Fast Act Burns His Rivals Off For Long Awaited Win
Third in the Super Sprint, Second in the Molecomb, Fourth in the Flying Childers just showed how good a 2 year old Fast Act was. Unfortunately a couple of niggling little problems prevented him from continuing his rise through the sprinting ranks. It has taken a long time to get his head back in front but he finally did so when showing his lightening speed to win the 5f Booker Wholesale Handicap at Windsor.
Having only run twice as a 3 year old it was this season that connections looked forward to with bated breath. He looked back to his old self but the main challenge was now to get confidence back into the Chestnut. Having suffered a few problems it was key to ensure he knew that racing was ok and he could handle it. On his first 3 starts Fats Act showed a spring in his step, proving that he was over his issues. As expected he desperately needed those runs and he was slowly coming back to his old self. This was evident in the following runs where Kevin faced a different challenge. Now knowing he was fine, Fast Act found his old speed but was trying to do a little bit too much. Showing electric pace, he started racing a little too keenly which had the adverse affect of him not being able to see out the trip. Although this wasn’t ideal it did give Kevin and connections confidence in Fast Act being able to get back to winning ways.
Musselburgh looked like a the perfect race for Fast Act to challenge, at a track which would suit his fast pace. He set a frantic gallop and had some very fast horses off the bridle early on but it was evident that he was going a gear too fast. In the final 1/2 furlong he ran out of fuel but what he had shown early on had everyone excited. When the 5f race at Windsor then came along the plan was in motion. Now all Fast Act had to do was learn to settle.
Kevin Stott has been enjoying a good association with Hambleton Racing having ridden them their last 3 winners and was in the saddle again. Fast Act went south in great order and as his handicap mark tumbled confidence was high if the Kevin could keep the brakes on through the early stages.
Breaking well, Fast Act soon took the lead showing his usual pizzazz and pace. Eager to get him settled, Kevin sat a little further back in the saddle and got a grip of his partner. Fast Act graciously dropped the bridle and travelled well at the pace Kevin wanted. The first part of the plan went well and the 4 year old held a narrow lead as he tracked over to the rail. He was being pressed from the off but this didn’t cause him to run keen and it was pleasing to see him give himself a chance.
As a 2 year old the ground had to be on the quicker side but the rain softened ground at Windsor did not look to be bothering him as he moved smoothly along. Kevin had managed to nab the rail which is always a bonus t the track and was making the best of his way home. Fast Act travelled well and was making sure there was no hiding place for his rivals. They were soon swinging off the sharp left handed bend and past halfway.
With just over 2f to run Fast Act still held the lead and seemingly travelled the best. He looked as though he had been running well within himself but now he was going to be tested. The field bunched up behind an started to lay down their challenges. Fast act hadn’t been in this position for a long time and now his metal was to be put to the test. Kevin got lower in the saddle and asked for his mount to kick on. The response was pleasing and Fast Act moved forward, continuing to hold his narrow advantage.
Moving between the 2f and 1f pole Fast Act still went well but then he gave his rivals a sniff of victory. As they hit the 1f marker he just began to edge to his left. Kevin quickly felt this, pulled his stick through and gave Fast Act a couple of adjustments. The Chestnut straightened up but his diversion had given Silken Skies the opportunity to come and vie for the lead. It didn’t look as though anything else was going to get involved in the finish so the two settled down to battle it out. Jockeys and horses were giving it their all, neither giving an inch. As one head went up the other took the lead on the nod. The pair flashed past the line together and immediately it was clear that the result was very, very close. Connections felt they were beat but the judge soon called what they had waited 2 years to hear. Fast Act had held on to secure a win by the narrowest of margins.
Fast Act gained his first win since 2014 when he took his maiden at Carlisle
The victory was very sweet for all involved. All the work put in to Fast Act was fully repaid and it was great to see the little speedball back to winning ways. It was lovely to see the excitement of all the connections who have witnessed all the ups and downs that racing has to offer. Hambleton Racing have to be praised with their patience and persistence with Fast Act and fully deserve this win. Obviously Fast Act has come down the weights a lot since his 2 year old days but he showed at Windsor that he has turned the corner. This could just be the tonic for the 4 year old and he will be kept going through the Autumn, hopefully building on this fantastic win.