A Winning Farewell From True Warfare
With the July sales upcoming many yards are having a little shuffle with their current rosters. Entries were made a couple of months ago and since then many of the lots will have been running, giving connections options of what to do when the sales arrive. True Warfare is one of those horses and he secured a final win for the team when taking the 7f Summer Breaks At Western House Hotel Handicap at Ayr.
The Siyouni colt had made a winning debut in December and looked a nice 3yo prospect for when the turf season came around. Unfortunately he couldn’t repeat that feat when trying to carry a penalty over 1m, a furlong extra than his Novice win. Despite being a little disappointed, it was clear that he ran a little bit gassy, owing to the break between runs.
Sticking to the 1m trip, True Warfare entered handicap company off a mark of 78 at York. Unable to get into the race, he ran below par which was a little bit unexpected. Having raced on softer conditions, Kevin decided that the trip and better ground could be key in the future. With the July Sales, at Tattersalls, coming up he sent the colt to Ayr for potentially his final run for the yard.
Danny Tudhope was on board, as the pair were returning to 7f. Dropped a couple of pounds, True Warfare had been allowed to drop in grade for this run. With plenty of pace on and a trio vying for the lead, Danny tucked in behind the early pacesetters to track the lead. Although Ayr is a nice, galloping track, the 7f start has the field gently turning from the off. It quickly takes the field into the bend which means positioning can be key.
True Warfare had a lovely sit throughout the first half of the race and travelled nicely off a fair gallop. The better ground looked far more suitable for the colt and the field were quickly around the long, sweeping bend. Moving into the top of the home straight takes the runners into the final 3 1/2 furlongs and there was to be no let up in the pace up front.
As the pace had been fair throughout the contest, many of the field were still going well heading towards the final 1/4 mile. Danny had his mount stalking the leaders but this race would turn into a bit of sprint for the last 2f. It was passing the 2 pole that the pace increased and the dash for the line was on. Matching the leaders, True Warfare began to shift through the gears to five chase.
The leaders kicked off the front and this ensured that those further back were struggling to land a blow. True Warfare had quickened up to match his rivals but was just struggling to cut into the lead. He was taking to time to really hit top gear but the final furlong would offer him a bit more time. Switched to the outside, True Warfare was making headway but the leaders were proving very game in front. Danny continued to work and cajole in the saddle, asking for everything from his mount. True Warfare was finding with every stride and was reeling in the leaders inch by inch. It wasn’t until the final strides that he managed to get upsides. Once he did the momentum was on his side and he grabbed the victory by just a head.
True Warfare proved very game in his win, finding under pressure and galloping all the way to the line. He had a pair of very tough rivals to overcome, so to do so shows a very willing attitude. Having travelled well, it showed that the better ground really suited. Hitting the line powerfully, True Warfare will surely be adept at either 7f and 1m. He will head to sales now and whatever happens there, True Warfare will surely be winning again soon, whether for current or new connections.