In recent years there have been many incentive schemes introduced and promoted throughout British Racing, trying to give something back to the owners. Sweet Glance not only earned her first career win but she collected a GB Bonus for all her owners involved with Hambleton Racing. The daughter of Ardad was making her second start and took the 5f Watch Racing Free Online At Coral Restricted Maiden Stakes at Wolverhampton.
Sweet Glance had been a slow burner, making her debut late on in the season. This was of no concern as her 1/2 brother, and stablemate, Sound Reason had a similar story and his career has been on an upward trajectory so far. Starting with a very promising effort, Sweet Glance tackled some testing conditions to finish fourth and looked like a win should be upcoming sooner rather than later.
One of the issues with a late debut is that you run out of races on the turf so it was clear that Sweet Glance would need to race on the all-weather or wait. Having been patient for so long and the filly looking in great shape, connections wanted to try and get a win under her belt and so she headed to Wolverhampton in December. The 5f Maiden attracted 11 declarations but it looked a good opportunity with all known form not the strongest. Sweet Glance had the unexposed form and had strong claims if handling the artificial surface. Shane Kelly was the man in the saddle for this evening run.
Stall 1 can be the plum draw or a disaster, depending on how well you break. Sweet Glance was well away enabling Shane to get a good pitch up along the rail. There were a few looking to make the running so Sweet Glance just sat off the leaders as they darted down towards the bend, after the first furlong. The pace was strong throughout and Shane was ensuring his filly stayed within touching distance as they charged around the left handed bend.
The field were quickly through the first half of the race and slingshotting off the bend into the straight. This took the runners into the final 2f and the race was on. Having been the one giving chase throughout, Sweet Glance turned for home behind the leaders. This gave her a nice slipstream but Shane would need to find a clear run when the time came. Thankfully he had the horse underneath but for the leaders did get a small break as they bared down on the final furlong. Sweet Glanced done some good work late on last time out so she had plenty of time left if reproducing that. Under a strong drive the filly changed her legs and quickened up. Angled out to get a clear run, Sweet Glance started to quicken up and chase down the leaders. There was no sudden burst but the gap was closing and the further they went, the stronger Sweet Glance came on. Nicking the lead just 50 yards from home, the bay filly galloped all the way to the line and took the win by 1/2 length, proving too strong.
This was a very good display from Sweet Glance who’s performance was better than the margin of her win. It was a strongly run race but she did her best work in the final 1/2 furlong. Sweet Glance is a big filly who will fill into her frame in time so there should be more to come. She is far from the finished article so to gain a win like this is a huge plus, especially on a track that possibly would be the most suitable. Time will be beneficial so Sweet Glance will be given a break now and look forward to 2022, where she hopefully emulate her brother.
If there is a stallion who has stood out over the last couple of years it has to be Siyouni. The French star has been making headlines with superstar progeny winning some of the world’s biggest racing. Any time you get the opportunity to train offspring form these stallions is a boost and True Warfare is a colt who has immediately stamped himself as an exciting prospect. The strong, athletic colt made a winning debut when taking the 7f Coral Proud To Support British Racing EBF Novice Stakes at Southwell.
True Warfare arrived from owner Mr Steve Parkin, of Clipper Logistics, and immediately took the eye. It was easy to see why the colt went for 150,000gns with his physical attributes. Thankfully he matched that with his ability on the gallops too, showing a lovely action. For a big colt he did come to hand quite early on but a couple of growth spurts meant that any plans were nudged back each time. Connections were more than happy to be patient with the colt and it was proven to be the correct call. Even when time ran out on the turf, Kevin and the owners felt that a run on the all-weather would be important for True Warfare.
Homework had been good from the 2yo but education was always the most important aspect of his first run and the result would be a bonus. Ready to go, True Warfare was declared for the 7f contest with Kieran Shoemark booked for the ride, retained rider for Clipper Logistics. The 12 runners lining up were quite a difficult bunch to work out and it looked as though the contest was quite open.
Bouncing out form the stalls, True Warfare showed a professional attitude as he was quickly into stride and to the fore. Vying for the early lead he disputed without doing too much. This was good as the leaders didn’t take each other on which led to a nice, even gallop. Using his athletic stride, Kieran allowed the colt to travel in his hands as the True Warfare looked happy out in front.
The even gallop gave all the field a chance as they rounded the bend and headed towards the home straight. True Warfare again showed he was at ease on debut, taking the bend with no issues and maintaining his position at the head of the field. As they bared down on the straight the leaders started to wind it up. Kieran let the reins out and squeezed his colt, getting him through the gears and gaining momentum.
Taking the overall lead entering the final 2f, True Warfare was now under a drive and looking the strongest. He was beginning to hit top gear but it was the final furlong where he could really strut his stuff. The further they went suited True Warfare better and in the final 150 yards he could really stretch out. Having held a marginal lead he now found his feet and began to power away. There were shades of inexperience, with is natural, especially as he had been in front for so long. True Warfare galloped all the way to the line, under an educational ride, to secure a debut win by a comfortable 1 3/4 lengths.
Not only was this an impressive performance but a very professional one. True Warfare was well away, into his stride and led the field from start to finish. That is a hard thing to do on debut and he showed a great attitude throughout. Although he won well the trip looked as though it may be the minimum for him moving forward but that may not be the case when he has finished maturing. True Warfare will now be put away for next year and it will be very interesting to see where he can go from this performance.
Sometimes just a small adjustment can be the difference and a step up in trip of just a furlong can unlock the key to winning. Rockprincess had been performing at the minimum trip all season but once she was upped to 6f, the first career win followed. Owned and Bred by Bearstone stud, Rockprincess took the 6f Natalie And Lauren Dealhoy Nursery Handicap at Redcar.
Terry and Margaret Holdcroft of Bearstone stud have a long and successful partnership with Kevin, non more so than with superstar mare Glass Slippers. With a long history of producing winners, Bearstone Stud’s colours are very popular on the northern tracks and it is always nice to add to their bloodlines with success. Rockprincess is a first foal so this becomes more important at times and it was nice to see the filly gain her success at Redcar.
Attempting 6f for the first time and entering handicap company off a mark of 55, this looked the best chance for Rockprincess to improve on her form shown so far. There was 19 runners due to line up, creating a very competitive nursery. Tom Eaves, rider of Glass Slippers, donned the silks once more.
The field size gave the jockeys a dilemma with plenty of turf separating stalls 1 and 19. Despite this width their was only two jockeys who decided to give the near side a go. Tom rode to his draw and with his filly showing good speed, the pair held the lead on the far side. Rockprincess travelled strong for the off and the soft ground held no issue for the filly.
Leading from the outset nothing really gave Rockprincess much trouble. She travelled easily throughout the first half and Tom just allowed the filly to scoot over the rain softened ground. As their rivals cam under pressure by the 3f marker, the writing was on the wall, even from this early stage. Rockprincess continued to travel easily on the bridle, allowing Tom to remain motionless in the saddle. This not only relieved the pressure but allowed the filly to maintain her speed whilst exerting less than her rivals.
Although she never relinquished the lead, Rockprincess did see it diminish, so 1 1/2f from him Tom gave the filly a squeeze. This helped to stem the tide and 1/2 length was as close as anyone would get. Once Tom asked the question, Rockprincess kicked on again and with plenty left in the tank she was finding more whilst her rivals challenges were waning. Step by step the gap opened up once more and Rockprincess took her first career win by a comfortable 2 1/2 lengths.
There are certain factors that see horses come alive, whether that is a track or ground conditions. For Magical Spirit he seems to save his very best for the latter stages of the year. Obviously that is not the only time he has seen the winner’s circle but the chestnut has put some top performances in late season appearances. Having knocked on the door all season long he cut through the field to win the 6f Vertem Investing In The Future Handicap at Doncaster.
Year in year Magical Spirit has improved and taken his form to new level. Last season’s Ayr Silver Cup win was a career high that really put him in contention for some of the top handicaps coming into 2021. It didn’t quite work out, although it was far from disappointing as he knocked on the door all season long. Just beaten in the Shergar Cup and then a solid fourth when defending his Silver Cup, Magical Spirit looked as though he was ready to pounce once more and he duly obliged at Doncaster.
Lining up against 9 rivals with Tom Eaves in the saddle, Magical Spirit probably recognised many of those alongside him. Small but competitive competition for the Class 2 event, Magical Spirit didn’t make the best start, as he was half in the air as the gates opened. That left Tom with no option but to sit tight and not force it early on. Now situated at the rear of the field, Magical would have to pass all of his rivals to win the contest. Ground conditions were soft so the gallop was never going to be crazy and it was a nice, even pace throughout the early stages. The field converged into one towards the stand side which offered Magical Spirit plenty of cover.
Despite the testing conditions underfoot, the race was to develop a long way out and passing halfway the pace increased. This had a domino effect and one by one the field cam under pressure to try and lay down their challenge. Magical Spirit started to make some smooth headway and Tom just angled him out, coming down the near side. With his mount going well the last thing he wanted was to get stuck behind horses.
The handicapper would have been pleased between the 2f and 1f with all the 10 runners in with a chance and spread wide. Magical Spirit was beginning to motor and the race really broke apart moving into the final furlong. Those who had been towards the fore were paying for their early challenges and gave way to the closers from the rear. One of those making headway was Magical Spirit who began to storm down the near side. This move was matched but Magical Spirit had more in the tank. Neck and neck for the lead, Magical then changed his legs with 100 yards to go and found top gear. The ground was being eaten up and Magical Spirit began to assert. Pulling further and further clear in the last 1/2 furlong, the margin continued to grow until reaching 2 1/4 lengths as Magical Spirit secured a smart win.
This win was well deserved and even more impressive than the margin of victory was that it was a new career high winning mark of 92. This will certainly push Magical towards the 100 mark which will see the top sprint handicaps in his sights next year. There could be one more run for the 5yo as he is obviously in top form but the options are limited. With a new mark to contend with it may be that the gelding has to return to Doncaster for a first tilt at pattern company on the closing weekend of the season.
2020 was the year of Hello Youmzain as the sprint star took Group 1 and Royal Ascot glory. That win was all the more important for his stallion prospects and was a fantastic result for the partnership of Hara d’Etreham and Cambridge Stud. When the star sprinter was shipped off for his second career, it would be impossible to replace him but thankfully the partnership remained with Kevin following a Book 1 purchase. It has taken time but patience has paid off as Franz made a winning debut at Haydock in the 1m Casumo Horse Racing And Sports Betting EBF Novice Stakes.
Champion 3yo colt in 2016, Almanzor was retired to stud and took up stallion duties at Haras d’Etreham. The French stud had bred the champion and in partnership with New Zealand outfit, Cambridge Stud would enjoy a joint venture. It was the same plan with Hello Youmzain and they decided that whilst having the breeding partnership, they should keep the racing one too. With an order of finding an Almanzor yearling, Kevin headed to Book 1 keen to see what the offspring were like. The selection process proved to be very easy as all of the progeny were fantastic yearlings and ticked the boxes required, selecting the best would prove to be the hard part. Thankfully Nicolas De Chambure, of Haras d’Etreham, was in full agreement with one colt and secured the athletic son for 100,000 gns.
Out of a Galileo mare, the pedigree did suggest that a bit of time may be in order and that proved true with Franz. Having done all his early work it did become clear that Franz was going to grow and patience was the correct call. It took a while and Kevin was waiting for the colt to show him signs that he was ready. Franz suddenly started to come to hand and thrived, showing all the right signs for a debut run.
It was only a few weeks before his run that Franz started to say he was ready but at this time of year there are plenty of options for later juveniles. Haydock is a lovely track to introduce 2yr olds at so the 1m contest was ideal for a big, athletic colt. Kevin Stott donned the silks for the ride as 9 runners lined up for the race.
First day at school, it is quite difficult to work out just how they will take everything. Franz has always been a very straight forward horse at home and would prove to be on the track, although this is not always the case. Professional before the race he jumped on terms too when the stalls opened, leaving himself in midfield through the early stages. It was experience to the fore which allowed Kevin to just tuck in and track the pace. The pace was fair as they raced down the back straight and towards the left handed bend.
Kevin wanted to let his mount stride out, using his long, fluid action. As the favourite took them along, the field did stretch out a little which was ideal for Franz. The colt had settled into a lovely rhythm as they began to swing the long home bend. Haydock offers juveniles plenty of time as the straight is well over 4f. As the field came into the home straight the jockeys just started to space out, ready for a run when the time came.
Injecting some pace heading down towards the 3f marker, the favourite was trying to turn it into a test. Kevin measured this move and just loosened his grip, letting Franz stride out. The colt moved forward and just closed the gap a little, moving into fourth spot passing the 3f marker. Although not fully throwing down a challenge the race did heat up and Kevin got to work asking Franz to shift through the gears, lengthen and gain some momentum.
Rain softened ground would really make this 1m testing enough so with the field getting racing early, stamina would be essential. Inside the 2f pole the favourite was still out in front and chased hard by his nearest market rival. They had opened a bit of a gap and it was Franz, along with his stablemate Ravenswing, who were the closest pursuers, albeit a couple of lengths down. Inexperience was showing here and Kevin just had to get a little more serious to show his colt what he wanted from him.
The field were well strung out entering the final furlong with the two leaders battling it out. Franz was the one catching the eye as he began to get to grips with what was required. Now beginning to hit top gear the colt was cutting into the deficit as his stride ate up the ground. Picking up the leaders 1/2f from home, Franz was staying on powerfully the further they went. As he surged to the front he realised it was the first time he had been in this position and wasn’t quite sure what to do. Pricking his ears he had opened up enough of a lead to allow a bit of an inexperience to kick in. Franz crossed the line to secure a winning debut by 1/2 length.
Everything this year was going to be a bonus and connections were never quite sure just how things may go with Franz. He has always been a lovely colt but looked sure to be a better 3yr old. Even with late maturing horses Kevin feels it is important to get experience into them as a juvenile. Although ability was clear, everyone felt that a nice positive display would put Franz in the right position moving forward. For him to go and win was a huge positive and shows that there is certainly an engine underneath. That run will be enough for him now and he will go away for the winter, allowing him to develop. Everything about the horse says he will be a better 3yr old so it is an exciting prospect to look forward to for all involved.
There are many aspects in racing that can lead to a horse winning or hitting form. The great thing about British racing is that it has so many variables with a multitude of tracks that can ride differently each day. One deciding factor can be ground and Aleezdancer has shown this year that when he gets his favoured conditions he is a very talented individual. Taking his third win of a productive juvenile season, Aleezdancer won the 6f Napoleons Casino Nursery Handicap at Pontefract.
With two wins form his first three starts, Aleezdancer had put himself in a position to have a crack at some top prizes. He was impressive when winning twice on slower ground and it would be interesting to see how he would fair against stronger opposition and quicker going. Group 2 followed by a couple of highly competitive sales races were the races next in line. Although failing to challenge in those he did run far better than the bare result and it was quite clear that ground was the big difference.
Sights were lowered for his penultimate start when Aleezdancer dropped into Nursery company for the first time. Despite it being in September, Ayr was unusually warm and again he would come up against unfavourable ground. With that in mind, the juvenile ran a great race to finish fourth and suggest that he would soon be winning once again. Weather looked to be changing and softer ground would be around the corner so he could be back. out again soon enough.
Pontefract offered the next chance and fit Aleezdancer perfectly, being a similar stiff finishing track like where he won earlier in the season. Rain had ensured the ground would be soft with 10 runners lining up for the nursery. Kevin Stott has been the only jockey to achieve success on the gelding and he was back in the saddle.
Stall 8 is usually a tricky proposition at Pontefract but that does differ when the ground becomes testing. This meant that Kevin was in no rush leaving the stalls. There was a quick dash for the lead and Kevin stayed out of the early pressure, settling Aleezdancer in midfield but on the outer of the group.
Quickly down through he first couple of furlongs the field would enter the bend going at a strong gallop considering conditions. It was clear that there was only one thing on the leaders mind as they swung left handed. Edging away from the rail the field immediately darted over to other side of the track. Kevin had been positioned ideally for this move and followed suit, heading over to the stands side. With the field all moving over there was going to be a quick reshuffle and Kevin was keen to get caught up in any hard luck stories.
As they entered the final 2f Kevin kicked Aleezdancer through a gap along the rail and the gelding quickened up to though down his challenge. The conditions were proving too much for some of the field but Aleezdancer was gliding through the ground. With momentum on his side and hitting top gear, Aleezdancer came scorching through down the near side. Taking the lead at the furlong pole Kevin was hard at work as the track rises up for a stiff finish.
Aleezdancer stuck his head in front passing the 1f marker and was staying on powerfully. In his favoured ground Aleezdancer was proving far too strong for his rivals, many of whom were toiling in behind. Although he did edge off a straight line, which could be forgiven, there was no stopping the leader. He kicked clear and offered Kevin the chance to ease down toward the line. Aleezdancer earned his third win by a comfortable 1 1/2 lengths.
Aleezdancer has been a real star this year and has proven to be a very talented individual when the conditions get tough. Winning off 85 here, the handicapper will certainly be giving him a hike in the weights and could well push him north of 90. Depending on what options are left for the 2yr old Aleezdancer could have one last run before the end of the season, especially as he could get conditions to suit.
Winning an historic race at a local track for the first time will go down as a season highlight. Justanotherbottle showed his rivals a clean set of heels to take the Great St Wilifred handicap at Ripon. He returned to the track just a month later and put in a carbon copy performance to take down the 6f Ripon Cathedral City Of The Dales Handicap.
Although Justanotherbottle is probably heading towards the twilight of his career, at 7yrs old he has found another level in his form. The current handicap mark is still shy of his best but the form book reads very well. Taking down the St Wilfred was a fantastic effort and he then backed that up with a fine second in pattern company. Showing good speed again, Justanotherbottle was runner up in the 5f listed Beverley Bullet. It was his first foray into pattern company and he did everyone proud.
Recently an addition of blinkers has seemed to help Justanotherbottle regain his zest during races. With two good runs in the bag the option at Ripon came along and was clearly ideal for the St Wilfred winner. The race came at a time when there were plenty of top sprint handicaps so it was a relatively small field of 8 lining up. Field size had a knock on affect with the weights as there was an 18lb spread. Justanotherbottle would have to carry top weight for the contest as Kevin Stott took the leg up for the ride.
Drawn in stall 1 at Ripon can be a hindrance but the smaller field meant he wasn’t stranded out in the centre of the track. Out quickly, Justanotherbottle was immediately to the fore and Kevin kept everything simple, sticking to his draw. There was plenty of pace towards the stands rail but it was the chestnut who held the overall advantage towards the centre. It was strong gallop but Justanotherbottle was showing his usual early speed and his rivals needed to make their mind up about who they wanted to track. Despite the small number of runners there was a split with two groups formed through the first couple of furlongs.
Heading to halfway the field all fanned out as the jockeys were looking for their racing lines. Still leading, Justanotherbottle was joined at the front but this had no affect as Stott just maintained the rhythm they had. As the race began to warm up there were chances all across the track. Justanotherbottle was still travelling powerfully down the centre and took Kevin to the 2f marker.
Running in his hands, Justanotherbottle moved inside the the final 2f on the bridle. Kevin began to loosen his grip on the reins and allowed his mount to stride on. Justanotherbottle extended and edged a little further clear with ease. Those who had raced around the gelding couldn’t go with him and the main dangers were against the stands side. It was at the 1 1/2f that Kevin pressed the go button and went for home.
Under pressure Justanotherbottle kicked clear but had nothing to run with. Passing the 1f he just edged over towards the rail where his rivals were trying to throw down their challenges. The Great St Wilfred winner knew his way home from here but did just continue to lug left. Holding a couple of lengths advantage meant that he was far enough clear to avoid his rivals and his dominance was clear. With 100 yards to run it looked as though the race was at Justanotherbottle’s mercy and that is what it proved to be. The 7yr old maintained his gallop all the way to the line, winning for the second time at Ripon this year by 1 length.
Justanotherbottle is in the form of his life at present and the blinkers really look as though have helped him. He shows great natural speed but is able to maintain that gallop and is just as powerful at the line as any point in the race. Simplicity is one of the best traits Justanotherbottle has with his running style. This win was off a mark of 97 and the handicapper will be reassessing him once more. It will be interesting to see how he judges this performance but a triple figure mark looks very likely. Justanotherbottle has already proven himself at this level so a potential step up in grade may be order. Owners Steve Ryan and Martin Tedham have enjoyed a great 6 week spell with Justanotherbottle and hopefully it can continue for the rest of the season.
Time can be a positive in racing but the occasions when it isn’t is when you are awaiting another win. Soaring Star had quite a consistent season last year and it looked as though he could continue on that upwards trajectory. Unfortunately that hasn’t been the case this season but he finally got his head back in front after 13 months when winning the 1m Cazoo Handicap at Newcastle.
Having started this season off with a promising return to action Soaring Star fails to build on that and had largely cut a frustrating figure. Differing trips and tactics were installed but still the key to victory eluded the gelding. On his penultimate start at Thirsk, Soaring Star had gotten a little too far back but ran better than the bare result. This run certainly made a decision moving forward that next time out a more positive ride would be in order.
Soaring Star had tried the Tapeta surface before but it would be his first trip to Newcastle. There were 11 runners declared for the 1 mile contest and Shane Gray was booked for the ride. Instilling the positive approach Soaring Star was well away and tracked the early leader with the field racing just the far side of centre. The field were quickly strung out with a brisk pace being set but Soaring Star was in the slipstream of the leader from the off.
Through the first half of the race the filed elected to race more towards the far side of the track. With the 11 runners running in pairs there was a long train chasing the leader and well over 7-8 lengths would have separated first to last. Although a good gallop it was a fair one and the entire field seemed to have settled into a good rhythm through the first half of there contest. Newcastle has no bias to running styles so usually there is very few hard luck stories and this looks no different.
Coming down to the 3f marker was the first injection of pace. The leader tried to stretch the field and just lengthened from the front. Although it didn’t get anybody in real trouble, this increase ensured that everyone was on their toes for when the challenges began to unwind. Shane edged his mount out to get a clear run and allowed Soaring Star just to move up as he inched closer to the leader galloping down towards the final 2f.
Passing the 2f marker the race began to unfold. Soaring Star was travelling strongest of all and Shane had the gelding alongside the leader who now cam under a ride. Pressing the button he asked Soaring Star to go and quicken which saw the pair hit the front. Little by little he began to pull away from the long time leader and held a 1 1/2 length advantage coming into the final furlong. Apart from Soaring Star, those who had raced toward the rear pf the field were the ones doing best. The favourite was picking up and proved to be the biggest danger with just 150 yards to run. Having broken through the ranks he was hunting down Soaring Star who had set sail. Shane was in full drive and had a willing partner underneath him. With every stride the gap was diminishing and although he was trying hard, Soaring Star was just starting to shorten his stride. The favourite, along with a fast finisher, gave it one last dive at the line as the trio dashed past the line as one. Initial reactions were that Soaring Star may just have held on and it didn’t take long before the announcer could confirm the result. Soaring Star had gained his win by just a nose but had done it the hard way.
This result was a long time coming but the nature in which Soaring Star won shows that he still has the fight in him. He travelled well throughout the contest and dug deep when he had to. Although the winning margin was narrow it could prove to be a big victory in the long run. Horses like this sometimes just need that feeling of getting past the post first again to really boost their confidence. Hambleton Racing have enjoyed another fine season and it is always nice to add to the tally for their many loyal owners. If this win does just give Soaring Star a little more zest and enjoyment in his races then there is no reason why he cannot go on from this and put up some more wins next to his name.
Marcelo Bielsa is well know for being an astute tactician on the football pitch. Well his equine namesake delivered a masterstroke himself with the help of Kevin Stott to bring home a fifth Ayr Gold Cup for the team at Hambleton Lodge.
The Ayr Gold Cup is race that is very special for Kevin and planning for it starts months beforehand. Having such a record in the race, there are a few traits that seem to tick the correct boxes for finding the winner. As the standard has increased over the years, class could be the number one factor and Bielsa was never short on that. Very lightly raced, for his age, Bielsa had made up into a smart sprinter in a very short space of time. Quickly developing into a handicapper rated over 100, the very best sprint handicaps were in order. Bielsa has been tackling the best races on offer over the past two seasons and had always threatened to win a big one.
Excuses are not something that Kevin likes to use too often but Bielsa certainly hadn’t had the rub of the green when it came to draws. When he did get a favourable draw the draw wasn’t right and vice versa. It is easy to say but Bielsa had never had everything land right for him and this is difficult to compete with in such competitive handicaps.
Ayr had been the target form the beginning of the year, especially after Bielsa ran a good race in the same contest last season. With the race developing away from him, Bielsa stuck on well to finish 9th but only beaten 3 lengths. All roads would lead back to Scotland and all in all he had had a consistent year without gaining a win. Runner up twice, he had most recently run a huge race in the Stewards Cup prior to Ayr. With there being a big draw bias, meaning you had to up the stands side, Bielsa went solo down the centre of the track finishing 6th only beaten 2 1/2 lengths. Following that fine effort it was straight on to Ayr.
With 6 weeks between the contests, Bielsa was nicely freshened up and arrived in great order. Drawn in stall 25 there was no telling how the draw would pan out. That all changed just an hour before the off when the Silver Cup winner charged straight up the far side rail which caught the attention of all connections. Suddenly it seemed that Bielsa could be the one out of luck again with him on the opposite side of the track. Kevin Stott has been the only jockey to win on Bielsa and was back on board the 6yr old. The draw didn’t look to bother the two Kevin’s as they devised a plan to just keep it simple, stick to his side where the ground had been untouched and possibly fresher.
Pre-race had revolved around one horse, despite the talented 25 runners field, as recent listed winner Great Ambassador was a strong 3-1f. The nerves of draw bias seemed to subside just before the off as there was late support for Bielsa, although only a handful of people knew what the two Kevin’s had in mind. The cavalry charge was released from the stalls and immediately there was a distinct move towards the far side rail. Those drawn low edged across whilst those higher would form a second group towards the centre of the track. One lonesome runner had darted across to the stands side rail and the plan became clear as Kevin kept Bielsa alone.
Unsurprisingly a good gallop was set as the pace seemed to be with the centre group. Holding the overall advantage it was quite difficult to judge where Bielsa was through the early stages. It did feel as though he was around midfield but it wouldn’t be until the business end of the race where things would become far clearer. The favourite couldn’t have been drawn further away so it trying to keep an eye on him would not be possible, Kevin would really have to set his own fractions and use all his experience.
Charging through the first half of the race the centre group had held sway but the strong pace would have them get racing from halfway. As horses tried to get into the contest the field fanned out and would see the two groups begin to converge. Kevin was happy to be a loner down the near side and Bielsa had travelled nicely to this point. It was here, for the first time, you got to see that Bielsa was in a good position and headed towards the 2f marker not too far away. Whilst his rival were well grouped, Bielsa wouldn’t have anyone to race with so both he and Kevin were relying on each other.
Passing the 2f the race had really started to unfold. The fav burst through on the far side looking full of running and would quicken up to take the lead. Bielsa had travelled just as well and looked to be alongside or possibly in front but with nothing to run with it was hard to get a visual marker. The field were now really stretched across the track and the race had now split with maybe a third of the runners in with a real chance of winning. All eyes were attracted to the favourite who had kicked clear of those around him. That move did look impressive but Bielsa looked to be on terms and quickening just as well as Stott got serious. Neither himself or the horse could see their rivals so it was now all guns blazing for the line. His nearest visual would have been Mr Wagyu who was pulling away in the centre but was definitely down on Bielsa.
As they entered the final furlong the complexion of the race finally became clear. This ultra competitive 25 runner handicap was down to 2, possibly 3 barring any disasters. Far side, Great Ambassador, centre Mr Wagyu, near side Bielsa. It was either rail where the momentum lay and it was Bielsa who had the lead. The gelding had travelled well throughout and was quickening up all the time. As the camera angle changed and it panned round to more of a side on view Bielsa’s advantage grew. He was in top gear, motoring along the rail and was proving strongest of all. The final 100 yards was the best of his race as he continued to pull clear and it was only now that Kevin got a visual guide of where he was. Looking over his left shoulder, the Danish rider saw daylight. He knew he was in front, he knew he was clear, he knew he was the winner. Bielsa had opened up enough of an advantage that it allowed Kevin the time to celebrate, pumping the air and letting out a roar that was matched by those who had backed Bielsa. For a race that had been so difficult to watch and weigh up throughout, the finish was the easiest as Bielsa secured Scotland’s top race by a convincing 2 1/4 lengths.
Kevin Stott’s celebrations tell you everything you need to know about the Ayr Gold Cup. It is one of British racing’s most historic handicaps and is always a privilege to win. The quality has increased so much over the years that now you are looking at a mark of around 96/97 just to get a run. Bielsa had been threatening to do this in a big handicap so it was very pleasing for the horse to finally get his head in front. Both he and Kevin stuck to their guns and it does take bravery to plough a lone furrow. Kevin got he fractions spot on and had a very willing partner underneath him. Bielsa is owned by King Power Racing, who have become a huge supporter of racing in recent years. They have shown great patience with the horse so it is extra special to deliver a winner of this nature. Bielsa has always been a horse which Kevin has had great faith in and he will now be tasked with tackling pattern company. Win number 5 was just as sweet as the first one and hopefully Bielsa can go on to bigger and better things like those who preceded him.
Always known for having a Midas touch with the 2 yr olds, Kevin has enjoyed one of his best seasons with the juveniles this year. This year saw a large team of youngsters and they have done the yard proud. With the third highest number of individual winners in British racing, Green Team made it 30 wins for the juvenile team when taking the 7f British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes at Ayr.
Wootton Bassett was breaking news last year when he was purchased to join the Coolmore ranks after a blistering start to his stallion career. With this big transfer it looked as though Kevin could have made an astute purchase when he signed for a colt at GoffsUK for £55,000. Potentially he could be a cheap horse, especially when the sire’s new stud fee was released.
Owner Ahmad Al Shaikh has enjoyed success with Kevin over the past 10 years and rekindled the partnership with this colt. Carrying the name Green Team, which is the banner his horses run under, the colt was an exciting prospect for the year ahead. Despite being bred to get further in time, Green Team made his debut over 6f. Showing good speed he just weakened late on, showing signs of inexperience and immaturity.
Kevin took his time with Green Team and aimed the colt at Ayr with a step up in trip. It is a race that always attracts some nice types and is usually very competitive. This year was no different and there was a field of 13 set to line up. Shane Gray was booked for the ride and set out to be positive form the off.
The break between races had freshened Green Team up nicely and it showed through the early stages with him just taking a keen hold after leaving the gates. There was plenty of pace on so Shane was offered the opportunity to take a lead. As the field settled down to find their positions, Green Team was able to tuck in from his wider draw and sat just on the girths of the leader. He was still racing enthusiastically as they headed towards the bend.
Although Green Team was quite on the correct lead he handled the bend ok and with the leader looking to edge away from the rail he looked to be in the ideal position. There was well over 3f to run as they moved over to race down the centre of the track and they did get racing a long way out. The 7f would prove to be a stern enough test with the strong pace already shown and Shane had to begin working on his mount to get the colt lengthening.
Those who had raced towards the front were proving hard to peg back and as they entered the final couple of furlongs they still held sway. Shane had been cajoling Green Team and he was responding but couldn’t quite get on terms with the leader. It was the two market leaders who were vying for the lead as Green Team looked to just be falling backwards a little. It was at this point that Shane now got a bit more serious and with that the colt understood what was required. The half length deficit was maintained and Green Team looked to be finding once again.
Moving into the final furlong Green Team finally got past the long time leader who he had been looking at all race. Unfortunately that still meant he had yet to hit the front as the favourite had come through on the other side. Green Team was really understanding what was being asked of him and he had all the momentum moving forward. He quickly pulled up alongside the favourite and stuck his nose to the front with 100 yards to run. The race was done from that point as he strode out from there to win by a comfortable 1 length advantage.
It was a very pleasing win with Green Team who looks like a colt that should improve with time and develop into a nice 3yr old. He saw this trip out really well and certainly looks to matching his pedigree which has stamina through it. Stepping up to 1 mile looks like it should be no problems and he could be horse to get a little further again next year. Discussions will be had with connections regarding the rest of the season but whatever happens Green Team looks like he has a nice future ahead of him.
