Venture Capital A Sprinter Going Places

Trial and error along with the development of a horse can see them thrive with differing tactics or trips. Venture Capital has gone from strength to strength as he has matured, getting faster with every run. He took his form to a new level once again when winning the 5f Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap.

Last season Venture Capital was a revelation as he matured throughout the year. Having started over 7f, the then 3yo continued to drop back in trip which saw him rise through the ranks. Winning over 6f he then took another over the minimum trip before backing it up with a couple of fine efforts at the latter stages of the season. He returned earlier this month at Pontefract where quick ground and interference saw him finish down the field but with that run under his belt he made no mistake at Ripon next time out.

It was small field lining up at Ripon but the scene runners brought some good career form to the table. Shane Gray maintained his partnership with Venture Capital as the pair were looking to overcome a tricky draw in stall one. There was an inevitability that the pace would be very strong with a couple of fast horses drawn against the stands side rail. Leaving the stalls Venture Capital got pushed a little further wide form his draw which meant Shane had to take back and sit in behind the early pace setters. It was a frantic pace being set up front as Venture Capital chased the front two.

Travelling smoothly throughout the contest, Venture Capital moved up dangerously from about the 2f marker. Likewise the pace setters looked to kick from this point, trying to get a break on the rest. Shane covered this move and closed up towards the outer, almost making it three in a row as they charged down to the final furlong.

Entering the final furlong, Venture Capital came to join the lead as one of the pace setters dropped out of it. Edging his nose to the front, Venture Capital was hitting top gear. He was being chased hard but the wind was in the sails of Venture Capital. The final 100 yards were his best as he got on top of his rival and strode out, securing the win by a comfortable 3/4 length.

This was another career best and really sets him up for the big handicaps for the rest of the season. The ground was quick enough for him on this occasions and his ability got him through. Venture Capital looks like a sprinter on the up but he will minded for when the right ground comes along for him.