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.

Trial and error along with the development of a horse can see them thrive with differing tactics or trips. Venture Capital has gone from strength to strength as he has matured, getting faster with every run. He took his form to a new level once again when winning the 5f Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap.

Last season Venture Capital was a revelation as he matured throughout the year. Having started over 7f, the then 3yo continued to drop back in trip which saw him rise through the ranks. Winning over 6f he then took another over the minimum trip before backing it up with a couple of fine efforts at the latter stages of the season. He returned earlier this month at Pontefract where quick ground and interference saw him finish down the field but with that run under his belt he made no mistake at Ripon next time out.

It was small field lining up at Ripon but the scene runners brought some good career form to the table. Shane Gray maintained his partnership with Venture Capital as the pair were looking to overcome a tricky draw in stall one. There was an inevitability that the pace would be very strong with a couple of fast horses drawn against the stands side rail. Leaving the stalls Venture Capital got pushed a little further wide form his draw which meant Shane had to take back and sit in behind the early pace setters. It was a frantic pace being set up front as Venture Capital chased the front two.

Travelling smoothly throughout the contest, Venture Capital moved up dangerously from about the 2f marker. Likewise the pace setters looked to kick from this point, trying to get a break on the rest. Shane covered this move and closed up towards the outer, almost making it three in a row as they charged down to the final furlong.

Entering the final furlong, Venture Capital came to join the lead as one of the pace setters dropped out of it. Edging his nose to the front, Venture Capital was hitting top gear. He was being chased hard but the wind was in the sails of Venture Capital. The final 100 yards were his best as he got on top of his rival and strode out, securing the win by a comfortable 3/4 length.

This was another career best and really sets him up for the big handicaps for the rest of the season. The ground was quick enough for him on this occasions and his ability got him through. Venture Capital looks like a sprinter on the up but he will minded for when the right ground comes along for him.

The turf season is starting to get into full awing and the horses are in fine form. It is an important time of year as 2yo’s are beginning their careers whilst some 3yo’s are trying to improve their handicaps for the bigger races coming up. Tropical Dreamer made a winning debut before Bowen Island gained his first success at Beverley.

Bungleinthejungle has been a good source of winners for Kevin in recent times. With a good amount of success, the yard has seen more of his progeny coming through there gates. Tropical Dreamer is a typical stamp of his sire, and he he showed bags of potential when winning the 5f IREIncentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Restricted novice Stakes.

Tropical Dreamer had been very forward in his work from day one and shown a good amount of ability at home. Although he had shaped as an earlier type, there was a feeling that he may well want 6f at some point. With this in mind, connections waited with the juvenile before the opportunity arose at Beverley. The East Yorkshire track is perfect for 2yo’s like Tropical Dreamer, with the stiff finish offering that little bit of a stamina test where they don’t need to be rushed into the race.

There were 12 runners set to line up, with a couple of the field bringing in some decent form. Tropical Dreamer had a lovely draw in stall one, but it could prove troublesome if inexperience scuppered the colt. With Tom Eaves in the saddle, Tropical Dreamer jumped nicely and got into his stride well. Those with experience moved to the fore which gave Tom a nice bit of cover just in behind the pace. Having taken the pre-lims very professionally, Tropical Dreamer was showing he same attitude through the early stages of the race.

Travelling nicely throughout the contest, Tropical Dreamer came into the final couple of furlongs looking like he was full of running. You could see Tom just looking for a bit of room as those around him began to move forward to challenge. Looking inside there was no room up the rail so Tom had to wait, whilst his rivals were moving through the gears. There was no panic as the final 1 1/2f would stiffen up allowing Tropical Dreamer to finish.

Angling out for a run, Tropical Dreamer got the daylight he had been waiting for and now Tom could get to work. Just over a furlong from home, Tropical Dreamer began to lengthen and immediately cut into the leaders advantage. To the eye it looked as though he was the most likely winner but there was always the worry of inexperience. Fortunately Tropical Dreamer maintained that professionalism and strode out up the hill. He was challenged all the way to the line but Tropical Dreamer was doing enough and had more to give if required. He took his first career win by 1/2 length, making the perfect start.

Tropical Dreamer is a lovely physical but also has a good mind to match. Whilst he had been showing plenty at home, you just never know how they take to the track but he was a saint throughout. travelling well he then managed to quicken up and really saw the stiff 5f out well. He did have a little look around when he hit the front so it feels as though he won with quite a bit in hand.

Later in the card there was another first time winner for the yard. Bowen Island has been threatening since day once but it has taken him quite a bit longer than expected to break his maiden. Despite having plenty against him, the 3yo took the 7 1/2f Alan McGuiness And Robin Lunes Memorial Handicap completing a double for the yard and Tom Eaves.

Bowen Island has certainly been a slow burner, very different to his sire, the yard’s crack sprinter Hello Youmzain. Big, scopey with a giant stride, Bowen Island has shown a lot of promise without getting his head in front. Having run in some good maidens and novices, he was given his winter break with a fair mark of 81 to start with as a 3yo. Having wintered well, strengthened up, Bowen Island finished runner up on the all weather on his seasonal return.

A win look to be just around the corner, so the 7 1/2f at Beverley looked like it could play to his strengths. Just five runners went to post and what looked like a tactical affair turned out to be a nicely run race. Stable mate Territorial Knight, who was having his first run of the year, raced a little keen early on which forced a decent gallop. Bowen Island did try to go on early, but Tom got the better and settled the Gedling into third place, just behind the pace.

Beverley sees the track swing right handed for a lot of he 7f trip and the five runners took the bend at a fair clip. Bowen Island wasn’t the most fluent and Tom had to gather a hold of the 3yo as they came out of the bend and past the 3f marker. There was no panic but Tom was keen to get his mount balanced and striding out before the race really heated up.

Moving inside the final 2f there was change up front with Territorial Knight taking over and setting sail for him. Bowen Island had a couple of lengths to make but he was rolling around a bit as Tom began to work away. It was the rising ground that helped because once Bowen Island hit it he could really use his stamina. All the way up to the final 1/2f he was not really comfortable but was making headway. When he pulled alongside his table mate, with 100 yards to go, that’s when Bowen Island hit top gear. Swiftly he swept past the leader and galloped away, winning a shade cosily by 3/4 length.

Bowen Island is a talented horse but is still a work in progress. The ground had been tightening up and he would not like that so he can be forgiven for rolling around a bit. The final stages were his best and a step up to 1m would not be out of the question. He has got his head in front now and there is much more to come from the 3yo, especially with some of the top handicaps throughout the season when he gets a little bit of cut in ground.

Learning how to race can take some time and put is not always due to immaturity. Against The Wind had always done things so easily at home that he was actually too professional. On a few occasions last season he just raced a little too quickly, being very genuine but over racing. There was no issue on his seasonal return, as Against The Wind took the 5f Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap at Thirsk.

The son of Earthlight has always been a smashing physical presence and looked like a very promising juvenile. It took a little bit longer than expected to see him gain his first win. Over racing one debut, then stepping up to an unsuitable 6f on his second start, Against The Wind would get off the mark on his third run at Newcastle. A couple of tough assignments followed before he was put away for his winter break.

Returning for the 2025 season, Against The Wind was having his first run since being gelded and would line up against 9 rivals at Thirsk. Only two of the field had run this year but their form wasn’t good enough, so the race was quite an unknown contest. Tom took the ride on Against The Wind and the pair were very smartly away from stall 11. The chestnut jumped well and then went on to show blistering early speed. After the first furlong he had moved through to lead the field, clocking 43mph.

Against The Wind was going hard in front but looked to be doing so with ease. Although he was travelling well, it was his first run back, so he was definitely making the latter stages a test for himself. The pace began to show on a few of the field passing the 3f marker, as they came under pressure a long way from home.

Tom had allowed his mouth to travel in his hands and continued to do so as his colleagues started to work away. Against The Wind had breezed to the 2f marker and it was here that Tom would ask him for his challenge. Against The Wind took a little bit of time to find top gear from this point and it could be that he just needed a breather on his first run back. Once he got gathered and lengthening, Against The Wind scooted clear of his rivals. Inside their final furlong he opened up with every stride, kicking clear to win by a very comfortable 1 1/4 lengths.

Against The Wind was an impressive winner and there should be a lot more to come from him with this being his seasonal debut. He is a very big, strong horse so is entitled to come on a lot for the run. When Tom asked him for his challenge, it did look as though he took a few big breaths but once he got motoring there was no stopping him. He’s clearly a talented 3yo and the Palace Of Holyrood House at Royal Ascot could well be his ultimate target for the summer.

All-Weather has really improved in the past decade. Improved surfaces, additional tracks and most importantly, better prize money, has seen a really popular program on the artificial surface. The Good Friday finals day has ensured that there are some very good horses competing for the big prize money throughout the qualifiers and into the finale. We Never Stop has improved all winter and put up another career best when taking the BetUK All-Weather Sprint Handicap at Newcastle.

We Never Stop is a horse that was always highly thought of, but hadn’t quite hit the highs expected of him. Although he won at 3yo, his form was very patchy and it did seem as though he was holding something back. Gelded following his run at the Ebor festival, We Never Stop would next be seen on the all-weather.

The break along with the gelding procedure seemed to have done the trick as We Never Stop would record a win and three runner ups efforts. There were genuine excuses for the next couple of runs but We Never Stop would bounce back to form by winning at Southwell, which would his final run before the finals day.

All of the fourteen runners were well known to each other, having raced against one another over the winter months. The race had attracted a very strong field with group form brought to the contest. Shane Gray maintained his partnership with We Never Stop and had to overcome a poor draw in stall 2. Fortunately he had a very willing, and quick, horse underneath him who managed to get across through the early stages.

We Never Stop was pressing the pace from the off as Shane gradually allowed him to track over. Racing towards the middle of the track, We Never Stop continued to shuffle over, eventually racing just one off the rail. The field had congregated to bunch on the rail as the leaders moved past halfway.

The front two had not let up and looked to press on passing the 2f marker. With little to separate the pair, they pulled each other along as they tried to get a break on the rest. Many of the field were caught in their heels and couldn’t quicken to get involved but it was the top rated favourite who would burst out of the pack to give chase.

We Never Stop held a narrow advantage moving into the final furlong but he had a very tough nut to crack on his inner. The leading duo had been there throughout and didn’t look like they wanted to throw away their hard work. As they went neck and neck for the lead, they edged away from the favourite. Now it seemed as though the winner was coming from the front two, but it wasn’t clear who that would be. It was agonisingly close but We Never Stop was gamely finding a little bit more with each stride. There didn’t deserve to be a loser, with the front two doing all the hard work, but fortunately the win went the way of We Never Stop, giving him a huge win before the turf season ahead.

With another year on his back, We Never Stop looks to be the finished article now. He has always shown bags of ability and it is nice to see him fulfil that now. The 4yo has got bags of speed but can match that with his genuine attitude to see out the 6f well. Obviously this win will see his handicap rise again and the heritage handicaps will certainly be his target now for the turf season ahead.

Moving from 2 to 3 years old is a big step in a horse’s career. They all mature at different rates and you can see a big improvement, as they become more like the finished article. American Style had a very productive juvenile campaign but connections always felt he would be better at 3yo. He got his season off to the perfect start as he won at Ripon, taking the 6f Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap.

The son of Washington DC improved with every run last season but in the early days he just kept bumping into one. Either side of his win, at Beverley, he ran very well in two big events. So it did feel like he was a little hard done by just having the one win next to his name. That being said, his mark of 78 looked fair moving forward if he filled out over the winter.

American Style certainly came back looking a more furnished model and came to hand early on. Unfortunately the program doesn’t really offer too many opportunities for a horse like him so when the race at Ripon came up, it as the obvious choice. Only one of the 9 runners declared had been seen this season, but that had resulted in a win. The race was a little bit of unknown as Tom got the leg up on American Style.

Last season American Style got quicker with every run and he continued that trend here, breaking well and moving straight to the lead. Tracking over from stall 3, American Style grabbed the rail as they charged downhill. Looking to make all, American Style set a strong gallop with his rivals tucking in behind along the stands side rail.

Very little would get into the contest as tom dictated out in front. As they moved towards the final 2f, Tom began to work away on his mount, attempting to kick from the front. Their rivals matched this move but couldn’t match American Style’s pace increase. Only the favourite managed to quicken up as he came from midfield to give chase.

Entering the final furlong the lead had been cut and American Style had a battle on his hands with the favourite. It did look as though American Style may be found wanting, as race fitness was against him. The chestnut had a different idea and knuckled down. He found a second wind as the leading pair went eyeball to eyeball, pulling away from the rest. American Style was not surrendering any ground and pulled out enough to get his head in front to secure a second win of his career.

Winning on his return to action, American Style has made the perfect start to the season and also put his name in the hat for the bigger 3yo handicaps. He had to brave it out here, especially taking on a rival who had a race under their belt. His current mark looked fair and this will certainly go up now but that shouldn’t be an issue with improvement likely. There are some nice prizes for the 3yo sprinters and these races could well be the target now for American Style.

The new season brings a new dawning as juveniles begin their first steps into their racing career. It is always a step into the unknown for all involve, starting with a blank slate and hoping to find a star with the unrated youngsters. There have already been a few juveniles making their debuts for the yard, of which they all ran with plenty of promise, it was Dickensian who took the honour of being the first winner of the new crop. Showing blistering speed he took the 5f Sky Bet Club British EBF Novice Stakes at Musselburgh, part of the Sky Bet Sunday Series.

Owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Dickensian showed precocious speed and professionalism throughout the days proceedings. His sire, Pinatubo, was an electric 2yo and Dickensian certainly made a statement of his own on debut. With good prize money on offer, the race attracted a select field of 7 runners but the paddock showed a nice group of juveniles would be lining up.

Shane Gray took the ride and got a great start as Dickensian pinged the gates and was immediately into stride. Allowing him to go on, Shane used soft hands to guide the colt towards the stands side rail. Although seeing plenty of daylight in front, Dickensian was very professional and raced within himself to set a fair gallop.

The majority of the field were well bunched up as they tracked the leader through the first half of the race. Dickensian remained balanced and travelled smoothly to the halfway stage but he would have something a little new to deal with in the coming strides. Heading into the final 2f, Dickensian was now asked to quicken off the front with very little help around him. Shane gave a shake of the reins and his mount responded well, remaining balanced and lengthening his stride.

Those who had chased the pace quickly dropped away and left Dickensian alone in front. It was up to the well supported favourite to come through and lay down a challenge as they move towards the final furlong. Passing the 1f marker the fav was out in the clear but sensing his presence, Shane changed his hands and grabbed hold of the bit a little tighter. Dickensian responded again and scooted away from his rival, opening up a clear 1 1/2 length advantage. That move put the race to bed, especially as Dickensian remained on a true course, allowing Shane to ride him out hands and heels. With a little easing at the in the final strides, Dickensian went on to secure the win by a cosy 1 1/4 lengths, impressing on debut.

It is always great to get the first juvenile winner on the board, and especially so with a home bred colt. Dickensian was professional throughout and showed a lot of natural speed before being able to quick off that pace. Whatever he did on debut was only going to be the first building block, so to win on debut was impressive. Obviously any 2yo winner at this time of year is immediately linked with Royal Ascot, and whilst that would be lovely to see, Dickensian will dictate when and where he goes next.

The 2025 turf season is underway but as always it is quite a tame start. The bandwagon is creeping along rather than kickstarting a runaway train. Following a weekend of action at Doncaster, the flat is a little dis-jointed, with minimal turf meetings and reverting back to the artificial surface. Thankfully Musselburgh offered perfect spring ground for their opening meeting, where Mon Na Slieve took advantage in the 5f Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap.

Having not won since his debut, Mon Na Slieve had quite a bit to prove coming into the new season. He had been given every chance to regain his form, but continued to run disappointingly over the winter. Whether the surface didn’t suit him or whether Mon Na Slieve was becoming a little bit lazy in races, a solution was not obvious.

Down to a very handy mark of 77, Mon Na Slieve lined up against 7 rivals with Shane Gray in the saddle. Spring sunshine had been beating down on the Scottish track, meaning the ground was lovely for the opening meet. Mon Na Slieve bounced out of the stalls and was quickly into stride, showing some zest early on.

Pressuring the leader throughout the early stages, Mon Na Slieve was certainly racing with far more enthusiasm than has been shown in recent performances. With the speed recorded at 43mph, the field were quickly down past halfway and into the business end of the race. Shane allowed the chestnut to race in his hands and the 4yo travelled smoothly towards the stands side rail. Mon Na Slieve looked to be going well, although the fav was looming dangerously towards the outer as the race began to heat up.

Shane got to work on his mount and Mon Na Slieve picked up, really showing a willing attitude on the day. The pair moved through to lead as they headed inside the final furlong and quickly took control of the race. With his nearest rivals unable to match him, Mon Na Slieve started to edge away as Shane drove for the line. He didn’t really hit top gear until 1/2f from home and it was at this point that Mon Na Slieve began to assert. Pulling clear, Mon Na Slieve ran out a ready winner, crossing the line with a length advantage.

It is always nice to see a horse turn their fortunes around and Mon Na Slieve had to stop his slide, which he did in good style. Now a 4yo, Mon Na Slieve doesn’t have that many miles on the clock and so he can build on this and rise back through the ranks. He is a very quick horse and there should be plenty of 5f races coming up for him and with this sort of enthusiasm, Mon Na Slieve can bounce back to his best.

Returning from a winter break can be quite hard to assess before the event. Some horses come back needing a trip longer than previous, some have strengthened up and have got sharper. Platinum Crystal was dropping in trip for her seasonal debut, but it was a successful move as she took the 6f Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Handicap at Newcastle.

Platinum Crystal only arrived at Hambleton Lodge late last year and improved with each of her three runs. Starting over a mile, she then improved when dropped to 7f. Having shown decent form, the handicapper allotted Platinum Crystal a handicap mark of 70.

The fixtures didn’t really offer Platinum Crystal many options and despite feeling as though an extra furlong would be preferable, Kevin was limited to running over 6f. Whilst the race looked wide open, the trip was always a concern as there were 6f perfumers who were proven and could still be open to improvement.

Kevin Stott, back from a stint in New Zealand, was booked for the ride and gave a typically strong performance. Despite never tackling sprinting, Platinum Crystal was sharply away and prominent from the off. Sat on he leader’s girths, the 3yo was in a nice rhythm through the first couple of furlongs, chasing a fairly even gallop.

By halfway the pace was increased, with the front two holding a gap to the rest. Platinum Crystal maintained her position with the leader and matched her rival, showing no ill signs of sprinting inexperience. The race really began to heat up entering the final 2f as Kevin began to work in the saddle.

Coming out of the pack were the other two market leaders, who began to chase down the front tow, leaving the final trio weakening out of it. Platinum Crystal was vying for the lead now but just started to edge left under a drive. Kevin was working hard to keep her balanced and the filly continued to respond. The final furlong was a real ding dong battle between the front two but the favourite was flying home to try and spoil the party. Platinum Crystal continued to drift left, taken her rival along with her as the fav flew down the near side. The three flashed past the line together and it was hard to see who had managed to claim the win. The photo was called in favour of Platinum Crystal but she would have to survive an enquiry before confirming the win.

It was a good performance from Platinum Crystal to win on her seasonal return and over a new trip. She showed good speed throughout and battled all the way to the line. The extra stamina did show towards the end of the race to edge the win. Although Platinum Crystal did edge left in the latter stages, it was probably due to the inexperience she has over this trip and she will certainly improve for the run. It was great to see her back in action and now there are far more options for her moving into the turf season. Having won over 6f, it does open up plenty more races but she could be stepping back up in trip next time out.