The season is now well under way and the big meetings are coming up thick and fast. With all the good racing around, the classic trials continue which led into the first meeting of the year at York. The 3 day Dante festival is one that all Yorkshire trainers look forward to and Aleezdancer gave the team a great start to the meeting by taking the 6f Churchill Tyres Handicap on the opening day.

Aleezdancer has proven to be a solid sprinter through the last couple of seasons but had been unfortunate in some of the bigger sprints. Either the draw of ground conditions would go against him and he could never quite capture a big one. He returned to action this season with a good third before finding the ground too quick down at Newmarket. It was the same route he took last year, which meant that York was the next port of call.

Although never questioning his attitude, Kevin did feel that Aleezdancer may just be getting a little cute in his races now. Temperatures had been in the early 20’s leading up to the meeting but some strong rain showers seemed like it may have taken the sting out of the ground. Kevin thought hard about withdrawing in the morning, but patience proved key as the jockeys reported the ground to be on the easy side following the first race.

Neil Callan has been a regular partner for Aleezdancer and was in the saddle. As expected there was a strong pace from the outset which allowed Aleezdancer to settle towards the rear off the field through the early stages. Having been carried right from the start, he was probably a little further back than ideal but Callan played the hand he was dealt. With plenty of pace on the filed blasted through the first couple of furlongs.

With no let up from the leaders, the field were past halfway and getting racing. The jockeys were trying to get their mounts into a challenging position as the veteran Dakota Gold travelled powerfully in front. Callan wasn’t working yet but he was trying to look for a clear line of sight to go through with his challenge. Moving to his right there was a wall of horses, causing Neil to check his run and manoeuvre for another angle.

Passing the 2f pole, Aleezdancer found himself moving up through the field but then hit another blockage. Neil sat up pin the saddle, checking his run once more and had to suffer for a good number of strides. In front the leader continued to turn it on and kicked clear of the field. As they charged into the final furlong, daylight appeared for Aleezdancer and now Callan could get into his full drive. Once the gap appeared, the 5yo quickened up and burst between rivals to give chase. Sowing that he was full of running, Aleezdancer passed rivals comfortably to move through and had eyes on the leader. With the wind in his sails, Aleezdancer mowed down the long time leader and passed him with 11o yards to run. Sweeping to the lead he then pulled clear and took the 6f handicap by a cosy 1 1/2 lengths.

This is Aleezdancer’s biggest win to date and sets up the season ahead for the top sprint handicaps. He loves some cut in the ground but the first time blinkers did the job here. Aleezdancer contested all the big ones last year and that will be the plan once again this season. If conditions land in his favour, as well as a bit of luck. Aleezdancer could add another nice pot to his CV.

It seems as though all of racing have been sat waiting for the weather to brighten up. Since the sun began to peak out from behind the clouds, Kevin has been able to get his juveniles son to the track. With one winner already in the books, End Of Story made a winning debut when he took the 5f Join Our Free Bet Club At Vickers.Bet Restricted Maiden Stakes at Thirsk.

In the past couple of years, Kevin has found some success with the progeny of Bungleinthejungle. Proving to be fast and powerful youngsters, the yard has seen more and more of his offspring arriving. End Of Story was purchased from the Book 2 sale at Goffs Orby and early on showed that he should be a sharp, early type.

Despite coming to hand early on, the recent ground conditions meant that Kevin just wanted to wait with his 2yo team. It was a frustrating as there were a handful ready to go but watching many of the juveniles events, they looked testing races. End Of Story had done everything right at home and headed to a busy Thirsk Hunt Cup meeting for his debut.

Kevin Stott was booked for the ride and after showing a very professional attitude throughout the pre-lims, End Of Story would continue that through the race. Jumping smartly, End Of Story was quick into his stride and immediately moved to the front. It was great start, ensuring that he wasn’t stuck out on a wing from his draw of stall 2. Pressing the leader, End Of Story shows bright speed through the early stages.

The pace of the race would take a toll early on some of the field, showing distinct signs of greeness. End Of Story travelled well throughout the contest and moving past halfway he looked to be travelling the best of all. Kevin loosen the reins moving into the final 2f and his mount responded, overtaking the leader and kicking for home. Having Kevin in the saddle was a great addition, with him knowing exactly what to expect from the yard’s 2yo’s.

Although little could get into the race from too far back, it was End Of Story who looked to be in control. Being his debut run meant that it was no foregone conclusion but he did look full of running. Stott was working away but just hands and heels, as his mount just lugged ever so slightly. End Of Story continued to find and once he had a bit of company, the colt kicked clear again, striding out in the final 1/2f to win by a cosy 1 length.

It was a very taking debut performance from End Of Story and he has shown himself to be a promising 2yo. Having shown professional attitude he also showed a very willing attitude when asked to go and win his race. Arguably the final 1/2f was his best and he looks the type to be just as good at 6f as the year progresses. Royal Ascot is just around the corner and End Of Story does look the type who could potentially be one for the big meeting.

Unraced 2yo’s are the unknown quantity where everyone can begin to dream. Although not unknown, when they mature into 3yo’s there is also that anticipation, seeing whether they have progressed from their youth and are fulfilling their potential. It was two smart 3yo’s who provided a double as Volterra and Vantheman took the honours win impressive fashion.

Volterra had been a progressive juvenile but was always a colt who looked likely to be better at 3yo. Returning after a break is always difficult but Volterra proved to be far too good when taking the 1m William hill Extra Place Races Handicap at Newmarket.

Starting his racing career in the Convivial Maiden at York, showed that he had been delivering the rights signs at home. It is one of the best maidens of the year and a solid fourth on debut confirmed that Volterra had potential. Although he didn’t win next time out he did at the third attempt, breaking his maiden at Redcar.

Volterra had shown progression in all three starts as a 2yo but he had also shown plenty of inexperience. All runs were over 7f but the way he won at Redcar, suggested that he would be better with a little further.

Starting the new season off a mark of 82, the hopes were that Volterra would quickly leave that behind him and could aim for bigger races. First of all he would have to get the first run out of the way and he headed to Newmarket with Neil Callan in the saddle. Lining up against 7 rivals, on his first attempt at 1 mile, Volterra was well supported into 7/4 favouritism.

Favourite backers may have been panicking early on as Volterra took a very keen hold early on. He gave Neil a good fight through the first furlong, trying to go faster than his jockey fancied. Neil got a good grip but also made a move to stay away from the main group of runners, leaving the other pace setters alone, looking to not get his mount to continue to race. This separation proved key and Volterra eventually dropped his head as they galloped down the straight mile.

As the field moved past halfway the two groups joined up, with very little separating all 8 runners. Having settled, Volterra travelled just on the leader’s tail and moved smoothly through the race. The field actually got racing quite a way out and after passing the 3f marker the leader try to stretch the rest of the field. This move may have been forced by Volterra who matched the leader, yet did so with the minimum of fuss.

Callan started to work away upon his mount as they raced into the dip. It was all hands and heels as he got the colt to lengthen. The pair began to stretch and move away from the rest. Nothing was able to go with Volterra and as he hit the dip he just took a breather before hitting the rising ground. Callan kept on working in the saddle and after his mount changed leads, they kicked on up the rising ground. The race was over and the only question was how far the winning margin would be. Striding out, Volterra continued to find and thrived over this longer trip opening up a 2 3/4 length margin.

It was an impressive display from Volterra and even more so when you think about how keen he was early on in the race. He won comfortably but looks value for even more, as Neil never had to get serious. The new trip of a mile looks ideal for the 3yo and he certainly looks like the type who could thrive in the big 3yo handicaps. The Silver Bowl at Haydock could be the perfect race for him with possibly the Britannia at Royal Ascot a nice summer target.

Later in the evening attention turned to the all-weather as Vantheman headed to Newcastle. The powerful son of Invincible Army was returning to the track and provided another smart performance when winning the 5f Get Raceday Ready Handicap.

Third on debut, Vantheman shed his maiden tag on only his second start. He then took another huge step forward when tackling the GoffsUK sales race at York. Finishing fifth in the ultra competitive race was a career best and really showed that he was a nice prospect moving forward. Unfortunately the his last run was disappointing but ground, extended 6f and timing of the race led connections to just put a line through it.

Vantheman has always be a big, powerful horse and so gelding him through the winter felt like he correct call. It looked to have done him the world of good and he wintered well. Starting the year off 79 seems very fair and so Kevin just waited for the right race to come along. Newcastle provided a competitive race but the perfect underfoot conditions were ideal. Tom Eaves was in the saddle as the pair tackled 5f for the first time.

Despite trying the minimum trip for the first time, Vantheman jumped well and forced the early pace. The 6 runners were taken along at a brisk pace and very little would separate them through the first half of the race. Although he travelled well, it would be interesting to see how Vantheman could race over this trip once they got to the business end.

They charged down to halfway and Vantheman took the lead. He was tanking underneath Tom and pulled his way to the front, showing plenty of speed. Now his fitness would be tested as he would need to try and quicken off this strong pace. Moving to the fore, his rivals lined up to challenge.

Vantheman was hard pressed in front with his rivals eyeballing him from the 2f pole. As they race into the final furlong, this is where the 3yo dug deep. It looked as though he found a second wind and now he began to assert. Painting the lead, Vantheman gradually wore the rest down. With 11o yards to run he broke his rivals, quickening clear and putting distance to the rest. Galloping through the line, Vantheman made a winning return by a comfortable 2 lengths.

There was a feeling that whatever Vantheman did as a juvenile, he would improve with time and racing. He showed electric speed but even more impressively he was able to quicken off that pace and put the race to bed. Vantheman looks like he could continue to improve as he would have needed this run but still won with ease. There is a race at the Dante festival which could be next but Royal Ascot may also offer Vantheman a great opportunity.

Certain tracks just bring out the best in horses. Some times it can be because of the quirkiness or traits that some tracks have but some times it could be the style of racing that suits. Doncaster has seen Magical Spirit produce some of his best form and he won the 6f Park Lodge Hot Shots Handicap for the second year running.

Magical Spirit has proven to be a little bit of enigma as he got a little older. Always one to have the ability, as he has proven on some top handicaps, the form isn’t the most consistent. Connections have just learnt to go with what the gelding decides on the day, when he is on he’s good but when he’s not then…

Soft ground were the exact conditions that he won the race with last year and it was almost a carbon copy this time around. The field was twice the size but the 8yo would race off 6lb lower. Tom Eaves has been the gelding’s regular partner and was once again in the saddle.

You kind of know what day it is as soon as Magical Spirit jumps from the stalls. Today was a good one as he jumped straight into the bridle and travelled well, towards the rear of the field. There was plenty of pace on up front and this suited Magical as he just sat and waited patiently out the back of the pack.

Most of the action was happening towards the far side of the field but there wasn’t a bias. Magical Ould have a lot of work to do as they past halfway but he continued to travel powerfully. Needing to pass almost all of his rivals, Tom was riding with plenty go confidence as he manoeuvred into some daylight as they charged towards the last 2f.

Having tanked through the contest, Magical Spirit had taken Tom to the 2f pole. Now the race was heating up as the jockeys began to get animated in the saddle. The field compressed and Magical began to make headway down the stands side. Little by little the 8yo was picking off rivals and edging ever closer to the front.

Tom was working away in the saddle but had not yet gone for all. As they hit the 1f marker, Magical Spirit had joined the leader and now it was go time. Under a full drive, he changed his legs and quickened up. Snatching the lead he now began to assert his dominance. The final 1/2f was all about the winning margin and Magical poured it on, securing another win by 2 1/4 lengths.

Magical Spirit has been a great servant and showed that there is plenty of life left. When he travels you know that he is going to run a big race and he loves the big fields. Obviously he is not the most consistent but he is talented on his day. The handicapper will be putting him up once more and the big sprint handicaps will all be in line for the 8yo.

The 2yo team is always an exciting prospect at this stage of the year. All are blank slates and the possibilities are endless. Some of those dreams and expectations can diminish once the first once begin to hit the track but thankfully Barrak made a winning debut when taking the 5f Cure Leukaemia British EBF Novice Stakes at Musselburgh.

Racing has been battling the weather ever since the start of the season, with meetings being called off or run under tough conditions. This has had a slight hold up for the 2yo’s and Barrak was only the second 2yo runner for the yard. The son of Sergei Prokofiev certainly looks the part as a physical and his sire has made a great start to his stallion career, having 4 winners from the first 7 runners.

Musselburgh has been a happy hunting ground for Kevin, especially with 2yo’s. The Class 2 novice attracted just 5 runners but there were three of the field with a good level of form this early in the season. Tom Eaves would don the colours of Al Mohamediya Racing as he took the ride.

Initially jumping on terms, Barrak just ducked to his right and landed towards the rear of the quintet. Quickly into stride he moved through after the first furlong to chase the leader and be sat just about in second. The aft took them along, putting their experience to good use.

As they charged towards halfway the track juts out and Tom was quick to manoeuvre for this. With his fellow debutant just edging off a true line, on his inner, Barrak moved up to secure second, and avoid being nudged out into the centre of the track.

Now on the leader’s girths, Barrak travelled into contention with ease but now would come the unknown. Juveniles would rarely come off the bridle at home so when Tom began to niggle away the response was promising. Barrak was still going best of all and took the lead heading past the 2f pole. Tom was working away, just with his hands and educating his mount whilst keeping him moving forward.

Holding the lead, Barrak was rightfully showing signs of his inexperience but continued to find. As they ran into the final furlong he had just over a length advantage. Tom now gave him a couple of flicks to ensure concentration and also educating the colt. As his rivals began to close, with Barrak just allowing them to get closer  to him, he clocked them in his eyeline. As he felt the presence of his rivals, Barrak went again to secure his debut win by 3/4 length.

It was an impressive debut from Barrak and he certainly put himself forward as a 2yo to watch. He showed bright speed and despite showing greeness, he did the job with quite a bit left in the tank. The colt is a very big, powerful juvenile so there should be plenty more development to come but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get better in time. He looks the part and there could be some top races in the future.

Some races just fit into the calendar for a type of horse and The Abernant Stakes is one of the those. Thankfully Kevin has the horses capable of winning the Group 3 contest. With the race at the Craven meeting, it is a good starting point for Group sprinters for the season ahead. Having had four previous wins in the contest, Washington Heights took the 6f Group honours in his first foray into group company at Newmarket.

Washington Heights has been a model of consistency throughout his short career, but it was as a 3yo where he was both progressive and unlucky throughout last season. He bumped into a champion sprinter, a rival who would climb 43lbs in handicap and another who would be Group 1 placed. It took a trip to Sweden for Washington Heights to gain a much deserved win, when he romped home in the listed event at Bro Park.

Thanks to his heroics in Scandinavia, Washington Heights would start 2024 with a mark of 104. That is one of those which has you bordering on pattern company. It was obvious that he would need to have a crack at that level to see just where he could reach this year. The Abernant Stakes was the perfect race, as the Group 3 contest attracts quality sprinters as well as fitting the schedule well. Most competitors in this race will be seen going through the sprint program throughout the season.

With last year’s champion retired to stud, the sprint division is open for someone to claim as their own. Although the field didn’t have a top level winner in the midst, there was plenty of Group 1 form on show, which saw Washington Heights regarded as one of the outsiders. Tom Eaves was in the saddle as the pair lined up against 13 rivals.

You couldn’t find a more straight forward horse and Washington Heights proved this by jumping smartly and straight into his stride. Soon leading the field he raced down the centre of the track as his rivals filtered in to track the pace. It was a strong gallop being set and Washington Heights would stitch into almost a length lead through the first half of the race.

Despite going a good gallop, Washington Heights seemed to be doing so in his comfort zone. Tom never had to ask the gelding and so allowed him to carry on, taking the field past halfway. They began to race into the dip and this is where a few of the runners came under the pump, attempting to close the gap on the leader. As they reached the bottom of the dip, Washington Heights was beginning to get pressured from his nearest rivals as they lined up to take a crack at him. Tom just began to nudge along as they would soon hit the bottom of the dip and start rising back uphill.

Coming out of the dip there was very little separating the first 4 or 5. Washington Heights maintained his lead but he would now have to dig deep to fend off his long time adversary, Mill Stream. The pair had just over 1f to run as they came out of the dip and did look to have it between them, despite a strong finish from others. Tom now had to get serious in the saddle and he found a very willing partner beneath him. There was only 1/2f to run and Washington Heights found another burst, changing his legs and creating a 1/2 length advantage in front. This would prove to be the race winning move and Washington Heights secured a Group 3 win, taking the Abernant by 3/4 length.

Improvement is a big thing with horses and you just never know where it can end. Washington Heights had failed to win a handicap last year but secured listed success at the very end. He has always shown a high level of form but stepping into group company does require a lot more. The 4yo was very impressive, he cut out all the running, set a strong gallop and managed to find extra under pressure. He beat a good field of sprinters with both the 2nd and 3rd having performed at group 1 level last season. The next step will be the Duke of York and hopefully on to Royal Ascot. Washington Heights has shown himself to be a quality sprinter and hopefully there are even bigger days to come.

What more can be said of the super Dam Reem Three. She has not just produced winners but 8 of those progeny have been pattern performers, including last year’s Queen Anne winner Triple Time. Despite a small blip in her last couple of runs, Bolsena has extended her mother’s legacy when winning the 1m Wach Way Extra At bet365 EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes at Newmarket.

The daughter of Kingman made a very encouraging start to her career when she finished runner up at Haydock. Unfortunately she couldn’t better that result when returning to the track on her next start. Given a winter break following that run, Bolsena would next be seen at Newcastle. Having travelled like a dream, she just weakened in the final furlong. These two runs did nothing to quell the faith int he filly, with terrible ground and race fitness understood to have been the reason behind the lesser results.

Bolsena turned up at Newmarket as the only filly to have a rating in the 12 runner field. Despite being 77, if you put a line through the last two races she would have likely been half the price she would be sent off at. Ryan Moore was booked for the ride and the master tactician set about being positive form the off.

Initially there was a dash for the lead which allowed Bolsena to just settle off the pace, chasing the leader on the far side of the group. It very quickly became clear that most runners wanted to take a lead and so Ryan moved up to force the action after the opening couple of furlongs. There was a small split in the field but the main body galloped down towards the far side and centre of the track.

Bolsena powered on past halfway and had the field stretched out. By the time they reached the bushes, over 3f from home, a good. number of the field were coming under pressure, including some of the market leaders. It was clear that Bolsena was travelling best of all as Ryan allowed her to stride on in front.

Holding the filly together entering the dip, Ryan got to work as they hit the bottom. Now into a rhythm the pair kicked on and the lead steadily grew as they raced up the rising ground. As she lengthened away from her rivals, Bolsena looked to have the race at her mercy but once Ryan really asked her to quicken she responded in great fashion. Committing at the furlong pole, Bolsena changed her legs and scooted clear. Immediately opening up a couple of lengths lead, the filly would power away. With the race put to bed, Ryan had very little left to do and Bolsena shed her maiden tag by a cosy 3 lengths.

This was a performance that connections had been waiting to see and Bolsena certainly looks far better than her mark would have you believe. If you excuse the middle two runs then she would appear a very different prospect. Time was always going to benefit the filly and so too will racing. With the win under her belt, Bolsena will look towards some bigger targets in the future and will definitely be getting further in time.

Whilst the weather continues to hold up the flat season with meetings cancelled heavy going, the all-weather has provided another 3yo winner for the team. Joe Gargery was making his first public appearance and made a striking impression taking the 7f Read Harry Cobden’s Blog at PlanetSportBet Novice Stakes at Southwell.

Owned and bred by Brendan Holland, of Grove Stud, the gelded son of Starspangledbanner never went through a sales ring. He arrived at Hambleton Lodge during the winter and immediately looked likely to be making his debut early enough in the yer with all the prep done. Having come to hand there was the question of where and when he should make his racing debut.

It feels like we haven’t had a day where there wasn’t some rain falling and this has caused havoc with the start of the turf season. Kevin hasn’t really had too many runners due to this and elected to start Joe Gargery on the artificial surface. With 11 set to run, the contest did look quite a nice race with the field headed by the favourite who was rated 84 and a win to accompany.

Shane Gray was booked for the ride and the strength of the market leaders meant that Joe Gargery would be sent off at long odds of 33/1. Drawn widest of all, Joe Gargery jumped out well but heading immediately into a bend, Shane was quick to get tucked in. Moving across from out wide meant that he gave away ground and landed in midfield, but at least he took the shorter route around the bend.

The market leaders were towards the fore and this led to a decent pace set through the the race. Swinging around the bend the leaders would quickly divert away from the rail and head towards the stands side. This move opened up clear daylight in front of Joe Gargery if he was good enough in the finish.

As the pace increased from over 2f the leading duo began to get a break on the field. Joe Gargery was making some steady progress but was well down on the leaders. Running green he just wandered a little bit as Shane had to gather him up and help him find his stride. As the favourite battled for the lead, Joe Gargery was slowly and surely closing the gap.

Entering the final furlong the favourite looked beat and it was left to Joe Gargery to try one last challenge. Getting the hag of things, he began to storm down the centre of the track as his stride lengthened. Now the gap diminished and although he was battling his inexperience, Joe Gargery was on terms with the leader. Momentum took the gelding through with his run and heading his rival, Joe Gargery went on to win a shade cosily despite the margin only being a neck.

It was a fantastic start for Joe Gargery and he won despite his inexperience. Not only was he making his debut but he overcame some nice opposition which shows that he must have quite a bit of ability. He moved very well through the race and finished strongly which suggest he could be equally effective over a mile as 7f. Joe Gargery certainly looks a nice prospect for the season ahead and it will be interesting where he heads next.

The winter following a 2yr old career can really help with the development of young horses. Some juveniles will unfortunately have peaked already, unable to improve like their rivals. Others will mature and that extra physical growth can see them reach their potential. Sergeant Wilko has always been a big framed horse and looks to have really filled into it since turning 3. It wasn’t just visually but his comeback run proved it as he ran away with the 6f Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap at Newcastle.

There was plenty of promise from day one with Sergeant Wilko, who was the first 2yo runner of 2023. The son of Bungleinthejungle, finished second on debut at Musselburgh before making no mistake next time out at Thirsk. This subsequently led to King Power Racing making the acquisition and aiming the colt at Royal Ascot. Whilst he couldn’t make the step up to pattern company at that stage, it was felt that Sergeant Wilko would always benefit from a bit of patience, with the colt needing to really fill out and strengthen.

His last couple of runs didn’t produce the results but Sergeant Wilko had shown himself to be a strong traveller in those races. With the time to mature, he came back into training looking far more like the finished article. Coming to hand early in the year meant that it was either the all-weather or risk heavy going. Newcastle was selected as it should help with the powerful way of how Sergeant Wilko can gallop and travel.

The race only attracted 6 runners but was a very interesting 3yo contest. There are so many question marks at this time of year and when the joint fav was withdrawn at the start, the contest was down to 5. Tom Eaves was in the saddle and when his mount jumped well, he allowed Sergeant Wilko to stride on, taking the lead early on. The rest were happy to tuck in behind, although the fav was racing keen on the heels of Wilko.

Sergeant Wilko was not hanging around and held a length lead through the first half of the race. The market leaders were always in his slipstream, ready to challenge as they raced past the 3f marker. Sergeant Wilko had set a strong pace throughout but continued to travel smoothly on the front end as his rivals started to come under a drive. The challenges were not being thrown down just yet but they were readying themselves.

Tom was yet to move passing the 2f marker and the pair still held a length advantage. As his main rivals came under pressure, Sergeant Wilko galloped on nicely with Tom now just asking him to stretch and go through with his final effort. It was still all hands and heels, but that’s all it needed to be with Sergeant Wilko easily quickening up. The lead stretched to a couple of lengths and whilst his nearest test rival maintained that deficit, there didn’t look anyway of overturning it. Tom was keen to keep him up to his work and Sergeant Wilko was more than happy to oblige. Now inside the final furlong, he found another gear and doubled his advantage, sprinting to a 4 length lead and securing his second career win.

This win was very pleasing especially in the silk of King Power Racing. Their association with the yard began with Bielsa, who was retired this year, so for Sergeant Wilko to step up the plate was important moving forwards. He is a colt who was always was highly regarded and can hopefully develop throughout this year. He will be getting a hike in the ratings after this display but the big handicaps look like the right route in the early part of this season.

Actions speak louder than words and this is very true with horses. Chuzzlewit has long been held in very high regard but never quite delivered on those expectations. Whilst the 4yr old has been set some tough tasks in his career, there are very few miles on the clock and a winter campaign has finally seen the gelding back in the winner’s enclosure. Taking the 1m BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap at Newcastle, Chuzzlewit booked his place in the Lincoln.

Bought back at the Horses In Training sale, Chuzzlewit was gelded before tackling an all-weather campaign. Starting off promising, Chuzzlewit failed to build on his first run and subsequently became disappointing in his efforts. Always travelling well in his races, it was decided that a change of headgear may be in order, just to give that extra bit of help. With first time blinkers on, he would line up against 5 rivals, whilst Shane Gray was booked for the ride.

The small field could have led to a tactical affair but the pace was fair from the get go. Chuzzlewit jumped straight into his stride and settled just behind the leaders. The field were almost in single file behind the leader as they race down the centre of the track. Chuzzlewit was slightly keen through the first couple of furlongs but not ever doing too much.

There was no change until the business end of the race. As the pace eased through the middle section, the leader tried to kick form the front moving inside the final 3f. This move was easily covered by those in behind and Chuzzlewit was one who travelled very well alongside the fav. Shane began to wind his mount up and they moved up down the stands side. The leader was quickly swamped by his rivals and although a new leader took charge, they too looked like a gatekeeper for those giving chase.

Either side of the leader, Chuzzlewit and the favourite moved through smoothly to challenge. They took up the lead with 1f to run and the race quickly became a two horse event. As the pair settled down to fight it out the lead was with the fav. Chuzzlewit had come through powerfully but when asked his response was not immediate. It took some work from Shane but the deeper they got into the final furlong, the more momentum was gained. Hitting top gear, Chuzzlewit took the lead with 100 yards to run. He continued to gallop out and pulled away from the fav, securing a 1/2 length victory.

It was nice to see Chuzzlewit get his head back in front and he needs to a bit more this year with the talent he possesses. Owner Jimmy Chua only secured the 4yo in October and it looks to be a shrewd buy. Chuzzlewit is a strong traveller which suggests that the bigger fields will suit him even more. The Lincoln will be next and it will be interesting to see if the ground is suitable. Whatever happens, Chuzzlewit does look a handicapper to follow in the big Saturday races through the year.