Montecristo Makes It Count On His Return

Nothing is more frustrating in racing than seeing a horse with bags of ability not reach their potential. There is always a reason why, a good horse doesn’t just turn bad overnight and it is a trainer’s job to find the answer why. Count Montecristo fits this description but he certainly put his best foot forward when running away with the 1m1f Betway Handicap at Wolverhampton.

The count is a lovely, big horse who has shown so much at home since his arrival back in 2014. With a giant stride and fluid action he looked destined for big things, although everyone realised that it would be a work in progress. Giving Count plenty of time to find his feet and mature was the right call and following an easy 2 year old season he went to run very creditably as a 3 year old, earning his first win and pushing some good horses close. Everything looked like it had gone to plan and hopes were high for the 2016 season. Now a strong 4 year old it looked likely that Count Montecristo could progress through the ranks and then hopefully compete in the top handicaps. 

With a good opening run and then a fine second, when stepped up to 1m2f, it looked as though the plan may come to fruition. Unfortunately the following run was disappointing and then Count never had a clear run. There were a few little niggles, nothing serious but little things that just kept holding up any progress. This limited him to just one more run which was a lack lustre effort and prompted Kevin to make a decision. To get Count back to his best would require patience, allowing him time to get back to peak condition.

 Having had a nice break, Count Montecristo came back into the yard just before Christmas with the idea of preparing for an early start to the season. All the pre-season work went well and the Count came to hand very quickly, sooner than he has done in the past. Kevin felt that a run or two on the all-weather would benefit and with Tim Palin (MPR Racing manager) agreeing it was on to the entry book to find the suitable race. Having shown his best form last year over the longer trip, the 1m1f arounf Wolverhampton looked ideal and so the Count would head south for his return. 

Tom Eaves took the ride and knew that there was only way to ride, allow Count to stride out at the pace he is comfortable. Following the long layoff there were a few question marks over race rust but the Count looked in great condition for his long awaited return.

Jumping wells from the stalls, the Count opened up straight away and eased into the lead. There was little to challenge early on so Tom was able to shift over to the rail and begin dictating. With his huge stride the Count initially set a decent gallop, seemingly matching every two of his rivals strides with  one of his. Keen to let his mount feel comfortable, Tom allowed Count to set whatever gallop he was happy to do as his rivals filtered in behind. 

After the first couple of furlongs Tom decided to start riding a race that he wanted. Gently he eased Count back to just go a stride slower which didn’t knock him off balance at all and allowed the gas tank to fill up. Now the pace was fairly even and Tom set fractions to suit him. The rest of the field seemed happy and nobody decided to force the issue. Therefore little changed through much of the race as Count Montecristo led down the back straight and into the second half of the race. 

Kevin’s horses have made a flying start to the new year and Count was travelling just like the rest of the winners had. With half a mile left to run the tempo was soon going to increase which would really test the Count’s fitness. Tom rides Wolverhampton so well and he knows that the race really warms up round the home bend. Leading all the way meant Tom could dictate when the pace quickened. Heading inside the 3f marker and into the bend, Count stretched out as Tom allowed him a little more rein. The nearest pursuers followed in kind and suddenly the race changed with the injection of pace. 

Straightening up for home Count Montecristo held a good length lead but his rivals were now in full flight to catch him. The field bunched up but it was the Count who still held sway and looked to be travelling best of all. Still on the bridle, Tom allowed himself a look over the shoulder. Fitness was still the big concern but then Count began to come on even stronger. Without Tom posing the question, Count moved clear pulling into a 1 1/2 length then 2 length lead. Tom had another couple of looks behind and would have loved what he saw. 

Time was about to come for Count to be put under pressure. The final furlong loomed and there were a couple of late flourishes coming from out of the pack. Tom now got serious, but only hands and heels, keeping Count up to his work. As they moved inside the final furlong it became obvious that the race was over. The Count kicked on again taking back the ground made up by his rivals. Pumped out with relative ease, Count Montecristo strode to an impressive 2 1/2 length win, his first since 2015. 

This was a very dominant victory and one that did come as a little surprise. Count Montecristo has always been well thought of and plenty of people would have laughed if you said he would be racing off 77. It hasn’t been plain sailing but obviously he is know in peak condition and won despite the need for the run. It bodes well but obviously it will be interesting to see if he can back this performance up. He handles the all-weather so this opens up the options when the handicapper has his say. The longer trip looks to really suit but he is also a type that could be effective over a mile, if racing on a nice galloping track. It is great to repay the patience of all involved in Middleham Park Racing and hopefully this is the start of a fruitful year where the Count can fulfil his potential.