News Longer trips on Vibrato Valtat horizon following Tingle Creek defeat

Longer trips on Vibrato Valtat horizon following Tingle Creek defeat

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Vibrato Valtat is likely to be stepped up in trip after his defeat in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last Saturday.

Vibrato Valtat is likely to be stepped up in trip after his defeat in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last Saturday.

The Paul Nicholls-trained grey reappeared this season with a stylish success in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter over nearly two and a quarter miles.

Back down to the minimum distance at the weekend, he was sent off favourite in the absence of Un De Sceaux and Simonsig but could only finish third behind Sire De Grugy and Special Tiara.

"We were pleased enough with how he ran in the circumstances but we'd have liked heavier ground," said Dan Downie, spokesman for his owners, Axom.

"I just think that over two miles in the top-class races he needs it very soft, or we need to go up in trip with him.

"He ran his race, I think, but I think he needs further now.

"We don't exactly know where he'll go next, but he obviously relished the extra trip at Exeter.

"When Noel Fehily won the Henry VIII on him last season, he got off and the first thing he said was that he'd stay three miles.

"He's got age on his side, he'll only be seven in the New Year."