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.

Heritage Handicaps offer some great prize money and prestige to those horses just below pattern company. Many do take the step up to that level which therefore means that they are some of the most competitive races in the calendar. Volterra routed a smart field when he ran away with the 7f BetMGM Challenge Cup at Ascot.

The season couldn’t have started any better for the 3yo colt as he made a winning return at the Craven meeting. Off a mark of 82, Volterra made a mockery of his mark to win by 2 3/4 lengths despite racing quite free throughout the race. This win was eye catching for all and he would be sent off favourite for the Britannia at the Royal meeting. Again he raced with enthusiasm but he did seem to be drawn unfavourably, winning his group but having no impact. Changes in tactics next time out, at Newmarket, really didn’t suit but there was no faith lost in him.

Sticking with his own age group, Volterra showed his true colours at the Ebor meeting. Trying to make all he had the race won, everywhere bar the line, finishing runner up in the final few strides. With few options following that race it was decided to aim for the bigger target at Ascot, where he would be tackling 7f for the first time this season.

Horrible weather had forced the ground team to do plenty of work at Ascot and by race day the ground was soft but had improved throughout the week. Shane Gray was taking the ride as 18 runners lined up for the £180,000 contest. Bouncing out and showing his usual enthusiasm, Volterra took the lead immediately. The rest of the field soon tracked over to follow and as Shane dropped his hands, the 18 runners were soon well spread out.

Despite showing great enthusiasm, and setting a strong gallop, Volterra was always racing in Shane’s hands. With Shane dictating, the field raced slightly towards the far side as they charged through the first half of the race. Always holding a length advantage, Volterra took the field down past 3f as they began to shuffle into position behind him. The pace had never let up and with the leader still travelling nicely, one or two began to work away to close the gap.

Shane had not moved and was waiting to throw down his final assault on the race. More challengers had moved through to press the lead and it was at the 2f pole where Shane got to work. Changing his hands a few time, Volterra was asked to quicken which he set about doing. He maintained his advantage, keeping the lead and starting the move through the gears.

As they headed towards the final furlong, the race was blown apart. Now Volterra hit his stride and suddenly kicked clear. With stamina proven over a mile, there would have to be a serious run from a rival to reel Volterra in. There was never a moment of doubt as Volterra just poured it on, going further and further clear. Shane could check the big screen to view any dangers and it must have been a good sight. With daylight to the rest, Shane was able to ease down and still secure the win by an impressive 3 1/4 lengths.

This was impressive in so many ways. It is always hard to cut out the running but more so in an ultra competitive handicap. To then quicken off a strong gallop and continue through the line showed all of Volterra’s class. Winning off 94 will likely see his handicap mark raised into the 100’s and so pattern company could well be in line next year. Volterra holds an entry in the Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day so this may well be an option next.

All-weather racing becomes more prominent at this stage of the year which certainly gives more options as the weather begins to turn. Montana Girl was making her first start in handicap company when she reverted to the artificial surface and made all to take the 5f Download The Raceday Ready App Nursery Handicap at Southwell.

Having made three starts on the turf, Montana Girl had become eligible for a handicap mark. The 61 assigned to her looked very fair as she had shown enough to be utilising this. Taking on 13 rivals, with Tom eaves on board, Montana Girl looked to take control of the race from the off.

Jumping well, she was immediately to the fore and led from he start. Being drawn in stall 7, Montana Girl led down the centre of the tracks as Tom allowed the film to stride on. There was no hanging about and as she was pressed for the lead, Montana Girl set a strong gallop in front. As they passed the first couple of furlongs the leading pair had a clear lead and the field strung out.

As they moved past halfway, Montana Girl just moved away from her nearest pursuer as Tom began to wind her up from the front. In behind there was plenty of animated jockeys trying to close the gap on the leader. Moving inside the 2f pole, Montana Girl did look under pressure with her rival travelling well to her left hand side. For a second it looked as though she may have been headed but Tom was finding his filly responding to pressure.

The front two remained the same as they entered the final furling but it was Montana Girl who looked the stronger of the pair. As her challenger changed, the filly continued to find more. Digging deep, Montana Girl kicked away once again, feeling the rival on her girths and opening up a clear lead once more. Finishing the strongest, she secured her first win by a comfortable 1 length, doing it the hard way.

Owner Bearstone Stud are also the breeders of Montana Girl so it is always important to get a win for their fillies, maintaining their pedigrees and also giving them a potential future in the breeding shed themselves. Montana Girl showed great speed and a very likeable attitude which suggest that there could be more to come from her.

New trip and an immediate upturn in fortunes for Barnaby. The 3yo gelding had been running ok in recent races, finishing off strongly and suggesting a step up in trip may be in order. Unfortunately the ground has turned and Barnaby had to wait but it was worth it. Reverting to the Tapeta of Newcastle, Barnaby took the Quinnbet Second To The SP Favourite Handicap over 7f.

Soldier’s Call was a real speedster in his racing days and certainly looked to have passed on the sprinting genes to Barnaby in terms of looks. As it turned out, the 3yo sin’t quite as sharp and having stayed on late in his last few races, stepped up to 7f to try and gain maiden success. There were 13 going to post for the contest and Tom Eaves was in the saddle.

Settled immediately after leaving the stalls, Barnaby drifted over from his draw on the far side. It was an even pace which allowed Tom to track over and race in midfield, as the field raced more towards the near side. Racing just in behind the pace, Barnaby got into a smooth rhythm through the early stages.

Well strung out, the field arced through the first half with a good distance from the leader to the back marker. Tom had plenty of daylight positioned on the outer of the field which gave Barnaby a clear look when the time was right. The long time leader quickly weakened as they passed the 2f marker as the tempo increased. Barnaby cruised to the fore and Tom had to check his wing mirrors to see what his rivals were doing.

Under pressure, the rest of the finishers were battling between themselves but Tom was taking a pull. Barnaby was full of running as he held the lead and as the final furlong loomed, Tom just asked his mount to move up the gears. Barnaby quickened up and passing the 1f marker, kicked clear. The race was over, there was no stopping the gelding as he opened up a clear advantage. Seeing out every yard of the 7f, Barnaby took the contest by a cosy 1 3/4 lengths.

It was nice to see the 3yo get his head in front and in the manner in which he did. The 7f proved to be no issue at all and Barnaby was strong at the line. There are plenty of races on the all-weather at this level and it would be no surprise to see the gelding out again before too long. Hopefully this can provide the building blocks to go on from here.

Autumn is upon us and we are heading into the final stages of the flat season. Although it is the latter part there are still some juveniles who have only just set out on their racing journey. Thecla made her debut last month and on her third attempt, she earned her first win when taking the 6f Indgio Unified Comms EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes at Hamilton.

The daughter of Acclamation had shown promise on her first two career runs, suggesting that a win was around the corner. Starting on the all-weather at Southwell, Thecla raced over the minimum trip, staying on well towards the end of the race. This saw her step up to 6f for the next run at Carlisle where she took a big step forward, showing good speed, travelling well before just getting headed late on to finish runner up.

Heading up to Hamilton, Thecla was set to take on just 3 rivals with the field being cut by two non-runners. She would be sent off the 11/10 favourite and the four runner contest looked to be between the two market leaders. Tom Eaves was taking the ride and looked to keep the job simple from the off.

Jumping awkwardly to the right, Thecla was quickly adjusted and into her stride. Tom let the filly stride on and she took the lead, spearheading the quartet. Again she showed bright speed as they raced downhill and had just over a length lead. Kept honest by her market rival, Thecla took the field through the first half of the race at a speed of 39mph.

The pace was fairly strong throughout, especially with the ground softened by recent weather. Thecla was always going well in front and moving past the 2f marker she started to stretch her rivals. Tom was still sitting still in the saddle whilst his colleagues began to work away. The lead grew but Thecla still had to finish up the rising ground.

Entering the final furlong the ground begins to rise up and now Tom looked to secure his advantage. Thecla responded and kicked for home, holding a couple of lengths lead. Looking to put the race to bed the filly lengthened and kicked on. Tom was keeping his mount up to her work and whilst the lead was reduced in the final 100 yards, Thecla had done enough throughout the contest to repel her rival, securing a neck victory.

Thecla has shown a very honest attitude in her runs and did everything right here to gain a first win. She showed good speed and did have to dig deep to repel her rival. Although the gap was diminished, the work she had done beforehand really secured the win. Thecla will now gain a handicap mark and could well head into nursery company after this win. Her running style and natural speed suggest that she could be just as adept at 5f as 6f which leaves plenty of options open to build on this win.

It can take time for horses to really find their feet and this can be for a variety of reasons. Finding the right trip can be a process that takes time, but it can be the defining factor. Ribble River thrived over a stamina test last time out when gaining his first success and he did so once again when going up a furlong to secure the 1m4f Hampton By Hilton Hamilton Park Handicap at Hamilton.

Ribble River had shown ability as a juvenile but always looked the type to do better with another year on his back. After his three runs in Novice/Maiden company, an opening mark of 60 looked very fair. There were a couple of ok runs over 7f and 1m but it was when he stepped up to 10f that Ribble River really looked like a winner waiting. Despite hanging and proving a handful, he ran well to finish third and prompt a step up in trip once again. Now getting into the middle distances, Ribble River got off the mark with a cosy success over 1m3f, really doing his best work late.

For the fourth time in a row, Ribble River would be stepping up in trip with the 3yo set to take on 1m4f for the first time. The rain softened ground would be no issue and Tom Eves was reunited with the gelding. It was a competitive looking contest as 10 runners headed to post. At Hamilton the field need to race up to straight before entering the loop, quite a quirky way to race over 1m4f. As the field galloped away they stayed quite well abreast of each other until they join the loop. Now the rail goes from being on the left to the right and it is here where the jockeys settles into their positions. Tom tucked in just behind the pace, sitting around fourth as they galloped around the loop.

It was a fair tempo set and the field were well bunched up as they swung right handed and towards the top of the straight. As they hit the straight the leaders shunned the far side rail and took the field towards the centre of the track. Ribble River was closer to the stands side as he continued to track the pace.

The handicapper would have been very pleased with himself as the field raced down past the 3f. There were 5 or 6 of the field spread across the track vying for the lead. Tom had let his mount slide through the join in and was looking dangerous as the finish began to loom. Although Tom was starting to work away his mount still looked to be full of running, so too were plenty of his rivals.

Between the 2f pole and the 1f pole, the race changed and it was Ribble River and the favourite who started to get on top. Entering the final furlong the pair started to pull each other along and they were pulling away from the rest. As they hi the rising ground the front two were neck and neck, battling hard. Ribble River just edged into the lead with 100 yards to run and looked to just hold the advantage. Unfortunately he was up against a tough adversary who wouldn’t back down and found a little bit more. The pair battled to the line and flashed past the line together. Whilst it was close and a photo called, Ribble River looked to have done enough, which was quickly confirmed.

It was great to see Ribble River back up his win with another one and he is thriving for the stiffer stamina tests. On both his wins the latter stages were his best and this does suggest that he may even get a touch further. With he ground proving to be no issue, there could be more to come from the 3yo this autumn but he could go on again next year.

As the season heads into the final weeks plenty of juveniles have enjoyed a full campaign and no longer seen as novices. Many would have their handicap marks but there are still plenty of options with maidens and novice races. American Style has enjoyed a good season and gained a much deserved first career win when running away with the 5f Hatfields Range Rover Sport SV One Performance EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes at Beverley.

With a handicap mark of 78, American Style had shown a good level of form throughout the season, finishing runner up on three occasions. Sometimes that can be seen as a negative but not this time, he had just bumped into a few nice 2yo’s. Last time out he tackled the big sales race at York and after showing a lot of speed, the decision was made to return to 5f next time out.

American Style lined up against 8 rivals but took the best form into the race, which was shown by his 5/4 fav odds. Tom Eaves was in the saddle and kept the job simple, utilising a good draw and the best horse. Despite dropping in trip, American Style showed bright speed and took control of the race immediately after leaving the stalls.

Very few got into the race as the chestnut blazed a trail in front. Although Tom allowed his mount to go on, and set a strong gallop, they were never doing too much. American Style headed down to the 2f pole with many of the field in trouble, unable to pick up and get involved. Whilst the 2 market rivals were the closest pursuers, they could never get American Style under any pressure. The lead was close but Tom didn’t have to move a muscle until they hit the rising ground. Once Tom asked the question, the gelding quickened off the front and put the race to bed. The race was over a long way from home but the final furlong was about the the winning margin. Staying on well, American Style opened up a 2 length advantage, to earn a cosy first career win.

This was an impressive display from American Style, which was suggested by the form pre race. American Style has got quicker throughout the season and the 5f saw the 2yo utilise his speed whilst being able to finish off that pace. He has the size to continue his progress as a 3yo but there may be another opportunity before this season finishes, hopefully adding another win to the tally.

Flexibility is important in this sport as horses can develop at different rates, meaning that trips or tactics may have to be changed. Venture Capital has been a slow burner from day one but now he is getting bigger, stronger and, most importantly, faster. The 3yo took his career to a new high when he dominated the 5f Pertemps Network Handicap at Doncaster.

Venture Capital won twice on the all-weather over 7f, which showed great promise for the turf season. The handicap mark of 85 could be harsh or fair depending on how the 3yo progressed from the winter. Racing over 7f and a mile for the first few starts, Venture Capital couldn’t quite get involved in his races but was running well. There was a sense that dropping to sprinting may be the key and this immediately payed off as Venture Capital won over 6f and then finished second at the Shergar Cup meeting.

Surprisingly, at Ascot, Venture Capital had shown even more speed which would prompt the drop to 5f. At the start of the season this certainly didn’t look like an option but he went into the Doncaster race as a leading contender. Shane Gray has struck up a great relationship with eh 3yo and maintain it here. Having shown good speed over 6f, Venture Capital looked even quicker again as he was to the fore in this race, upsides some very fast horses. Shane left his mount alone and allowed the 3yo to stride on, chasing a strong gallop.

The field had split into two groups but Venture Capital led just three runners towards the far side. The entire field were quickly racing through the first half of the race and there was no let up from the front runners. Although the ground was described as good it looked to be softer as the footprints were clear to see on the turf.

Shane started to work moving past the 2f marker and Venture Capital quickly kicked into a clear advantage. Although the lead was a clear one, there was still a long ay to run but Venture Capital did have form over 6f so could his stamina prove a valuable asset. The chasing pack were trying hard to close the gap and they did edge ever closer to the lead as they bared down upon the final furlong. Shane was working in the saddle but he never had to go all guns blazing as he had a very willing partner beneath him. The lead had been cut but Venture Capital had more in the tank, changed his legs and went on again. Race done, within in two strides he had shot clear. Venture Capital secured the win in impressive style, taking the 5f event by 2 lengths.

Venture Capital has gone from strength to strength this year and has really stamped himself as a sprinter to follow now. Shane was impressed with the performance and felt there was more in reserve if it was needed. Winning off 86 in this fashion will see Venture Capital likely break through to the 90’s and maybe a little more. There are a few options left and whatever race he heads to next will require another step forward. Whatever happens, Venture Capital is a sprinter to keep an eye on.

This time last it didn’t feel like Game Management would have to wait too long before getting his head in front. Unfortunately it has taken time and a little help from the handicapper for him to gain that first win. In doing so, Game Management showed a greta attitude to take the 1m Get The Inside Track With Raceday-ready.com Handicap at Newcastle.

Having shown promise as a juvenile, it was viewed that Game Management would be a better 3yo. That was suggested in his pedigree and certainly matched with his physique. There are no guarantees with horses and the 3yo seemed to regress with each run. One final thing was tried with a small wind procedure following his last run.

Back on the track following this op, Game Management took on 14 runners with Oisin McSweeney booked to ride. Bouncing out of the stalls, Game Management was immediately to the fore and led the field, racing towards the near side. His rivals look to take a lead and therefore the field race as a bunch, closer to the stands side rail.

Oisin set a nice gallop in front and his mount looked to be enjoying himself out in front. Game Management has always been a good moving horse and he could utilise this stride on the Tapetea surface. They raced through the first half and Game Management really looked to be enjoying himself. The field were well bunched together as they headed towards the final 3f.

Oisin began to niggle away to try and get his mount lengthening before kicking for home. One by one his colleagues were doing likewise but Game Management maintained his lead. Looking to the far side his nearest rival had come through to narrow the gap, travelling hard on the bridle. Passing the 2f marker, Oisin got to work, trying to get a break on the rest. Whilst he was working hard, there was no clear advantage being distinguished.

The long time lead was lost to the smooth travelling rival who was still travelling sweetly. Oisin was getting a tune out of Game Management who was working hard but seemingly fighting it out for second. Headed inside the final furlong, the inevitable the turned to hope as Game Management was clawing back his deficit. The front two were pulling away from the rest and settled into a titanic tussle. With every stride Game Management was reeling in the leader but as the two flashed past the line nobody could tell who the winner was. Thankfully the photographer was called in favour of Game Management, earning his first career win.

Game Management has not been the most straight forward throughout this season but he really showed a great attitude here. Having led throughout much of the contest, he then had to overcome adversity when headed late on. Now he has his head in front it may provide confidence to go and do so again.

When you get a horse thriving and continually improving through the ranks it can spark a real sense of excitement. You are always looking to where they could reach and when the ceiling may be reached. Sergeant Wilko has racked up 3 wins out of four but improved that record once again when he added the 6f William Hill First Race Special Today Handicap at Goodwood.

The powerful 3yo has really stepped up this year and improved hand over fist throughout the season. He was always a horse whoo looked to have bags of potential, shown by some of the tasks he was set last year as a juvenile. With a winter on his back, Sergeant Wilko really fills out into his frame and this maturity has seen him become a really nice sprinter. Having won 3 times against his own age, including one of the top 3yo handicaps last time at Newmarket, Sergeant Wilko was to tackle his elders for the first time.

Oisin Murphy continued his partnership with the colt as the pair started favourite for the 7 runner contest. Running off a career high, Sergeant Wilko would need to take another step forward. Looking to control the race, the 3yo went to his usual prominent racing style. Racing along the near side rail, Sergeant Wilko led the field and set a nice gallop to chase along. The field were happy to take the lead given to them and they quickly headed through the first half of the race.

With Goodwood’s sharp nature, they were racing around the 40mph as they moved between eh 3f and 2f poles. Sergeant Wilko had a nice advantage and Oisin would try to use this as he began to niggle his mount, looking for him to kick off the front. One of the first to commit, Sergeant Wilko started to wind up and his move had the rest reacting likewise. The field were racing from the 2f marker and most of the field still held a chance coming into the business end.

Oisin had laid out his hand first of all but as they entered the final furlong, he looked like the jockey who had more underneath him. It didn’t look like he was asking for everything just yet. The lead shrunk and now it was time to dig deep and go for everything. Sergeant Wilko looks like he is just doing enough but once he fell the pressure of a rival, the colt finds some more. Now eye to eye with a serious challenge, Sergeant Wilko found some more and the pair began to pull away from the rest. It was neck and neck as they charged towards the line but as they flashed past the post, it was Sergeant Wilko who had done enough, securing the win by a neck.

Sergeant Wilko has really improved with every race this year and the 3yo looks like a nice sprinter for the future. He will be getting another rise in the ratings which will see him having to step up to the top heritage handicaps. Sergeant Wilko is not only a quality horse but he has the tenacious attitude that should help him in the big races. The Ayr Gold Cup will likely be the next stop for the 3yo, and whilst it is tough for that age group, Sergeant Wilko will certainly be a fixture in those races next year.