Wincanton possibility for Secret Squirrel return

Secret Squirrel could make his first outing following a year off the track in Saturday’s BetMGM Kingwell Hurdle, where potential opposition includes reigning Champion Hurdler Golden Ace.

Hughie Morrison’s popular seven-year-old, who very much stands out with his distinctive flaxen mane and tail, has been out of action since suffering a fractured lumbar vertebra in a fall at Newbury 12 months ago, but is now ready to make his return with Wincanton’s Grade Two one option available.

Morrison said: “He’s extremely well and hasn’t missed a beat for four or five months and we’re considering running on Saturday.

“He looks really well, is working well and has done everything we’ve asked him so far.”

Secret Squirrel’s racing career had been in doubt following his injury and although Morrison is keen to ease him back into action gently, an outing on the Flat at Southwell in a race set to feature a certain Constitution Hill is another possibility.

“There will be other options as well as Wincanton and he could go for the Constitution Hill race at Southwell,” added Morrison.

“I would be interested to see what the ground will be like there as he didn’t overly enjoy it when he ran there before.

“What I’m essentially trying to do is avoid going straight back into a 20-runner handicap and try to find a nice day out.”