Unfortunately plans do not always work out and there are certainly bumps in the road when training horses. This time last year Mas Poder was gearing up for Royal Ascot after a promising debut run. Winning seemed only a matter of time but connections have had to wait due to setbacks. Thankfully Mas Poder got her head in front when dominating from start to finish in the 5f Melanie Jollif’s 60th Birthday Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Pontefract.

Starting in the listed Marygate Stakes at York, Mas Poder showed huge promise when finishing fourth on her debut. It gave connections the opportunity to head down to the Royal meeting and let her take her chance.  Having struggled to get involved, Mas Poder would not be seen again after a setback would keep her out until this year.

Despite the lay off, Mas Poder was pleasing in her home work and came to hand early on in the season. Stepping up to 6f she never landed a blow but it was a run that she could build confidence from. Next time out she showed far more of her natural speed to lead, before getting a little tired late on and weakening out of it. Having shown her natural speed, Mas Poder would be dropped to the minimum trip next time out.

With just four runs to her name, Mas Poder was still an unexposed filly and connections decided to stick with the novice route instead of stepping into handicap company. The 8 runners who would line up at Pontefract did not provide the strongest field and Mas Poder held the highest rating. She would be the market rival to the favourite and it would seem that if they ran to form then the race should be down to those two.

Tom Eaves was booked for the ride and took control of the race from the off. Using his filly’s speed, Mas Poder was sent to the front after leaving the stalls. She showed blistering speed to move over to the rail and lead the runners down into the left handed bend.

It was around the bend where Tom could just slow it down a little to give his mount a breather. Having grabbed the rail they were taking the shorted route, forcing their rivals to go around if they wanted to challenge. Holding a length lead into the home straight, Mas Poder continued to travel well. Tom was waiting to kick, knowing full well the finish can be energy sapping and costly for the win.

Mas Poder had put herself into a winning position moving towards the final furlong and it was now the button was pressed. She had burnt off the majority of the field and quickened from the front. There was only the favourite who could land a blow and was giving chase as the ground rises up. Moving into second with 1/2 furlong to run, it looked as though Mas Poder may be a sitting duck in the final strides. Although the lead was dwindling, Mas Poder was brave and kept finding for Tom. Hearing the hooves rattle behind, Mas Poder found a little more in reserve to repel the favourite by 3/4 length.

It was fantastic to see Mas Poder take her first career win. This seemed like something which would have been a given but racing isn’t always straight forward. Everyone at Nick Bradley Racing had to be patient and it is nice to ready this with a winner. The handicapper probably won’t do anything following this win so she should be competitive going forward. Confidence is now key and Mas Poder will have been given a massive boost with this win.

Horses develop at different rates, some will be sharp juveniles who hit the ground running whilst others will slowly build up through the ranks. Sound Reason has gradually been rising through the handicap, gaining wins and setting himself up for a crack at bigger prizes. His latest win was a new career high as he took the 5f Betfred Good Luck To Wigan Warriors Handicap at Haydock.

The burly 4yr old has been a work in progress and seems to have taken a step forward in almost every race since he shed his maiden tag. Finishing  last season with a mark of 81, Sound Reason had already gone up 12lbs but looked open to more when he returned the following year.

Like his Sire, Hot Streak, Sound Reason enjoys a little ease in the ground. This preference led to a slight hold up for his return due to a warm April. When he did get back on track, Sound Reason ran a race full of promise to finish fourth at Hamilton. Racing on the wrong side of the track, he travelled well before just getting tired up the hill. He was sure to come on for the run and when he lined up at Haydock, Sound Reason would be sent off favourite.

Ground conditions were in his favour and this saw Sound Reason being sent of favourite for the contest. Kevin Stott has ridden the gelding on all his wins and was in the saddle once more. Although dwelling at the start, this actually helped him as Kevin wanted to take a lead into the contest. Held up in the rear of the field, Sound Reason was waiting patiently and settled well as the free going leader set a strong gallop.

By halfway you could see that Sound Reason was comfortable underneath Stott and was thriving on the ground. The leader had been going great guns in front and heading into the final 2f the challenges began. As those in behind came off the bridle the race heated up and this included Kevin aboard Sound Reason. Although travelling well to this point, it was clear that the leader was kicking off the front and Kevin knew he had to go and give chase.

Sound Reason picked up well down the near side and flew past his rivals, but the leader was not stopping. Deep inside the final furlong the lead was diminishing but there was not far to go. The race was between the front two and it was going to go down to the line. Sound Reason was in full flow and was eating into the lead with every stride. With Stott asking for everything, the chestnut was finding more and drew up to the leader in the final strides. Momentum took the gelding past and into the lead, pulling out a little more to score by a neck.

Last season saw Sound Reason come from off the pace to win and it would seem that this tactic is now what he enjoys having pulled it off once again. He travelled well and picked up, to quicken and make up a lot of ground late on. Sound Reason looks like he has still got more to come and is a sprinter to keep on the right side of. Although he has tried 6f only once, there would be no reason why he couldn’t try it again. It would seem as though a stiff 5f could be his ideal trip and with this in mind it would be fantastic if he could develop into something like a Portland contender. Whatever happens, Hambleton Racing have a progressive horse and should enjoy more days out with Sound Reason.

It is the time of year where we have seen plenty of nice 2yr olds already but with Royal Ascot around the corner, the race is on to unleash juvenile stars. Kevin has not had his usual number of juvenile runners but he potentially unveiled a smart filly at Newcastle. Elvenia has the pedigree and she proved she has the ability to match when making a winning debut in the 5f Max Recycling And The EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Purchased from Tattersalls Book 1, Elvenia is the first foal of a smart sprinting Dam. Bred by Yeomanstown stud, who stand Dark Angel, Elvenia ticked every box to tempt Kevin into signing for her at 225,000gns. Strong and with an athletic stride, it was interesting to find out when and at what trip the filly would be making her debut.

Having shown a good attitude to her work, Elvenia thrived in the last few weeks, especially with some warmer weather. Kevin had plenty of options for the filly but after impressing in her last piece of work, he plumped for the 5f contest. It would only attract 5 runners but the select field looked to be full of potential.  Daytona Lady, had a win to her name but price tags suggested the others could be quite nice also.

Andrea Atzeni was in the saddle for his boss and with his filly jumping well, he quickly sought out the only winner in the field. With the stalls in the centre of the track, Daytona Lady aimed for the stands side rail, quickly followed by Elvenia. The five strong field all edged over to the rail through the first furlong as they settled down into their stride. It was a fair pace up front and Elvenia travelled smoothly on her debut.

Utilising experience, the leader had the rail and was aiming to burn off her rivals. Elvenia travelled well to halfway but it was her that the race just heated up and caught her for a few strides. The leader was looking to quicken up whilst her rivals manoeuvred to lay down a challenge. As the field moved towards the 2f marker they were spread out with just over a length separating the five runners.

Andrea just had to get lower in the saddle as Elvenia needed a little help with the race heating up. Whilst the leader had kicked for home, those in behind were trying to close the gap. For a few strides, Elvenia just had to find her feet, changing her lead whilst doing so. Andrea was educating the filly and she proved a quick learner as she began to get balanced underneath the Italian.

Heading into the final furlong the long time leader still held sway. Elvenia now began to gain some momentum and pulled away from the others to give chase. Despite needing a little nursing, the filly hadn’t lost much ground and quickly drew up to the leader. Andrea was proving a great teacher as he kept switching his hands and urged his filly forward. Pulling up alongside the leader 1/2f from home, Elvenia now put her foot down and took the lead. The final 100 yards was her best and Elvenia was strong to the line, winning by a neck which would have surely grown if they went any further.

It was fantastic to see Elvenia make a winning debut and not only did she show ability but a great attitude. She travelled well but you could see it was a new experience when the pace quickened at half way. The filly responded to her rider at this stage and at a point where she could have weakened away she learnt and gathered momentum. With the final 1/2 furlong being the strongest it does suggest that she will get further in time but Elvenia does not lack the speed so it will be interesting to see what is in line next. Obviously everyone always asks about the Royal meeting anytime you have a juvenile winner at this stage of the year. Kevin will do what is right for the filly and whether that includes Ascot will be a discussion to have with Owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. Whatever is decided, Elvenia looks a lovely prospect with an attitude to match.

Keeping it simple can be easier said than done, especially when you have a field of inexperienced horses. When you have the horse underneath you able to dominate then it certainly makes the job an easier task. Manaslu shed his maiden tag at the third attempt at Carlisle, making all in the 7f Durdar Maiden Stakes.

The son of Starspangledbanner had made a low key debut on the all-weather in the winter but shaped with promise. Unfortunately his first intended run of the flat season did not go to plan when he acted up in the stalls. This held his season up by a few weeks but he eventually ran at Hamilton one the extended mile. Travelling well, the trip seemed to have just tested his stamina too much, weakening late on after moving well into contention.

There wouldn’t be a long wait to turn Manaslu out again as he headed north once again. Dropping back in trip, the gelding would line up against 11 rivals but the race shaped up as a match. With newcomers in the field and little form shown by those that had run, Manaslu was up against Topomania who had finished second on debut. The betting fluctuated between the pair, with the rest at double and triple figure prices.

Sunshine throughout recent weeks had given way to a deluge of rain during the day, so much so that the ground changed from quick to soft ground. Kevin didn’t worry about this and wanted to be positive from the off. Manaslu was away quickly and straight into stride. Kevin took control of the race and set a strong gallop. This would be the last time the pair would see another rival.

The story of the race revolved around Manaslu as he poured it on throughout the race. Allowed to free wheel from the get go, the 3yo was going a good gallop. Out in front meant that he had clear daylight and removed the risk of being stuck behind any inexperienced rivals. Manaslu took the right handed bend and was allowed to drift over towards the stands side, a usual trait at the track when the going goes soft.

Passing halfway Kevin loosened his reins and Manaslu kicked on. Suddenly the lead opened up and the field were extended. Manaslu held a clear advantage and looked to have slipped his rivals, with market rival Topomania the closest pursuer. Moving past the 2f Kevin got to work on Manaslu, keeping him up to his work but more importantly educating the gelding.

In the final 1 1/2f the lead did diminish as the favourite gave chase but Manaslu was never in danger. Kevin made sure his mount never stopped working and there was plenty in the tank for any challenge that might have come. Once the gap closed, Manaslu found another gear and went again, stretching the lead back out to 2 1/4 lengths at the line.

Dominating the contest from start to finish, Manaslu was impressive on his third run and Kevin did exactly the right thing. It is hard to do your own donkey work but by taking the lead, many of the variables were taken out of the equation. Although the lead diminished at the end, Manaslu have more to give if required. He was getting a bit lonely out in front and will be better with a stronger race, where he may get a lead. The handicapper will now assess the 3yo and this will dictate where he goes next. Manaslu is a nice prospect and will continue to get better with racing.

Shedding a maiden tag is always an important milestone but it can come in many different ways. One of the most impressive is when that comes in pattern company, either starting out or making the step up in grade to gain a first win. Fonteyn was yet to win but she was certainly not an unexpected victor when she took the 1m Oaks Farm Stables Fillies’ Stakes (Listed) at York.

The daughter of Farhh comes from a classy family, owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. She always looked like a filly that would appreciate a bit of time but she did show enough as a juvenile to hit the track late last season. Two runs produced placed efforts with clear progression and Fonteyn certainly looked a nice prospect moving forward to her 3yo career.

Having wintered well, Fonteyn came to hand early on which meant she could make her return at Newmarket’s Craven meeting. After running a little bit fresh, she was narrowly beaten by a subsequent listed placed filly. With the pair pulling over 8 lengths clear, the first two looked highly promising for the year ahead.

It was obvious that Fonteyn was a winning waiting to happen, but after discussions the plan was made to step her up in grade. If she ran to form then the listed grade should not be an issue and also there was no question that she could comfortably take a maiden or novice race. Now she would face 11 rivals with half of them having a higher rating but Fonteyn was one of the least exposed in the field and likely improver. This was the same story with the favourite and it would become the story of the race.

Andrea Atzeni was in the saddle for his boss and had the same issue as last time out through the early stages. With the field settling down, Fonteyn took a keen hold as they looked to settle in behind the leaders. Thankfully this didn’t last for too long and the sharp pace allowed her to settle around fifth position. They were not hanging about and raced quickly through the first furlong which took them into the bend.

York is renowned for being fair and the long home straight gives horses plenty of time to find their position to challenge. The field headed for home and entered the second half of the race with plenty separating first to last. Fonteyn had tracked the leaders throughout and had plenty of options as the leader edged towards the centre of the track. The frantic gallop was certainly testing the field and moving inside the 3f pole the back markers were out of the contest.

Andrea was winding his filly up a long way from home but Fonteyn was lengthening all the time and getting into her stride. Although coming under pressure, Fonteyn was not getting the full drive as she gained momentum. The leader had really set a strong gallop and at the 2f pole, she paid for it. Now looking like a sitting duck, Fonteyn was coming through to reel her in.

The race had revolved around the well touted favourite who began to storm down the outside. Fonteyn held the lead heading into the final furlong but was joined by Grand Dame. Neck and neck the fillies matched each with every stride. Andrea now asked for everything and he got it. Fonteyn was very willing and was proving too strong for the favourite. Although she couldn’t get rid of her, she did have a narrow lead and that would prove enough. Seeing out every yard, Fonteyn grabbed pattern success with a brave performance and gained her first career win.

It was a fantastic result all round and Fonteyn showed a great attitude. There is still plenty of learning to do from her which shows that there could be a lot more to come. She was keen early but that didn’t cost her late on, although it is a trait which we would like to get out of her. It could be that a better race may be ideal for this and Fonteyn will be taking that step up in grade. She has plenty of pace but sees the trip out well so looks easy to position within a race. The obvious calls were for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot but she currently is not in the race. Whether that is the next step will be discussed but Group level will certainly be it. Fonteyn is a lovely prospect and her ability has barely scratched the surface.

Juveniles are one of the most exciting aspects of racing. You begin with a blank slate and the dreams are alive with the 2yr olds possible of anything. It is a division where Kevin has excelled in but this year the team has had to wait for the first winner of the season. If there was any tracks to do it at then you could choose no better than York and Thunder Moor bolted up in the 5f British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes.

Bronte Collection is a brand new syndicate set up at the start of this year and early on it looked as though they could have a proper 2yr old on their hands. The son of Dandy Man had shown all the right signs at home in his work and had the blistering pace to start over 5f. Coming to hand early he was sent up to Musselburgh to make his debut. Having taken everything in his stride up to that point, Thunder Moor misbehaved once going down and at the start. It was a surprise to see but clear that he could never show his true colours, which resulted in a weak effort. Obviously the occasion had got to him but the ability was there so Kevin went straight back to the entry book and immediately looked towards the Dante meeting at York.

Kevin’s record at York is fantastic with 2yr olds, but then again you have to send a good one due to the quality of racing. Everyone was confident of Thunder Moor’s ability but it was going to be interesting as to how he would handle the occasion. After getting a little worked up there were measures taking to keep the lid on and Danny Tudhope was quickly on board the colt, taking him straight down to the start. It wasn’t the perfect start but looked as though the measures had kept things a lot calmer.

You want the explosion and exertions coming from the stalls and Thunder Moor did just that. A flying start saw the chestnut grab the lead, move over and take the rail for good measure. Whether his 8 rivals could lay up or not, Thunder Moor led them a merry dance, showing natural speed throughout. Danny didn’t fight with his mount and allowed the colt to stride on. Despite his blistering pace, Thunder Moor was doing everything relatively easily and wasn’t trying to take his jockey on.

By halfway Thunder Moor had the rest of them at it and the pace was beginning to show on a few of his rivals. Allowed to continue striding on, Thunder Moor now stretched them once more and began to turn the screw. Suddenly the advantage grew and the race was within the leader’s grasp. Between the 2f and 1f marker Thunder Moor quickened up and darted clear. Opening up a distinct advantage, there was nothing that could go with him and now Danny just wanted to keep him up to his work. First time out the race had almost ended by this stage so education was key. Grabbing a tighter hold on the reins and a couple of flicks, Danny gave Thunder Moor a message to stay straight and keep striding out. The colt responded by pouring it on and his final furlong was close to a victory lap. The winner was clear so it was who would be chasing him home. Thunder Moor powered to the line to win by an impressive 2 1/2 lengths.

First time out proved to be a mis step and this performance was a true show of his ability. Thunder Moor showed blistering speed but then quickened up when asked. In truth the race was won by halfway and it is clear that Thunder Moor is above average. Obviously at this time of year everyone’s eyes turn to Royal Ascot but it is far too early to say whether that is the correct call. If the colt turned up at the Royal meeting then he would certainly head there with a big chance but Kevin will do right by him first. It would seem that a step up in grade could be on the cards and there are a few listed and conditions races which lead up to Royal Ascot.

Coming into the new season there was a group of unexposed 3yr olds who had shown plenty of promise. Million Thanks was at the head of that group having our in a couple of fine efforts at 2. Returning at Musselburgh, Million Thanks took his first career win in the 1m Bet At racing.tv Maiden Stakes.

Owner and breeder, Mr Jaber Abdullah has been synonymous with quality, seeing his colours carried to victories in some of racing’s top level contests. Alongside this he has been able to develop a fantastic band of broodmares, leading to a successful breeding operation. Million Thanks is a product of that system, out of an unraced dam who is a half sister to a Group 1 performer. Million Thanks has the pedigree and he certainly has the physique to match.

Two placed efforts last year had signalled that Million Thanks had plenty of ability. Although running well there was a feeling that there might be something just preventing him from really hitting his full potential. This led to a small wind op at the turn of the year which should allow the 3yr old to showcase his full ability.

Lining up over a mile, Million Thanks had 9 rivals for his return. HIs even money price showed that he was the one to beat, although it wouldn’t be straight forward. Kevin Stott was booked for the ride and gave the chestnut a confident ride throughout.

Settled towards the rear, Million Thanks tracked over to race closer to the rail. Kevin had him in a very relaxed rhythm as he slotted in behind a wall of horses. The early pace was fair but nothing too strenuous, as his main market rival took the field along. Galloping down the back straight, the field went through the first couple of furlongs before turning into the right handed home bend.

The long striding Million Thanks was going too well around the bend that he closed up on the heels of his rival. Kevin just had to angle him out as they bared down on the home straight. Keeping him in rhythm, and safe from clipping heels, Million Thanks would be coming down towards the centre of the track. As they straightened up the field concertinaed towards the far side rail and Kevin continued to wait patiently in behind.

Angling out for a run around 2 1/2f out, Million Thanks made smooth headway. Swinging past rivals he quickly moved up towards the leader, with just this duo still on the bridle. Kevin cajoled his mount, trying to get the colt to lengthen. Although he edged right, Million Thanks still looked full of running as they moved between the 2f and 1f pole. The leader was finding in front and with Million Thanks running a little green still, plus trying to hit top gear, Kevin would just need to get a little busier in the saddle. His rival was proving very game in front and combined with Million Thanks taking his time, it was looking as though there would be a real tussle towards the line. Kevin never had to get serious but he certainly had to garb hold of his mount to educate. It seemed to take an age but Million Thanks finally managed to get on top in the dying strides to grab a neck victory.

The winning margin might not have been that impressive but there is plenty to take away from this performance. He took plenty of time to find his feet but that is understandable with his lovely, big stride. Kevin had to educate the colt and he will certainly come on for that run. Now he has three runs under his belt, Million Thanks will receive a handicap mark so it will be interesting to see how he is assessed. There is plenty to look forward to and it does feel as though he could get a little further within time.

Racing is a wonderful sport to meet people and there are many owners who have been with Kevin for years. There are some winners that just mean a little bit more and Forza Orta taking the 1m5f Patersons Of Greenoakhill Buttonhook Handicap at Hamilton was one of those wins.

Martin Wainwright began as an owner with Kevin over two decades and through that time his love of racing saw him build up a breeding operation near Wetherby. Success on the course and in the sales ring, Highbank Stud has made a name in the racing and breeding world. Unfortunately Martin sadly passed away at the end of last year but his passion has been passed on and Highbank Stud continues in the hands or Tom an Iris Wainwright. Forza Orta was the first winner since and his poignant success was wonderful to see.

The son of Fastnet Rock was always going to be a project and he didn’t hit the track until 3 yrs old. Last year he showed plenty of promise, finishing runner up on his first four starts before gaining a much deserved win at Hamilton. It was clear he needed a trip and having returned to Thirsk with a good third placed effort, Forza Orta would tackle 1m5f for the first time back at the scene of his sole win.

Unfortunately Shane Gray couldn’t make the ride so Rowan Scott was back in the saddle, having ridden him last time out. Settling into fourth place from the off, Forza Orta had a nice pitch as the field charged past the stands, running the straight course in reverse. Chasing the leaders, they headed up to the loop of Hamilton. Entering it they went left handed before switching over to right to swing around.

Forza Orta had the leaders in his sights throughout the contest but swinging around the top of the loop he just had to be nudged along. He never lost any ground but for a moment it was a little unsettling. Coming back down the home straight, Rowan angled his mount out for a clear view and it was here that Forza Orta began to come on strong. At the half mile point Forza Orta had moved up to within 1/2 length as he cruised into contention.

In running backers may well have been smashing the button when Forza Orta joined the long time leader, swinging under Rowan. Over the final 3f there were two major factors. The leader proved very game and Forza Orta took quite a while to really top gear. It was Rowan who went for his mount first and the response was not immediate. Lengthening and lengthening, the giant stride of Forza Orta needed plenty of ground to warm up. Locked into a battle the two leaders were neck and neck. Rowan could lean on his experience of the gelding and knew he would stay so continued to drive. Forza Orta took his time but edged his nose to the front 1/2 out and stayed well up the hill. He eventually ran out a 3/4 length winner.

Forza Orta looks a really nice stayer in the making and again he required every yard of this new trip. He certainly isn’t a push button horse and requires time to lengthen but he is very progressive. How far will be his optimum is up for debate and it does seem as though another furlong could be in order next time out. He isn’t the finished article yet and Forza Orta could well be a cup horse in the making.

With so much racing racing on there were options and decisions to be made. It can be the difference between winning and losing but the correct call was made. Rathbone was back to winning ways as he made all in the 6f Cazoo Handicap at Doncaster.

Two wins and a couple of big placed efforts saw Rathbone shoot up to 96 in the handicap. Unfortunately he couldn’t maintain the upward trend and has steadily been coming back down. Two runs this season looked to have him close to winning again but a no show at Redcar proved to be not only disappointing but quite a head scratcher.

With entries in at Newmarket and Doncaster, the latter was chosen with very few declarations being made. The small field of six would diminish even further with two non-runners, meaning only four would line up on the day. Tom Eaves took the ride and Rathbone would be donning cheek-pieces to try and spark him back to form.

Tactically Tom took the race by the scruff of the neck and bounced Rathbone to lead immediately. With nothing wanting to challenge him, Rathbone led the field setting comfortable fractions. The trio of rivals tucked in behind to race in single file. This would be the story of the race as very little would change.

Rathbone was showing that he was on song and travelled smoothly to halfway. Having been left alone in front, Tom now begun to loosen the reins, ready to kick. It was baring down on the 2f marker where the pace increased as Rathbone set sail for home. Suddenly he opened up a clear advantage and caught his rivals on the hop. As the rest played catch up, Rathbone was lengthening and was in full flow.

Tom got serious moving into the final furlong and the clear lead was maintained. He had made his move and now it was about could he see it out. Old rival, Comanche Falls, was closing as he took second to give chase. Rathbone was proving very game in front and responded tall of Tom’s urgings. The lead was shortening as Rathbone neared the finish, the exertions were starting to tell. All the good work he had done between the 3f and 2f poles were showing and Rathbone ran out a 1/2 length winner.

When he is good, he is very good but sometimes you are not sure which Rathbone will turn up. He is a horse very capable of being involved in the major sprint handicaps but consistency has always been his downfall. Tom got the tactics spot on and it might just be that changing things up constantly helps Rathbone run to his best. There will be plenty more days with him and hopefully Rathbone can hit higher heights this season.

Winning debutante and then stepped up in class, it is not something that Kevin takes lightly. Sometimes it doesn’t work out but it is a move that Kevin does not take lightly and will only do so if he feels they are good enough. Anadora was the yard’s first 2yr old winner last season and she won again but this time on her seasonal debut when battling for the 6f bet365 Handicap at Newmarket.

Royal Ascot, York, Goodwood, Anadora went to all the big meetings last year. Her record of just the one win may have looked a shade disappointing from the outside but she ran with credit in some huge races. Towards the end of the season there was a suspicion that maybe she had grown. Anadora had proven to be an early juvenile and did maintain her form through the season but just wasn’t quite finishing her races of as before. There was a suspicion that she may well have a bit of strengthening up to do and as a 3yr old she could be better.

Over the winter the filly really filled out and her homework proved that she certainly had matured. Trip wise Anadora had shaped as though 6f would suit but last year it seemed as though she could never quite see it out. Coming back a different model all together, confidence was far higher now and Kevin targeted the 3yr old handicap at Newmarket’s Craven meeting.

Old ally Neil Callan was booked for the ride and if there is one place where he has proven lethal in the past, it is at racing’s HQ. Sent off the outsider at 25/1 showed the competitiveness of the race but Anadora was quickly out from the gates. Allowed to hit her stride she moved forward and soon pressed the leaders who were setting a good early gallop. As the race settled down the field raced up the centre of the track but were quite spread out.

Anadora was always covering the leader throughout the first half of the race which kept the tempo quite high. Passing halfway the race began to unfold, a long way from home when you have the uphill finish to contend with. Callan began to wind the filly up as they galloped into the famous dip, gaining momentum for when they hit the rising ground. Anadora edged her nose to the lead passing the bushes but did just move left as Neil became a little more animated in the saddle.

The strong gallop had sorted the field out quite quickly with those forcing the issue fading. Anadora held a narrow lead and was the only one still fighting it out but she did look as though she was a bit of a sitting duck. Hitting the bottom of the dip they raced into the final furlong and Anadora lost her lead. She quickly changed legs and Neil now asked for everything. Well the lead change lasted a matter of strides with Anadora quickening up and forcing her way to the front again.

Spread across the track, there was a three way tussle deep inside the final furlong. Anadora had laid down her marker and held the advantage, something she was not willing to give up. Along the rail she could see her nearest challenger but over the other side of the track she had to wary of a fast finisher. Neil asked for everything and he got that in spades with Anadora, head to ground, eating up the turf and battling away. The 6f was no issue now and she gamely hit the line well, securing a second career win by 1/2 length.

Off a mark of 85, Anadora was once again winning on her first start of the season and this may well be something that Kevin keeps in mind. There is potential that the filly may appreciate a little bit of time in between races so a pre planned programme will be in order. Obviously the handicapper will have his say about this too and whatever he decides with her handicap mark may steer her in a certain way. Kevin always like the filly and there will be some hope for connections that she may well pick up black type. With an attitude like this Anadora can only go from strength to strength and really fulfil her potential.