It’s Two On The Bounce For Example And Stott

There are times when you have to strike whilst the iron is hot and following his runaway victory at Musselburgh it was decided that a quick turn around would be ok for Fine example. Just 8 days after romping home, Fine Example went to notch his second win in a row when once again routing his rivals in the 7f Handicap at Newcastle.

All season he had been threatening to win but it wasn’t until last time out that a change of tactics unlocked the winning formula. Blinkers had been fitted for the first time and they really did the trick, along with a new front running tactic. Setting a strong gallop, the 3 year travelled smoothly before turning the screw and kicking clear. The rest of the field were unable to live with him and he took a 2 1/2 length win, but it could have easily be 3 times as far. 

Following that win an entry was made just 3 days later, at Newcastle, and obviously it would mean a 6lb penalty should he run. Once the new handicap marks came out it was decided that Fine Example would travel north to tackle the Tapeta surface. Having received a new mark of 63, 8lb higher than his winning mark, it meant that theoretically Finae Example was 2lb well in for the 7f Handicap at Newcastle. Although everyone was confident that he could defy the 6lb penalty, it was still going to be interesting to see if he could confirm the promise shown.

Apprentices can be regularly seen picking up rides when trainers try to nullify any penalties their horses may carry. Kevin had no such worries and decided to stick with Kevin Stott, who was bidding to build on Fine Example’s win. The blinkers were also kept on, hoping they could have the same affect as last time. Going into the race the tactics were quite simple, try and do the same as last time. Unfortunately there was one slight concern. Fine Example’s race was the last race of the day and every other race had failed to produce a winner that had front run. All day the races had been frantic and the leaders had always set them up for anything coming off the pace. 

When the gates opened Kevin bounced Example out and went positive, trying to get to the front. Surprisingly there was no pace on and his rivals decided to take a pull, hoping to get a lead. A lead they got as Fine Example got into his stride to lead from stall one. Having been drawn right over the far side of the track, Kevin had the lead he wanted and started to now find the position on the track. Moving over from his draw, Fine Example crossed towards the stands side with only Moi Aussie willing to go with him. The two vied for the lead but it was not a battle and they settled down to a nice easy gallop. Fine Example again showed he was enjoying seeing nothing but daylight and travelled well through the early stages. 

Everyone had settled into the race and looked happy to let Kevin off with the lead, even though he was dictating at a sedate pace. The field had all followed Example and now raced along the stands side. The first half of the race had little change and it was Moi Aussie who was keeping Example company with just over a length to the rest. With Fine Example travelling smoothly it allowed Kevin the chance to drop his hands and let his mount stride on.

As they moved past halfway the two leaders were allowed to stride on and the gallop increased, not by much but it was winding up with every stride. This did little to affect the race and all of the runners easily coped with the tempo increase. The blinkers of Fine Example still showed up in front with Moi Aussie. 

It was as the leaders took the field into the final 3f that more and more of the jockeys became animated in the saddle. They began to realise the leaders were travelling well and needed chasing down sooner rather than later. Unfortunately for them these moves were too late and many of the back markers were failing to get into the race. Loosening his reins, Kevin got Fine Example to lengthen and lengthen which in turn quickened up the pace. He still had Moi Aussie as a companion but it was evident that Example was travelling the better. He looked full of running as they hit the 2f marker and Example took the lead outright. The race now changed and panic buttons were quickly pressed as the leader started to turn the screw. Kevin still sat pretty and was showing everyone that he had plenty of horse underneath him. The 3 year old was easily quickening things up from the front and began to edge into a decent lead. 

Fine Example kicking clear and won’t be caught for his second win on the spin

Nothing had been able to come from the back to raise a challenge to Fine Example and the bay moved into the final furlong on the bridle. Kevin decided it was time to go and the pair quickly kicked into a couple of lengths lead. This margin was now seemingly unassailable with none of his rivals looking dangerous. Fine Example was showing a willing attitude from the front and there was no stopping him. It looked a carbon copy of his win at Musselburgh as Kevin pushed his mount out hands and heels. The pair were well clear and again Kevin was afforded the luxury of easing Fine Example down. Despite the handbrake be applied Fine Example still won by 2 1/4 lengths, securing his second very comfortable win. 

This was another impressive performance from the improving Fine Example and showed he is in great order at the minute. Kevin again gave him a great ride and the race was won in the first half of the race after they were allowed an easy lead. The winning margin could have been further and there is no reason to think that Fine Example cannot continue his rise through the handicap. Hambleton Racing have had to be patient but they are now able to celebrate a horse in top form. He will now have to take another step forward but he still looks to have plenty in the tank and is a 3 year old to keep on your side.