Venture Capital Is A Sprinter

Plans have to be adaptable in this sport as horses progress at different rates which means that what suits them can change throughout their career. Venture Capital enjoyed a fruitful autumn/winter, winning a couple of races over 7f and shaping as though he could be one for the handicaps over that far or potentially further. After some good runs, it became clear that the opposite was true and dropping in trip would actually suit. That proved to be the right call as he took the 6f JKR Industrial Cleaning Ltd Handicap at Ayr.
Venture Capital was a slow burner as he took time to really mature into the horse that would be wining races. He did look quite a sharp 2yo lasts season, but his debut run showed that he needed time to mature and develop in his frame. He wouldn’t run again until the autumn, where he would compete on the all-weather. All subsequent runs came at Newcastle and Venture Capital was placed on his return, before going on to win two novice events at the track. Given a break before the 2024 turf season, he looked quite a nice type for competitive 3yo handicaps.
Venture Capital ran well on the turf but it was his latest run at Thirsk which suggested that he may well be a sprinter. Horses can get quicker as they strengthen up and that looked the case with him. Dropping down in trip, it would be the first time that he would be competing against elder rivals. Venture Capital looked the most likely improver in the field, trying the trip for the first time and being far more lightly raced than the older horses. Shane Gray was back in the saddle having partnered him to the previous wins.
Showing bright early speed, Venture Capital took the lead from the off and led the 6 runner field. He was hassled all the way and this led to a fast early pace as they raced through the first furlong. It was good to see Venture Capital being able to lead more experienced sprinters and he was doing son his own terms, travelling in a lovely rhythm.
Little changed as they raced down past halfway but the pace never ceased. Despite having the extra stamina it is hard to know whether that reserve is still there having had to race quicker than they are used to. Racing down to the 2f marker the race changed as those who chased the pace started to struggle. Venture Capital continued to pour it on from the front and was still travelling well. Shane gave his mount a squeeze and looked to capitalise, trying to stretch clear from the front. He got the response he wanted and the pair opened up a clear lead.
Out in front Venture Capital was on his own and passing the 1f marker he held a goof advantage. Shane was asking for everything and was getting all from his mount. There was a late challenge coming from the rear of the field and with Venture Capital just hanging a little, it gave his rival a sniff of victory. Venture Capital was probably just looking for a little bit of company, having been out on his own, and as he sensed the challenge he went again. Finding plenty for pressure, Venture Capital galloped through the one, securing a first turf win by 1/2 length.
It was great to see Venture Capital back in the winner’s circle and he certainly looks a sprinter now. Dropping in trip is not easy and he managed to lead the field from the start. Setting a strong gallop he then managed to quicken off that before battling late on. With this being his first run over this trip, there could be plenty more to come as Venture Capital learns how to be a sprinter.