Sisyphean Bolts Up At The Knavesmire

The horses are in fine form with the winners flowing over the past few weeks. One division that has been impressive all season are the 3yo’s, who have been progressive throughout the season so far. Sisyphean is a horse who was always going to be a work in progress, getting better with time and racing. He certainly showed he had an engine when he destroyed the field by 5 lengths in the 1m George Blades Memorial Handicap at York.

It was on the Knavesmire where Sisyphean started his career, running in the convivial maiden. He wasn’t going to be best as a 2yo but more of a work in progress, developing with time. He showed a decent level of form in three runs before returning as a 3yo and securing a first career win on the the all-weather. Unfortunately he couldn’t build on that when tackling handicap company but was subsequently found to have a wind issue which was immediately dealt with.

Sisyphean had been awarded a friendly mark of 80 and that is what he rained on when heading to York. His home work has always suggested that he would be better than this but the question mark would linger over the wind op just done, would it be the thing hindering him or not. Tom Eaves was on board the 3yo as they took on 8 rivals.

Racing in second, Sisyphean chased a steady early pace after being nudged up to sit in second place. Tom was keen to utilise the colt’s long stride and allow him to stretch. When the leader left a gap up the rail Tom moved up to take over at the front, entering the bend. It wasn’t a crazy pace set as they swung left handed and headed for the home straight.

Rain had been falling all week which eased the ground conditions and left Tom with a decision to make. As they made their way into the straight, Tom made a deliberate move to come towards the stands side rail, where the better ground would be. The field followed suit as they raced down to the last 3f. Sisyphean was striding out in front and began to wind the tempo up. Those in behind started to work their way through to get a crack at the leader.

Entering the final 2f Tom got into his drive, the last jockey to do so. Sisyphean continued to hold the lead but had a swarm of rivals lining him up. Tom now asked for his mount to go and put the race to bed but the colt didn’t immediately do so. The pair were inching their way clear of the field but once they hit the 1f pole, Tom gave him a flick and Sisyphean took off. Within a few strides the advantage doubled and there was no stopping Sisyphean. Quickening and lengthening all the time, Sisyphean powered clear and bolted up by 5 lengths.

This performance was no surprise at all and it is clear that the wind op has done the trick. Sisyphean has always looked a smart horse and he has shown that there is a lot of potential in him. Obviously the handicapper will not take this result lightly and Sisyphean will have to shoulder a big hike in the handicap. On this showing he has definitely given the impression that bigger and better targets could well be within reach.

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