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.

We are fast approaching the final week of the flat season which sees more attention turn to racing abroad and the all-weather becoming more prevalent. There were a couple of comfortable winners for the yard as Beauty Queen and True Promise produced a double on the evening card at Southwell.

Winning on debut, Beauty Queen announced herself as a 2yo full of promise. After a couple of runs she got right back to her best when making all in the 5f Win £1m With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Novice Stakes.

The daughter of Soldier’s Call had impressed on her debut when she bolted up at Beverley, beating a good yardstick in the process. It was a very eye catching run and looked to be a performance of a potential pattern filly. Having stayed on well on a stiff finish, Beauty Queen would step up to 6f for her next run, another novice race, this time at York. This time she showed blistering speed, going too quick to get home over the longer trip but stating that reverting back to the minimum trip may be the way forward.

Having a try at listed level, Beauty Queen ran below par when last seen at the Ebor meeting. There were no excuses so she was given time until her next run. With limited opportunities, despite holding a mark of 85, she would drop back into Novice company at Southwell. Tom Evaes was set to ride for the first time as the pair lined up against 8 rivals. Holding the highest handicap mark, Beauty Queen would also need to deny a penalty in this company.

Jumping well, she was straight into her stride and took the lead. Showing her natural speed, Beauty Queen led the field down the centre of the track, setting a scorching pace. Simplicity was the order of the day and Tom just allowed the filly to gallop, where she was happy. The pace set ensured that the field were well strung out, despite this being over the minimum trip.

There was very little to discuss throughout the race as Beauty Queen just dictated and never saw a rival. By halfway she had her rivals under pressure as they came under a drive. Tom didn’t need to move a muscle as his filly continued to turn the screw for the front. The field were beginning to to look like a finish to a middle distance race, with the 10 runners well strung out. With 1 1/2f to run, and the race at her mercy, Tom asked his filly to go and finish her race. Beauty Queen did so with ease and turned the final furlong into a precession. Nothing could go with her and Beauty Queen strode out to an easy 2 1/4 length win.

Only four urns into her carer but still it was good to see Beauty Queen back to winning ways. She looked very smart on debut and whilst it hasn’t happened yet she does still look like a filly who could be a pattern horse. Having shown that the surface is no issue there could be plenty of options on the all-weather in the future or the turf. She has blistering speed and looks like there could be plenty more to come from the 2yo.

Starting his career off in perfect style, True Promise has taken time to get his head back in front. It has been a return to the all-weather that has seen the 3yo bounce back to form and he looks like a sprinter to keep an eye on. Taking his third career win, True Promise did it well in the 6f Free Bets With BetUK Bet Club Handicap.

Having been a slow burner, True Promise made a fast start to his career. Winning on debut (6f) and then his next start (7f), the gelding was assigned a mark of 85. He was dealt some tough tasks when reverting to the turf, racing over 7f in some ultra competitive 3yo handicaps. With each run he looked to be getting faster, the more street wise he became and so the next couple of runs would be dropping back to sprinting distances.

True Promise’s form picked up when reverting back to sprinting. He would be back on the all-weather, due to the ground getting very testing, where he put in arguably his best career performance. Past form on the artificial surface opened up plenty of options for the 3yo and so he would head to Southwell to face 11 rivals. Shane Gray is the only one to win on board the chestnut and took the ride once again.

Drawn widest of all was far from ideal but with many of the field looking to be patient, Shane was able to track over. Before they got to the left handed bend, True Promise was vying for the lead, managing to get a lovely position, chasing the early pace. It was a fair gallop being set as they took the long, sweeping bend which saw the field race in quite a tight formation.

Shane got a lovely tow into the race as the leader began to wind it up around the bend. Passing halfway, jockeys were beginning to jostle for positions and get a bit closer to the front. True Promise didn’t need to worry as he was first in line to have a crack when the time came.

Kicking off the front, the leader went for home entering the straight and tried to stretch his rivals. Shane matched the move and maintained his position, sitting on the leader’s girths. As they passed the 2f marker, the pair were well situated and Shane had yet to pose any real questions. The leader looked in danger now as True Promise was growing in stature.

Taking up the lead entering the final furlong, True Promise opened up a nice cushion to the rest. He looked to be full of running and certainly was, but then he gave the rest a sniff. Edging left and then back to his right when adjusted, True Promise”s lead was beginning to get eaten in to. There were a few fast finishers but True Promise  had done enough earlier on and wasn’t stopping in front either. Dashing past the line he secured a lengthy victory, making it three for his career.

True Promise has taken a bit of time to mature and learn his racing. It seems strange to say about a horse who won his first two starts but it is different when competing in handicap company, against more experienced rivals. He is getting quicker with every run and having only started racing this year so he is likely to improve again next year. True Promise has done well in a short space of time and looks a sprinter to keep a watch of.

The vast majority of the juveniles are well into their racing career now and this means they have earned their handicap marks. This allows them to compete in the juvenile handicaps, known as nurseries, which opens up many more options. Uncle Sam had been threatening all season and gained his first career win when taking the 6f Alfie’s Bar Nursery Handicap at Newcastle.

Uncle Sam’s form has been a little bit patchy with differing trips and tactics used to try and gain a winning formula. Having dropped a few pounds in the handicap, he found himself off a fair mark when he travelled to Newcastle for the 6f race. In a wide open race, Uncle Sam was viewed as the main danger to the favourite.

Tom Eaves took the ride and after a steady start, where a rival just moved across him, the pair moved up to chase the early lead. Racing down he centre of the track, the 10 runners were well bunched tracking a decent gallop. Uncle Sam got into a nice rhythm early on and after the first couple of furlongs he was starting to press the leader.

They were quickly down to halfway and the leader was soon under pressure. Tom had been tracking them for a long way and as his rival began to come under pressure, Uncle Sam took up the lead travelling sweetly. Those in behind started to come under a drive to try and challenge the new leader.

Uncle Sam was the last one to come off the bridle, whilst hiding a length advantage. Moving inside the final 2f, Tom wound him up and got his mount lengthening. Quickening up, Uncle Sam took control and set a marker to his rivals. His nearest pursuer was working hard and started to cut the deficit as they passed the 1f pole. Uncle Sam was finding for pressure but his lead was being clawed back. Battling hard he managed to crack his rival but there was a whole host finishing off well. The final 1/2 furlong saw a handful or runners flying home whilst Uncle Sam looked to hold on. He didn’t just hold on, he found a bit more once the huffs began rattling behind him. Holding them all at bay, Uncle Sam took his first career win by 3/4 length.

It could be the last time Uncle Sam runs for the yard as he is in the sales but it is a great way to bow out. He showed a great attitude through the race and this could be the start of better things to come for him. Very honest, Uncle Sam could be really fun horse next year and this certainly won’t be his last win.

The season is coming into the final weeks with racecourses holding their final meetings of 2024. York is one of the top tracks in England and they brought their season to an end with the Coral Sprint meeting. The two day meeting saw End Of Story lead home a 1-2 for the yard when he beat stable mate, Kings Call, in the 5f Parsonage Hotel And Cloisters Spa Nursery Handicap.

Having won on debut, End Of Story has been asked some stiff questions throughout the season. He has run well in pattern company but come up short which saw the 2yo drop to handicap company a couple of runs ago at the Knavesmire. Finishing second, over 6f, End Of Story then tried listed company once again at the Ayr Gold Cup meeting before returning to the nursery division.

By Bungleinthejungle, a sire that has really become popular at Hambleton Lodge, End Of Story had shown a preference for easier going. The soft ground would suit and a sharp 5f, which York offers, should play to his strengths. Tom Eaves was booked for the ride as the pair lined up against 9 rivals.

Adopting his usual tactics, End Of Story led the field from the start. Jumping from stall 2, the gelding headed the field and immediately looked to edge over. The stalls had been positioned on the far side so Tom moved over and took them along towards the centre of the track. Closely followed and pressed from the off, End Of Story set a strong gallop, especially with the tacky ground underfoot.

Quickly down to halfway, End Of Story continued to head the field down the centre. On the ground it was very hard to make up ground so his rivals began to work away heading towards the 2f marker. The leading pair were continuing to press on in front and were certainly going best of all as they moved into the final 1/2 mile. End Of Story travelled powerfully in front and it allowed Tom to bide his time.

Only a couple of rivals were able to make any late headway, one being stable mate Kings Call. Having made all, End Of Story was asked the question passing the 1f pole. His nearest rival, who had been on his norths from the off, couldn’t match him and End Of Story crept away. Thriving on the easy ground, End Of Story was full of running and responded to Tom. With 100 yards to run, the lead began to grow as End Of Story continued to quicken from the front. There was no stopping the gelding and he galloped out to an impressive 1 1/4 length win.

This will likely be End Of Story’s last run for the yard as he is in the sales at Newmarket. He has enjoyed a good season and has the size to continue to improve as a 3yo next season. Winning comfortably off a mark of 86 will likely see this rise to the 90’s. Whatever lies ahead for the juvenile he will certainly continue his winning ways next year, wherever his future lies.