2 From 2 For The Cookstown Cafu

Starting the season with 2 wins from his first 2 runs, The Cookstown Cafu has proven he is a horse on the up. Kicking off the season with a 1/2 length victory, The Cookstown Cafu matched that when he won again, taking the 1m Inclusive, Supportive Training At The NHC Handicap at Pontefract.

It was the Yorkshire track where he had got off the mark last year. Coming off a wind op, The Cookstown Cafu shed his maiden over C&D. This was followed up by a good runner up effort and had connections looking forward to potentially bigger things in 2023. The 4yo made the perfect return to action when making all over 7f despite still having some race rust to shake off.

Raised 2lb by the handicapper, The Cookstown Cafu stepped up in grade and trip for the race at Pontefract. Despite winning last time out, The Cookstown Cafu would not go off favourite in the 7 runner race. Rowan Scott has struck up a good relationship with the gelding and retained the ride.

Drawn outside in stall 7 there was always going to be one thought for Rowan. Thankfully The Cookstown Cafu was well away which allowed them to quickly head to the front and track over to the rail. Taking control of the race, Rowan was allowed to dictate and set a nice, even gallop.

Although the tempo was fair, The Cookstown Cafu was pressed all the time down the back straight. Galloping through the first half of the race they moved past the 4f and started to hit rising ground before swinging left handed around bend. Leaving the 3f pole behind, Rowan loosened the reins and allowed his mount to stride on. This move had the field at it as they tried to play catch up.

Entering the straight Rowan gave him a squeeze to get The Cookstown Cafu lengthening. Using his giant stride, the gelding began to quicken and goo through the gears. Whilst his rivals just maintained the gap, they were hard at it and The Cookstown Cafu had yet to find top gear. Once he moved into the final furlong the afterburners kick in and the race was over. Finding more in front, The Cookstown Cafu strode away from his rivals, comfortably securing a 1 3/4 length win.

The Cookstown Cafu has thrived since the backend of last season and there could be much more to come. Knowing the family well, Kevin always knew The Cookstown Cafu would do better with time and racing. Where he could end up is anyone’s guess at this stage but he has won with plenty in hand. Named after Leeds United stalwart Stuart Dallas, his Leeds mad owners would love nothing more than another Yorkshire win. It could be that the Kavesmire is the next stop on the journey with the Dante meeting around the corner.