Territorial Knight Dominates

Winter can be a long time, no racing, bad weather, short days. In racing the unknown yearlings are what keep that period exciting, not knowing what potential stars are lurking. It doesn’t always work out but the yard looked to have a nice bunch of juveniles and they have certainly been in fine form. Territorial Knight became the 12th 2yo winner when he bolted up in the 6f Northern Commercials Used Stock For Instant Delivery EBF Restricted Novice at Pontefract.

The son of Territories had taken a big step forward from his debut run to his second. Having found everything happening a bit too fast at York, Territorial Knight showed that he was a quick learner when he returned to action. Taking a big step forward the chestnut narrowly went down at Wetherby, finishing second and showing real promise. He had steadily stepped up in trip but it was clear that 6f would be his next start.

Pontefract offers a stiff test of 6f and Territorial Knight headed there to take on 10 rivals with he race splitting into 2 divisions. Sent off favourite, Tom Eaves looked to be positive from the outset. Vying for the lead from the off, Territorial Knight had to settle for second as his market rival, and previous winner, took the lead. It was a strong gallop with the leader pulling hard but Tom had a nice toe into the race and they quickly ran down the back straight towards the left handed bend.

All the market leaders were toward the front of the field which ensured a strong gallop throughout the contest. Territorial Knight always travelled smoothly and held his pitch just behind the pace. The field were well strung out as they rounded the bend, with the pace telling. Tom was away going to have first crack at the leader once the chance came.

Moving into the home straight, the 2f pole loomed up and Tom kicked. Territorial Knight quickly moved up and took the lead, looking to stretch clear of the rest. He pretty much did and this move looked to be race winning but there was one rival who came from out of the pack. Suddenly it was a leading pair as they went head to head, putting distance to the rest. Now a two horse race they went to battle with over a furlong to run. Territorial Knight still held the advantage but was going to have to pull out all the stops. Once they entered the final furlong it was a little bit of unknown territory with this being his first run over the trip. As expected though he thrived for it and the extra distance was a real plus. Territorial Knight now hit top gear and with 100 yards to go put the race to bed. Striding out he continued to stretch clear, taking the win by a comfortable 2 3/4 lengths with daylight to the rest.

The progression shown by Territorial Knight has been impressive and he won here with plenty in the tank. Stepping up in trip was ideal and he should be the type to continue to improve with racing. He has the size and scope to continue maturing throughout this year and next but York could be on the cards first. The big sales race has had another influx of pre money and Territorial Knight could well be heading there next, surely with as good a chance as anything else.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

two × 5 =

Archives