Hammer Makes A Mockery Of His Penalty
The penalty system is in place to try and level the playing field for horses in winning form. Sometimes it can be beneficial and sometimes it can be difficult to overcome. Hammer The Hammer gained his first handicap win by an impressive 6 lengths, leaving Kevin and the handicapper decisions to make. Strike while the iron is hot was the decision made and Hammer made an even bigger impression when bolting up in the 6f Love Federal Capital Handicap at Chester.
Hammer The Hammer has made giant strides on the all-weather, winning twice in his last two starts for a combined 11 1/2 lengths. His latest win, first time in a handicap, was very impressive and left Kevin with decision. He has always thought a lot of the 3yo and decided to get him back out under a penalty, feeling as though the handicapper would take a harsh view when assessing the new mark. That proved to be true, as the 6lb penalty was 7lb shy of the rise Hammer The Hammer got.
There were more obstacles for the colt to overcome following declarations. Drawn 10 of 11 around Chester is a nightmare, but it did mean that Tom (Eaves) would have 2 very simple choices. From that wide he would either have to go forward or take right back and get lucky. Hammer The Hammer was electric from the stalls and blitzed his rivals through the first 10 strides. Jumping to the lead, Tom managed to track right over to snatch the rail, made even more difficult with the race starting on a bend. The fav was straight onto the leader’s heels which ensured there was strong pace through the first furlong.
Continuing to swing left handed, Tom managed to steady it down just a touch in front, trying to get a breather in. It barely dropped the tempo of the race and the field were quickly past halfway where the bend sharpens once again before the home straight. Dictating out in front, Tom was always holding around a length lead and able top measure his rivals.
The favourite was the first to crack as Hammer The Hammer took them inside the final 2f. This saw others begin to work away as the leader crept away in front edging a little more out of his lead. Tom began to wind his mount up coming into the home straight and Hammer started to assert. Before they reached the cut away he had a clear 3 length lead, and this was before being asked to go about his business. As they entered the final furlong Tom went for him and the gap only grew. Hammer The Hammer exploded away from his rivals, as they gave chase in vain. Stretching clear, the margin could have been more but Tom eased up for a comfortable 4 1/4 lengths.
Hammer The Hammer has shown what Kevin always thought about him and her could be set for another hike in the handicap. His last three performances couldn’t be any more impressive and the colt has really matured into a power packed athlete. It is hard to know what the handicapper will do but surely Hammer The Hammer will be 100+ now. The Palace Of Holyrood House Handicap at Royal Ascot looks the perfect race if he is not forced out of it.