No joy this afternoon…
Barlow and Iona Days ran reasonable enough races, but they - like the rest of the field – were completely outclassed by Loch Ba…
When I tipped that one back in November, I said that I thought it might have 20lb in hand of its current handicap mark.
Well, I was wrong !
It ran today off a mark 17lb higher – and the way it bolted up, it probably had 30lb in hand of it’s mark back that day !
It ran today off a mark 17lb higher – and the way it bolted up, it probably had 30lb in hand of it’s mark back that day !
It was a seriously impressive performance – and I wouldn’t want to be opposing the horse wherever it ran next. I could easily see it taking a 3 mile handicap at one of the big festivals – possibly even Cheltenham…
In truth, it was just not a performance I could foresee.
It had run relatively disappointingly last time at Ascot and I thought that was as good at it was.
With hindsight, it clearly didn’t perform that day – and maybe the near 2 month absence since that run was telling.
It is also possible that the horse runs best when fresh.
Whatever, it is certainly one to keep a very close eye on…
The ‘right’ horses were also placed, so the form is likely to be strong.
The unexposed pair of Mountianous and Ringa Bay were second and third – with Barlow fourth.
All 3 of these are likely to gain compensation for todays defeat before the season is over (Barlow, possibly over a slightly shorter trip).
Iona Days simply didn’t quite look good enough – but there was little shame in defeat and the way he travelled to the cross fence suggested that he too will be picking up a small race, sooner rather than later…
TVB.
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