Race Report - 25th October 2008
1.55 crownhotel-bawtry.com Nursery (7f)
Jamie Spencer initiated a thrilling double when producing favourite DEFINIGHTLY late to win this competitive handicap. Roger Charlton's colt had the best form on offer but had to come from a long way off the pace to win by just a head from Satwa Laird. Definightly saw out the longer trip well and looks a smart prospect for next season. The runner-up had shaped well in another Doncaster nursery while Greensward, on only his third start, was headed close home and can pay his way in due course.
2.25 coral.co.uk Handicap (5f)
JUDGE 'N JURY has been a revelation this season. Snapped up for just 2,000gns a year ago, he began his winning run off 72 and added another valuable handicap to his growing tally off a career best mark of 105. Kevin Ghunowa, who knows the gelding to a tee, conjured a strong run to outgun Fantasy Explorer and book his mount's place in Pattern company next season. Fol Hollow shaped well from a difficult draw but never looked like reversing recent Catterick form with the winner.
3.00 racingpost.com Stakes (Listed) (6f)
Newmarket trainer George Margarson sprung a surprise with 50-1 shot IMPERIAL GUEST, who showed a tough and willing attitude to repel the closers under Tony Culhane. The winner had finished third in a valuable sales race previously, and held off the improving Enderby Spirit and Absent Pleasure. The disappointment of the race was odds-on favourite Sayif, who was never travelling and coasted home stone last.
3.35 Racing Post Trophy (Group 1) (1m)
This was the most open renewal of the informative Racing Post Trophy for years, but the winner scored in the manner of an exciting colt with a very bright future. Brian Meehan's CROWDED HOUSE put the race to bed with a telling turn of foot to beat favourite Jukebox Jury and stable companion Skanky Biscuit. Jamie Spencer's mount did have to survive a stewards' enquiry after drifting left-handed in the closing stages, but is now on course for the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby. Meehan reported that the son of Rainbow Quest may begin his 2009 campaign in the Dante Stakes at York. Royal Lodge winner Jukebox Jury was outpaced at halfway and, despite suffering some interference, would not have beaten the winner. Skanky Biscuit looks a Group winner waiting to happen as this was a big step forward on his maiden win two weeks earlier. Masterofthehorse, from Aidan O'Brien's powerful stable, folded tamely but may be seen in better light when upped in trip next year.
4.10 Richard (Boney) James Hone Memorial Handicap (1m4f)
Veteran jockey Dean McKeown, warned off two days earlier for four years for his part in racing's latest corruption case, scored an emotional success on TIMES VITAL. Eoghan O'Neill's runner stayed on strongly for McKeown, who punched the air with delight as he crossed the line to secure what may be his final winner. Times Vital now looks likely to take his chance in the last big race of the season, the November Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday week. Sir Michael Stoute's Voice Coach seemed well suited by the step up in trip but, having risen 6lbs in the handicap, was no match for the winner.
4.45 1stsecuritysolutions.co.uk Conditions Stakes (7f)
MR AVIATOR, a smart dual-purpose horse, added another notable success to his CV and has, according to his owner Sue Brendish, booked himself a holiday until a possible tilt at the Dubai Carnival. Richard Hannon's runner was too strong for Welsh Emperor, who may have been better suited by more give in the ground, which was only just on the easy side of good. Quito, coming back out of retirement at the age of 11, ran a most pleasing race in fifth and can be placed to win another race.
5.15 Pertemps People Development 'Hands And Heels' Apprentice Series Final Handicap (7f)
Declan Cannon clinched the series and a full year's sponsorship package despite finishing only fourth on Mey Blossom. His nearest rival in the competition, Ashley Morgan, was back in sixth on Astrodonna. Another promising rider, Lance Betts, stole the honours on Richard Fahey's QUEST FOR SUCCESS, who was well handicapped for this step up in trip and got it well. He could win again on this evidence.
