Bergerac Goes Back To Back

Following a wet summer and distinct lack of opportunities, Bergerac is among up for lost time on the all-weather. Having won comfortably on his last start in November, Bergerac stepped back up in grade and duly followed up by taking the 5f BetUK.Home Of The Acca-Fenwa Handicap at Southwell.
Bergerac had slipped down the weights throughout this year but his latest victory had seen that slide halted and his handicap mark rise back to 90. It meant that he would be top weight for the race at Southwell but for a horse who had been used to competing in heritage handicaps, his 10 rivals were not of that quality. Despite this, the market wouldn’t actually have the top rated runner as the most likely winner.
Tom Eaves was in the saddle once again and applied the same tactics as last time out. Southwell does tend to see races run at a strong pace and this was true here also. The favourite set off at a strong gallop as Bergerac sat just in behind, on the far side. It was evident immediately that the race was going to be a pure speed test with a few of the runners struggling to go the pace.
Quickly the field were past halfway and nothing was going to get into the contest. With the favourite leading the way, and travelling well in front, the race Wass on from the 2f pole. Tom got to work on this mount to try and close the gap and Bergerac would turn out to be the only challenger. As the leading pair quickened up, they separated themselves from 5 the others as Bergerac looked to reel in the leader.
It would prove to be a nice battle up front with the favourite holding sway fro much of the way. Although coming off the bridle first, Bergerac was finishing strongly and was eating into the lead throughout the final furlong. Having won over 6f, the extra little bit of stamina was coming through and Bergerac pulled up to the leader with 100 yards to run. The momentum switched and under a power packed ride, Bergerac swept through there take the lead. Striding out he opened a clear neck advantage, securing his second win of the winter.
Bergerac has shown an affinity for the all-weather and he is edging back up the handicap. There are some nice races throughout the aw season and it will be interesting to see if Bergerac continues on this route. He is a horse who really enjoys a sound surface and so he could easily maintain this run of form before looking towards the summer.