Double Continues Strong Winter Form
Winter all-weather season isn’t usually a period that sees many runners from Hambleton Lodge. This year has again been steady but the horses that have been running have shown some strong and consistent form throughout the winter. Probably the leading couple of performers added another double to the tally as Apiarist and Barnaby continued their rise through the handicap.
Apiarist has taken time to really find himself but now a more mature animal, he is really starting to show his quality. Since December, Apiarist has taken to the track five times and this latest win was his third, storming home from last to first in the 7f Win £1M BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap at Southwell.
Having captured the feature at Chelmsford a couple of runs ago, Apiarist saw his handicap mark rise to 95, as he stamped his quality on a decent field. He looked to repeat that performance last time out but failed to produce his best, likely owing to the short turn around between runs, just six days.
Apiarist has been racing very enthusiastically in his races so a drop to 7f was an idea, with the likelihood of a strong pace helping to settle the gelding. Rab Havlin was booked for the ride as the pair lined up against 10 rivals. From stall one, Rab was able to quickly anchor his mount towards the rear as rivals moved forward and covered up Apiarist’s route. Racing over a furlong shorter, the 4yo settled into a nice rhythm as the faster pace stopped him from being too free.
There were plenty of the runners vying for the lead and it changed hands a couple of times as they race left handed and into the second half of the race. It looked as though the leaders were taking each other on so there was no let up but Rab was just looking on from the rear. They were quickly exiting the bend and moving into the home straight which took the field inside final couple of furlongs.
As they race into the straight the leaders looked to quicken up again and stretch the field. The fav was travelling powerfully and moved through to challenge for the lead, still hard held on the bridle. Apiarist was the only other challenger who was travelling well as the rail cut away and gave Rab a lovely clear run down the far side.
The favourite swept to the front 1 1/2f from home and kicked, trying to put the race to bed. Apiarist had been stalking him throughout and matched this move but had a couple of lengths to make up. As they passed the 1f marker, Apiarist had closed on the leader, sitting on the girths and challenging with every stride. Stamina was guaranteed but the fav was not lying down and as the front two pulled away from the rest they were battling away neck and neck. Every stride saw Apiarist get stronger and stronger, getting his nose to the front with 50 yards to run. Taking over the lead, the 4yo galloped all the way to the line and took the win by a neck, going away.
It was another career best from Apiarist and he won with a bit in hand. The strong pace allowed him to settle and he showed a great turn of foot to sweep through the field. He is a very strong traveller who has a turn of foot and this bodes well for the big handicaps in the summer where the pace is usually strong.
Barnaby has proved to be a revelation over the winter and his winning tally has been phenomenal. Overcoming rise after rise in the handicap he had to contend with that once more following his most recent win. It proved to be no problem as he took his sixth victory at Newcastle in the 7f Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap.
Lining up against his sternest rivals so far, Barnaby took on 9 rivals in the 7f contest. Oisin McSweeney was in the saddle with his valuable 3lb claim. Drawn towards the stands side, Barnaby popped out to sit just behind the early pace. The field quickly tracked over to the stands side which gave Oisin cover through the first furlong. An even gallop was set which allowed Barnaby to track through against the rail.
The field were all well bunched up racing through the first half of the race and Barnaby travelled nicely, sat prominently. As the pace remained sensible, it allowed all the field to get into the race. Barnaby has shown that he needs a little time to warm up to his task when asked, so there were no distress signals when Oisin began to wind him up from 2 1/2f out.
Moving into the final 2f the front runners began to kick, trying to get a march on the rest. It was here that Barnaby began to find his stride, maintaining his position as the pace increased. Asa couple of rivals weakened away, Oisin switched off the rail and around the two leaders. Daylight appeared and Barnaby made headway towards the centre of the track.
Having made headway, Barnaby was now asked for full commitment passing the 1f pole. He responded and changed leads to quicken up and challenge the new leader. There was a half length deficit but Barnaby was really hitting top gear. The leader was finding a bit more in front but it was Barnaby who was proving the stronger. He got his nose in front with 100 yards to run and continued with his run. Driven out he stretched the lead with every stride, taking his sixth course win by a comfortable 1 1/2 length margin.
It has been so impressive to see Barnaby rise through the ranks and continue to put up top performances. His toughest test to date and Barnaby passed with flying colours. This will again see his handicap mark rise to a new career high and test the credentials of Barnaby.