Battling Display From game Management

This time last it didn’t feel like Game Management would have to wait too long before getting his head in front. Unfortunately it has taken time and a little help from the handicapper for him to gain that first win. In doing so, Game Management showed a greta attitude to take the 1m Get The Inside Track With Raceday-ready.com Handicap at Newcastle.

Having shown promise as a juvenile, it was viewed that Game Management would be a better 3yo. That was suggested in his pedigree and certainly matched with his physique. There are no guarantees with horses and the 3yo seemed to regress with each run. One final thing was tried with a small wind procedure following his last run.

Back on the track following this op, Game Management took on 14 runners with Oisin McSweeney booked to ride. Bouncing out of the stalls, Game Management was immediately to the fore and led the field, racing towards the near side. His rivals look to take a lead and therefore the field race as a bunch, closer to the stands side rail.

Oisin set a nice gallop in front and his mount looked to be enjoying himself out in front. Game Management has always been a good moving horse and he could utilise this stride on the Tapetea surface. They raced through the first half and Game Management really looked to be enjoying himself. The field were well bunched together as they headed towards the final 3f.

Oisin began to niggle away to try and get his mount lengthening before kicking for home. One by one his colleagues were doing likewise but Game Management maintained his lead. Looking to the far side his nearest rival had come through to narrow the gap, travelling hard on the bridle. Passing the 2f marker, Oisin got to work, trying to get a break on the rest. Whilst he was working hard, there was no clear advantage being distinguished.

The long time lead was lost to the smooth travelling rival who was still travelling sweetly. Oisin was getting a tune out of Game Management who was working hard but seemingly fighting it out for second. Headed inside the final furlong, the inevitable the turned to hope as Game Management was clawing back his deficit. The front two were pulling away from the rest and settled into a titanic tussle. With every stride Game Management was reeling in the leader but as the two flashed past the line nobody could tell who the winner was. Thankfully the photographer was called in favour of Game Management, earning his first career win.

Game Management has not been the most straight forward throughout this season but he really showed a great attitude here. Having led throughout much of the contest, he then had to overcome adversity when headed late on. Now he has his head in front it may provide confidence to go and do so again.