Camacho Star Enjoys The Changes
It is not very often that a horse can win a couple of times in a season but then remain in the same grade throughout. Camacho Star had a fine run of form through the first half of the turf season, winning twice and runner up twice. Unfortunately this petered out which led to a few changes on his latest start. All the tinkering worked a treat as Camacho Star returned to action by taking the 7f BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap at Southwell.
The 3yo became a little disappointing towards the end of the season but he also looked like that something was stopping him. Following some checks, Camacho Star had a small wind op, aimed at helping him to recapture some form. It did keep him from the track for two months, but he returned to action at Southwell with his regular rider, Tom Eaves on board.
Following a break, wind op and poor draw, it was decided a change of tactics should be tried. Having done most of his running from the front, Camacho Star went a full 360 and was restrained from the start. Drawn 11 of 12, Tom had to go left-handed from the off, trying to tuck in. The pair settled toward the rear of the field as the 12 runners raced towards the left hand bend.
Camacho Star settled very well and travelled well throughout the contest. Used to taking tight turns, he swung around the bend with ease and picked off a couple of rivals. The leaders kicked from the bend and tried to stretch the field, which did turn the heat up. Entering the final 2f, the race was on but looking back through field there was a motionless Tom Eaves.
The field had spread right across the track and Tom made a move to come towards the stands side. Still travelling well, Camacho Star was then asked to go and lay down his challenge. Almost immediately a rival cut straight across him, causing Tom to take evasive action. This just caused Camacho Star to take a step back which meant he had a little more work to do.
The lead was swapping hands as challengers were coming thick and fast but passing the 1f marker, Camacho Star was beginning to really find top gear. Now he began to motor and was eating up the ground with every stride. Storming down the stands side, Camacho Star was finishing like a train and easily swept past his rivals to hit the front 100 yards from the line. There was no stopping him and he strode out to a 3/4 length victory.
It was great to see Camacho Star bounce back and he raced with a lot more professionalism here. Obviously the wind op has helped but nobody knows just how much. Also the tactics really helped the 3yo settle and he showed a good turn of foot, alongside a good attitude. It is a really interesting win and there could be some more to come now if the same Camacho Star turns up next time out.