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Smart pair can get Whyte back on track

The start of the New Year was not kind to Douglas Whyte, who failed to ride a winner from 10 rides (including five favourites).

But the reigning champion jockey can look forward to future winners with Good Lad and Native Language, who both impressed in their dirt trials on Friday. Good Lad had been withdrawn on his intended run on November 12 when he arrived at the start lame.

Following that diagnosis, he was put away for a month to recover and began his second preparation this term a few weeks ago. Whyte bounced Good Lad out of the gates and had him travelling near the speed for the duration and he went to line with plenty left in the tank. Although he will trim down from this piece of work, it was a solid performance at this stage.

Win Fortune finished second in the trial in what was also a solid piece of work. His last couple of runs have been rather disappointing but he is back to working as well as when he won first-up this season.

Whyte could also have a future winner with Native Language, who is another coming back for a second preparation, having finished down the track over the Valley mile back in October. He has often worked with plenty of promise but the mid-season freshen-up has clearly done wonders and the manner in which he hit the line suggested he should be competitive when he next appears.

The trial was won in a sterling manner by Darwin, who travelled extremely well all the way for Robbie Fradd. He was allowed a little rein in the final 50 metres where he zipped past his rivals with a good deal in reserve. The Valley specialist is entered in a race on his favourite course next week, and this last-start winner will be a major chance if he gets a run.

In other work, Caspar Fownes' Fifty Fifty caught the eye in a sound piece of work on the dirt track. The son of O'Reilly galloped over 800 metres in 54.1 seconds with Shane Dye aboard in what was a good, solid workout. He appears to have improved from his last outing and looks a bright prospect.

Tony Cruz's Mr Genki is another that has been shaping with plenty of promise in his work. The unraced galloper worked over 800 metres for Felix Coeztee, clocking an excellent final quarter (22.7) with relative ease. He has progressed nicely since his trial on December 9, and is one to keep safe when he makes his debut.

Ones To Note: Good Lad, Native Language, Fifty Fifty

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