It’s A Fine Example Of Front Running

The season so far read 5 runs, 0 wins but threatening that he could do something soon and Fine Example did just that with an easy, all the way victory at Musselburgh. Having gone into the new season with a mark of 60, he looked a 3 year old who would be likely to improve throughout the year and progress to better things. Unfortunately it hadn’t quite gone that way until he put his best foot forward and routed the field in the 7f Boogie In The Morning Handicap.

Fine Example had shown glimpses during his races that there was a win waiting to happen. He would travel well but it was at the business end where the problem seemed to lie. Under pressure it looked as though Example wouldn’t quite go through with the job, loosing a little bit of concentration which would cost him his chance. Following five ok but slightly disappointing runs it was agreed that a change of tactics was in order. 

Having already shown he could handle tight bends, Kevin decided that Example would have no problem with Musselburgh. There was one added extra when the 3 year old lined up in Scotland, the addition of blinkers for the first time. Connections were all hoping that this could just give him the spark needed to get his head in front and break his duck. 

Kevin Stott has been in great form this year and took the ride, hoping to continue his wining spree. It has been discussed that a more positive ride may suit Example, so Kevin went out with all intent on making the running. Obviously this could all change depending on his rivals but a positive ride and blinkers should help Example enjoy the race, keeping his attention. 

Fine Example had the perfect draw to go forward from and although he jumped well, he wasn’t quite as quickly away as some of his rivals. Kevin was keen to make amends and quickly rousted his mount along, gaining momentum and moving forward. After 1/2 furlong Example had managed to get to the front and was allowed the lead. Due to the early dash he then took a slightly keen hold but Kevin managed to get hold of the strong gelding. Fine Example was going a stride too quick but with nothing willing to take him on for the lead Kevin seemed happy to let him go on, squeezing out a couple of lengths lead leaving the first furlong.

It was evident o everyone that the blinkers had certainly woken Example up but for connections it was a slight worry of just how much. Any worries were soon dispelled when Kevin got him settled and the pair were in to a nice rhythm. By the time Example took them into the bend, he had a comfortable 2 length lead and was setting a good, strong gallop.

Leading from start to finish and blowing away the opposition

Little was set to change and all Fine Example could see was daylight in front of him. As predicted he took the tight bend with ease, sticking as tight to the rails as possible. With every stride he took the gap to the rest grew ever bigger. Kevin was always happy to let him bowl along and Example was relishing it. The only query now was whether he was doing too much in front, with the 3f straight yet to come. From the body language of Kevin it looked as though he was very confident.

Nothing had been able to get near to Example from the first furlong so when they straightened up for home it was time to try and close the gap. The advantage had been stretched to s good 3 lengths and Kevin preceded to turn the screw in front. Whilst the rest of the field got to work, Kevin was sat still with Example stretching out all the while. With 2 1/2f left to run there was only one question to ask, could Fine Example continue and see it out?? 

Crossing the line with an impressive 2 3/4 length advantage

Moving inside the 2f marker and the lead now looked unassailable barring any mishaps. Kevin was still oozing confidence and was only niggling away to keep his mount stretching out. With a couple of slaps down the neck Example continued to draw clear and it soon became obvious to all watching that he was not stopping. The only factor now was when or if Kevin decided to get serious with example. As they passed the 1f marker the young Dane got lower in the saddle and drove Example along. Again the 3 year old quickened up and with one back hander from Kevin the distance to the rest was daylight. The race was over and Kevin decided to put the handbrake on, easing down from 7/8 lengths to win by  2 3/4.

Fine Example being led into the winner’s circle for the first time but hopefully not the last

It was a very impressive display from Fine Example and he showed a nice attitude with the blinkers fitted. Front running seemed to suit and he won with any amount in hand. Everyone felt that off a mark of 55 he should be doing something like this, it is always pleasing for him to go out and do it. Hambleton Racing have plenty of members and for some of them involved it was their first experience of ownership. To give them their first winner and also provide long standing members with a winner is a very nice feeling. Obviously the handicapper will have a big say now but if Fine Example can maintain this type of form then there should be no reason why he cannot back this performance up with some more wins.