Platinum Crystal Defies Drop In Trip
Returning from a winter break can be quite hard to assess before the event. Some horses come back needing a trip longer than previous, some have strengthened up and have got sharper. Platinum Crystal was dropping in trip for her seasonal debut, but it was a successful move as she took the 6f Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Handicap at Newcastle.
Platinum Crystal only arrived at Hambleton Lodge late last year and improved with each of her three runs. Starting over a mile, she then improved when dropped to 7f. Having shown decent form, the handicapper allotted Platinum Crystal a handicap mark of 70.
The fixtures didn’t really offer Platinum Crystal many options and despite feeling as though an extra furlong would be preferable, Kevin was limited to running over 6f. Whilst the race looked wide open, the trip was always a concern as there were 6f perfumers who were proven and could still be open to improvement.
Kevin Stott, back from a stint in New Zealand, was booked for the ride and gave a typically strong performance. Despite never tackling sprinting, Platinum Crystal was sharply away and prominent from the off. Sat on he leader’s girths, the 3yo was in a nice rhythm through the first couple of furlongs, chasing a fairly even gallop.
By halfway the pace was increased, with the front two holding a gap to the rest. Platinum Crystal maintained her position with the leader and matched her rival, showing no ill signs of sprinting inexperience. The race really began to heat up entering the final 2f as Kevin began to work in the saddle.
Coming out of the pack were the other two market leaders, who began to chase down the front tow, leaving the final trio weakening out of it. Platinum Crystal was vying for the lead now but just started to edge left under a drive. Kevin was working hard to keep her balanced and the filly continued to respond. The final furlong was a real ding dong battle between the front two but the favourite was flying home to try and spoil the party. Platinum Crystal continued to drift left, taken her rival along with her as the fav flew down the near side. The three flashed past the line together and it was hard to see who had managed to claim the win. The photo was called in favour of Platinum Crystal but she would have to survive an enquiry before confirming the win.
It was a good performance from Platinum Crystal to win on her seasonal return and over a new trip. She showed good speed throughout and battled all the way to the line. The extra stamina did show towards the end of the race to edge the win. Although Platinum Crystal did edge left in the latter stages, it was probably due to the inexperience she has over this trip and she will certainly improve for the run. It was great to see her back in action and now there are far more options for her moving into the turf season. Having won over 6f, it does open up plenty more races but she could be stepping back up in trip next time out.