Penalties in racing are there to try and protect the handicap marks and ensure as much equality in races as possible. Horses receive them for winning before the handicapper has a chance to reassess so trainers can us them to gain an advantage. Blue Lakota has been a slow burner but after an impressive first career win, he died a 6lb penalty to win the 5f Sky Bet For The Fans Nursery Handicap at Chelmsford.
Reverting to the all-weather, Blue Lakota had been knocking on the door before bursting through with an emphatic win last time out. The 4 1/2 lengths was an impressive winning margin and was sure to get the 2yo a hike in the handicap. With an entry already in the book it was decided that a 6lb penalty may be more lenient than a new mark.
Warren Fentiman has quickly announced himself as a huge prospect and his 7lb claim would offset the penalty. Although he was a very warm favourite, Blue Lakota was dropping to 5f so nothing was a given. When his rivals jumped out a little quicker from the stalls, Blue Lakota had to rousted along into the bridle but was shuffled towards the rear of the 8 runners. It was a very strong pac early as they charged through the first furlong and quickly started swinging around the left handed bend.
The sharper trip did have Blue Lakota on the back foot racing around the bend as the pace never eased. Despite being under a little pressure he was maintaining his position swinging around the home bend. As the straightened up the leaders looked to knock from the front, with just 2f to run. They couldn’t get a break on the field and quickly looked like sitting ducks as those in behind lined up. Warren angled his mount out wide and started to pick up, moving closer to the fore.
With 3/4 rivals in line the race looked likely to be a close run battle. That was until Blue Lakota started to hit top gear. Having won over 6f, the latter stages were always gonna be his strongest and now that began to show. Having closed up to the leader he surpassed that rival. There was no match for Blue Lakota now and he was getting stronger the further they went. Staying on well, Blue Lakota opened up to a 1 1/2 length advantage, putting in another impressive win.
Blue Lakota is thriving at the moment and it is great to see him showing his true colours now. He has put two impressive wins together now and there still looks more to come from him. Blue Lakota obviously doesn’t mind which track he runs at so more success could come on the artificial surface.
Generally a win is a win and it doesn’t matter how it comes about. Getting the 1 next to your name in the form book is the most important factor but sometimes there are certain things people like to see. One of the most common terms is “they won like an odds on shot should”. Well nobody could deny Blue Lakota of that as he shed his maiden take by 4 1/2 lengths in the 6f BetMGM: It’s Showtime Nursery Handicap at Newcastle.
The son of Sioux Nation made a low key start to his career during the turf season. Only managing to beat one rival, there could have been many writing Blue Lakota off, even at this early stage of his career. Although his form wasn’t showing it, Blue Lakota had been doing a lot better than that behind the scenes, which led to a little investigating. Following his third run, the gelding would have a small wind op.
Racing on the all-weather, Blue Lakota certainly improved as he began running in nurseries. Beaten a short head and 1/2 length, Blue Lakota had taken a step forward and looked like a winner in waiting. Back to Newcastle once again, he would line up against 8 rivals, bringing the strongest form to the table. Tom Eaves took the ride and took the race by the scruff of the neck.
Sent off as the 5/6 favourite, Blue Lakota jumped on terms but was soon in front and taking control of the race. With the chestnut now spearheading the field, the rest followed as they raced towards the stands side rail. Tom was happy to dictate, and he did so at a strong pace looking confident that he was on the best horse in the race.
Realistically there was never a moment of doubt for Blue Lakota. Galloping strongly out in front, there was only one rival who could lay up with him through the first half of the race. By halfway he had many of his rivals under pressure. Tom sat and waited as his colleagues were hard at work and Blue Lakota moved up to the 2f with ease. The lead did close but it was the manner in which Blue Lakota was travelling that suggested it could be game over even at this point.
Tom got his mount to lengthen passing the 2f pole and immediately the advantage grew. The squabbling in behind was just for the placings as Blue Lakota started to stretch clear. Tom had yet to even ask him for an effort but that would come entering the final furlong. The pair were 3 lengths clear and obviously winning but Tom wanted to keep him up his work. The final 200 yards was all about education, with Tom working and in the saddle. Winning by 4 1/2 lengths told of the dominating performance that Blue Lakota had just put in.
The win was coming and Blue Lakota was expected sooner rather than later but the style in which he did was impressive. Setting strong fractions he galloped away from the field and could have more in the tank. People may question the form but he could nothing more than win in this fashion. There will be plenty more opportunities for the gelding but it will be interesting to see what his new mark may be next Tuesday.
Consistency was the term of the season for Apiarist. Ultimately whilst that is a great trait to have it can also bring some negative connotations along with it. Not getting the job done but running well can be seen in differing terms. Apiarist righted all of that when he made his all-weather debut a winning one, taking the 1m Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap at Newcastle.
The 3yo rounded off his juvenile season with a win that was accompanied by a huge pot. Taking the £100,000 final at York, he announced himself as a fine prospect for the future, especially in the mile division. All through the 2024 turf season Apiarist competed at the very best courses in the UK and up against some smart sorts. Never far away, bar one run on quicker ground, the 3yo proved he was well up to the standard required but couldn’t get his head in front.
Kept in training through the autumn and in to the winter, Apiarist arrived at Newcastle a fresh horse as he lined up against some older rivals, but ones who looked like they could be dangerously well treated off their current marks. Tom Eaves was booked for the ride and he was tasked with working out the best tactics from the off. For a horse who likes to be held up behind the pace, there was very little to aim at early one, with the field splitting into 2 groups. Racing towards the centre of the track, Apiarist was settled at the rear of his small group.
Slowly the two groups began to merge together, with the centre group gently moving over throughout the first couple of furlongs. This move left Apiarist around mid division but towards the outer of the field. Thankfully he had still had cover as they raced towards halfway. Having raced at a sedate the leaders began to wind things up from halfway.
Passing the 3f marker the field got racing, as a few came under a drive early. This helped Tom who was able to latch on to the increasing pace and move into contention with ease. As they entered the final 1/4 mile, the field were all racing now apart from the fav and Apiarist. Tom was sat motionless as he continued to stalk the leaders, only matched by the favourite moving through the field.
Having made their way through the race with relative ease, the two would now duke out the final furlong. No other rival would match them so now Tom had to ask for his challenge. Just down on the favourite the pair were neck and neck as they pulled away from the rest. Both full of running, the front two were giving nothing away but Apiarist just edged his nose to the front 100 yards from home. Now with the lead the 3yo continued to run on. Despite his rival not giving an inch, Apiarist was always holding them and crossed the line with a neck advantage.
It was Avery good performance from Apiarist who looks like h could enjoy a fruitful winter. Having travelled into the race like a dream he then quickened up nicely before battling to the win. This can be marked up even more as it did look like he raced on the more unfavourable side of the track. Also he would appreciate a strong pace so the first half of the race was really not run to suit. With plenty of good handicaps in the new year, Apiarist could look to have a crack at the mile championships for the AW Championships.
After a successful season the form has continued on to the all-weather, with 9 winners now racked up in the championship. It was an across the card double at the weekend with Causin A Commotion shedding his maiden tag before Barnaby completed an amazing four timer.
Things haven’t quite gone the way that was expected of Causin A Commotion. With five runs under his belt the best result he had managed was a fourth place, far below the potential he had shown at home. Back over C&D, Causin A Commotion overcame a horrible position to storm home in the 5f Safer Gambling Tools At BetMGM Nursery Handicap at Wolverhampton.
The son of Cotai Glory struggled in his early runs, racing in Maiden/Novice company, showing that his chances of winning would likely come in handicap company. With a very fair mark of 53, he did show more on nursery debut, running his best race to finish fourth. Unfortunately he failed to back that up next time so he was needing to prove a point for his racing future.
Lining up against 6 rivals, back at Wolves, Causin A Commotion was a short priced favourite to gain his first success. David Probert was booked for the ride and found himself in the worse position from the off. Slowly into stride, Causin A Commotion sat last, well off the pace and struggling to go the early gallop. To be fair it was a break neck pace being set but the gelding would have to pass all his rivals.
Having been sent off favourite, there would have been a few tickets ripped up by halfway. At no point was Causin A Commotion in his comfort zone and the pace never let up rounding the bend. With the front runners pushing each other on, they looked to kick off the bend and make their way home on the short run in. David was earning his riding fee, cajoling his mount along throughout the contest.
With 2f to run, Causin A Commotion started to find his feet but had plenty of ground to make up. The leader moved towards the centre of the track which gave Causin A Commotion a clear run down the inside, if good enough. Slowly but surely he was making inroads, but the pace wasn’t collapsing just yet. All would change in the final furlong as Causin A Commotion came through. He challenged the leader alongside his fellow back marker, who had come through too. Now the pace told as a trio was left to fight out the finish. David was asking for everything and was getting it from Causin A Commotion who was battling. It was a real tussle, head up head down top battle. Digging deep, Causin A Commotion found some more hitting the line powerfully. Although tight, the result was clear with Causin A Commotion taking his first win by just a short head.
First wins can be the springboard to better things and hopefully Causin A Commotion can go on from this now. He was outpaced throughout the contest and showed a very good attitude to come through and ten the win. The way he finished the race suggests that he is ready to step back up to 6f where he could build on this win. The handicapper will reassess but the narrow win over lesser rated rival should not see a dramatic rise for the juvenile.
Later in the night saw a horse, who had began at a similar level to Causin A Commotion, gain his fourth win in a row. Barnaby has thrived in recent months and stepping up in trip has Brough about an incredible run of form. With a hat trick sealed, Barnaby was seeking a shot at the monthly bonus thanks to two wins coming within the required time. He put himself top of the pile at the perfect time when winning the 7f Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Apprentice Handicap at Newcastle.
Two season of quite mediocre results had left everyone scratching their head with Barnaby, who had certainly shown more than enough at home to be winning races. It was towards the end of the turf season where a step up in trip looked likely to be most beneficial for the 3yo. Since stepping up to 7f he hasn’t looked back, racing up two wins in comfortable fashion. The hat-trick proved more of a challenge last time out, where he had to dig deep and battle for a narrow win.
With a chance of winning a monthly bonus, Barnaby would be out again before the ned of November. There were plenty of options, especially with his new handicap mark of 70. With many races offering a step up in grade once more, the apprentice race at Newcastle looked perfect, with the top limit being 70. Quite a few in the race had already finished behind Barnaby in recent races but non gave him as much of a challenge as King’s School who he beat by a nose last time. The pair would renew their rivalry but its different jockeys on board, as Harry Burns was booked for Barnaby.
The market leaders were drawn well apart from each other, but soon after leaving the stalls the field would converge into one group down the centre of the track. Barnaby was settled in just off the pace, which was an even gallop. The runners would be well grouped throughout the first half of the race, spearheaded by the leader.
Those who were on Barnaby may have had a little worry around halfway. The 3yo was the first to come under pressure as Harry just started to work away a little. It was well over 2 1/2f from home but Barnaby was nudged along to try and maintain his position in the field. He was getting into stride and began to move up to get closer to the leaders, making his run down the far side of the group.
By the time they hit the 2f marker, Barnaby had been under pressure for quite a while, although he had moved up to join the leaders. Now Harry had to get a bit more serious as those around him also began to go for their mounts. Edging ever closer, Barnaby was now starting to hit his stride, whilst his market rival had cruised into the race down the near side.
First one of the bridle suit now looking the most powerful, Barnaby hit the from passing her 1f pole. Here he scooted away from the long time leader and opened up a clear 1 length lead. He had the measure of those around him but it was the favourite who now looked the biggest danger. As Barnaby went clear, King’s School looked to hunt him down. Despite the margin being over 4 lengths, it looked clear that these two would be battling to the line. Barnaby was all out for the line whilst his lead was getting drastically cut with every yard. It was a nail biter of a finish but as they flashed past the post, Barnaby had done enough, holding his rival at bay and securing his fourth straight win.
Any sequence of wins are impressive but once you start getting into this number and beyond it is huge credit to the horse. Barnaby is obviously thriving but he didn’t look to win here despite a couple of things against him. From the results it seemed as though he may well have been on the less favourable side of the track. Also he would probably appreciate a sterner gallop to aim at. In the ned he quickened up nicely and battled all the way through the line. He is now joint leader for the monthly bonus which is a fantastic boost for all connections. The final part of the race was the fastest so it suggests that this run of form may well continue for a bit longer yet.
Winning can be a real boost to a horse’s confidence. Dark Moon Rising has been competing in some top middle distance handicaps over recent seasons, making his task of winning all that harder. The second half of this season has seen his form take an upward turn after he got his head back in front, narrowly missing out on a couple more victories. Returning to the all-weather he made up for those and got the win in the 1m4f Stay In Control With BetUK Handicap at Southwell.
Having won a Sunday Series race, he looked to have a crack at a potential bonus by repeating the trick over 1m6f earlier this season. Trip, combined with soft ground scuppered this and so Dark Moon Rising would revert back to shorter trips. Some narrow defeats at Ayr sandwiched a fine effort at York in his penultimate few runs of the turf season. With that form the November handicap was mapped out as a good target, rounding off the turf season. The testing conditions went against the 5yo but with him being in good heart, connections were keen to have a go on the all-weather, aiming for a deserved win.
Southwell would hold a 0-105 handicap which attracted a varying level of handicap mark. With the top rated being 106 it meant Dark Moon Rising would be carrying the bottom weight, allowing Josephine Gordon to pick up the spare ride. Settled in the rear early on, Dark Moon Rising was able to track over from his wide draw as the early pace was steady, with the market leaders stacking up the field. He required a little niggling along in the early stages just get into a rhythm, but would do as they entered the first bend, with the pace increasing for a few strides.
Down the back straight very little happened, as the field remained in their same positions. Racing in pairs meant there was very little separating the whole field. As they headed towards the bend there was a small injection of pace to just stretch the runners out ever so slightly. The market leaders continued to dictate with Dark Moon Rising still sat patiently at the rear of the field.
Dark Moon Rising was again under a drive as Josephine had to begin working away swinging around the home bend. The first to come under pressure, trying to maintain his position as the leaders wound things up from the front. As they entered the straight the race definitely heated up and the leading pair kicked off the front, trying to catch the rest flat footed.
Passing the 2f pole the whole field were at work to try and catch the favourite who had now made a break and was making the best of their way home. Dark Moon Rising was slowly making up some ground and as he passed a couple of rivals, he really started to shift through the gears. It looked a tall order to chase down the leader but the whole dynamic changed entering the final furlong. Dark Moon Rising was bursting between rivals and as he started motoring the leader began to wander and slow down. Having started lethargically, Dark Moon Rising was now galloping enthusiastically and cutting down the leader. Nabbing the lead in final 50 yards he continued his momentum to sprint away and claim the win by 1 length.
It didn’t look likely for a long way but Dark Moon Rising ended up winning quite cosily. His form has been good all year and this win will see his handicap mark back up to the 90’s. It seems as though he doesn’t enjoy either extremes so the aw surface is perfect. There will be some decent races throughout the winter for Dark Moon Rising and he can continue to rise back up the handicap once again.
When the New Year comes round the hard work of pre season begins, which also brings the excitement of what could happen for the year ahead. Room Service had some big plans for his 3yo season which would initially revolve around a potential classic run. Unfortunately the trip would prove out of his comfort zone but Room Service rounded off his season with a pattern level win, taking the 6f Livescore Bet Wentworth Stakes at Doncaster.
Room Service’s season thrived when dropping back to sprinting, gaining his first win of the season at Pontefract. Coming home powerfully, the 3yo won with a bit in hand and was immediately aimed at the Ayr Gold Cup. He wouldn’t be seen until the Scottish centrepiece, racing off a career high of 105. Sunshine baked the track during he 3 day meeting which caught Room Service out. He ran with credit, just unable to handle the quicker ground. It mean that he would look to make amends at York in the Coral sprint where the ground would be more favourable. It proved to be that but Room Service was outpaced early on, had to overcome trouble in running before storming home in the final furlong to just be denied.
From his last two tuns, it was clear that Room Service would be worth a try over 7f . Unfortunately there were no races around so the Wentworth looked to be worth taking a chance in, especially with the ground likely to be testing. The race looked competitive but very open but the highest rated horses did lead the market. Tom Eaves took the ride and was immediately forced to play the waiting game. Despite the soft ground, the early pace was strong enough with the field having a very small divide into a couple of groups. Positioned on the far side, Room Service was able to track the favourite who was pressing the leaders.
Never outpaced this time, Room Service did have to nudged along a little to ensure he maintained his position. Tom was aware of throughout the contest but when they moved down to halfway the field converged into one group. They race towards the stands side now which meant that Room Service was right on the wing. They were racing a long way out and the final couple of furlongs would certainly take some getting.
Although he had been working away for a while, Tom had yet to go for everything. Passing the 2f pole Room Service had moved through to get closer to the leader, coming through looking full of running. Stamina could prove important and Room Service has always done his best work late on, so suddenly he looked like a huge threat.
Without anyone to run with, being left out on his own, Tom gave it a full 100% with over a furlong to run. There was half the field in with a chance of winning but as they moved towards the 1f pole, Room Service joined the leader. He was continuing to find but a couple of rivals came bursting through. Now Room Service was the clear leader but he had 1/2f to repel his challengers. There was plenty left in the tank, and whilst his rivals did close the gap, Room Service was always holding them at bay. The 3yo took the win by a neck, rounding off a nice season.
Room Service has now enjoyed two good seasons and looks like he could go on again ext year. He has always been quite a raw horse so another winter will do him the world of good. The manner of his wins and running style suggest that trying 7f again next year should suit. He is a pattern winner so therefore group races might well in line for Room Service and he can go on again the next level in 2025.
With a record of 3 wins from 5 runs, True Promise has shown his best form on the artificial surface. After a slightly frustrating turf season, the 3yo has bounced back to form with a return to both sprinting and the Tapeta. True Promise backed up his latest win with another victory in the 5f £30 In Free Bets With BetUK Handicap at Newcastle.
As the year has progressed True Promise has really matured, strengthening up throughout the turf season. For a horse who looked as though he may want a little further than sprints, the gelding got quicker with racing. His latest win not only added to his win tally but also showed that he may have some more options moving forward, having shown bright speed throughout.
Dropping to 5f for the first time in his career, True Promise lined up against just 5 rivals with Shane Gray in the saddle. Despite the drop to the minimum trip, True Promise showed good speed to track the early pace, which was strong, as expected over this trip. True Promise travelled well in the hands of Shane and never looked to be out of his comfort zone. With form over further, there was distinct feeling that if he could get through the first half in touch then True Promise should finish off best of all.
Quickly past halfway the field entered the final couple of furlongs. Here True Promise moved to the girths of the leader as Shane asked his mount to go and finish his race off. The entire field were in a line, separated by about a length, giving credit to the handicapper. As the leader weakens, True Promise moved to the front and looked to kick clear of his rivals.
It looked as though True Promise had more or less got the job done as they moved inside the final furlong. Kicking away from his rivals, who couldn’t go with him, the race looked to be at his mercy. That was until a late flourish coming from the stands side. With his rival laying down the gauntlet, Shane now asked for everything, which he got in spades. The front two pulled each other along, as they fought out the win. Although it was close, True Promise was always doing enough, maintaining his lead on the bob. The runner up pushed him all the way and did get close, but True Promise had plenty in the tank and took the win by a head.
That is now two wins on the bounce for True Promise and this time it was over 5f, which opens up options for the future. With his fine record on the AW, True Promise can continue over the coming weeks and may well have a winter campaign. He is getting better with each race and there could be more to come from the 3yo.
This season has been very productive from the yard’s 3yo sprinters. Group 1 winner through all the races, the 3yo’s have provided some top performances as well as showing plenty of promise for their futures too. We Never Stop looked like a sprinter full of potential and he got back on track when taking the 6f Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap at Southwell.
The powerful son of Cotai Glory started the year of 85, a mark that seemed to be workable for him. Taking on two of the top 3yo handicaps at the beginning of the season, We Never Stop didn’t disgrace himself and seemed ready to win, with the possibility of going on from there. Dropping to 5f he duly gained his first win of the season and the future looked bright. Unfortunately he didn’t handle the track at Goodwood but there were no excuses for his penultimate start. Running at the Ebor meeting, the 3yo never raced a yard, which was frustrating but required addressing immediately following the race.
Gelding a horse can help with their mental approach as well as their physical well being. Both were thought to be beneficial for We Never Stop but could only be proved when he raced once again. It was a good break between runs, mainly due to the worsening ground conditions, so he would be seen on the all-weather. The 12 runner race was highly competitive with some veterans of the division mixed with some potential. Shane Gray has been the regular parter and was booked once more for the ride.
Blinkers were fitted for the first time, to try and help with concentration. Drawn in stall 11 wasn’t ideal but showing good speed, We Never Stop tanked up to the bend and was pressuring the lead. It’s only a short run and the field were quickly swinging left handed. Showing plenty of enthusiasm We Never Stop was travelling nicely for Shane and had the perfect spot to attack the leader when the time comes.
Straightening up for home, with just over 2f to run, the leader looked to increase the tempo.Quite a few in behind were working to close but Shane was was one of the last to get into his drive. Now the race was hotting up and as the challenges began, there was a line of 5 b battling in front. That was cut by one as the leader weakened and left We Never Stop in front, form under pressure from all angles.
Moving into the final furlong, We Never Stop was headed, looking as though his challenge was done, especially as his rivals looked to be going better. It did look as though he may have to settle for one of the placing at best but Shane continued to work away and We Never Stop was showing a much improved determination. With 100 yards to run he rallied, and began to fight back. From around 3/4 length down he started to reverse the fortunes. Shane was getting a really tune from his mount as the 3yo pulled into a four way fight. A blanket covered the front quartet as they fought tooth and nail for the win. As they flashed past the line it was impossible to see who won. With a winning margin of a nose and dead heat for 3rd, We Never Stop earned the win in thrilling fashion.
Not only was it great to see this win for We Never Stop but the way in which he did it was impressive. Having shown a little bit of laziness in his last race, he completely turned that around here. Enthusiasm and a battling attitude saw the 3yo come out on top. This also came after quite a break so it can be expected that he will improve for the run. He handled the surface so there could be some more options for him during the winter.
Winning sequences are hard to come by and seem to be getting harder nowadays. With narrower bands of races, horses seeking multiple wins on the bounce find life a lot tougher. Barnaby was finding winning a tough task, that was until he stepped up to 7f and reverted to the Tapeta. In little over a month he has now racked up a hat trick of wins, his latest in the 7f Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap at Newcastle.
Barnaby not only won his last two races but did so in impressive style. Last time out he cruised to a 3 3/4 length win which made a mockery of his current mark. With this display it was clear that he could get a big hike in the weights, so just a week later he headed back to Newcastle under a 6lb penalty. On the morning of the race his new mark saw a rise of 7lb so Barnaby would actually be 1lb well in.
Tom Eaves was on board once again and looked to utilise his usual tactics. Settling in just off the pace, Barnaby tracked a steady pace through the first furlong. This was shown by the leader taking a keener hold, looking to go a stride or two quicker. The field tracked over towards the stands side, with Barnaby racing closest to the rail.
There was a distinct increase in the tempo through the next few furlongs and the field went from well bunched up to getting a little strung out. In turn this saw the runners racing in a much more streamline formation. They would get racing a long way from home and Barnaby would lose a place or two as they hit the 3f marker. Although there were plenty of jockeys working away, including Tom, there were a couple who sat motionless. Barnaby had cruised through his last two races but this time he was going to have to do it in a lot harder manner.
Moving into the final 2f the front two had got a got of a break on the rest. Barnaby was now starting to find his feet and began to move froward, coming out of the pack to hunt down the leaders. Alongside Barnaby, a fellow rival was finishing too and the pair would pull each other along. The chasing duo would loom up to the leaders passing the 1f marker and swiftly kicked away. Now the race was between these two, as they tussled for the lead. The more they fought the further they pulled away from the rest but there was no separating them. It was neck and neck and even as they flashed past the line, there was no telling who had won. Thankfully the photo was called in favour of Barnaby who completed the hat trick by just a nose.
Barnaby is on a great run of form and this win will see another rise in the handicap. It is great to rack up the hat trick of wins but he has done so in a short space of time so there may be a little time before his next run. With plenty of racing over the winter there will be options for Barnaby to extend this winning streak.
Autumn 2023 saw Irish Nectar record two wins, at the end of his juvenile season. He has had to wait once again in 2024 with not only tough early season races but ground going against him. With his favoured ground conditions Irish Nectar hit the mark again when taking the 6f William Hill Extra Place Races Daily Handicap at Doncaster.
There is a good program for 3yo sprinters but it also very competitive, especially at the start of the season. Irish Nectar began the year off 87 due to his two wins which meant that he would take on a few top handicaps. Whilst not being disgraced, the ground was too quick for him. As the conditions eased his form picked up and despite not looking so in the results, he had been unlucky. Poor draw and some slow starts over 5f suggested that it was time to step back up to 6f.
Doncaster proved to be very testing conditions. With Shane Gray in the saddle, Irish Nectar jumped a lot better than he had been but was still retrained through the early stages. Sitting towards the rear didn’t actually give too much ground away as the 9 runners edged over to race towards the stands side. Despite the turf kicking up quite severely, the pace was strong enough as the field raced through the first couple of furlongs.
Racing had been testing all day and this looks to be the same as the field passed halfway. Still well bunched, the lead changed hands as Shane started to work away on his mount. They were racing quite far out but there were also plenty of chances. Irish Nectar was beginning to make headway as they moved inside the final 2f so Shane switched him out to get a clear run. This move saw about 5 horses in a line, looking to make their challenges.
Irish Nectar picked up well when he saw daylight and came through to join the leader hitting the 1f marker. He looked full of running but as he took the lead he hung to his right. Shane tried to adjust but couldn’t quite do it in time, causing a bit of interference. Irish Nectar wasn’t stopping though and he continued to find, galloping out in the final 1/2 furlong. Down the near side, his last challenger was rattling home and eating into the small lead that he had. It was a 3 way go as they hit the line but no photo was necessary as Irish Nectar secured the win by a nose.
Irish Nectar loves it when he going gets testing and combined with the step back up to 6f, it worked a treat here. He hasn’t had the best of luck this season but he does look like a sprinter who can on from here, especially at either ends of the season when conditions suit. There is another race over C&D which will likely be his next outing but Irish Nectar could be one to keep on the right side in the future.
