Promise Continues All-Weather Record
With a record of 3 wins from 5 runs, True Promise has shown his best form on the artificial surface. After a slightly frustrating turf season, the 3yo has bounced back to form with a return to both sprinting and the Tapeta. True Promise backed up his latest win with another victory in the 5f £30 In Free Bets With BetUK Handicap at Newcastle.
As the year has progressed True Promise has really matured, strengthening up throughout the turf season. For a horse who looked as though he may want a little further than sprints, the gelding got quicker with racing. His latest win not only added to his win tally but also showed that he may have some more options moving forward, having shown bright speed throughout.
Dropping to 5f for the first time in his career, True Promise lined up against just 5 rivals with Shane Gray in the saddle. Despite the drop to the minimum trip, True Promise showed good speed to track the early pace, which was strong, as expected over this trip. True Promise travelled well in the hands of Shane and never looked to be out of his comfort zone. With form over further, there was distinct feeling that if he could get through the first half in touch then True Promise should finish off best of all.
Quickly past halfway the field entered the final couple of furlongs. Here True Promise moved to the girths of the leader as Shane asked his mount to go and finish his race off. The entire field were in a line, separated by about a length, giving credit to the handicapper. As the leader weakens, True Promise moved to the front and looked to kick clear of his rivals.
It looked as though True Promise had more or less got the job done as they moved inside the final furlong. Kicking away from his rivals, who couldn’t go with him, the race looked to be at his mercy. That was until a late flourish coming from the stands side. With his rival laying down the gauntlet, Shane now asked for everything, which he got in spades. The front two pulled each other along, as they fought out the win. Although it was close, True Promise was always doing enough, maintaining his lead on the bob. The runner up pushed him all the way and did get close, but True Promise had plenty in the tank and took the win by a head.
That is now two wins on the bounce for True Promise and this time it was over 5f, which opens up options for the future. With his fine record on the AW, True Promise can continue over the coming weeks and may well have a winter campaign. He is getting better with each race and there could be more to come from the 3yo.