Top sprints litter the honours board at Hambleton Lodge, ranging form the heritage handicaps to the highest Group 1 level. Kevin has long been a dominant force in this division but there was one historic race eluding him. Ripon is just down the road and hosts the Great St Wilfrid handicap, which surprisingly took 22 years before the trophy finally found it’s way to Hambleton Lodge courtesy of Justanotherbottle.

Having moved to Kevin last year, Justanotherbottle had a career which had already seen him compete in the top handicaps, peaking in a rating of 105. Arriving as a 6yr old, it was clear to see that the team were gaining a talented sprinter but there would be a transitional stage for the gelding. Fortunately Justanotherbottle did manage to get his head in front when scoring in the Catterick dash on his final start of 2020. It was a win which boosted the excitement for the following season, with the top sprints in his sights. 

Although the form book read very well there was one factor that stood out. With 7 career wins, 6 of those came at the minimum trip and the other was over 1/2f further. Despite running over 6f he had never managed to get his head in front. Natural speed is a big asset to Justanotherbottle so he would begin this season tackling the minimum 5f. It was an up and down first half fo the season with some good efforts and some below par ones in between. When he didn’t perform in the Stewards Cup at Goodwood, a track where he has good history at, Kevin knew a different angle would need to be looked at. 

Dropping to a mark of 92, his lowest mark in 3 years, Justanotherbottle could still get into the Great St Wilfrid. He did look well handicapped but would need something to spark a return to form. The blinkers were turned to, a first in his 5 year career, as Justanotherbottle lined up in the feature race. Kevin Stott had been the last man to win on the gelding and he was back on board to try and rejuvenate the partnership. 

Drawn in stall 19 there was only one thought on Kevin’s mind as the gates burst open. With Justanotherbottle quickly away he immediately headed to the stands side rail as the 20 strong field split into two groups to race on either side. It was a fairly level split and as Justanotherbottle helped force the issue down the stands side, the other group looked to be on terms through the first couple of furlongs. Despite showing good speed, Justanotherbottle was travelling in Kevin’s hands, showing that he was doing just the right amount of work through the early stages. 

By halfway Justanotherbottle had edged to the front on his side and did seem to have the overall lead. Kevin wasn’t worrying about the trip and allowed his mount to stride on. Passing the 3f and already he seemed to have a few at it, trying to remain in contention. It started to seem as though the near side group held an advantage as the challenges began to wind up. Kevin had yet to move and Justanotherbottle continued to pour it on from the front. Sticking as close to the rail as he could, Kevin just began to wind his mount up moving into the final couple of furlongs. 

Justanotherbottle had seen clear daylight throughout and when he was asked to go and finish his race, he did just that. With 1 1/2f to run the chestnut kicked on and opened up a clear 2 length advantage. Suddenly there was a distinct advantage and Kevin now had sights set on the finish line. Underneath him was a very willing partner and all he had to do was see out the final furlong. If there were any doubts about the 6f trip they were quickly dispelled with Justanotherbottle continuing to open up his lead and staying on powerfully. Challenges did come and the biggest dangers were from the near side group but the margin was unassailable. With the leader not for catching the result was done with the final 100 yards to run. Kevin had time to start easing his mount down as Justanotherbottle cruised home to a 1 3/4 length win the Great St Wilfrid Handicap. 

It was a very nice moment for Kevin to secure this race for the first time and Justanotherbottle proved that there is still plenty left in the tank. Although he had never won over the trip he had some top form at it. He looked as enthusiastic as ever, which probably is down to the blinkers just giving a little kick up the backside. From a long way out the race looked to be comfortable and Justanotherbottlewon with a bit in hand. Owners Mr Martin Tedham and Steve Ryan have deserved a big win with this horse and it is fantastic to deliver that for them. 

One of the season’s highlights has been the form of the 2yr olds. With around half of the yard in the juvenile category it was always going to be important that they could tally up the wins. Ballet Steps took the season’s total to 18 individual 2yr old winners, the second highest number in Britain when she made a winning debut at Beverley in the 5f Pure Broadband EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes. 

The daughter of Dabirism is the first progeny of Savannah’s Dream and is a home bred from owner Steve Parkin, Clipper Logistics. She was a little later to arrive at Hambleton Lodge but having been in pre training it was clear that she would ‘t take too long to come to hand. Having shown plenty of speed at home Kevin decided to start the filly off at the minimum trip. 

Declared alongside 10 rivals, Ballet Steps was well supported for her first run and was sent off the 5/4 fav. This was partly due to the strength of form in the race and also the attractive pedigree of Ballet Steps. Danny Tudhope was on board for his retained owner. 

Drawn 3 was a nice pitch to come from but when she was a little slowly away that good position was given away. Danny gave the filly time to find her feet and with a strong gallop set, Ballet Steps found herself at the rear of the field. Strong pace up front saw the field blitz through the first half of the race, swing round the right handed bend and downhill. 

When they straightened up for home, with just over 2f from home, Ballet Steps saw a wall of horses in front of her. Danny is not one to panic and he remained patient at the rear, keeping the filly balanced and travelling nicely. The race heated up passing the 2f marker and as her rivals threw down their challenges, Ballet Steps still had over 5/6 lengths to make up. Danny was angling for a gap but on a couple of attempts he found his route blocked. As the leaders moved clear there was a small break to some weakening rivals which opened a door to Ballet Steps. Switching towards the outer, Danny now gathered his reins and asked the filly to go and pick up. 

Still having ground to make up, Ballet Steps was starting to make her challenge down the middle of the track as the ground raised up for the final furlong. Danny was cajoling his filly and gently getting her to lengthen. Slowly but surely she was picking up but it did seem as though she may not be doing it quite quickly enough. Deep inside the final furlong and with the winning line in view, Ballet Steps was starting to hit top gear but it was baby steps. Now Bollin May had taken control and held the lead, along with the rail to help. Suddenly Ballet Steps found her stride and despite there being just over 75 yards to go she started to fly. Within strides she had overtaken a handful of rivals to grab second and it was in the dying yards of the line that she threw down the final challenge. Momentum had swung in her favour and Ballet Steps flashed past the line alongside Bollin May with the width of the track splitting the pair. At full speed it was a close call but once the replay came up it was a clear neck win for Ballet Steps. 

Everything that could have gone wrong for Ballet Steps did from the off and she did very well to overcome the adversity. She showed plenty of greeness early on but Danny gave her a fantastic ride, educating Ballet Steps all the while. It did take a bit of time to fins her feet but once the penny dropped, Ballet Steps quickened up smartly and finished powerfully. The manner in which she finished her race off signals talent but it looks as though she would get further in time and could be as effective over 6f. Ballet Steps will have learnt a lot from the experience and will come on for it so wherever she goes next she is an exciting filly for the future. 

It has been an upturn in the number of winners recently and there were no signs of slowing up with an across the card double at Ayr and Ripon. With the Ebor meeting just around the corner it is nice to see the horses in good form as Merlin’s Lady and Digital got off the mark, both in impressive fashion. 

Merlin’s Lady is a filly who was always going to receive attention when she made her debut. Purchased at Tattersalls Book 1, the daughter of Camelot has a couple of Group 2 winning siblings in the shape of Hunting Horn and David Livingston. With a pedigree like that she was always going to attract interest through the ring and it took a bid of £320,000 to secure her. 

Attractive and athletic, Merlin’s Lady was never going to be one hitting the track early on but she had shown all the right signs at home throughout her preparation. Having slowly come to hand, Kevin decided it was time to get some experience into the filly and planned a trip to Ayr for the 7f QTS British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies Novice Stakes. 

It was a trip that was sure to be the very minimum for the filly but she was ready to go and so she headed to Scotland to take on 8 rivals. Kevin Stott was booked to ride and settled the filly into stride form the off, as Merlin’s Lady was nicely away on her debut. Not forced early on she sat just behind the leaders, bang in the middle of the pack. With a very steady early pace set, Merlin’s Lady just tried to go on a stride quicker than Kevin wanted to. There was no big struggle and she quickly listened to her jockey to get into a nice rhythm. 

Thought the first half of the race it was a little messy with the gallop being a bit “stop/start”. This saw Merlin’s Lady edge closer rounding the bend and Kevin nudged her in between horses as they turned for home, straightening up for the run in. With the race set to warm up it was going to turn into a couple of furlongs sprint and this was not ideal for Kevin. Sensing his filly would finish the race well he began to work away, asking Merlin’s Lady to lengthen, keeping tabs on those in front. 

Entering the final 2f and the long time leader had the rest on the stretch, including Merlin’s Lady. Inexperience was certainly against the filly and it was up to Stott to help her along, educating the juvenile all the time. For half a furlong she saw her rivals just begin to inch away form her but the penny was slowly beginning to drop. Kevin changed his hands, cajoled and nursed the filly along and as the final furlong loomed he just asked a little bit more. Balanced and into stride he gave Merlin’s Lady a couple of flicks to get her moving forward and the filly responded. 

Every yard they covered the more Merlin’s Lady began to find. It was slowly but surely at first but she had the perfect teacher on board. As the pair latched on to the leader’s tails she was given a little test with 2 of her rivals coming close together. Kevin continued to get her moving forward and Merlin’s Lady decided that the gap was of no issue to her. Although there was enough space it can be a daunting prospect for debutantes but Merlin’s Lady popped her head through to challenge. Deep inside the final furlong and Kevin had got the filly almost into top gear. Drawing alongside the leader, Merlin’s Lady had around 100 yards to run but now she was in full flow. In a matter of strides she pulled clear and put the race to bed. Momentum had taken her to a length advantage and Stott was quick to ease the filly down, securing a winning debut by 3/4 length. 

There was nothing but positives to take from this performance and Merlin’s Lady certainly showed she was full of potential. She travelled nicely enough which was tough with the muddling pace that was in the race. There were signs of inexperience but once the penny began to drop, Merlin’s Lady lengthened nicely and hit the line well. It was always thought that she would want further and the way in which she finished the race would back that up. Kevin Stott gave the filly a fantastic ride, educating her and being very kind whilst ensuring she worked hard enough. Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum has been a key supporter in recent years and it looks like he has a nice prospect to look forward to. Merlin’s Lady will improve for the experience and should get better the further she goes. 

Although not a career first it was a first win of the season for Digital but certainly was not winning out of turn. The 3yr old had been steadily improving this season and arguably had the perfect opportunity in the 5f Titanium Racing Club Handicap at Ripon. 

Last year had seen Digital start his career in quite unfortunate circumstances. Three solid runs resulted in runner up finishes but they were to Group winners and performers. Off the mark on his fourth outing (beating another smart horse), Digital was then tasked with the sales races. Doncaster stretched him over the 6 1/2f trip before terrible ground at Redcar saw him round off his season with a below par effort. 

Starting this year with a mark of 81, it did seem as though he could be quite well handicapped if improving from last season. Digital started the year at Ayr, claiming another runner up spot on unfavourable quick ground. The next run at Haydock was a write off with sticky conditions proving against him when trying 6f once again. With something to prove the gelding headed to Glorious Goodwood with trip and conditions set to suit. Bouncing back to form he finished third in a very competitive 3yr old handicap. 

Digital has really been a model of consistency when things are in his favour. The only time he has ever finished outside the placings were over 6f and this was mixed with tough underfoot going. The declared for Ripon it did feel like he would be heading there with a favourites chance, especially as it is similar in nature to Goodwood. Only 6 were due to line up but with underfoot conditions being on the easy side, that number would diminish to 4. 

Tom Eaves is the only jockey Digital has had on board and the partnership remained intact. With even less runners lining up, the poor draw of 1 didn’t really make any difference now and it certainly didn’t as Digital flew from the stalls. Straight over to the stands rail, Digital showed blistering speed to lead the quartet. Although going great guns in front he got into a nice rhythm and was racing in Tom’s hands. He was never left alone on the front end and was kept honest from the very off as the field stormed through the first half of the race. 

In times past Digital may have tried to win the race before halfway, going a few strides too quick when sensing a rival. This was a far more mature performance and he utilised his natural speed whilst keeping more in reserve. All four were in contention passing the 2f marker and in a few strides they were lining up to challenge. Tom was waiting to really ask for everything from Digital but when Kraken Power loomed up on the outside, looking full of running, it was time to try and keep he advantage. 

Neck and neck entering the final furlong Digital did look like he may be a sitting duck but what he and Tom knew was there was plenty left in reserve. As they settled into a ding dong battle the advantage that had diminished to about a nose began to creep wider once more. As Digital eyeballed his rival he did shift over a little bit, getting a closer look, but he was starting to find more for pressure. Suddenly the race changed in completion once more and Digital started to power on, forcing his will on his rival and pulling out plenty more. The final 100 yards was all about Digital and he strode out to win by a comfortable 1 1/4 length margin, pulling away at the line. 

Despite the small field it was competitive and Digital was impressive. He showed blistering speed but was always doing just enough. This allowed him to test his rivals but when the challenges came he had more to give and he won with a bit in hand. The maturity he is now showing is important and that is really important to him reaching his full potential. Digital is very fast and seems to be getting quicker so the 5f is ideal and as long as the ground isn’t too quick he can be seen to full affect. Highclere Thoroughbred Racing have a lot to look forward to for the rest of the season and Digital will now be looking at a mark close to the 90’s. The Ebor meeting could be the next stop if not coming too soon. 

It can be quite daunting for juveniles when they begin their careers and it can take even the best a run or two to figure out what is required. Kentucky Rose fit this bill as she went from being very slowly away on debut to running a little too enthusiastic on her second outing. This experience did her good when she made her third start and won the 6f QTS Group EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes at Ayr. 

With only four declared for the novice contest, Kentucky Rose headed into the race to tackle a pair of newcomers and one rival who didn’t have the same level of form. It was quite hard to weigh up the chances of the quartet but with experience, Kentucky Rose had a big chance to get off the mark. Tom Eaves travelled to take the ride and kept everything very simple.

Bounced out from the stalls, the filly quickly took the lead and set about putting her experience to good use. There was no hanging about with the quartet in close quarters and Kentucky Rose led them on a decent early gallop. Despite having the best form, she wasn’t sent off favourite, that was newcomer Bitcoin Ranger who need bustling along to keep up with Kentucky Rose. 

Tom allowed his filly to stride on through the first half of the race and already the four had split into two pairs as the pace began to show. Kentucky Rose was never left alone in front but quickly bared down on the 2f marker where Tom continued with his positive ride. For a few strides the lead changed hand  but once Tom shook the reins, Kentucky Rose changed her lead and started to lengthen. It took a little time for the filly to really find her stride but it was her rival who came under stronger pressure first. 

Entering the final furlong Kentucky Rose had taken the lead back once more and was now hitting top gear. Her inexperienced pursuer just couldn’t match her and the lead stretched to a length and was only going to get bigger. Tom wanted to keep his filly up to her work, again giving some education and it was needed. Kentucky Rose petered out for a few strides but once her jockey changed his hands she went once more. The 1 1/2 lengths quickly grew again and doubled in size. Striding out Kentucky Rose kicked clear to give Tom enough time to have a look at the big screen and ease down towards the finish. 

There wasn’t too much to beat in the race but Kentucky Rose could only do what she did and in the end it was an impressive first win. She travelled well and did quicken up when asked. There were certainly still signs of greeness, late on where she could possibly have done with some help. She is taking the right steps with each run and should continue on an upward curve. Plans will now come down to what the handicapper has to say as Kentucky Rose is eligible for a handicap mark. 

Frustrating sums up Rathbone in one word. Works great, runs well but inconsistent and disappoints on the occasions where everything is in his favour. If you had asked connections at the start of last year what they would envisage for Rathbone you could almost guarantee Royal Ascot, York, Ayr and all the other big meeting would have come out. Unfortunately the win didn’t come but Rathbone broke his losing streak when making all in the 6f Sky Bet Request A Bet Handicap at Thirsk. 

It has been incredibly frustrating over the past 18 months. Some of Rathbone’s form is high quality, running future Group 1 winner Glen Shiel close on a couple occasions. Those type of runs have been followed up by no shows. Headgear has been used, it worked and then next time out there was very minimal effort. Multiple jockeys have had a go and differing grounds/surfaces tried. This year started in the same manner but a couple of runs ago, at Thirsk, Rathbone showed a little more life. Chester over 7f was next and again he travelled so well before just finding it too far. These two runs certainly had connections looking forward but there was trepidation, something that has been taught by following the son of Foxwedge. 

Megan Nicholls had almost unlocked the puzzle last year when partnering Rathbone, with the pair just getting touched off at Ascot. Now lining up against 7 rivals and with blinkers back on, Megan was given no instructions and it was all left in her hands. After the race Megan had said Rathbone gave her such a feel going to post that there was only one thing in mind, which turned out to be a masterstroke. 

Despite Megan having a plan in her head it could all change as the stalls opened. Actually it turned out to be perfect as non of her rivals wanted to go on. Rathbone was into his stride and quickly took up front running. Holding a lead of 3/4 length, Rathbone led down the centre of the track and looked to be happy with daylight in front. 

Through the first half of the race Rathbone looked to have it easy enough but his rivals were not going to keep it that way. They gave the leader a squeeze at the 3f pole which injected a bit more tempo into the contest. Feeling their presence, Rathbone quickened up and their move actually got the leader a little more fired up. Megan still had her mount in her hands but allowed him to lengthen and they edged into a larger 1 1/4 length advantage. His rivals move had backfired and kept Rathbone honest in front which he reacted to perfectly. 

One by one the runners came under pressure and moving into the final 2f, Rathbone was the only one travelling on the bridle. They couldn’t bridge the gap yet and Megan begun to turn the screw. Squeezing a little more with each stride they continued to hold their advantage but doing so with far more ease than their rivals. Megan was going to try and play her hand late and the lead was cut down to just under a length with the final furlong baring down on them. The difference was that Rathbone had yet to exert himself where as his rivals had made their challenge. Full of running Megan asked him to go and win the race, which Rathbone did so quickly opening up once again passing the 1f marker. He was kept up to his work but Rathbone was not throwing the towel in. The final furlong was just a question of how far. Striding clear he won with ease and earned a 2 1/4 length win but with plenty left in the tank. 

There was no arguments with this performance and it was fantastic to see Rathbone get his head in front once again. He travelled smoothly and then quickened when asked. Megan gave him a great ride, full of confidence and deserves a huge amount of credit for unlocking the key to success. Rathbone is a very talented horse and hopefully this could be the confidence boost that he needed. The winning margin is a little irrelevant here as he had a lot left in the tank and if they come to him he had plenty more to give. Rathbone is horse capable of mixing it with the very top handicappers and hopefully he can get to that level with this spurring him on. Could he get to Ayr, well you would certainly think so but what cup will it be for. 

Promise and a nice introduction is the perfect start for 2yr olds and that can be from winning on debut to finishing unplaced. It is important for the juveniles to have an enjoyable first day out and something they can build on. Aleezdancer did just that as he stepped up on his debut fourth to run away with 5f Racing TV Novice Stakes at Beverley. 

The son of Fast Company was gelded before his first ever run, something just to help settle him down. It was something that worked very well for him and Aleezdancer relaxed into his work and therefore came to hand early enough. Kevin always felt that the geld would get further than the bare 5f but he was ready to run and had to make his debut. Opting for Beverley due to it’s stiffer test, Aleezdancer ran green early on before the penny dropping in the final furlong. Finishing powerfully, Aleezdancer ran on to finish fourth and catch many people’s eye. 

Having felt that the gelding may want further, Kevin had given him a chance at Beverley and would return to the Yorkshire track just 3 weeks later. Aleezdancer headed back with experience under the belt but would be faced with differing conditions. Recent weather turned the ground soft and Aleezdancer was lumbered with the widest draw of all the 12 runners. Conditions should suit but the draw was not kind and Kevin Stott, taking the ride, would need to earn his riding fee from the off. 

Jumping slightly left from the stalls wasn’t the ideal start but Kevin quickly adjusted his bearings and tracked over with the rest. Aleezdancer used his experience as he quickly made up for the tardy start and was into his stride to chase the early leaders, sat just in behind them. There looked to be a good pace through the first couple of furlongs but Aleezdancer was actually just fighting for his head, looking like he wanted to stride on. He did relax and listened to Kevin, racing on the outside of the field. 

The field charged through the first half of the race but were quickly racing for home. The pressure was telling as they entered the home straight and the majority of the field got racing a long way out. Aleezdancer was travelling sweetly down towards the centre of the track and Kevin was motionless on the gelding. Moving inside the final 2f if the race was frozen there looked to be only one winner. Whilst his rivals were struggling away, Aleezdancer powered through the ground and came through to challenge with ease. 

Kevin waited and waited and waited. With Aleezdancer cantering into the lead it wasn’t until the ground started to rise, around 1 1/2f from home, that Kevin asked his mount to go. Lengthening and quickening up, Aleezdancer moved away from his rivals. Only one other could go with him but it was to no avail as Aleezdancer hadn’t even moved into top gear yet. Kevin asked him to really put the race to bed inside the final furlong and the lead suddenly burst wide open, going from around 1 length to as far as he liked. Aleezdancer powered through the group, up the stiff finish and was just putting daylight between himself and his rivals. Bolting up, the gelding won by 6 1/2 lengths and it was a number that could have been whatever he wanted.

It was a very impressive performance form Aleezdancer and he really took a step forward from his debut. The easier ground looked to be more to his liking and he travelled unbelievably well. When Kevin asked the gelding to quicken he did just that and was galloping all the way through the line. Whether he steps up in trip next time out will all depend on options but 6f certainly looks likely to be his trip. Although they have enjoyed winners in syndicates, John and Allison Matthews were gaining their first success in their own colours. It is always special and it was fantastic to deliver for them, as well as Kevin’s old boss Mr and Mrs Berry who own half. Where Aleezdancer goes next will be interesting but he is certainly on the right tracks after this win. 

Being the first 2yo runner last year it seemed as though Sound Reason could be in for a fun season. After a promising start to his career connections and to be patient. The waiting game paid off with a novice win in February but Sound Reason backed that up with another win on his first run on turf, taking the 5f Beverley Annual Badgeholders Handicap. 

Hot Streak was a crack sprinter for the team and now a stallion at Tweenhills Stud. Obviously Kevin was keen to capture some of his progeny. Unfortunately he hasn’t really hit the heights yet as a stallion but he has certainly produced some sharp sprinters. Sound Reason was always big, powerful colt form the moment he arrived at Hambleton Lodge. Unfortunately following his debut run he just couldn’t quite carry that strong frame and so time was given to allow him to mature and strengthen up. 

Thankfully the patience was to pay off, almost immediately. Returning at the start of 2021, Sound Reason finished 2nd on the all-weather. With such a long time off it was a nice return and he was bound to come on for that run. He certainly did and took advantage of a small field novice at Newcastle to gain his first career win. 

Three runs to date had all been over the 5f but all were at Newcastle which is a galloping track. There were plenty of options around for the chestnut but the stiff 5f at Beverley looked the most suitable and so he lined up in the competitive handicap. With 14 declared for the contest it was a full field and quite an interesting contest. Sound Reason looked the least exposed whilst some of his rivals were recent winners but of a lower handicap rating than himself. Kevin Stott was in the saddle and was lumbered with a poor draw of 13 to overcome. 

Jumping well Kevin decided to take the simple route. Staying almost straight from his wide draw he raced closer to the stands side rail through the early stages. Sound Reason was quickly into stride and up with the early pace but would only have one rival for company, which was the only horse drawn wider than himself. Seeing Kevin stick to his draw, his colleagues were quite sure where to position themselves and the field were spread wide across the track. 

Charging through the first 2 furlongs where they gallop past the round course, Sound Reason held the overall lead. This saw the field shift even closer to the gelding and away from the far rail. Kevin had dictated the race and had dirt on his terms thanks to his positivity. As they moved to the halfway stage Sound Reason began to stretch out and this started to creates breaks in the pack. 

Sound Reason took Kevin along as he was still on the bridle coming into the final 2f. It was at this point that Kevin started to work and wind up his mount. Sound Reason put his head down and was finding for pressure but couldn’t get a clear break to his rivals. There was still plenty of racing left with the stiff finish to come but Sound Reason was finding for pressure. 

Inside the final furlong the chestnut had finally managed to repel those  in closest pursuit as they cracked under the pressure. Sound Reason was continuing to find more in front but there was one rival finishing. From out of the pack Memo was finished late and fast. Although Sound Reason wasn’t stopping Kevin knew he had to keep him up his work, just incase his rival caught him by surprise. Fortunately he had a very willing  partner and Sound Reason was not going to be denied. Not stoping and galloping all the way to line, Sound Reason had enough to repel the late flourish and he held on to win by a head. 

Both horse and jockey deserve a lot of credit for this performance. Kevin was positive and kept it simple but Sound Reason was very brave and did it the hard way. He showed great speed but stayed on well in the latter stages. It looked as though he was always doing enough and may well have appreciated a little more help for longer. Sound Reason is a horse on the upgrade and looks like he will get 6f at some stage. It will interesting to see what happens to his mark from here but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him continue with this good form. 

Surely it was a case of when not if Bergerac could get his head in front and earn his first career win. Some solid place efforts at two were followed by a runner up spot when he returned this year as a 3yr old. Well Bergerac earned his first career win on his next run in devastating fashion, taking the 6f Tuffa Boots Supports The National Horseracing College Handicap at Pontefract. 

Starting his career at Hamilton, Bergerac showed promise on his first two runs, both at the Scottish track. After a third placed effort on debut he went one better next time out. With the shortened season last year handicap marks could be given after two runs. His pair of placed efforts earn an opening mark of 77. With owners Angie Bailey and Peter Tingey lovers of York, Bergerac headed there for a nursery which again saw him fill the runner up spot. Unfortunately his final run was the only one where he was below par and he was finished until 2021. 

Bergerac did well over the winter, having been gelded he thrived and strengthened up. Coming to hand early on in the year, Bergerac had to try the all-weather for his first run. Back to form he once again put in a solid effort and gained another runner up finish. It was a really pleasing return but it was about time for the gelding to be the first past the post. 

Back to his original mark of 77, Bergerac headed to Pontefract to tackle the 0-75 contest. It would mean that the 3yr old would be lumbered with top weight but it this means that he was realistically the best horse in the field. Lining up against 7 rivals Kevin Stott partnered the gelding for the first time. The entire pre race revolved around Bergerac with the son of Kodi Bear backed into 5/4 clear fav. 

There was no messing about  from the off as Stott kicked his mount out of the gates and straight towards the front. It was a dash for the lead and his colleagues quickly realised what Kevin’s intentions were. Only one rival went with him and it was a horse that Bergerac had finished 2nd to at York last year, Julie Johnston. Settling down Bergerac was just on the girths of the leader as the pace was strong, taking the field through the first furlong. 

The strong gallop saw the field well stretched out as they charged through the first couple of furlongs and headed down towards the left handed bend. With the leader continuing to kick on Kevin decided to keep tabs and chased the pace throughout the contest. As the front two begun to swing left they caught the rest of the field on their heels. Trying to play catch up they were under pressure to close the gap. It was actually Bergerac’s stable mate Tiny Danser who was the closest pursuer and the only on who was within striking distance. 

Kevin had the rail and slipped up the inside of the leader with 2 1/2f to go and his rival paid for forcing the pace, weakening away. With the rest hard at work Kevin was still quiet and Bergerac took the lead with ease. Swinging into the home straight Kevin used the momentum and started to wind his mount up. Bergerac squeezed out a bit more and had a clear length advantage inside 2f. His stable mate was chasing him through and now Kevin asked Bergerac to go and put the race to bed. Initially he started to lengthen and opened up his advantage to 2/3 lengths. The final furlong was his lap of honour as Tiny Danser was in second, pulling clear herself but not catching her stable mate. With the ground rising Bergerac really thrived up the hill and stretched further clear. In the clear and galloping all the way to the line the win was secure but the distance was the only thing left. Impressively Bergerac opened up a clear 6 length advantage to bolt up for his first career win. 

It couldn’t have been any easier for Bergerac and he impressed in the way he went through the race. The pace was strong throughout which he handled but could then quicken up in the latter stages. Bergerac looked the best horse in the field and he proved it with the decisive fashion of victory. Distance and performance will certainly have announced Bergerac to the handicapper and he will surely be looking at a big hike. There would have been no stopping him on this day so a handicap change is well deserved and could lead the 3yr old to some bigger handicaps now, maybe getting connections excited about heading to York.