Venture Capital Wins At The Third Attempt
Owning a winning horse is why people get into racing and is the biggest thrill of all. Owning and breeding a winner must just pop the cherry on top. Venture Capital was a home bred, first foal and he got the pedigree off to a good start when winning the 7f BetMGM: It’s Showtime Restricted Novice Stakes at Newcastle.
The son of Washington DC took a little bit of time to really come to himself and even then he probably wasn’t quite the finished article. Needing a run he began his career at Beverley but it ultimately proved to be a little bit too soon for the colt, especially over the bare minimum trip. With time, he strengthened up and returned on the all-weather, over 7f to finish a very promising third.
That last run was more like his first so there was expectation that he should improve a lot for the experience. With weather wreaking havoc on the racecourses, Newcastle provided an ideal opportunity once again. It was quite surprising to see the colt rather ignored in the market but once Shane Gray got the leg up non of that mattered.
Jumping well, he was soon to the fore and pressing the early lead. With his rivals keen to take a lead, Shane allowed his mount to stride on and led the field towards the stands side. Setting an even pace the rest of the runners tucked in behind Venture Capital through the first half of the race.
Bowling along in front, the nearest pursuer was the favourite but those fancied runners in behind came under pressure a long way out. Passing halfway many of them were getting the hurry up and it was Venture Capital who travelled strongest of all. Shane just began to wind his colt up passing the 2f marker, matched by the favourite and the pair began to pull away from this point.
Breaking from the rest of the field, the front two were side by side and would be until passing the line. Whilst both jockeys were animated in the saddle, in was all hands and heels, something that is great to see on juveniles. For 1 1/2f the pair could not be separated and although Venture Capital was probably never headed, he did look in danger for a split second. Both 2yo’s were showing a great attitude and rightly so they flashed past the post as one. It was a very close call but eventually Venture Capital got the nod and earned his first career win.
It is great to not only see a 2yo shed their maiden tag but also an owner who was having their first horse in the yard. Venture Capital showed a great attitude throughout the contest, leading throughout and then battling all the way to the line. It will be interesting to see what the handicapper give him for an opening mark but there are plenty of options left for him on the all-weather and if he shows this kind of determination then another win should not be far away.