Savannah Finds New Trip Just Right

There are occasions when you can be completely stumped with horses, having tried everything yet nothing seems to work. Trip is one of the most important things to get right but sometimes, not very often, horses can prove to be tripless. Savannah Moon had shown form over 5f up to 1m2f but the win was becoming elusive. When tried at 1m1f for the first time she duly got her head in front when taking the Watch Racing UK On Virgin 536 Handicap at Carlisle.

Savannah Moon has shown some good form through her short career but following each good performance came one that left a few questions. Having always looked likely to make a better 3 yr old, Savannah had two decent efforts over 7f to kick off her career. Having shown plenty of speed on both occasions it was decided to drop back to 5f where she went very close to winning on her final start of the year. Plenty of promise shown it seemed that a win was just round the corner, especially after a winter on her back. 

This season has been a little bit of trial by error as Savannah has shown different traits over a range of trips. Starting at 6f it became obvious that she would appreciate a trip. Slowly Kevin stepped the filly up in trip with her performing respectably in most of her runs but just unable to unlock that winning key. Having raced over sprint trips she then tended to get a little keen when stepped up in trip so a hood was fitted to try and help her to settle. It worked, but Savannah needed to adjust to the new headgear as she switched off a little too much. With good runs over 1m and 1m2f the next start over 1m3f proved to just stretch her. When the 1m1f contest at Carlisle came up it seemed the most obvious race and so Savannah headed there to take on 9 rivals. 

Tom Eaves was booked for the ride but this time the hood was left off, after a feeling that it had done too good a job in her last run. With this in mind Tom was keen to settle his filly straight away. Savannah jumped on terms but was immediately taken back. Thankfully there was a dash for the lead which meant s strong early gallop as Tom allowed all his rivals to sweep past. Savannah quickly dropped the bridle to settle into her stride at the rear of the field. The pace was strong which helped the filly relax, although she was a good 10 lengths off the leader. 

Running downhill the leader was setting strong fractions and soon had the field heading into the bend. All the jockeys wanted to save ground so the field was stretched out as they thinned out to take the bend as tight as possible. Savannah was travelling nicely at the rear of the field and had really settled well without the hood. 

They were soon heading into the home straight and with just over 3f to run Tom began to play his hand. Having moved well so far, Savannah now made smooth headway. Travelling on the bridle she began to close the gap to her rivals but it was between the 3f and 2f pole that was really impressive. The complexion of the race suddenly changed as the leader wound things up. Those towards the front went with but those further back soon came off the bridle in an attempt to catch the leaders. Tom knew he had to get closer and let Savannah move forward. This she did with ease, sweeping down the stands side to go from last into contention, travelling hard on the bridle. 

As they moved inside the final couple of furlongs there was a handful of horses still in with a chance. Duck Egg Blue had led from the start and was still in front, now trying to repel the challengers. Savannah Moon was the biggest danger and having moved into the race so easily she did look the most likely winner. It wasn’t to be that simple and once she reached the leaders Tom had to try and get her into top gear. Those around were not giving up and the leader was proving very game. 

Savannah Moon was responding well to pressure but Duck Egg Blue was proving a very worthy adversary and it was the pair, along with favourite Im Dapper Too who began to have the race between them. Savannah had been working for a furlong before she managed to get her head in front. Edging into the lead inside the final furlong she still had work on her hands as her rivals were not going away. Tom was working hard but everything he asked for he was getting. Savannah was proving very tough and was keeping on well in front. Bravely she repelled the challengers and crossed the line with a neck advantage. 

Hambleton Racing have enjoyed another good season and it was great to get the first win on the board for Savannah Moon’s owners. She has taken time to find her feet but was impressive here by the way she travelled and then quicken up. The way she battled towards the end was very pleasing and showed a very likeable attitude. Although she took 10 runs to get off the mark she has tried different trips so is still unexposed at this distance. Obviously she will need to go on from here but it is likely than she can do.