Offender Makes Up For Near Misses
Ability only gets you so far in this sport, every race is different and as everyone knows things can change in an instant. There are so many different factors to winning a race and so far this year they had played against Weekend Offender. All that changed when everything fell right for Offender to pounce late and win the 1m2f William Hill Proud To Sponsor Scottish Sport Handicap at Ayr, his first of the season.
Weekend Offender has looked like a classy handicapper for a while now but his mark hasn’t reflected that. Having had a very progressive 3 yr old season Kevin felt this year would be the one where Offender could takes the next step into the top races. He had raced at 7f and a mile but it was the trip of 1m2f that connections felt would be perfect for him this season. Having started his season with a fine 3rd over a mile at Nottingham, a very pleasing return where he didn’t get the gaps, everything looked bright but lady luck then struck.
There were big handicap targets of the Royal Hunt Cup and John Smiths for Offender. To get into these he would need to move up the handicap which seemed very likely given his return. Unfortunately the enforced closure of the yard scuppered this and meant Offender would have to wait. His luck didn’t get any better when he got back in action at Hamilton. After messing about in the stalls the starter failed to hear Tom Eaves shouting that the horse was in a position where he could not jump. This lead to the stalls opening with Offender’s hind leg stuck and the hood still on. Race over.
Frustration was building as Offender was unable to reach his full potential but a good run at York put him back on track. After cutting through the field he just couldn’t match his rivals turn of foot late on and confirmed that he was ready for a step up in trip. That came at Ayr on his next start where he just failed to get up but proved that he did stay the trip. Pleased with the result Kevin was quick to find his next engagement which meant a return to the Scottish track.
Weekend Offender would enjoy a drop in grade for the contest where he lined up against 8 rivals in the 0-90 handicap. He was sent off the strong 7/4 fav having shown the best form and looking like the one to beat. Tom was in the saddle again and knowing the horse like he does settled for the same tactics as always. Leaving the stalls Tom got Offender into stride but waited for the pace to develop. That didn’t take long as as couple fancied leading and were sent forward, first with Bahama Moon. It was a strong early gallop that got even stronger when Corton Lad took the lead after just a furlong. Offender settled nicely at the rear of the field, with just one rival behind and a good 10 lengths off the leader.
Down the back straight the field were well strung out due to the strong pace and passed through the first few furlongs with the leader pressing on. Offender travelled easily within himself and Tom was happy to play the waiting game, looking on at his rivals. The rain had really started to come down and the field were faced with galloping through the conditions for the first half of the race until they began the turn for home.
With the leader not letting up they soon headed into the bend, passing the halfway point of the contest. Tom made a significant move 5f from home and within strides he closed up to the front, halving the deficit. As Offender made up ground he pulled his rivals along with him and the field bunched up closer together moving into the bend. Offender travelled strong and now Tom had his route planned with the pair positioned just off the rail and now only looking at four horses in front of them.
Turning into the home straight the leaders tried to kick clear but the chasing pack were travelling too well for that to work. Tom deliberately came wide off the bend and now had a clear run to unleash Offender when ready. The chestnut still travelled strongly so he bided his time. The leader Corton Lad still held sway but it looked like a matter of time as his lead was getting smaller with each stride. The lead changed hands at the 3f marker but the new leader was just as much a sitting duck. With just under 3f to run it looked as those held up would have the say.
Moving into the final 2f and Weekend Offender made good headway down towards the centre of the track. Royal Regent had moved up the rail to challenge and it was these two who both travelled well who move forward together. The race now looked between them as the rest looked one paced. Offender was wound up by Tom as Royal Regent quickened up too. The pair began to assert and pull away from the rest, drawing the battle lines between them.
Weekend Offender had moved so well throughout the contest but he was being made to work by Royal Regent. It was the latter who led and was not going away. Although he had come off the bridle first it did seem like Offender was the stronger and he was just taking his time to really hit top gear. The pair were neck and neck with both getting stronger the further they went. It took him a bit of time but finally Weekend Offender got his nose in front and from there his class told. Royal Regent battled hard but the race was done now and Offender began to assert. He did wander under pressure, hanging towards the rail and in the process just tightening up his rival but it made no difference to the result. In the last 100 yards he powered clear and strode out to a 1 1/2 length win.
This was a win that was well deserved and over due. Weekend Offender has always been high regard and now he looks like he may go on to contest the races that were always on the cards. He did make quite hard work of his win and there is a feeling that he will be a better horse in a better race. He travels supremely well and could just do with being taken into a race, which may happen in the top handicaps. Owners Matt and Lauren Morgan have waited for Offender to really shine and now seems like the time when he really could. The trip is ideal for him and York’s Ebor meeting will be on the agenda next, hopefully where Offender can take the step up in grade.