Rejuvinated Libertys Gets Back In The Winners Column

He started his career with a perfect record, two wins from two starts and took a route that was akin to that of a Royal Ascot challenger. Having won on debut, Taking Libertys then followed up in a conditions event at Pontefract, a race that had been won by some smart horses in the past. That was his last win until he bounced back to form, winning the 1m1/2f Totetrifecta pick the 1,2,3 Handicap and continuing Hambleton Racing’s fine second half of the season.

Taking Libertys had been highly tried after his win at Pontefract, taking on some hot juvenile contests. Although not winning, he performed well in group company but this meant the handicapper was not going to be too lenient with him. Coming into his 3 year old season it meant Libertys would be starting off a mark of 88, pitting him in some tough handicaps. 

Ground did not change with every run but the trip did as Libertys was tried over 8f, 9f and 10f. Although he never troubled the judge there were signs that he was gradually coming back to form and he then took a giant stride forward when finishing second at Carlisle. Having led from the start he was collared in the final furlong, going down by 3/4 length but pulling well clear of the third placed horse. It was a very promising run and showed that Libertys was back to form, hopefully with a win just around the corner. 

There was only 13 days between runs as Taking Libertys travelled to Hamilton for the 1m1/2f Handicap. Following his fine effort last time out he was sent off favourite for a race that was similar in grade and looked to have solid claims. Kevin Stott was booked for the ride aiming to continue his fine record for Hambleton Racing in recent months.

Blinkers had been on for the previous couple of runs, which had helped with the spark in form, and were once again fitted to Libertys. Drawn 1 it was the plum draw to be positive but it didn’t quite go to plan. Missing the break, Kevin had to get very serious with Libertys to fir him up the rail. After being left by a few lengths the pair were suddenly cutting through the field before connecting with the leading pair to sit in third. Taking Libertys had now got the position he had wanted but it had taken quite a bit of urging to do so, would this have an affect later in the contest. For now Kevin was happy and the leading three set a good gallop, separating themselves by just over a length to the others. 

Libertys is by Makfi and has shown great liking to softer conditions so the heavy going was no problem for the 3 year old. There was no hanging about in front and the leaders swung around the loop at Hamilton to cover the first 2f-3f. Libertys had a perfect sit just tracking the lead and with every yard of the trip the leading three were just squeezing out a little more of a lead. 

When the track straightens up the ground rolls away from the horses, forcing them to travel downhill until the final furlong. With the leaders setting a good pace they swung into the straight and continued to quicken the pace as they got rolling. There was still half the contest to run but a gap was starting to appear and already one or two  of the field were beginning to become detached. The jockeys out in front were only worried about what lay ahead and turned the screw with each stride. 

Moving past the 3f marker and Kevin was stalking the 2 rivals up ahead. Libertys was travelling strongly as the his rivals began to work harder and harder in behind. With the break in hand, the leading three now looked to have a big chance of having the race to themselves as little was coming into the play. There was still plenty of time but it was growing increasingly obvious that the winner would come from this small breakaway group. 

Heavy going is always difficult for both horse and jockey. Commit too soon and its a tough slog, commit too late and you just won’t pick up. Kevin could sense he had a big chance moving into the final couple of furlongs as Libertys was still cantering away whilst his rivals were now hard at work. He was stretching with each stride and had loomed up on the inside to join the long time leader. There was still the uphill finish to come which would ensure a real test of stamina and you could see Kevin building up Libertys reserves. 

Now was time to go, Kevin could not hold on any longer and got down low in the saddle. Immediately you could see how much of a test it would be as Libertys edged left under pressure. He was still going forward and pulled out a length lead but as Kevin corrected him Libertys then made a bee line for the far rail. The long time leader Royal Holiday was far from beaten and carried on finding for pressure. Taking Libertys now had the rail to run with but his advantage was slowly being eaten in to. All three horses were showing great guts and determination but it was Libertys who held sway. He saw his lead cut but it was too late and the line came in time for Taking Libertys to win his first race 16 months. 

Happy connections following Taking Libertys win

It was a very gutsy win from the 3 year old and showed that he is right back to his best. Things did not go to plan but Taking Libertys responded to everything that Kevin asked of him. He showed a very willing attitude and on that basis there should be more races to come from him. Hambleton Racing have had a great season with winners really starting to flow in the second half. They have very loyal and enthusiastic owners who love their horses and it is great to repay them with a winner, especially when they have had to wait and be patient. Obviously Taking Libertys has come down in the handicap and will now be going the other way but that looks fine. With conditions to suit he should enjoy a good end to the season, giving connections plenty more days out.