Promising Sisyphean Off The Mark

Promising at 2 and holding some big entries, 2024 was always going to be an important year for Sisyphean. The son of Dubawi had caught the eye in his juvenile season but now he would have to confirm that promise. Returning to the track he did just that, making all the win the 1m Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

Owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Sisyphean always had the size and scope to develop in time. It was great to see him hit the track as a 2yo when he tackled the Convivial Maiden on his debut at York. Despite showing inexperience, he finished the race strong and suggested that stepping up from 7f would suit.

Finishing second at Ayr, when he travelled with ease before just getting collared on the line, and then fourth at Newmarket confirmed the promise shown on debut. Everything he did in his 2yo season was going to be a bonus so there was excitement about what he could produce the following year.

The winter break had been beneficial for Sisyphean, who really matured into his large frame. Coming to hand early meant that the all-weather was an obvious option for the colt. This time of year does offer some nice maiden and novice races, with Newcastle providing the ideal type of track for Sisyphean. Despite Sisyphean holding the best form and a handicap mark of 80, he would only be second favourite behind the £1.2 million debutante No Retreat. Tom eaves took the ride and would take control pf the race from the off.

Bouncing out of the stalls, Sisyphean jumped to his left but immediately corrected his course and took the lead. With the favourite happy to take a lead, Sisyphean would set the early fractions as Tom began to edge over towards the stands side rail. Allowed to use his big stride, Sisyphean set a nice gallop and would stretch to over a length advantage as the field gallop chased him.

Moving well, Sisyphean had the field stretched by halfway as the majority of his rivals came under pressure. It was clear by the 3f pole that the race would be between the 3 market leaders as they moved into position to lay down a challenge to Sisyphean. The colt was still travelling powerfully on the front end was eating up the ground with every stride.

Cruising up to the 2f pole, Sisyphean was still out in front but his rivals were beginning to shift through the gears. Tom now loosened the reins and asked his mount to lengthen. The colt began to quicken up and now the race was on for the win. With leading trio pulling away from the rest they were also dragging each other along. having com off the bridle earlier, it was actually the fav who now looked to be going the best of all. Sisyphean still held the lead and had yet to hit top gear.

Entering the final furlong Tom now asked for maximum effort. Sisyphean now began to find his stride and pulled away from the fav. Holding a 1/2 length lead, Sisyphean now had just 1oo yards to secure the win. He would need to battle though as between the front two, the eventual runner up was finishing well. This late charge seemed to help the fav and the pair threw down one last challenge. Sisyphean was not for stopping and battled all the way to the line. Sticking his neck out, the colt secured his first career win by a nose.

Although he has shown plenty of promise as a 2yo, Sisyphean had yet to really learn how to race properly. This win will have certainly helped with that as Tom took control of the contest before he then had to show a gutsy attitude in the latter stages. Obviously the winning margin was narrow but there is reason to think that he was worth a bit more. It was his first run of the new year and whatever he did here, Sisyphean would certainly come on for the run. Also he had to do it the hard way, setting the pace and running with a target on his back. Sisyphean is a lovely colt and it will be very interesting to see just where he can get to. With a beautiful pedigree there is suggestion that he could well get further in time and there could be some nice races to look forward to this season.