Apiarist Enjoys First Try On The All-Weather

Consistency was the term of the season for Apiarist. Ultimately whilst that is a great trait to have it can also bring some negative connotations along with it. Not getting the job done but running well can be seen in differing terms. Apiarist righted all of that when he made his all-weather debut a winning one, taking the 1m Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap at Newcastle.

The 3yo rounded off his juvenile season with a win that was accompanied by a huge pot. Taking the £100,000 final at York, he announced himself as a fine prospect for the future, especially in the mile division. All through the 2024 turf season Apiarist competed at the very best courses in the UK and up against some smart sorts. Never far away, bar one run on quicker ground, the 3yo proved he was well up to the standard required but couldn’t get his head in front.

Kept in training through the autumn and in to the winter, Apiarist arrived at Newcastle a fresh horse as he lined up against some older rivals, but ones who looked like they could be dangerously well treated off their current marks. Tom Eaves was booked for the ride and he was tasked with working out the best tactics from the off. For a horse who likes to be held up behind the pace, there was very little to aim at early one, with the field splitting into 2 groups. Racing towards the centre of the track, Apiarist was settled at the rear of his small group.

Slowly the two groups began to merge together, with the centre group gently moving over throughout the first couple of furlongs. This move left Apiarist around mid division but towards the outer of the field. Thankfully he had still had cover as they raced towards halfway. Having raced at a sedate the leaders began to wind things up from halfway.

Passing the 3f marker the field got racing, as a few came under a drive early. This helped Tom who was able to latch on to the increasing pace and move into contention with ease. As they entered the final 1/4 mile, the field were all racing now apart from the fav and Apiarist. Tom was sat motionless as he continued to stalk the leaders, only matched by the favourite moving through the field.

Having made their way through the race with relative ease, the two would now duke out the final furlong. No other rival would match them so now Tom had to ask for his challenge. Just down on the favourite the pair were neck and neck as they pulled away from the rest. Both full of running, the front two were giving nothing away but Apiarist just edged his nose to the front 100 yards from home. Now with the lead the 3yo continued to run on. Despite his rival not giving an inch, Apiarist was always holding them and crossed the line with a neck advantage.

It was Avery good performance from Apiarist who looks like h could enjoy a fruitful winter. Having travelled into the race like a dream he then quickened up nicely before battling to the win. This can be marked up even more as it did look like he raced on the more unfavourable side of the track. Also he would appreciate a strong pace so the first half of the race was really not run to suit. With plenty of good handicaps in the new year, Apiarist could look to have a crack at the mile championships for the AW Championships.