Against The Wind Breezes To Success
Learning how to race can take some time and put is not always due to immaturity. Against The Wind had always done things so easily at home that he was actually too professional. On a few occasions last season he just raced a little too quickly, being very genuine but over racing. There was no issue on his seasonal return, as Against The Wind took the 5f Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap at Thirsk.
The son of Earthlight has always been a smashing physical presence and looked like a very promising juvenile. It took a little bit longer than expected to see him gain his first win. Over racing one debut, then stepping up to an unsuitable 6f on his second start, Against The Wind would get off the mark on his third run at Newcastle. A couple of tough assignments followed before he was put away for his winter break.
Returning for the 2025 season, Against The Wind was having his first run since being gelded and would line up against 9 rivals at Thirsk. Only two of the field had run this year but their form wasn’t good enough, so the race was quite an unknown contest. Tom took the ride on Against The Wind and the pair were very smartly away from stall 11. The chestnut jumped well and then went on to show blistering early speed. After the first furlong he had moved through to lead the field, clocking 43mph.
Against The Wind was going hard in front but looked to be doing so with ease. Although he was travelling well, it was his first run back, so he was definitely making the latter stages a test for himself. The pace began to show on a few of the field passing the 3f marker, as they came under pressure a long way from home.
Tom had allowed his mouth to travel in his hands and continued to do so as his colleagues started to work away. Against The Wind had breezed to the 2f marker and it was here that Tom would ask him for his challenge. Against The Wind took a little bit of time to find top gear from this point and it could be that he just needed a breather on his first run back. Once he got gathered and lengthening, Against The Wind scooted clear of his rivals. Inside their final furlong he opened up with every stride, kicking clear to win by a very comfortable 1 1/4 lengths.
Against The Wind was an impressive winner and there should be a lot more to come from him with this being his seasonal debut. He is a very big, strong horse so is entitled to come on a lot for the run. When Tom asked him for his challenge, it did look as though he took a few big breaths but once he got motoring there was no stopping him. He’s clearly a talented 3yo and the Palace Of Holyrood House at Royal Ascot could well be his ultimate target for the summer.