Joe Gargery Wins On Debut
Whilst the weather continues to hold up the flat season with meetings cancelled heavy going, the all-weather has provided another 3yo winner for the team. Joe Gargery was making his first public appearance and made a striking impression taking the 7f Read Harry Cobden’s Blog at PlanetSportBet Novice Stakes at Southwell.
Owned and bred by Brendan Holland, of Grove Stud, the gelded son of Starspangledbanner never went through a sales ring. He arrived at Hambleton Lodge during the winter and immediately looked likely to be making his debut early enough in the yer with all the prep done. Having come to hand there was the question of where and when he should make his racing debut.
It feels like we haven’t had a day where there wasn’t some rain falling and this has caused havoc with the start of the turf season. Kevin hasn’t really had too many runners due to this and elected to start Joe Gargery on the artificial surface. With 11 set to run, the contest did look quite a nice race with the field headed by the favourite who was rated 84 and a win to accompany.
Shane Gray was booked for the ride and the strength of the market leaders meant that Joe Gargery would be sent off at long odds of 33/1. Drawn widest of all, Joe Gargery jumped out well but heading immediately into a bend, Shane was quick to get tucked in. Moving across from out wide meant that he gave away ground and landed in midfield, but at least he took the shorter route around the bend.
The market leaders were towards the fore and this led to a decent pace set through the the race. Swinging around the bend the leaders would quickly divert away from the rail and head towards the stands side. This move opened up clear daylight in front of Joe Gargery if he was good enough in the finish.
As the pace increased from over 2f the leading duo began to get a break on the field. Joe Gargery was making some steady progress but was well down on the leaders. Running green he just wandered a little bit as Shane had to gather him up and help him find his stride. As the favourite battled for the lead, Joe Gargery was slowly and surely closing the gap.
Entering the final furlong the favourite looked beat and it was left to Joe Gargery to try one last challenge. Getting the hag of things, he began to storm down the centre of the track as his stride lengthened. Now the gap diminished and although he was battling his inexperience, Joe Gargery was on terms with the leader. Momentum took the gelding through with his run and heading his rival, Joe Gargery went on to win a shade cosily despite the margin only being a neck.
It was a fantastic start for Joe Gargery and he won despite his inexperience. Not only was he making his debut but he overcame some nice opposition which shows that he must have quite a bit of ability. He moved very well through the race and finished strongly which suggest he could be equally effective over a mile as 7f. Joe Gargery certainly looks a nice prospect for the season ahead and it will be interesting where he heads next.