Thecla Off The Mark
Autumn is upon us and we are heading into the final stages of the flat season. Although it is the latter part there are still some juveniles who have only just set out on their racing journey. Thecla made her debut last month and on her third attempt, she earned her first win when taking the 6f Indgio Unified Comms EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes at Hamilton.
The daughter of Acclamation had shown promise on her first two career runs, suggesting that a win was around the corner. Starting on the all-weather at Southwell, Thecla raced over the minimum trip, staying on well towards the end of the race. This saw her step up to 6f for the next run at Carlisle where she took a big step forward, showing good speed, travelling well before just getting headed late on to finish runner up.
Heading up to Hamilton, Thecla was set to take on just 3 rivals with the field being cut by two non-runners. She would be sent off the 11/10 favourite and the four runner contest looked to be between the two market leaders. Tom Eaves was taking the ride and looked to keep the job simple from the off.
Jumping awkwardly to the right, Thecla was quickly adjusted and into her stride. Tom let the filly stride on and she took the lead, spearheading the quartet. Again she showed bright speed as they raced downhill and had just over a length lead. Kept honest by her market rival, Thecla took the field through the first half of the race at a speed of 39mph.
The pace was fairly strong throughout, especially with the ground softened by recent weather. Thecla was always going well in front and moving past the 2f marker she started to stretch her rivals. Tom was still sitting still in the saddle whilst his colleagues began to work away. The lead grew but Thecla still had to finish up the rising ground.
Entering the final furlong the ground begins to rise up and now Tom looked to secure his advantage. Thecla responded and kicked for home, holding a couple of lengths lead. Looking to put the race to bed the filly lengthened and kicked on. Tom was keeping his mount up to her work and whilst the lead was reduced in the final 100 yards, Thecla had done enough throughout the contest to repel her rival, securing a neck victory.
Thecla has shown a very honest attitude in her runs and did everything right here to gain a first win. She showed good speed and did have to dig deep to repel her rival. Although the gap was diminished, the work she had done beforehand really secured the win. Thecla will now gain a handicap mark and could well head into nursery company after this win. Her running style and natural speed suggest that she could be just as adept at 5f as 6f which leaves plenty of options open to build on this win.