Room Service Back On Track
Successful juveniles don’t always progress as expected but sometimes it just takes a little more time. Room Service always looked to be the type who may progress as a 3yo, with his size and scope. Having had an impressive 2yo season, Room Service was back winning again as he took the 6f Northern Commercials Iveco E-Daily Handicap at Pontefract.
The son of Kodi Bear had just four runs last year including his final winning run at Doncaster in the big Wetherby’s sales race. Run over 6 1/2f, that win suggested that Room Service may get further in the future, which included an entry in the Irish 2000 Guineas. With that in mind he began this season by racing in the Greenham stakes over 7f. Tacky ground didn’t suit but he would drop in trip for his next run, a listed event over 6f. Again he ran well but couldn’t quite land a blow.
Pontefract looked like a track that should really suit Room Service with its stiff finish. The 7 runners were of varying ages, the first time Room Service would be taking on his elders. Drawn in stall 8 didn’t look great but with a deluge of rain it looked as though the track may ride different with a chance of the field coming away from the far rail.
Tom Eaves took the ride and was immediately asked to work for his fee, with Room Service slowly away and having to be rousted along to join the rest of the field. Racing in the rear of the 7 runners, the 3yo finally got into his rhythm although was carrying his head slightly awkwardly. With a strong pace set the field raced through the first couple of furlongs in a fast time already racing down the back straight and towards the home bend.
Room Service was always just behind the bridle and had to niggled along to keep in contact with the rest of the field. Moving through halfway they race left handed and still Tom was working away but they did move up a spot along the rail. The leaders chose to ignore the rail and started to come more towards the centre of the track as they entered the home straight. Room Service had a clear run up the inside and whilst he was maintaining his position he couldn’t land a blow just yet. Passing the 2f marker Tom got serious and really asked for everything from his mount. For the first time in the race, Room Service began to make some headway but still had the majority of the field ahead of him, albeit closely bunched.
The race was wide open heading down to the final furlong and the long time leader continued to hold sway. Room Service was starting to hit his stride and was gaining momentum as the ground raised up to the stiff finish. Eating up the ground the colt moved up to join a pair of rivals battling for the lead. Now he was at the peak of his run and was finding more the further they went. Initially edging his nose to the lead, the final 50 yards was his best and Room Service pulled clear, securing the win by 1 1/2 lengths.
It is always pleasing to see a smart 2yo get their head back in front as a 3yo. Room Service was set a couple of big tasks and had legitimate excuses for not quite being at his best. This was by no means an easy contest and he came through with flying colours showing that he is a horse who is bordering that handicap/pattern company. You wouldn’t rule out 7f again in the future but he does look like a horse who enjoys a hard run 6f where he can finish, especially when it’s a stiff test. The top handicaps are tough for 3yo’s but that will be his remit for the rest of the year and he should continue to progress in the future.