REX RETURNS TO ACTION ON SUNDAY

Ian Fortune

Swords Rex will return to racing action after a five-month layoff when lining up in one of the many Star Sports/ TRC English Derby Tial Stakes at Towcester on Sunday. The former Kirby Memorial and Easter Cup champion went so close to English Derby glory last year, going through the prelims to start a red-hot favourite in the decider.

Sadly, luck deserted the brilliant son of Droopys Sydney in the decider but he is back for another tilt at the classic. The Graham Holland trained star may be getting on a bit- he will be four in July – but connections wouldn’t be bringing him back unless they felt he still had the ability.

He wears the blue jacket in the top division of the Derby Trial Stakes and faces a mighty tough test with the Derby favourite King Memphis drawn on his right shoulder in three. Ginger McGee sends out Hawkfield Blue in the same contest and he too will need to be respected from an ideal draw on the fence.

Swords Rex is just one of seven runners for Graham Holland, who also sends out Faypoint Sean, Riverside Pingu, Romeo Kingpin, Swords Fudge and Newinn Port, while his brilliant Easter Cup champion Clonbrien Treaty will also be on the card. Ginger McGee is double handed as he also sends out Hawkfield Abbie.