Wilko Goes From Strength To Strength
When you get a horse thriving and continually improving through the ranks it can spark a real sense of excitement. You are always looking to where they could reach and when the ceiling may be reached. Sergeant Wilko has racked up 3 wins out of four but improved that record once again when he added the 6f William Hill First Race Special Today Handicap at Goodwood.
The powerful 3yo has really stepped up this year and improved hand over fist throughout the season. He was always a horse whoo looked to have bags of potential, shown by some of the tasks he was set last year as a juvenile. With a winter on his back, Sergeant Wilko really fills out into his frame and this maturity has seen him become a really nice sprinter. Having won 3 times against his own age, including one of the top 3yo handicaps last time at Newmarket, Sergeant Wilko was to tackle his elders for the first time.
Oisin Murphy continued his partnership with the colt as the pair started favourite for the 7 runner contest. Running off a career high, Sergeant Wilko would need to take another step forward. Looking to control the race, the 3yo went to his usual prominent racing style. Racing along the near side rail, Sergeant Wilko led the field and set a nice gallop to chase along. The field were happy to take the lead given to them and they quickly headed through the first half of the race.
With Goodwood’s sharp nature, they were racing around the 40mph as they moved between eh 3f and 2f poles. Sergeant Wilko had a nice advantage and Oisin would try to use this as he began to niggle his mount, looking for him to kick off the front. One of the first to commit, Sergeant Wilko started to wind up and his move had the rest reacting likewise. The field were racing from the 2f marker and most of the field still held a chance coming into the business end.
Oisin had laid out his hand first of all but as they entered the final furlong, he looked like the jockey who had more underneath him. It didn’t look like he was asking for everything just yet. The lead shrunk and now it was time to dig deep and go for everything. Sergeant Wilko looks like he is just doing enough but once he fell the pressure of a rival, the colt finds some more. Now eye to eye with a serious challenge, Sergeant Wilko found some more and the pair began to pull away from the rest. It was neck and neck as they charged towards the line but as they flashed past the post, it was Sergeant Wilko who had done enough, securing the win by a neck.
Sergeant Wilko has really improved with every race this year and the 3yo looks like a nice sprinter for the future. He will be getting another rise in the ratings which will see him having to step up to the top heritage handicaps. Sergeant Wilko is not only a quality horse but he has the tenacious attitude that should help him in the big races. The Ayr Gold Cup will likely be the next stop for the 3yo, and whilst it is tough for that age group, Sergeant Wilko will certainly be a fixture in those races next year.