Nobody Aint For Catching
Waiting for the weather to improve has felt like an age. Whilst it got to a point where the older horses needed to get out and run, it was far harder with the juveniles. It is important to have a nice, educational day out when running on debut so the tough ground conditions have held up the 2yo team for a few weeks longer than usual. With the sun breaking out, the juveniles have been hitting the track and Aint Nobody was the third debutante to win as he took the 5f Daily Football Offers At Rhino.Bet EBF Restricted Novice Stakes at Carlisle.
Sands Of Mali was a smart 2yo and has made a good start to his stallion career, with a few horses winning on debut. Aint Nobody was a £30,000 purchase from GoffsUK and was a striking physical, having a powerful frame and looking like a real sprinter even as a yearling. With speed throughout his page it was no surprise to see the colt develop well and come to hand early enough. Although he was ready to go, there would be a little hold up due to the changeable weather, but thankfully Carlisle did dry up quite nicely to ensure he would make his debut on good to soft ground.
Tom Eaves was booked for the ride as the pair took on 5 rivals. Only one had form in the race, but it was strong, finishing runner up twice to well fancied runners. With odds of 8/1, Aint Nobody was actually third best in the market, showing the support for the front two. It was experience to the fore as they left the stalls with the 6 runners filtering into two lines of two through the first furlong. Carlisle has a left hand bend just after the first furlong but with he field racing more towards the centre, the juveniles took a more obtuse angle around it. Aint Nobody had settled into a nice rhythm from the outset, showing the same professional attitude he had done at home.
The pace was strong throughout which took the field into the straight fairly sharply. Aint Nobody was just in behind the leader and matched his rival stride for stride. He made up ground passing halfway as the favourite was starting to come under pressure. Tom just edged left to get a clear run and give his mount a nice clear view. As they moved inside the 2f pole, Aint Nobody cruised up to the leader and was suddenly alongside with relative ease.
Tom had barely moved by the time the pair were vying for the lead. As Aint Nobody eyeballed his rival, the long time leader came under a drive. It was clear that Aint Nobody was going the best but how would his inexperience play out at the business end. Edging into the lead, Tom started to nudge his mount along and the juvenile was responding. Slowly but surely the colt began to get the message, lengthening all the time. The finish does rise up and as Aint Nobody got into top gear, he really started to stride out up the hill. Under a hands and heels ride, Aint Nobody started to assert, pulling away from his rivals and galloping away to a clear 1 length debut win.
You never know how juveniles will handle their first day out, even the most professional can suffer from stage fright. Aint Nobody has always shown a good attitude and he was exactly the same on track. He got into his stride immediately and was always travelling like the best horse. Aint Nobody put the race to bed with the minimum of fuss and it was impressive against a rival who not only had experience but their form looked solid. It may be a bit early but with Royal Ascot around the corner, there may be some consideration for Aint Nobody.