Sometimes you don’t reap the benefits of solid performances. When this is the case it is nice when the elusive win finally comes. Although still in the infancy of their careers, Match Play and Crypto Quest were both gaining their first career wins at Hamilton after some near misses.

Nurseries have now started and this opens up so many more options for the juvenile team. Having been one of the first 2yo runners for the yard, Match Play became the first winner of a nursery when he took the 5f British Stallion Studs EBF Nursery Handicap.

Owned and Bred by Steve Parkin, of Clipper Logistics, the Dandy Man colt came to hand early on and shaped like a nice 2yo. This looked to confirmed when he made a promising debut, finishing 3rd at Leicester. Unfortunately the following two runs would actually work against the colt, with a step up to 6f proving the wrong choice and then terrible, sticky ground at Haydock just holding Match Play back. With these excuses in mind, connections did not loose faith in the colt and a win was surely just around the corner.

Once the handicap mark was released for Match Play it did feel very fair moving forward. Heading to Hamilton he would only be facing 3 rivals but it was a competitive race. The least experienced runner in the field, Match Play would be vying for his first win with conditions finally looking to be in his favour. Danny Tudhope was riding for his boss and gave a confident ride from the off.

Jumping from stall 3 Match Play was the fastest away and Danny looked to get over to the rail asap. Having landed in front, the pair could now dictate as they free wheeled down the hill. There was very little separating all four of the field and there would be very little change throughout the contest.

Danny kept hold of his mount throughout the contest as Match Play travelled smoothly out in front. As the track levels out it gives the runners a few strides before the finish stiffens up. His rivals were struggling to get on terms, which allowed Danny to remain patient. Heading towards the final furlong, Danny loosened his reins and began to ask Match Play to go and finish the race. The colt proved more than willing and quickened up. He quickly went clear and the result was done. Danny only had to do the bare minimum on board as Match Play strode out to a comfortable 1 1/4 lengths.

Although the form and results didn’t quite back it up, Match Play had shown plenty of ability and looks open to further improvement. He showed good natural speed which allowed Danny to take his time before kicking up the hill. Obviously the handicapper will be reassessing him now but Match Play could put a run of performances together now and continue on the upgrade.

Far from straight forward but ganging a well deserved victory, Crypto Quest was taking his first career win when completing the double. Having finished runner up on threes occasions, Crypto Quest was not winning out of turn when taking the 6f Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap.

Stalls issues had been a little bit of an issue in the past and it did see Crypto Quest’s record being quite patchy. He never put two good runs back to back so this was the worry when he headed to Hamilton. Narrowly defeated last time out, it did look like a good opportunity but Crypto Quest would need to break his trend.

The 3yo contest attracted 6 runners and it was a trappy little affair. Oisin McSweeney was in the saddle and his 5lb claim could prove key. Slightly awkward away from the stalls, Crypto Quest went straight to the front as led at a brisk gallop. Racing downhill forced quite a strong pace which played to the strength of Crypto Quest as he dictated the contest.

There had been quite a bit of shenanigans before the start of the race with loose horses and reluctant loaders. Whether this played a part in the race or not is questionable but Crypto Quest was professional throughout and looked far more straight forward. Having set strong fractions, he could fill up the lungs before hitting the rising finish. Oisin looked to utilise his position and started to wind up passing the 2f marker.

Very little could get into the contest and as the field hit the rising ground Crypto Quest and eventual runner up Liv Lucky started to pull away. It was the latter who was travelling strongest as they moved into the final furlong but once push came to shove, Crypto Quest found more for pressure. The pair had looked each other in the eye but Crypto Quest was never headed and this gave him the encouragement to go again. It was the final 100 yards where he fully regained control of the race and kept on strongly, securing his first win by 3/4 length.

This was a well deserved win for Crypto Quest after some very good placed efforts. What is even more pleasing is that he has put two good runs together, something which tended to be his achilles heel. It will be interesting to see how much of a rise he gets for this win but hopefully this is just the start of an upward trajectory now.

Field size numbers have been a matter of contention for a few years now with many differing options as to why they are happening. Unfortunately trainers must do right by their own horses and although it is not great to see, when you can take advantage of the situation it can be a hug benefit. Fast and Loose took on just 2 rivals and gained his first success when winning the 6f racingtv.com Novice Stakes at Catterick.

The 3yo son of No Nay Never made just the one start as a juvenile but returned to action this year looking more like the furnished end project. After a couple of placed efforts in Novice company he stepped into handicaps off, what looked like, a very fair mark of 80. It also coincided with a step up in trip to 7f which he had looked to be crying out for. Unfortunately the new trip proved too far. Returning to 6f for a fair effort, and better than the bare result, at York he then filled the runner up spot in another maiden at Ripon.

Fast And Loose could easily be seen as unlucky or maybe a little un-genuine with the placed efforts next to his name. It just seemed as though his day hadn’t come yet and Kevin was to try cheek-pieces to help the gelding concentrate at the business end. Lining up in a race of 3 runners is always interesting regarding tactics but Kevin Stott was only going to do one thing when the gates opened.

Sent to the front immediately, Fast And Loose led at a brisk gallop from the pair of rivals. It was the fav who gave chase but stuck on the outer, she ran quite keen, failing to settle. Fast And Loose was happy out in front and travelled comfortably as they headed into the left handed bend. Realistically it did look like a match race between the front two and that is how it developed.

Fast And Loose was in control of the race from the get go and with his main rival failing to settle, the writing was on the wall a long way from home. Kevin kept his mount together swinging off the bend and into the home straight. He waited in front to see what his rival would do but there was minimal danger. He wound it up passing the 2f marker and this increase in tempo did see the outsider getting dropped. Fast And Loose lengthened and although he did just edge of a straight line he had the race in complete control. The favourite was proving to be quite difficult but she was never really picking up to challenge. As they moved into the final furlong, Fast And Loose now went and won the race, quickening up and moving clear. He was showing a little bit of loneliness in front but Kevin kept him up to his work to secure a 1 1/4 length victory.

It wasn’t the most fascinating race to watch but Fast And Loose did everything he needed to do and won well. This could be the nice confidence boost that he needed and there is plenty of scope for improvement. Whilst the cheek-pieces did help him here, they may not be required moving forward and handicaps will now be the route. Fast And Loose should remain on the same mark and he and now really build on this first career win.

For Yorkshire folk there is no better place to have success than at York. It is our premier racecourse and the majority of Northern trainers will have plenty of runners at most meetings. Highbank Stud, owned by the Wainwright family, is based just outside of York but the cheers could be heard further afield when Forza Orta provided them with a first winner at the track in the 1m4f William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap.

Progressive at 3 and earlier this year, Forza Orta looked a staying prospect going places. Having won on his second start, which came in between chasing home a couple of unexposed types, there were signs that top handicaps could be in his future. This led a few quick runs with premier meetings coming thick and fast. Unfortunately a couple of very below par efforts just scuppered his rise up the handicap.

Heading to York, confidence was high if Forza Orta could bounce back to his best. Dropping in grade meant that he would be sent off as one of the fancied runners in the 8 strong field. Kevin Stott was in the plate and gave a ride of confidence and patience.

Settling the 4yo towards the rear of the field, Forza Orta would stalk his rivals through the first half of the race. The pace was an even gallop, shown by a couple going a little keenly early on. Travelling smoothly at the back, Forza Orta looked to be showing a little more spring in his step. Arguably his best performance came over C&D and the galloping nature of the track looks tailor made for the gelding.

Little changed as they swung around the top bend, taking the field into the home straight. With around 4f to run, those towards the rear just began to edge closer, readying for their challenges. Forza Orta began to make a bit of headway down the outside and had a good clear run for when Kevin pressed the button. From the 3f marker, Forza made smooth progression to pass rivals. Kevin let his mount stride on and suddenly the pair were closer to the lead.

There was a moment where Kevin had a choice to make. Forza Orta was cruising as he challenged for the lead. Feeling like he didn’t want to disappoint the horse, Kevin decided to move through the gears and lay down his challenge. Forza Orta quickened up to snatch the lead passing the 2f marker. He had to go for home now and Kevin quickly got into his drive to kick for the line. Despite going easily to this point, there was still a bit to go so Forza Orta would need to show his steel.

Having pulled away from his rivals, there was just one more challenger going the party. Breaching the gap at by the 1f pole, the eventual runner up was going to give one last push with 200 yards to run. Forza Orta was always doing enough, and whilst he couldn’t go again, he had plenty left in the tank to repel. Responding to each push and nudge from Stott, Forza Orta kept his rival at bay to secure a win on the Knavesmire by 3/4 length.

It was fantastic to see Forza Orta bounce back to his best and there was no better place to do it. The win was a very emotional one for the Wainwright family, who saddle lost Martin late last year. He had been a huge racing fan and turned that into a business, setting up Highbank Stud which his son Tom now runs. Forza Orta has always been a slow burner and he does look like the type to continue improving with time and racing. The very top handicaps will be in his sights, hopefully a few more trips to the Knavesmire can occur in the future.

With the July sales upcoming many yards are having a little shuffle with their current rosters. Entries were made a couple of months ago and since then many of the lots will have been running, giving connections options of what to do when the sales arrive. True Warfare is one of those horses and he secured a final win for the team when taking the 7f Summer Breaks At Western House Hotel Handicap at Ayr.

The Siyouni colt had made a winning debut in December and looked a nice 3yo prospect for when the turf season came around. Unfortunately he couldn’t repeat that feat when trying to carry a penalty over 1m, a furlong extra than his Novice win. Despite being a little disappointed, it was clear that he ran a little bit gassy, owing to the break between runs.

Sticking to the 1m trip, True Warfare entered handicap company off a mark of 78 at York. Unable to get into the race, he ran below par which was a little bit unexpected. Having raced on softer conditions, Kevin decided that the trip and better ground could be key in the future. With the July Sales, at Tattersalls, coming up he sent the colt to Ayr for potentially his final run for the yard.

Danny Tudhope was on board, as the pair were returning to 7f. Dropped a couple of pounds, True Warfare had been allowed to drop in grade for this run. With plenty of pace on and a trio vying for the lead, Danny tucked in behind the early pacesetters to track the lead. Although Ayr is a nice, galloping track, the 7f start has the field gently turning from the off. It quickly takes the field into the bend which means positioning can be key.

True Warfare had a lovely sit throughout the first half of the race and travelled nicely off a fair gallop. The better ground looked far more suitable for the colt and the field were quickly around the long, sweeping bend. Moving into the top of the home straight takes the runners into the final 3 1/2 furlongs and there was to be no let up in the pace up front.

As the pace had been fair throughout the contest, many of the field were still going well heading towards the final 1/4 mile. Danny had his mount stalking the leaders but this race would turn into a bit of sprint for the last 2f. It was passing the 2 pole that the pace increased and the dash for the line was on. Matching the leaders, True Warfare began to shift through the gears to five chase.

The leaders kicked off the front and this ensured that those further back were struggling to land a blow. True Warfare had quickened up to match his rivals but was just struggling to cut into the lead. He was taking to time to really hit top gear but the final furlong would offer him a bit more time. Switched to the outside, True Warfare was making headway but the leaders were proving very game in front. Danny continued to work and cajole in the saddle, asking for everything from his mount. True Warfare was finding with every stride and was reeling in the leaders inch by inch. It wasn’t until the final strides that he managed to get upsides. Once he did the momentum was on his side and he grabbed the victory by just a head.

True Warfare proved very game in his win, finding under pressure and galloping all the way to the line. He had a pair of very tough rivals to overcome, so to do so shows a very willing attitude. Having travelled well, it showed that the better ground really suited. Hitting the line powerfully, True Warfare will surely be adept at either 7f and 1m. He will head to sales now and whatever happens there, True Warfare will surely be winning again soon, whether for current or new connections.

Knowing bloodlines is not only interesting and informative but it can also give you that extra connection having been involved with the family. Owner Mr Jaber Abdullah has enjoyed some huge success in racing and that has spread through to his breeding operation. Queen Me provided an impressive win for the owner/breeder as she took the 6f bettered.com Irish EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Haydock.

Queen Kindly was a cracking sprinter, having won the Gr2 Lowther and her progeny have enjoyed immediate success at Hambleton Lodge. Alia Choice was her first foal and already provided a winner for her but it is Queen Me who looks like she could follow in her mother’s footsteps. The daughter of Dubawi had shown real promise at home and transferred that to the track at the first time of asking.

Haydock has always been a happy hunting ground for Kevin with his juveniles. The galloping nature makes it a good place to introduce newcomers. Queen Me headed for the fillies maiden with a slight ground concern as recent weather had turned the conditions softer than ideal. Tom Eaves was given the leg up on the filly, having ridden her mother to listed success also.

With the ground conditions in mind, the draw of stall 1 turned into a bit of a nightmare. Jumping well, Queen Me was over on the far side of the 7 runners racing on the wing. Feeling like there was better ground, the leaders brought the field over little by little to race nearer to the stands side. This left Tom a little isolated but he had to just suffer his situation. Queen Me travelled well despite this and Tom was more than happy with her to stride on.

For much of the race it was like a piece of work for Queen Me. She did have a couple of moments of travelling in snatches but this was to be expected on tricky going. The race heated up a long way out, possibly owing to the softer ground but throughout Tom hand his filly travelling in his hands.

Moving past the 2f Tom was checking around, seeing how his rivals were faring. With Queen Me still on the bridle he didn’t want to commit too soon and was looking for some help. Unfortunately everything began to happen away from him and once the leader started to struggle, Queen Me was left isolated. There was a big challenge developing along the rail, which was the place to be.

The race had not played out in Queen Me’s favour but she had travelled to the final furlong well. Tom had to commit now and asked his mount to go and finish the race. She quickened up to take the lead but would also find a couple of strides where the ground scuppered her again. Showing a very professional attitude, Queen Me battled through and powered on to secure a debut win by a comfortable 1 length.

Nothing went right for Queen Me and she won despite all that. Having raced isolated on the far side, on ground that she didn’t like and against a draw bias of the rail, Queen Me showed that she is a filly of potential. She has always shown the right signs so it was great to see that out in the public eye too. There will be plenty of options moving forward but it would be no surprise to see her take a jump in class in the near future.

Certainties do not exist in racing but you can get as close as possible at times. Horses do not know their odds and they are not machines so you can always get a major upset. Catch The Paddy had already made a good impression in his short career but he made no mistake when gaining a first career win at Hamilton in the 6f racingtv.com Maiden Stakes, at odds of 2/9.

Kevin is always known for unleashing nice 2yr olds at York. The quality of the track requires this but also it is a great place to introduce a juvenile. Catch The Paddy entered a lot of notebooks when he finished runner up at the Knavesmire, coming from off the pace to chase home a smart winner. It was a similar story on his second run when he filled the same spot. With his winning rivals going on to compete at Royal Ascot, it confirmed that the form was very strong.

Catch The Paddy had already shown enough promise to show he would be winning but where could he go in the future. Hamilton provided a good opportunity and Kevin wanted to get the colt’s head in front after a couple of near misses. His 4 rivals didn’t match the same level of form so it did look a straight forward task if Paddy ran to form. Kevin Stott travelled up for the ride and oozed confidence throughout.

Settled in the rear early on, Catch The Paddy tucked in from his slightly wide draw. Kevin ensured he wasn’t stuck on the wing with no cover. It was pretty much plain sailing up to the business end of the race. Catch The Paddy travelled supremely well and it enabled Kevin to just wait for the moment to pounce.

At the 2f marker the race changed as Kevin angled out towards the centre of the track to get a clear run. His nearest market rival tried to follow suit, having raced alongside. As Paddy moved forward with ease, his royal couldn’t match and this really just left the leader to challenge. Squeezed up to press the leader, Catch The Paddy was vying for the lead as they moved into the final furlong. Kevin asked him to go and finish his race which the colt did with ease. It took a few strides to really quicken up but once he did it was game over. Catch The Paddy easily took the maiden by 2 lengths and could well be worth double that margin.

Winning like this when it is expected does come with quite a bit of relief. Nobody wants to be beaten at short odds and Catch The Paddy made no mistake. His form was by far the best so it was an expected result from Paddy but it is still nice to see. Where the colt can go now is an unknown but he certainly looks worthy of stepping up in grade.

The horses have been in fine form over the past 10 days with winners flowing. It has been a real mixture of horses and races, which was proven once again as the 3yo Thundering and 2yo Revision both earned their first career wins at Newcastle’s first day of the Northumberland Plate Meeting.

Thundering has proven to be a real slow burner but had some top quality Novice and Maiden form leading up to his handicap debut. When entered off a mark of 79, it looked very fair, which got better when he was due to go up 2lb following this run. He made no mistake with an emphatic win in the 1m4f Jenningsbet Handicap.

Having made just one start as a 2yr old, Thundering has tracked sterner tests of stamina this season. Stepping up to 1m2f and then 1m4f, he has bumped into some quality individuals. The pick of this form was when he finished behind Eldar Eldarov who subsequently won the Gr 2 Queens Vase at Ascot. With this being on the Tapeta Kevin was certain that he could handle the surface so sent the gelding back to make his handicap debut.

Looking through the 8 runners it did seem as though Thundering held the best form and the punters agreed, making him joint favourite. Having seen him wander around on the his latest run, Kevin Stott was tasked with utilising patient tactics. This looked ideal for the gelding but it was clear early on that the pace was quite sedate. Being drawn wide, Kevin couldn’t risk being stuck 4 wide so he ended up sitting dead last.

Although Newcastle has a long straight, the steady pace was lending itself to a late sprint to the line. Unfortunately the place not to be is way out of the back, just where Thundering found himself. As the field came around the bend and into the straight he still hand to pass the entire field. Kevin wasn’t panicking and now he could angle out to get a clear run.

The race really begun around the 3f marker. This was where the first injection of pace came and the field began to dash for home. It may have been 26* heat but Kevin was the coolest man in Newcastle. Loosen the reins and squeezing his mount, Thundering began to move up menacingly down the centre of the track,.

When these tactics work they are the silliest to watch. Thundering had swooped down the outside to slide past rival after rival. He moved into contention pulling double and Kevin still perched high upon the saddle. At this point it just looked like a matter of when and not if. The when was moving into the final furlong. Quickening up, Thundering pulled clear and proved well named as he thundered clear. Crossing the line with a 1 3/4 length advantage, the 3yr old put on a stunning display.

Thundering had always shown ability and it was nice to see that come to fruition. He has been a little unlucky with some of the rivals he has bumped into. This performance was a very taking one so it will be interesting to see how the handicapper asses’s it. There is still more to come and Thundering could be a nice middle distance prospect moving forward.

Stats do not always paint a full picture and this has been the case with the juveniles so far this season. Despite the low number of winners, there have been some big performances and likely to run up a tally in the coming weeks. Revision was the perfect example of this and after a promising runner up on debut, he earned the maiden win when taking the 6f Pertemps Network Novice Stakes, completing the double.

Ardad has made an unbelievable start to his stallion career and this led Kevin to purchasing a strapping colt at GoffsUK. Revision looked the part and thrived throughout his home work. Although showing promise early on, Revision always looked likely to be a 6f prospect and the extra time did him the world of good.

Making his debut at Haydock, Revision ran a great race, chasing home an experienced and exciting rival. He looked sure to improve for the experience and should take all the beating next time out. With the ground firming up due to the heatwave, Kevin selected the Tapeta as it works the opposite way around. Heat means it rides slower, something that could be more beneficial to a big horse like Revision.

Sent off the 10/11 fav, it was clear that he was the one to beat. Although confidence was high, they are very inexperienced horses so that always has to be taken into account. Jumping on terms, Kevin Stott just allowed him to find his rhythm which Revision did to sit on the leader’s heels. They edged from the centre just nearer to the stands side.

Revision travelled well through the first half of the race. Kevin rode like he was on the best horse in the race and looked to keep everything simple. The pace quickened up over 2f from home and this was where Kevin decided which way he was to go. Simplicity at the core, he just edged out towards the centre of the track, giving him clear daylight. Revision quickened up to challenge for the lead, with no rival hampering his run.

Moving into the final furlong Revision had the lead. Now clear he looked to stride out to the line. Now he had nothing to run with and just began to edge right towards the stands side rail. Initially it looked like he had put the race to bed but a newcomer was finishing fast. It looked as though Revision was in a little bit of trouble for a second but he was always doing enough. Kevin just got a little more serious, educating his mount for the future. Revision had his head to the ground and galloped all the way to the line to secure a win by a head.

Revision possibly didn’t gain the winning margin most would have thought but he can be marked up for this win. He travelled with ease and quickened up when asked. Revision kicked clear which probably took him by surprise a little. Once he hit the front he thought the job was done and showed greeness. He is a lovely horse with scope to continue improving. Holding an entry in the DBS Sales trace, this could be a big option for him moving forward.

There is no better feeling than seeing a 2yr old make a promising debut. That can be a winning one or just full of potential but it keeps the dreams alive. What’s even better is when they take a step forward and build on that. Washington Heights had made a fantastic start to his career and then went on to win at the second try when taking the 5f Scaleby Restricted Maiden Stakes at Carlisle.

Washington Heights always looked a real sharp 2yr old, showing the physique that could see him hit the track early. It took a little longer than first expected when he had a growth spurt, something that is obviously very common with young horses. When he did show he was ready, the gelding proved that patience was the right call. Making his debut at Wetherby he showed a professional attitude and was a shade unlucky to finish only fourth. With expected improvement it seemed as though he would be winning before long.

Heading to Carlisle the race was similar on paper but looked a stronger contest on form. He had been vying for favouritism but would end up second fav by the time they entered the stalls. Kevin Stott was once again in the saddle and utilised his good draw of stall 3. Jumping smartly, Washington Heights was straight to the front to dictate the race and snatch the far side rail.

Washington Heights was showing great natural speed and putting his experience to good use. Kevin was going to make it a test for his rivals, never giving them time to relax. He was stalked throughout by the favourite, looking to hit the leader with a late dash and it would be an interesting contest if this was to pan out.

Swinging into the straight, Washington Heights held a 3/4 length lead and Kevin continued to let him stride on. Passing halfway he had many of them at it already, looking to continue to pressure from the front. Having travelled smoothly up to the 2f, Kevin tried to kick from the front, with the rising ground looming in a furlongs time. His move was matched by the favourite who reacted quickly to give chase.

Kicking clear, the front two began to pull away as the lead remained around a length passing the 1f marker. It was a long way up the hill and Washington Heights just began to edge left under pressure. Kevin looked to rectify that move, and did so, but it allowed the fav up the inside. Down the near side there was a fast finishing debutante, so Washington Heights was getting tackled from either side. He was very game in front, showing the same attitude as on debut. The lead was diminishing but the gelding was not going anywhere. It would be close but as his rivals thrust late on, Washington Heights stuck his head out, grabbing the win by a short head.

It was a very brave performance from Washington Heights who did it the hard way by making all. Having shown good speed, he then battled well up the stiff finish. Although he did wander a little bit, this was probably due to being out in front for so long. You could probably mark him up a bit for this win as he did all the donkey work and got a bit lonely out in front. Washington Heights has shown a cracking attitude and it will be interesting to see the route taken now. He does hold an entry in the DBS sales race and possibly a sharp 6f could be ok for him in time.

There are some horses and some tracks that just go together. It isn’t always clear why but you can see the horse raise their game every time they visit. Justanotherbottle has always enjoyed the really sharp, downhill tracks. One in particular is Ripon and he won his third race at the track in the past 10 months when taking the Betting.Bet Ripon Races Ladies Day Handicap over 6f.

Justanotherbottle took his time to really show his best when transferred to Hambleton Lodge but over the last year he has taken his form to another level. Winning the Great St Wilfrid last year was the big handicap win he had long deserved but he hasn’t stopped there. Since then he has became a cruising machine, travelling with extreme ease over the sharpest of sprints.

Like every good athlete, Justanotherbottle does have a quirk and his is with the stalls. Every now and then something will go amiss, which is what happened at Epsom in the Dash. It meant that he was a mission to repay owners Steve Ryan and Martin Tedham, which he did emphatically at Ripon.

The 7 strong field may have been short of numbers but the quality was there. Kevin Stott got the leg up and aimed to utilise his new tactics aboard Justanotherbottle, who now didn’t have to lead. Behaving in the stalls, Justanotherbottle was well away and settled in to track the pace. Sat in third spot, Kevin had a perfect slipstream through the race.

Burning through the first half of the race, the field were quickly down to the 3f marker. With the strong gallop set, there was no let up and the field got racing well over 2 1/2f from home. The leader was under pressure from here and this led Kevin to angle out, ensuring they had a clear run. He was waiting and waiting the try and get a lead for as long as possible but Kevin still had his mount cruising on the bridle.

Decision time came heading towards the 1f marker. Justanotherbottle was vying for the lead but the jockeys postures couldn’t be more different. Kevin, motionless, now asked his mount to go and win the race. Bottle edged into the lead but didn’t immediately accelerate away from his brave adversary. It did look a matter of time and as Kevin asked for full tilt, Justanotherbottle began to pull away. In the space of 100 yards he had moved 1 1/2 lengths clear, allowing his jockey to ease up.

This was one of Justanotherbottle’s most comfortable wins and in doing so he lowered the track record. He looks to have got even better again this year and will see his mark hit a career high. Connections know exactly what races suit but it may be case of having a crack of something a little higher now. Pattern company wouldn’t be out of reach and he may just take his chance now, following an impressive victory.

Some of the most interesting horses in training are the 3yr olds. You have horses who are still young and have had differing starts to their careers. It is fantastic to see them improve and suddenly reach their potential. Sometimes it can look as though the expectations may have been wrong but just needed a slightly different approach. Shaladar has been exactly that and earned his first career win when stepping up to 1m for the Enjoy VIP Treatment At Hamilton Park Handicap.

The son of Shaala had enjoyed a consistent juvenile season, and whilst he hadn’t got off the mark, that first win looked obvious. Beginning the season over 7f, Shaladar had taken a step forward from first to second run. The third run was better than the bare result but most importantly it gave the impression that a new trip could be the key, having stayed on well over 7f.

Heading to Hamilton, to tackle 1m for the first time, Shaladar was partnered by Tom Eaves. Having stayed on well last time out, the plan was to take their time and try to make the final furlong his best one. This lead Tom to sit towards the rear of the field as they raced uphill for the first couple of furlongs. The front two took each on so it was a decent pace to track.

Swinging right handed around the top turn, the 10 strong field were quickly into the downhill straight and moving towards halfway. Shaladar only had two behind him but was travelling well as they moved past the cutaway. The field got racing a long way from home and over 3f out, Tom just had to get lower in the saddle. Shaladar had travelled fine but could not afford his rivals to get away from him.

Making good progress, Shaladar was picking up well and probably gave Tom a little headache. Knowing that it was a long way up the hill he would have loved to conserve energy but he had committed. Shaladar was rolling around a little as he moved through down the near side but continued to eat into the lead. As they headed into the final furlong he had taken the lead, but this is where the ground rises up for the stiff finish. Shaladar was not stopping but was going to face a stern challenge from the fast finishing favourite. It was going to be close but the favourite came to Shaladar with time left. It allowed the gelding to respond and respond he did. Fighting all the way to the line, Shaladar bravely hung on by a short head, earning his maiden win.

The new trip really seemed to suit Shaladar and he saw out every yard. Tom probably didn’t expect him to pick up initially and this left him with quite a bit of daylight. With that being the case, Shaladar has done very well to win. He could possibly do with getting a lead for longer in the future with an end to end gallop. Now he has the first win, Shaladar can build on this as he is unexposed at this trip.