It’s Another Hammering

Everyone expects an odds on shot to win in good style, especially when they looks to have a lot in their favour. You don’t really expect a 6 length win in a competitive 3yo sprint handicap. Well Hammer The Hammer put daylight between him and his rivals when bolting up in the Steve Gregory 65th Birthday Handicap at Southwell.

The 3yo son of Coulsty was an expensive breeze up purchase last year and certainly showed plenty of promise in his early career. Just the two runs as a 2yo, Hammer The Hammer bumped into a couple of smart looking horses  but looked like he would do better with time himself. With a nice break over winter, he returned at Southwell, where he would finish a respectable second.

With a run under his belt, Hammer The Hammer returned to Southwell for a race that did look at his mercy. Thankfully the 3yo made no mistake, winning as easily as he liked and going him a nice confidence boost moving forward. For the third time in a row he would return to Southwell, although this time around he would be stepping back up to 6f and taking on a lot better company.

Tom Eaves took the ride and looked to take control from his plum draw in 1. Bouncing out, the colt went straight to the front showing bright speed and enthusiasm. it is only a short run to the bend and Hammer The Hammer swung left handed with about a length advantage. This was anew experience for Hammer but galloped around the turn comfortably.

Setting a fair gallop, Hammer The Hammer had the field well stretched out around the turn. As they entered the top of the home straight the runners fanned out off the turn to ready their challenges. Hammer The Hammer had yet to really see a rival and Tome set about to continue this. He loosened his grip and allowed his mount to stride on. Passing the 2f mark, Hammer The Hammer quickly opened up a decisive advantage. Suddenly there was daylight to the rest and he only looked to be getting stronger. The final 1 1/2f was a victory lap but Tom was not going to let his mount rest on his laurels. Having never really been in a hard race, Tom was keen to continue his education and maintain his work. The pair took the win by a scintillating 6 lengths.

Hammer The Hammer was bought with expectation and he is looking to fulfil that now. He is Avery quick horse but showed here that the 6f was no bother to him either. Winning like this will see his mark explode but he is a 3yo who should be running in bigger races. There are plenty of top handicaps around and hopefully Hammer The Hammer can prove better than that in time.