Mileheight Alba, winner of last year’s William Hill Classic at the UK Festival of Racing, warmed up nicely for his defence of that crown which will start at Sunderland a week on Saturday with the fastest clock of the trial session on Wednesday.
Out of action since being bowled over in an open at Perry Barr in May, the dog produced a 27.29 run on a track that was rated 10 spots slow and trainer Pat Rosney said: “I was quite happy with that and he seems good this morning.”
He also trialled an unraced home-bred pup called Camp Joker that went round in 27.78 and could be a possible for the Puppy Plate at the Festival. “He looks a decent dog and I will be taking both of them back up to Sunderland for another trial on Monday.”
Paul Young took a squad up to the North East and Jaytee Valencia came out on top with a 27.40, while Jaytee China, winner of last year’s Angel of the North at neighbouring Newcastle, returned a 27.47.
