Fast Improving Venture Capital Strikes Again

Flexibility is important in this sport as horses can develop at different rates, meaning that trips or tactics may have to be changed. Venture Capital has been a slow burner from day one but now he is getting bigger, stronger and, most importantly, faster. The 3yo took his career to a new high when he dominated the 5f Pertemps Network Handicap at Doncaster.

Venture Capital won twice on the all-weather over 7f, which showed great promise for the turf season. The handicap mark of 85 could be harsh or fair depending on how the 3yo progressed from the winter. Racing over 7f and a mile for the first few starts, Venture Capital couldn’t quite get involved in his races but was running well. There was a sense that dropping to sprinting may be the key and this immediately payed off as Venture Capital won over 6f and then finished second at the Shergar Cup meeting.

Surprisingly, at Ascot, Venture Capital had shown even more speed which would prompt the drop to 5f. At the start of the season this certainly didn’t look like an option but he went into the Doncaster race as a leading contender. Shane Gray has struck up a great relationship with eh 3yo and maintain it here. Having shown good speed over 6f, Venture Capital looked even quicker again as he was to the fore in this race, upsides some very fast horses. Shane left his mount alone and allowed the 3yo to stride on, chasing a strong gallop.

The field had split into two groups but Venture Capital led just three runners towards the far side. The entire field were quickly racing through the first half of the race and there was no let up from the front runners. Although the ground was described as good it looked to be softer as the footprints were clear to see on the turf.

Shane started to work moving past the 2f marker and Venture Capital quickly kicked into a clear advantage. Although the lead was a clear one, there was still a long ay to run but Venture Capital did have form over 6f so could his stamina prove a valuable asset. The chasing pack were trying hard to close the gap and they did edge ever closer to the lead as they bared down upon the final furlong. Shane was working in the saddle but he never had to go all guns blazing as he had a very willing partner beneath him. The lead had been cut but Venture Capital had more in the tank, changed his legs and went on again. Race done, within in two strides he had shot clear. Venture Capital secured the win in impressive style, taking the 5f event by 2 lengths.

Venture Capital has gone from strength to strength this year and has really stamped himself as a sprinter to follow now. Shane was impressed with the performance and felt there was more in reserve if it was needed. Winning off 86 in this fashion will see Venture Capital likely break through to the 90’s and maybe a little more. There are a few options left and whatever race he heads to next will require another step forward. Whatever happens, Venture Capital is a sprinter to keep an eye on.