Apiarist’s Class Sees Him Through

Over the last few years the all-weather program has thrived, offering some big prizes and bonuses throughout the season. This has seen the quality of the fields improve year upon year. Apiarist didn’t quite hit the heights during the turf season but he has enjoyed an upturn in form on the artificial surface. He improved his record to 2 wins from 3 runs when he narrowly won the 1m bet365 Handicap at Chelmsford.

The 4yo had been consistent throughout 2024 but it took until December to get his head in front. On that occasion he travelled into the contest like a dream, winning with a little up his sleeve. Last time out he found the pace to be too sedate to show his true colours but did well to finish second, despite getting carried off his racing line. One thing that has been a trait throughout the year was his early keenness through the races.

Recent weather has seen many meetings being called off, so Chelmsford offered a last minute additional fixture. The mile contest offered a good prize fun of 45k, so Apiarist took the last minute entry with Tom Eaves travelling down south for the ride. Stall 2 was a good draw but Apiarist was slowly into stride. shuffled into the midfield he then took a keen hold. They raced straight through the first couple of furlongs until the a sharp bend took them into the back straight. Although racing freely, Apiarist did settle just off the pace, which was a decent gallop.

Chelmsford is a track where the mile is split into 4 2f sections, going from straights into bends. As the field entered the home bend, swinging left handed for a couple of furlongs, the field got a little more stretched out. Apiarist maintained his position, but racing along the rail would mean that he would need to find a clear pathway when they raced into the home straight.

Swinging for home, they entered the final couple of furlongs. The race was on for the winning post and Apiarist began to shift through the gears. With the leaders edging off the rial, Tom had a chance of clear run up the rail. The pair would need to hurry up and take the tight gap before it closed up. Pushed along, Apiarist moved up and making headway.

Passing the 1f marker, Apiarist was vying for the lead. It was far from over but he looked to be only just hitting top gear. Edging to the front he seemed to have secured the win, as he pulled more out with each stride. With his head in front, it seemed as though Apiarist felt the job was done. Pulling up ever so slightly, he allowed the second placed rival close in on him. Fortunately he had done enough and secured the win by a neck.

It was a good performance from Apiarist who looked like the class act in the race and so it proved. He had to overcome his own over enthusiasm and then a little bit of a difficult passage. If the gelding learns to settle then he will find racing far easier as he travels and finishes his races very powerfully. Key to his success is a strong pace so Apiarist looks certain to be suited by big field handicaps, which could see him aimed at an early turf prize like the Lincoln.

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