely strip a lot fitter now and should be well suited to stepping up another four furlongs in trip.