Flits Pencilled In For Thirsk Debut

High-class bumper performer Alfie Flits is set to have his first start under Flat rules in a mile-and-a-half maiden at Thirsk on Saturday.

The four-year-old tasted defeat for the first time when fourth in the Grade Two Aintree bumper three weeks ago, although trainer Alan Swinbank believes the horse should have finished closer.

'He's a likely runner as long as the ground doesn't get too firm,' said the Richmond handler. 'If any of the forecast rain comes it will be a help.

'I would imagine his best trip on the level will be a mile and a half or a mile and six so it seems logical to start him at this trip.

'We will learn a lot more on Saturday though.

'We had hoped to get Robert Winston to ride him but he's riding in the (2000) Guineas at Newmarket so Dean McKeown will ride instead.

'He's been through the stalls this morning and we're as happy as we can be really.

'He went wide the whole way round at Aintree and if he'd have gone on the inside he would have won. The best horse finished fourth.

'The third horse was fifth in the Cheltenham bumper so there is nothing wrong with that form and we are hopeful of a good run.'

Swinbank is treading a familiar path as another former smart bumper winner of his, Collier Hill, has gone on to spectacular success.

And the trainer reports his money-spinning stable star to be well on course for his reappearance in the Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup at York later in the month.

After finally securing a win at the highest level in the Irish St Leger last September, it looked like he had reached the pinnacle of his career.

However, a trip out to Dubai in the winter has shown the eight-year-old to be in better heart than ever and his performance in finishing second to Heart's Cry in the Sheema Classic was arguably his best yet.

'Collier Hill's preparation for the Yorkshire Cup is going very, very well,' Swinbank said.

'He's come out of his Dubai race very well. He's been working with Ouninpohja, who will go for the Listed Braveheart Stakes at Hamilton on the same day.

'He's won well over #1million in prize money now and his last Dubai race is working out well,' continued the North Yorkshire handler.

'The winner is the only horse to have beaten Deep Impact and John Oxx's horse Alayan won a Group Three at the Curragh last week.

'I would say it was his best ever run, despite him now being eight. Especially when it won him £580,000!'

? PA Sport