Seargent Wilko Gets The Juveniles Up And Running
The juvenile division has always been one where Kevin has done very well with. At the start of the year they allow connectiosn to dream of what might be, with a blank slate to build their career upon. Seargent Wilko was the yards first 2yo runner of the season and he became the first winner as he took the 5f Download The Vickers.Bet App EBF Maiden Stakes at Thirsk.
Sired by Bungleinthejungle, Seargent Wilko had commanded €50,000 from the Goffs Orby sales. Strong and powerful looking yearling, he looked just the type that Kevin does well with and a proper 2yo type. It doesn’t always work out that way but thankfully his pre-season went well, there were no hold ups and Seargent Wilko came to hand very early.
Musselburgh has one of the earliest 2yo races and it is a race where Kevin has had plenty of runners in recent years. Seargent Wilko made a cracking debut, travelling powerfully throughout the race before kicking clear with ease. Unfortunately he just got a little lonely out in front, allowing his rival a chance to rally and nab him on the line. Despite not coming away with the win, Seargent Wilko was arguably the one to take out of the race with his professional performance.
Just 14 days later Seargent Wilko was back out and some early 2yo form woful be put to the test. Lining up at Thirsk against 7 rivals, the race would revolve around two with experience. Seargent Wilko and Valero had both finished second on debut and they headed the market. Tom Eaves had taken the ride on debut and maintained the partnership.
Both the market rivals had raced on slower ground but it was the favourite who had tasted really testing conditions. Recent weather had turned the ground soft and ensured it would be a test for the juveniles. Once again Seargent Wilko was well away and Tom allowed him to get into his stride, ending at the front of the field. Racing down the centre, the other 6 runners filtered in behind Seargent Wilko.
Having shown plenty of speed on debut, Seargent Wilko put this to good use here as he travelled well on the front. By halfway the favourite spotted danger and moved up to second place to press Wilko, as the pair began to put pressure on the rest. With well over half the race to run it began to look like a 2 horse shootout at this point.
The first to crack was the favourite who came under a drive as Tom remained motionless inside the 2f marker. Seargent Wilko continued to travel well and looked full of running as they were galloping down to the final furlong. With his rival continuing to find for pressure, Tom loosened the reins and asked Wilko to go and win his race. You could see that he wasn’t 100% at home on the ground as the response wasn’t immediate but this time he knew far more about the job at hand. He battled away and began to find more as the two pulled clear of the rest. As the lead closed and Seargent Wilko was pressed hard, its was here that he began to really hit top gear. With 100 yards to run, Wilko changed leads and started to pull away again. As he hit the line, Seargent Wilko earned his first career win by 3/4 length and continue his early progression.
It was clear from his debut that Seargent Wilko had plenty of ability and he showed that once again. The manner in which he travels in his races is impressive and this time he had the pressure applied from quite a way out. The favourite ensured he had a stern test, which Wilko stood up to and proved a very tough competitor. It was pretty clear that he wasn’t completely happy on the ground and the team cannot wait to see him on better going. His action and racing style suggests he should be better on nice ground and he is an exciting juvenile for the early season targets.