Red Hot Form Continues With Fabulous Four Timer

The horses are thriving at the minute and their form is great. Winners have really started to flow so it was no surprise to see Kevin send out four winners in a day as Tewafeedj, Mont Kiara, Canny Style and Rural Celebration all got their head in front for a great day.

Tewafeedj has been a slow burner with his progress, having only made one start as a juvenile he has slowly been maturing with his racing this season. Mentally and physically improving he took the big step forward when making all to win the 1m4f JW 4X4 Northallerton Handicap at Thirsk, his first career victory. 

Having started this season in a maiden over 1 mile, Tewafeedj immediately showed that a stamina test would be needed. Kevin made the decision to step him up to 1m4f on his next start, a big jump up in trip. After seemingly failing to stay the extra distance it was decided that 1m2f was probably the trip, splitting the difference between the first two runs. His next three runs were all at the distance and showed steady progress. Tewafeedj was beginning to get to grips with racing and it was his penultimate start over 1m2f which provided the biggest sign of progression. Staying on one paced he finished third and finally showed that he was up to being competitive, probably now needing the extra stamina test. 

First time it didn’t work, but Kevin felt that 1m4f would now be well within Tewafeedj’s remit and would bring about the necessary improvement. The 3 year old had dropped 6lb from his original handicap mark to 59 so he had been given a chance by the handicapper. Kevin Stott was on board and had the instructions to be positive. 

Lining up against 8 rivals, Tewafeedj was able to make the most of his plum draw and after jumping well he was sent to front. Showing plenty of maturity he happily took up front running duties and was quickly into stride. The gallop was even and the rest of the field left Kevin in front, filing in behind the leader.

Thirsk has tight bends so the jockeys were keen to keep tight to the running rail, which meant they were chasing Tewafeedj in a line that went 2×2. The favourite sat just on the heels of Tewafeedj, keeping him honest in his gallop. After half a mile the first bend was reached and Kevin was given a little bit of work to do. His mount was on the wrong lead and ran wide on the bend. Taking the fav wide with him, Kevin quickly tried to adjust his partner and fortunately he managed to restrict the issue. The incident didn’t cause too much of a problem and Tewafeedj managed to maintain his lead.

Kevin was allowed to dictate throughout the contest and as he took them through to the home bend the pair held a 1/2 length advantage from the favourite. The home straight of Thirsk is good test as it is almost 4f. Patience is a good trait as going too soon has proved many a jockey’s downfall at the track. Swinging off the bend Kevin started to wind up the pace from the front, keen to turn it into a true test rather a sprint. Moving into the straight and down towards the 3f marker the injection of pace had just stretched the field. Some of the horses further down the field had to start their challenge early, eager top try and close the gap. Tewafeedj was still full of running but had yet to shake the attentions of Ingelby Mackenzie.

It was the 2f marker where the race unfolded as Kevin asked for his mount’s effort. At the same time the favourite matched his move and the pair began to pull clear of the rest. The two leaders now were only separated by a neck and settled down to do battle. Tewafeedj was still holding the advantage and was responding to his rider’s urgings. 

The final furlong was set to be a cracker as the two leaders battled it out. From the rear there was a late challenge from Clenymistra, who was making great strides. For all the dangers they had still not headed Tewafeedj and he was starting to get stronger the deeper they went into the contest. Kevin was asking for everything and getting it. Showing good heart and a new level of maturity, Tewafeedj began to get on top nearing the line. This time around he was seeing out the trip and was getting stronger the further they went. He strode out to earn a length victory, shedding his maiden tag. 

It was a determined a digged display from Tewafeedj. He showed a great attitude and the step back up to 1m4f really suited. It was very pleasing to get a first winner on the board for Mr H M K Al Mehairi and hopefully this is the kickstart that Tewafeedj needed. Obviously he appreciated the test of stamina and it would be no surprise to see him step up in trip again in the future.

Consistency has proved problematic for the talented Mont Kiara. When he is at his best he looks very good but there have been plenty of disappointing efforts following good runs. Fortunately he put his best foot forward when flying home to win the 6f Fly London Southend Airport To Venice Handicap at Newmarket.

Mont Kiara showed a great level of form last season when winning a top 3 year old handicap, beating subsequent listed winner Priceless. This looked like the start of a fruitful sprinting career but Kiara failed to build on that performance. Having won off a mark of 95, each run after was getting poorer which saw the number begin to drop. 

Starting this year off 91, Kiara ran with plenty of promise on his first start at Kempton. That run looked likely to put him bang on form but it wasn’t to be. Kevin tried 5f and 6f, a return to Newmarket where he has performed so well but with each run he was becoming very frustrating. As his handicap mark plummeted to a low of 80 it was clear he would need to turn the corner shortly. It was hoped that Newmarket (July) and a rekindling partnership with jockey Harry Bentley, who rode him to his last victory, would spark a return to form.

The 6f contest was the easiest race Mont Kiara had contended in recent times but he was taking on horses that were in a similar position to himself so it could well be a tricky race. Keen to settle the 4 year old, Harry dropped Kiara right out to the rear of the field from the off. Having shown a tendency to race freely, Mont Kiara dropped the bridle and travelled sweetly through the early stages. There was plenty of pace on as the leader was pressed from the outset which caused the gallop to be strong. Mont Kiara looked on and was a little detached through the first half of the race. 

There was no let up for the first half of the race but Harry sat and waited patiently. Racing down the centre of the track the field were well spread across and little separated the first few vying for the lead. Kiara travelled comfortably but was going to have to pass all of his 8 rivals if he were to win. 

Having gone hard in front it was no surprise to see the race heat up early. Moving between the 3f and 2f markers the field began to inject more pace as they were laying down their challenges. It was set to be a test with the uphill finish to come and now Harry could just creep closer. Mont Kiara gained a couple of lengths to tag on to the back of the group as they head down to the final 2f. 

Going hard in front now started to show and the leader gave way easily. The field was still spread across the track and it looked like a wide open race still. Harry was the only jockey not yet working hard and his patience had allowed Kiara move up with relative ease. Now the pair had to choose a route as a line of horses covered the turf in front of Kiara. Switching right, towards the stands side, Harry now asked his mount to go and pick up the leaders. Mont Kiara quickened up and began to get closer.

The rising ground comes into play 1 1/2f from home and now the field hit this energy sapping ride. Mont Kiara was now in top gear and had moved past a few of his weakening rivals. There was a line of three who had moved clear of the field but Kiara had them in his sights. The strong pace was starting to tell now and it was Kiara who was looking strongest. Harry had managed to fill up his mount and now it was paying out. Mont Kiara was eating into the ground and moved up to the leaders as they passed the 1f marker. 

Inside the final furlong Mont Kiara did begin to wander under pressure but Harry was quick to make adjustments. Pulling his stick through, Harry straightened up his mount and Kiara changed his legs finding another gear. Now stronger than his rivals Kiara sprinted clear and put the race to bed. There was no time to react and Kiara stretched into a 1 1/4 length lead as he flashed past the line. 

It was great to see Mont Kiara bounce back to form and it may be the spark needed to get him back to the top sprints. Owners Mr J Chua and Mr CK Ong have had to wait and be patient to see Kiara back to his best and this may be the turning point. He has won of a high of 95 so it would be no surprise to see him go on from here and hopefully be competing in the top sprint handicaps. It certainly feels like that is where he belongs when on his A game.

Canny style doesn’t know how to run a bad race and all season has been challenging. She gained a well deserved win at Catterick and backed that up when taking the 1m5f All New racinguk.com Amateur Riders Handicap at Mussleburgh.

Having been left alone by the handicapper following her win, the race at Musselburgh looked like a perfect opportunity to take advantage. Canny Style had shown previosuly that she runs well in similar races having second in an amateur race early in the season. Joanna Mason is one of the leading female amateurs and had been on board that day. She was given the leg up once again hoping to go one better this time around. 

With an even pace from the start, Joanna managed to get Canny Style close to the front, tracking the leaders in around 4th position. The ground was in the filly’s favour, described as good to soft, and she travelled very smoothly through the early stages. As the pace wasn’t too hectic the field were all in a good position which meant they raced closely together with little separating first to last.

Having handled the tight track at Catterick, Canny easily took the tight turns at Musselburgh and went really well throughout the contest for Joanna. There was little change in the race until the business end. With the majority of the riders being very experienced the race was ridden perfectly and gave everyone a chance. Joanna had Canny in a prime position, ready to pounce when the time came. Due to her good form Canny was lumbered with top weight for the contest but she seemed to be at ease, travelling well throughout most of the race. 

The sensible pace meant nobody had to start racing too soon so it wasn’t until the leaders turned for home that the race began to unfold. As the leaders went past the 3f marker, the first injection of pace occurred. Now they tried to kick clear and steal a march on their rivals. Canny matched this with ease and moved along with them still travelling on the bridle under a confident ride. The field began to bunch up as the back markers came through to start their challenges and it looked like a wide open contest. 

Canny Style was the last to go for home and her challenge came by the 2f marker. When Joanna asked her to go, Canny moved through, passing the couple on front easily and taking the lead. The pair had made their move and laid down a marker so now they had to aim for the winning line. There was only daylight in front of them but behind were a couple of big dangers, staying on from the back. In Focus had been the one who had had the lead snatched away by Canny and was responding well under pressure, keen to make amends. 

Everyone knew Canny would stay but there was a 16lb difference between her and In Focus, so would that tell now? Both were trying hard but as they moved into the final furlong Canny was showing her dogged determination. With Joanna giving it her all in the drive Canny was too and the pair were holding the rest at bay. The margin was only a length but that didn’t matter as Canny was not going to give in. Although she was pushed all the way, she was always holding In Focus. As they crossed the line the lead had been cut to 3/4 length but that’s all that was needed for Canny Style to record her second win of the season. 

Another determined display from canny Style and even more impressive when you see that she was carrying the lofty weight of 10st13lb. She is great form at present and really enjoys the softer going that is on offer. Joanna gave her a perfect ride and deserved to gain the win that the pair narrowly missed out on last time. It was late last season when Canny hit top form so if she can do the same there is no reason why there cannot be some more fun and wins still to come for all at Hambleton Racing. 

Hambleton Racing have enjoyed a great run of form recently and they had more to celebrate later on in the card at Musselburgh. Rural Celebration was racing off a career high mark but that didn’t stop the mare from taking the 5f Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes Handicap, giving Kevin his fourth winner and Hambelton Racing their second. 

The 6 year old mare has always been owned by Hambleton Racing but had only come to the care of Kevin at the beginning of the season. Since then her form has taken another step forward and the win was not coming out of turn. Having made a promising debut for the yard, running well before getting tired in the closing stages, Rural went close to pattern success on her next start. Leading for most of the race, she was just worn down in a listed event at Ayr, finishing a very good second and earning back type for her future breeding purposes. A lacklustre effort next time was attributed to her running a bit flat following a hard race, but Rural bounced back with her first win since switching to Hambleton Lodge.

 Musselburgh is a very quick track so getting out and getting towards to front is generally preferable. Tom Eaves had got the leg up and decided that was what he wanted to do, utilising his plum draw along the stands side rail. Jumping smartly Rural was straight into her stride and grabbed the rail, along with it the lead. Obviously there were some very fast horses lining up against her and she was pressed early on but managed to keep her visored head in front. 

They blasted through the first half of the race in the blink of an eye. Rural was setting a great pace and tried to burn her rivals off. Tom had little choice in the matter and allowed Rural to set her own fractions in front. The field was well bunched up but those in behind were already looking for luck as they raced close to the stands side rail. This meant they were racing closely together so there were no clear routes ahead. Rural had no such problem and all she was seeing was daylight.

Suddenly they were baring down on the 2f marker and it was still the 6yr old mare who held the advantage. Challenges were coming but Rural still travelled well and was not easing up with the gallop. As the screw was turned her lead just began to grow, giving the breathing space needed. Whilst his peers were hard at work, Tom was still sat patiently waiting to go for his final push. 

Moving inside the final furlong Rural held 1/2 length lead and was being pressed for the lead. Tom now had to go for everything and his partner responded. Sticking her head down, Rural now got ready to battle, trying to repel all the challengers. On her outside Fumbo Jumbo was just 1/2 length down and trying hard. Rural had the measure of them but it was the fast finishing Mayleaf Shine who suddenly looked the biggest danger. Rural was just starting to tire and her rival was hitting full speed. Bravely Rural Celebration stretched for the line, squeezing out every drop of energy she had left. The line was fast approaching but her lead was being cut into with every yard. Tom and Rural Celebration were not to be denied and as the three flashed past the line it was clear that Rural had held on. 

Speed and bravery were the ingredients for this victory and Rural Celebration showed both in spades. Following her exploits in pattern company this win was off a career high mark and showed the great form she was in. This will likely be her last run as the mare is in foal and the racing deadline is fast approaching. If it does prove to be her last race at least she went out on a high, giving all at Hambleton Racing a great send off. If her progeny develop the kind of speed that Rural showed then there will be a very sharp juvenile to look forward to. 

All winners are important and special but when you get multiple on one day it does give everyone that extra buzz. It shows that the horses are in flying form and are very well in themselves. Credit must also go to all the staff for the hard work they have put in at home. The team have had to wait this season but now the horses are repaying the patience and hard work in the best way possible.