Cyril Confirms His Progress

It took six runs to break his maiden but Cyril has now made it two wins from his last two runs with another dominating front running victory. With a convincing first career win at Pontefract last time out, Shane Gray and Cyril looked to back that up and they certainly did that with an even more impressive win at Chester. The step up in trip to 1m2f has been the key and although there was plenty of confidence heading to Chester it was to be seen whether the three year old could handle the tight Roudee track.

Shane has been riding out of his skin this year but found the winners have just dried up in recent weeks. That being said his confidence has not wavered and he once again showed why he is one of the most promising young jockeys in Britain. Jumping from the gates he took the race by the scruff of the neck and sent Cyril into the lead, using the tactics that had seen them to victory last time. Although it was an uncontested lead the pair did set a strong gallop, something owing to the tight nature of the course. Cyril once again showed his enjoyment being left to his own devices out in front and travelled strongly from the outset. Although a strong pace was being set Shane was not having to force the issue and the pair were soon motoring past halfway. There was a bit of hustle and bustle in behind as the lads were keen not to let Cyril out of their sights but they were always having to go a stride quicker than they wanted. There was no problems with handling the track either as Cyril travelled comfortably round the tight turns and always on the right lead. Shane was just allowing him to run in his hands and as they eased past the 4f marker they had a few of the field on the stretch. Chester is a very difficult course to come from off the pace and with Cyril travelling so well it looked as though the race was going to be between the horses running handy. The 3f marker came and went and the challenges started but with the runners constantly on the turn they were making no progress into Cyril’s lead. As they entered the short home straight Cyril still held a length advantage and Shane had yet to ask him for his effort. With just 1f to run it was time to put the race to bed and with an explosive turn of foot Cyril did just that. With every yard the margin got wider and by the time they hit the line Shane and Cyril had strode into a four length advantage.

It is always a pleasure to get the famous silks of Mr Guy Reed into the winners enclosure and like so many before him the home bred son of Rail Link is getting better with time and age. Obviously the handicapper is going to have his say now but with the new tactics and distance Cyril is certainly proving that he is a force to be reckoned with.