Inisherin Could Be Sprint King
There is no such thing as a bad Guineas. The opening classic of the season invariable produces not only superstars but top quality horses. Inisherin tackled the 2000 Guineas this season, travelling as well as anyone down to the 2f pole before finishing a very good sixth. Was the result due to inexperience was probably many people’s thoughts, but connections opted for a different opinion. Dropping back in trip, by 2f, Inisherin would bolt up in the 6f Group 2, Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock.
Having raced exclusively at 1m, Inisherin had entered many people’s notebooks when winning at Newcastle back in March. His third run would be a massive step up in grade, as the 3yo headed straight to 2000 Guineas. Putting inexperience behind him, Inisherin took the field along, travelling better than anything else at 2f pole, before succumbing in the final furlong. Beaten only by 4 lengths, it was a very good run but Kevin had already made plans for what would come next.
The Sandy Lane at Haydock has become an important race in recent years, thanks to the formation of a 3yo sprinting schedule. It is a big trial for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but even those winners who haven’t managed to take both races, they have gone on to Group 1 success later in the season. Having won the race in 2019, with Hello Youmzain, Kevin knew the type of horse it takes to win and Inisherin was doing the same as his previous charge, dropping in trip. The race revolved around Vandeek, the sprinting sensation from last season, who had taken all before him as a 2yo. With the favourite going off at odds of 8/11, Inisherin was viewed as his biggest threat, sent off as 7/2 second fav.
Tom Eaves remained in the saddle, having ridden the colt in the Guineas, and looked to keep things simple from the off. Inisherin had led over a mile but would he be able to do the same over the shorter trip? Jumping well, he was able to do just that and took the lead from the stalls. Racing down the centre of the track he was stalked by the favourite as a couple of rivals looked to join him at the front.
With a nice, even gallop being set they raced down through the first half of the race with very little change in the running order. Inisherin travelled well on the front end but so were the majority of the field. Vandeek was stalking the lead and was in the slipstream of Inisherin.
Tom was able to hold his mount together for as long as possible with the colt carrying him towards the 2f pole with ease. With half of the field struggling to land a blow, Tom gave his mount a squeeze and asked him to go and lengthen. Inisherin responded well and this move had a domino effect. Vandeek now came under a drive as he angled out to try and make a challenge. Within a few strides it became clear that if they were to beat Inisherin then they would need to find another gear. The leader began stretching away and doing so with the minimum of fuss.
Having lengthened into a clear lead, Tom now began to work a little harder in the saddle, educating Inisherin. Changing leads the 3yo began to dominate entering the final furlong, opening up a 2 length lead. Everything was beaten and Vandeek could only fight it out for second. Inisherin continued to pour it on inf front, stretching further and further clear. By the line he had kicked clear by 3 3/4 lengths, winning the Group 2 contest in impressive style.
Not only was this Inisherin’s fourth race but he had only started racing in October, which bodes well for the season ahead. He has a great attitude but there should be more to come as he gains more experience, especially over this new trip. Due to his run in the Guineas and the early closing entries, Inisherin only entry at Ascot was the St James Palace. To run in the Commonwealth Cup, Inisherin will need to be supplemented and this is a discussion that will be had. Obviously if the colt does turn up for that contest then he will be a very well fancied runner, but whatever happens Inisherin looks like he could well be a big player in the sprint division this year.