Invisible Friend Takes Advantage
This season has seen quite a few, very short priced favourites, getting turned over. Proof that there is not such thing as a certainty, a 1-16 shot became one of the shortest priced favs to be beaten. Invisible Friend was only seeing the race track for the second time and she ensured that there were no blushes from connections as she bolted up in the 1m1f Welton Novice Stakes at Carlisle.
Having made a belated debut at Haydock, the daughter of Sea The Stars made a big impression finishing third. The form of that novice looked strong and has been boosted since. Invisible Friend had loomed up dangerously in that contest before getting a little tired and showing inexperience in the latter stages. She had run a race full of promise but also shaped as though a longer trip may be more beneficial.
Although the options were far from plentiful, Kevin managed to find a very good opportunity for the 3yo filly. With just three lining up for the contest, Invisible Friend would be sent off the 2-9 favourite. Kevin Stott took the ride and would keep things as simple as possible.
With just a trio of runners there was very little drama in the race. Having jumped well, Invisible Friend was sent to the front and barely saw her rivals. Confident the trip would be no issue, Kevin allowed his mount stride on and set an even gallop. Her two rivals would take a lead and let the favourite dictate.
The race would go pretty much as expected but there were areas of improvement for the filly. She ran very green still and would become unbalanced racing around the bend. Carlisle is not the most straight forward track and this can happen with inexperienced horses.
Kevin was trying to educate his filly throughout and gave her a shake up form the 3f pole. Again, Invisible Friend was unsure of what to do and Stott had to work to keep her moving forward. Everything was in hand and there was never any danger. Both Invisible Friend and her rival would wander around in the latter stages but it was the favourite who had plenty of running left. Despite not being 100% sure, Invisible Friend would stride out in the final furlong when the penny began to drop. Going clear, she would put 5 lengths between herself and the runner up.
Invisible Friend has a lovely pedigree and with her future breeding career, it was important to get the first win under her belt. Obviously she is a work in progress and will learn again for this experience. The best of Invisible Friend will be next year again when she has more time to fill out and mature. Going forward connections will have to check what options there are but the filly looks like she has plenty of talent. It may be a quiet enough campaign this season with next year being Invisible Friend’s main plan.