Pure speed is an exciting prospect to watch and probably even more of a thrill to ride. You have to be careful though, as it has to be utilised in the correct way to ensure success. Against The Wind is a seriously fast horse and he was able to burn his rivals off when bolting up in the 5f Highboy Wimbledon Sports Welcome Offer Handicap at Southwell.

The chestnut 3yo came into this season with some big expectations. He made the perfect start when he returned to action at Thirsk, winning comfortably. Next time out he finished third at York where he gave away a lot of ground by hanging right handed. It was clear that Against The Wind was improving with each run and there was a big prize in him. Unfortunately he didn’t handle the track when he went to Epsom for the 3yo dash.

Southwell does favour quick horses and with a good prize fund, the 5f race looked the perfect race for Against The Wind. Tom Eaves was in the saddle as the pair looked to get back on track. Having won on the all-weather as a juvenile, the surface was of no issue despite the jockeys saying it was riding quite deep.

In his usual manner, Against The Wind was quickly away and straight to the fore. Taking the lead towards the far side, Tom gradually edged over, looking to get closer to the stands side. Against The Wind set a good gallop in front but was racing within Tom’s hands.

By halfway Against The Wind had a good few of his rival under pressure, unable to match his speed. The chestnut continued to stride along in front but Tom was not going to give his advantage away. With the lead he looked to put the race to bed and got to work moving inside the 2f pole. Still edging over, Against The Wind began to lengthen and open up a larger lead.

Those who had given chase couldn’t match the leader and the ones in rear never really got into it until late. Against The Wind was in a league of his own and as they moved into the final furlong, he really opened up. There was no stopping him as Against The Wind continued to kick clear. His rivals never saw which way he went as Against The Wind bolted up by 2 3/4 lengths.

Winning by a margin like that is not common over a fast 5f and this performance was very impressive. Against The Wind is a fast horse but he has class too and showed here what was always thought of him. Obviously the handicapper will have a big say after this performance and it will dictate where he goes next but the future looks promising for Against The Wind.3

Confidence can be easily misplaced at times and ultimately you can be left disappointed when a plan doesn’t really work out. When you head into a race with a horse dropping in grade, it can be seen a huge positive if they are bringing their class to the table. That was certainly the case for Washington Heights who was trying calmer waters and took full advantage when winning the 5f John Smith’s City Walls Stakes at York.

The 5yo has been a real star for Hambleton Racing, taking his owners to all the big meetings. Having won at Listed level in Sweden, as a 3yo, Washington Heights had to endeavour into group company the following season. He returned as a 4yo with a win in the Group 3 Abernant, before tackling the very best sprinters around in Group 1 company. Always giving 100%, Washington Heights ran with great credit and also looked to be faster with each race.

This season has already been another positive year but a win was the only thing missing. Runner up in Qatar back in February, Washington Heights has run some big races in Gr3 and Gr2 company before a fine effort last time out at Royal Ascot. If he could gain a win before heading back into the top echelon, it would be a real positive for all involved.

It was by no means a penalty kick but the City Walls offered a good opportunity for Washington Heights. He was the best horse in the line up and had conditions to suit. With regular partner, Tom Eaves away, Shane Gray stepped in for the ride and kept things as simple as possible. Washington Heights is a very straight forward ride and Shane was positive from the off.

Disputing the lead early on, Washington Heights was able to stride out in front. Racing within himself, the pace wasn’t mad for a 5f sprint as the 8 runners came up the centre of the track. It did look as though Washington Heights wanted a little bit more pace on but he gradually eased his way to the fore to lead through the first half of the race.

Shane was never in trouble but he did begin to niggle away as they moved past halfway. This was to inject a bit more pace but also to get his mount into his full stride. Washington Heights held the lead and moving inside the final 2f he set sail for home. He was being matched by his nearest rivals and to many watching there was a big danger looming on the far side. As Shane began to ride away, the race looked set for an exciting final furlong.

There aren’t many horses tougher than Washington Heights so he was ready when his rival moved on to his girths. Inside the final furlong, the front two could not be separated but one thing was for sure, Washington Heights would find for pressure, having enjoyed success over further. It took him a little time but in the final 100 yards, Washington Heights found top gear and sprinted away from his nearest pursuers. By the time they hit the line he had opened up a 3/4 length advantage, to secure his second career pattern success.

It was great to see Washington Heights get his head in front as he very much deserved to do so. He was the best horse in the race and duly showed his class. As he has been mixing it with the best sprinters around, he is used to a strong pace but here he had to do much of the donkey work. It took a little time to really hit his flow but when he did he ran out a ready winner. With this confidence boost he will likely be back up in grade, with the Nunthorpe a likely target back over C&D. It was also great to see Shane ride a Listed winner at York. He has been an integral part of Hambleton Lodge ever since he came over as a 17 yr old apprentice and it was great to see him bag a nice win on a legend like Washington Heights.

Whilst the final day of  Royal Ascot was rounding off another fabulous festival, there were other meetings across Britain providing worthy back up. Two very speedy horses provided and across the card double as Kinnalargy and Mon Na Slieve blitzed their rivals.

There are certain things that can give a moment of fulfilment in this game and providing an owner with their first winner has to be towards the top of the list. Patrick and Sinead Dunne stepped into ownership this year, along with their family, looking to enjoy racing from a different side. They didn’t just dip their toe but jumped in and Kinnalargy was the result of an impressive breeze up purchase. He began to pay some of that back when he shed his maiden tag and took the 5f Free Racing TV At racingtv.com/freetrial EBF Novice stakes at Redcar.

The juvenile was set a fair task on debut, tackling a York novice which was sure to deliver some nice 2yo’s for the season ahead. Although worthy of lining up at the Knavesmire, inexperience unfortunately didn’t allow the colt to really show his true colours. He ran a lot better than the bare result and the manner in which he handled the occasion suggested that a win would no be far off.

Having raced over 6f on debut, Kinnalargy would drop to 5f for his second start. There would be 7 heading to post but the race revolved around the first two in the market, the well backed fav and Kinnalargy with Oisin McSweeney taking the ride. With the stalls being in the middle, stall 6 was seemingly no problem but, as is so often the case, they made a beeline for the far rail leaving the gates. This meant Oisin was stuck out on a wing, but not for long, as Kinnalargy showed good speed to move up allowing Oisin to track over and press the leader.

The two market rivals were locking horns from the off as they pressed the leader, forcing a pace of around 44mph. Blistering past halfway the leader was constantly under pressure, as the fav came through with ease. Oisin just had to nudge away to keep tabs on his rival, which Kinnalargy did on the outer. As they moved inside the 2f marker, the favourite was cantering alongside the leader, with Kinnalargy still moving through the gears under Oisin.

Entering the final furlong the whole race changed. The long time leader now gave way to the favourite who was still hard on the bridle. Kinnalargy was now finding his feet and began to hit top gear, closing down on the new leader. Within strides of passing the 1f pole, the seemingly obvious result quickly flipped. The favourite came under a drive and was not finding as much as expected. On the other hand Kinnalargy was only just getting going. Oisin pulled up alongside the leader with 110 yards to go. Momentarily he lugged in, changing legs, before quickening up. Sticking his neck into the lead, Kinnalargy was now eating up the ground. He put the race to bed in the final strides, crossing the line to win by a length.

It was great to see all the Dunne family attending Redcar to welcome in their first winner. Not only did Kinnalargy win going away but he also lowered the 2yo track record, so this really was an impressive performance. Although he showed plenty of speed, Kinnalargy didn’t hit top gear until late on so a step back up to 6f would likely be coming on his next run. He is a very likeable colt and looks to have bags of potential.

From a juvenile with bags of speed to a real speed ball. Mon Na Slieve has been on a bit of a comeback mission this year and made a huge impression at Ayr. Showing blistering speed he burnt his rivals off and took the 5f Unite John Gillespie Memorial Handicap at Ayr.

Having got back to winning ways earlier in the season, Mon Na Slieve has kind of been a little in and out. Despite that he had performed admirably on a higher grade than this, so coming into the contest he looked to be the one to beat. Kevin Stott took the ride as the pair took on 6 rivals, with positivity being the mantra of the day.

The only time that Mon Na Slieve would see a rival would be in the stalls because once they opened he was out and gone. Quickly into his stride, the chestnut had a clear lead from the off. He had his rivals strung out through the first furlong, as the speedometer rose to 44mph.

There was no hanging about and to some it may have looked as though Mon Na Slieve could end up being a spent force with the pace he was travelling at. Far from that he had his rivals in trouble a long way from home as Kevin allowed the gelding to bowl along utilise his speed.

Mon Na Slieve held a length lead entering the final furlong as he came under a drive. Once Kevin got to work, the chestnut quickened up and quickly put the race to bed. Opening up an unassailable advantage, Mon Na Slieve strode out to an eased up 3 1/4 length win, dominating from start to finish.

It was an impressive victory from Mon Na Slieve as he blasted down the straight 5f but was able to quicken off a strong gallop. He has a ton of natural speed and there is only one gear he knows, which is top gear. There are some nice races coming up and somewhere like York should suit him perfectly, especially with a likely ride in the handicap upcoming.

Having an engine and ability isn’t always ideal for first time out juveniles. When they know they can run it can lead to them just being a little too exuberant. That was true for Desert Jungle as she made a promising debut but was a little too keen to really show her true colours. She showed that she had learnt from that experience and put her natural speed to good use when she took the 5f British Stallion studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Catterick.

Desert Jungle had begun her racing career at Thirsk just three weeks earlier. It was a run where the filly showed promise but she just did a little too much, running slightly on her nerves and going a few strides too quick. It had been a good education and if she could utilise that speed in the right manner then a win should be around the corner.

Catterick is a track that suits speed and so Shane Gray looked to use that as he got the leg up on Desert Jungle. The odds on favourite was well away and looked to take control of the race from the off. Shane was not about to give up his good draw and didn’t allow his rival to move up on his outer. Showing bright speed once again,. Desert Jungle took the lead and set strong fractions as they raced towards the left handed bend.

Clocking 42mph, much of the field were taken out of their comfort zone and unable to go the gallop. Desert Jungle was kept honest by the favourite and by halfway the two were vying for the lead. The race was left to them as they entered the final 2f and now Shane got into his drive to try and kick away from his rival. It was Desert Jungle who was looking the most at ease but she had yet to shake the fav.

Passing the final furlong marker was where Shane really asked the question. Holding a small lead, Desert Jungle was now asked to really stretch and she did just that. The front pair had been inseparable throughout the contest but it was the powerful Bungleinthejungle filly who now asserted. With each stride she took a little more out of her rival and Shane quickly reverted to hands and heels. He could feel his filly had plenty in the tank and she had decide the race with 100 yards to run. Desert Jungle strode out to a 1 1/2 length success.

Desert Jungle showed a more mature racing style here and that is what won her the race. Shane allowed her to use her natural speed but it was kept under control where she could then finish her race. The final furlong saw Desert Jungle stride clear and she put a good margin over the favourite in second. It is clear that at present Desert Jungle is a real speedball but she has plenty of scope about her too, which bodes well for the future.

One of the world’s biggest meetings is fast approaching as Royal Ascot kicks off in just under 3 weeks time. All eyes will turn to the meeting for 5 fantastic days o racing, featuring a mix of current and future stars. One juvenile who will be lining up is Ameeq after his shed his maiden tag at Nottingham, taking the 5f Jimmys Millionaire Streak Platter EBG Maiden Stakes.

Improvement from first to second run is very common when 2yo’s can learn from their debut races. Amen had shown a lot of promise on debut but inexperience was clear to see. With that education under his belt, the son of Mehmas arrived at Nottingham with a far better idea of what was expected of him. Lining up against 6 rivals, Ameeq was judged to be the one of the main dangers to the odds on favourite.

The favourite blasted out of the stalls and very quickly opened up a clear advantage. With the pace being very strong from the off, Kevin Stott was happy to sit off and allow his own mount to travel in his comfort zone. After the first furlong he was already down by a clear advantage but there was never any panic from the danish rider.

Blink and you would have missed the first part of the race with the leader going off like a scolded cat. It showed the strength of the gallop as Ameeq sat in second, but was a good 3-4 lengths off the fav. Kevin began to wind his mount up from around 2 1/2f, getting the colt to lengthen for when the time came to chase down the leader.

Nudging and niggling away, Ameeq was winding up as the first chink in the leader’s armour began to show. Passing the 2f marker it was clear that the lead had been severely cut. Although the leader’s jockey had yet to start working, it wasn’t clear how much horse they had left after the frantic gallop.

Ameeq loomed up to the leader a furlong out and quickly passed his rival, who weakened out of it. Now Kevin asked his mount to really go and finish his race, which Ameeq obliged to do. Under a hands and heels ride, the colt quickened up and put the race to bed in a matter of studies. With the result almost confirmed, Kevin was able to let his mount coast in to score by a comfortable 1 1/4 lengths.

It was a nice performance from Ameeq who showed a very mature attitude. The race was run at a blistering pace and it would have been very easy for the colt to try and give chase, scuppering his own chance. He moved through the contest very smoothly and quickened up well when asked. There are a couple of options for Ameeq at Royal Ascot with the Windsor Castle and Norfolk Stakes. Hopefully he can continue his improvement and given that he should give a bold show at Ascot.

Racecourses in Britain all have their own differing quirks and traits. Chester is well known as being one of the most unique tracks, tight and constable on the turn, it really can take horses out of their comfort zone. It looked as though Noche Clasica may well have fallen foul to this until she produced a wonderful turn of foot to take the 7f Radnor Hills Fillies Maiden Stakes.

The 3yo daughter of Night Of Thunder, was a late bloomer and didn’t make her debut until this season. With Her first run coming on the Tapeta at Newcastle, she then stepped forward when reverting to the turf at Doncaster. She looked like a filly who would continue to improve for racing and so it proved true when she heading to Chester for her third run.

Drawn wide, Kevin Stott had to make an early decision which could dictate his race. As those inside were away quickly, Kevin decided to take the patient approach and tucked in towards the rear of the field. The fav was running keen towards the front which showed that there was little pace on as the fillies began to constant left handed turn. Noche Clasica travelled well in rear but would face a stiff task come the business end of the race.

The favourite took over from halfway and looked to stretch the field, increasing the tempo continually. Although she had tried to make a little ground up, Noche Clasica then got shuffled back with the increased pace and she had most of her rivals in front. When the field swung around the final bend they spread out across the track thanks to the cut away on the rail. Kevin had to manoeuvre widest of all to get a clear run but his filly began to find her stride.

With the favourite making the best of her way home, the field moved inside the final furlong. Noche Clasica still had a lot of ground to make up but she was really starting to move through the gears. Although finishing well, it still looked as though a place was the best finish Noche Clasica could hope for. Suddenly, with a full drive from Kevin, the filly quickens up again and motored down the outer. With the leader now beginning to wane, it was the two down the outside who weer finishing with a flurry. Right over the top, Noche Clasica sprinted away from her rivals, snatching the lead in the dying strides and running out a strong 3/4 length winner.

Noche Clasica had improved with each of her runs and continued that upward curve with a fine win. She had plenty to over come but found for pressure and ended winning with a bit in hand. Now she will be eligible for a handicap but she is also in the sales so it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for her in the future.

Leicester is one of those tracks that always seems to produce a good maiden, that will see plenty of useful sorts come out of a race. With its central proximity to both the north and south, there are plenty of options for 2yo’s to take each other on, usually throwing up plenty of winners and nice horses. Rock on Thunder certainly ticked the box of a potentially smart 2yo when taking the 6f Orin Swift EBF Maiden Stakes on debut.

The son of Night Of Thunder, was a Tattersalls Book 1 purchase. That sale offers some of the very best yearlings, mixing top class pedigrees with fine physicals. Rock On Thunder was exactly that and from day one, his work seemed to be right up there too. Although he was always forward in his work, it was clear that he should be starting his racing career over 6f.

Jim Crowley was booked for the ride and the pair would line up against 12 rivals. An unusually hot spring has seen the ground being endlessly quick, but recent rain had softened the going up a touch. Jumping well from stall 13, Rock On Thunder was professional and into stride fairly well. He got into a nice rhythm and moved up to press the leaders through the first furlong.

With no experience in the field, all the runners were in the same boat as they raced through the first half. The field bunched up towards the near side as they raced in a group. By halfway the race began increase in tempo and this saw one or two of the juveniles, get a little unbalanced. Rock On Thunder  travelled sweetly down the near side, as Jim allowed him to creep every closer.

Entering the final 2f, the ground rises up and Rock On Thunder got there traveling best of all. As Jim began to wind his mount up the from few began to stretch away from the rest of the field. There was a quartet who moved clear passing the 1f marker and all still held a chance of taking their maiden win. Changing his legs, Rock On Thunder quickens up best of all down the near side. He edged to the lead with 100 yards to run and really began to hit top gear. Utilising his stride, the colt began to assert and ate into the ground, finding more every stride he went. With an educational ride, Rock On Thunder galloped out to a 1 1/4 length win on debut.

It was a lovely debut from Rock On Thunder who showed a professional attitude, travelled smoothly and then went about his business when asked. The further they went the stronger he got and won going away which is always a positive thing to see. Obviously he has a stellar pedigree and may well be one for the Royal meeting which is fast approaching. It will be interesting to see him take a step up in grade, and on this evidence is certainly deserves to take his chance. What is for sure is that Rock On Thunder will continue to progress throughout the year.

Inisherin, the yard’s star performer last season, returned to action at York and delivered a very pleasing performance. Group 1 winning form as a 3yo may’ve led to an early exit from the sport and into the breeding world but sportingly owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum stated the sprinter would be backs a 4yo. Inisherin overcame the first hurdle as he battled to win the 6f Group 2 Duke of York on the opening day of the Dante festival.

Inisherin had a lot thrown at him in a short period last year. Having only run once as a juvenile, in October, he started 2024 by wining a mile novice at Newcastle. Blowing away his rivals, that performance prompted a tilt at the 2000 Guineas. He ran a huge race, cruising into contention, before the gas tank just ran dry in the latter stages. Showing the ability to mix it with the top 3yo’s and natural speed, Inisherin would dropped into the sprinting division, which would prove a masterstroke.

After lowering the colours of Vandeek in the Sandy Lane, Inisherin shot to favouritism for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. For many he was one of the bankers of the meeting and the race proved to be easy watching. Travelling powerfully into the race, he then shot clear over a furlong out and stormed to an emphatic 2 1/2 length win. Inisherin was seen as the horse who could take control of the sprinting division but his subsequent two runs didn’t match his Ascot performance. Although disappointed with the results, it was easy to forgive with a mixture of ground, track and the horse’s maturity all reasons for his defeats. He had a lot of big questions thrown at him in a short space of time and another winter would duo nothing but help the colt develop into the finished article.

York was the obvious starting point for Inisherin but his prep was not straight forward. A small wind issue was sorted out but that meant the time frame was therefore shortened and with unusual weather there was no chance of getting him any for a race course gallop. Whilst happy with his star sprinter, Kevin would later admit to a few nerves of just how tuned up Inisherin was. It is hard enough returning after a break in any grade of race, but even more so at this level.

Ryan Moore, arguably the best jockey of his generation, took the ride and produced a masterclass. The stalls weer positioned on the far side of the track, which meant Inisherin would be on the far rail from stall 1. He jumped well and was to the fore immediately but Ryan didn’t force him to go forward. As the leader began to set a strong gallop, Ryan just tucked in behind giving his mount a chance to settle against the 42mph gallop.

There was no hanging about and the field all congregated towards the far side. With the pace not letting up they would be quickly on down to half way. Ryan just began to nudge and niggle Inisherin along, keeping tabs on the leaders before asking for his effort run the latter stages. All 8 runners were still in with a chance as the leader continued to press on in front.

Getting organised, Inisherin needed some urging to begin his run. Ryan got a bit more serious as they moved inside the 2f marker. The leader was now starting to weaken, in doing so just wandered off a true line. This left a lovely gap up the rail for Inisherin if he could prove strong enough to take it.

It seemed to take an age for Inisherin to really hit top gear but he got his head in front just after they passed the 1f pole. As soon as he did they was a strong challenge from the filly Flora Of Bermuda, who came bursting through. She seemed to have overcome the favourite when quickly pulling alongside, and looking as though she had the momentum. Although Ryan had been working away since the halfway point, he had kept a little something up his sleeve. It would require a gutsy last 1/2f from Inisherin but the colt stuck his head out and found again. Stretching out his stride, Inisherin kept on well to score by a neck.

Inisherin did great to win on his return and this is just the first box ticked for 2025. Whilst visually it may not be his most dominant display, he had to overcome plenty to win at York. With a preparation disjointed, it is easy to think that Inisherin is only about 80% there. It is also his first run of the year and he has really developed over the winter, packing on even more muscle. One thing he never had to do last year was to overcome a deficit. When he won it was with ease and did so by dominating. Here he took a lead, had to quicken past the leader and then dug deep to gain the win. Royal Ascot will be the next stop and Inisherin looks to be one of the leading players on paper. His season will pretty much be mapped out and hopefully Inisherin can prove to be the best sprinter of 2025.

The penalty system is in place to try and level the playing field for horses in winning form. Sometimes it can be beneficial and sometimes it can be difficult to overcome. Hammer The Hammer gained his first handicap win by an impressive 6 lengths, leaving Kevin and the handicapper decisions to make. Strike while the iron is hot was the decision made and Hammer made an even bigger impression when bolting up in the 6f Love Federal Capital Handicap at Chester.

Hammer The Hammer has made giant strides on the all-weather, winning twice in his last two starts for a combined 11 1/2 lengths. His latest win, first time in a handicap, was very impressive and left Kevin with decision. He has always thought a lot of the 3yo and decided to get him back out under a penalty, feeling as though the handicapper would take a harsh view when assessing the new mark. That proved to be true, as the 6lb penalty was 7lb shy of the rise Hammer The Hammer got.

There were more obstacles for the colt to overcome following declarations. Drawn 10 of 11 around Chester is a nightmare, but it did mean that Tom (Eaves) would have 2 very simple choices. From that wide he would either have to go forward or take right back and get lucky. Hammer The Hammer was electric from the stalls and blitzed his rivals through the first 10 strides. Jumping to the lead, Tom managed to track right over to snatch the rail, made even more difficult with the race starting on a bend. The fav was straight onto the leader’s heels which ensured there was strong pace through the first furlong.

Continuing to swing left handed, Tom managed to steady it down just a touch in front, trying to get a breather in. It barely dropped the tempo of the race and the field were quickly past halfway where the bend sharpens once again before the home straight. Dictating out in front, Tom was always holding around a length lead and able top measure his rivals.

The favourite was the first to crack as Hammer The Hammer took them inside the final 2f. This saw others begin to work away as the leader crept away in front edging a little more out of his lead. Tom began to wind his mount up coming into the home straight and Hammer started to assert. Before they reached the cut away he had a clear 3 length lead, and this was before being asked to go about his business. As they entered the final furlong Tom went for him and the gap only grew. Hammer The Hammer exploded away from his rivals, as they gave chase in vain. Stretching clear, the margin could have been more but Tom eased up for a comfortable 4 1/4 lengths.

Hammer The Hammer has shown what Kevin always thought about him and her could be set for another hike in the handicap. His last three performances couldn’t be any more impressive and the colt has really matured into a power packed athlete. It is hard to know what the handicapper will do but surely Hammer The Hammer will be 100+ now. The Palace Of Holyrood House Handicap at Royal Ascot looks the perfect race if he is not forced out of it.

Everyone expects an odds on shot to win in good style, especially when they looks to have a lot in their favour. You don’t really expect a 6 length win in a competitive 3yo sprint handicap. Well Hammer The Hammer put daylight between him and his rivals when bolting up in the Steve Gregory 65th Birthday Handicap at Southwell.

The 3yo son of Coulsty was an expensive breeze up purchase last year and certainly showed plenty of promise in his early career. Just the two runs as a 2yo, Hammer The Hammer bumped into a couple of smart looking horses  but looked like he would do better with time himself. With a nice break over winter, he returned at Southwell, where he would finish a respectable second.

With a run under his belt, Hammer The Hammer returned to Southwell for a race that did look at his mercy. Thankfully the 3yo made no mistake, winning as easily as he liked and going him a nice confidence boost moving forward. For the third time in a row he would return to Southwell, although this time around he would be stepping back up to 6f and taking on a lot better company.

Tom Eaves took the ride and looked to take control from his plum draw in 1. Bouncing out, the colt went straight to the front showing bright speed and enthusiasm. it is only a short run to the bend and Hammer The Hammer swung left handed with about a length advantage. This was anew experience for Hammer but galloped around the turn comfortably.

Setting a fair gallop, Hammer The Hammer had the field well stretched out around the turn. As they entered the top of the home straight the runners fanned out off the turn to ready their challenges. Hammer The Hammer had yet to really see a rival and Tome set about to continue this. He loosened his grip and allowed his mount to stride on. Passing the 2f mark, Hammer The Hammer quickly opened up a decisive advantage. Suddenly there was daylight to the rest and he only looked to be getting stronger. The final 1 1/2f was a victory lap but Tom was not going to let his mount rest on his laurels. Having never really been in a hard race, Tom was keen to continue his education and maintain his work. The pair took the win by a scintillating 6 lengths.

Hammer The Hammer was bought with expectation and he is looking to fulfil that now. He is Avery quick horse but showed here that the 6f was no bother to him either. Winning like this will see his mark explode but he is a 3yo who should be running in bigger races. There are plenty of top handicaps around and hopefully Hammer The Hammer can prove better than that in time.