Symphony Is Perfect With First Win
When all the 2 year olds began to work at the start of the year Perfect Symphony looked like the typical early season type but it was near to the end of the season before he got that first win. With 5 runs full of promise, it was the sixth one where he showed all his ability when winning the 5f Maiden at Newcastle and doing so a shade cosily in the process.
Th on of Dandy Man looked a real precocious sort and after showing plenty early in the year he looked set for a quick start to his career. Unfortunately, like so many do, he went through a growth spurt which meant that Kevin just had to back off him and give him the time needed to strengthen and mature. That time did the trick and Symphony came back looking just as good with plenty more muscle on. It looked to be the ideal start for Symphony and his first couple of runs showed just that.
Carlisle was the track where Symphony would start his career and the debut run was full of promise. Showing plenty of maturity and a professional attitude, he tracked the leaders throughout the contest before just finding one too good. Finishing second, Symphony had shown connections that they had been right to be patient and everyone looked forward to what lay ahead. Perfect Symphony would fill the frame again in his next couple of starts. Second at Beverley, again just finding one too good, and then third at Thirsk where the sharp 5f just never let him get into the contest. Despite not gaining that first win, all three runs were very pleasing and it was obvious that he would break his maiden very soon.
The DBS sales race at York is a fabulous race that offers owners a great opportunity to race for a huge prize fund. Symphony had qualified for the race and although it was a big step up, there was no down side to running. There is only one chance to run in a race like that and Symphony ran with great credit, showing up for a long way before just finding it a little too hot for him. Following that run he would drop back to maiden company at Hamilton where the heavy ground scuppered any chance he had. Despite a couple of below par efforts, where there was genuine excuses, there was no drop in faith for Symphony and now the plan was to gain that all important win before signing off for the season.
Following the first three runs it looked as though Symphony was crying out for 6f, which he had then raced over on his next couple of runs. Looking at the calendar there were few opportunities around, especially where the ground would be in his favour. There was only one place to go and that was Newcastle on the Tapeta, although it meant a drop back to 5f. This didn’t worry Kevin too much as it is still a stiff track that does play into the hands of horses who see the trip out well.
Hambleton Racing and Kevin Stott have been the punters friends in recent months, teaming up once again for Perfect Symphony. Knowing there would be plenty of pace on, Kevin wanted to take a lead into the race. When the gates opened there was the frantic early pace as expected. They were going very fast very early and Perfect Symphony was struggling to go with them. Unable to lay up with the leaders, Kevin rousted him along into his stride and sat towards the rear of the field. The leader was going great guns in front and had strung the field out with the early dash.
One thing that is important in situations like this one is not to panic. Kevin is a very confident young jockey and was happy to wait and see how the race would unfold. Through the first furlong Symphony was a good way off the leader and would need to make up a lot of ground to get involved. There is one factor with Newcastle that would suit Symphony though the race. Most of the races develop early and the jockeys get racing a long way out, which means plenty of races can change in the last furlong. Kevin knew this and rode appropriately, happy to play the waiting game.
With the pace strong the field flew through the first half of the race and then the usual happened. Although still 2 1/2f left to run, the leader kicked, injecting more pace into the race and forcing the rest to follow suit. Kevin didn’t really want to get to work too soon but he began to niggle away to ensure they kept tabs on the rest of the field. Still 3/4 of the way down the field, Symphony had plenty of work to do but he was still travelling well.
Monte Cinq had led from the start and was still going strong out in front. Kevin was angling for a few gaps as he slowly moved up the field as they passed the 2f marker. Although improving, Symphony was still giving the leader well over 7-8 lengths and had a big task on his hands. As they moved between the 2f and 1f marker Kevin was finding his path blocked on a couple of occasions. Fortunately he had a partner who was full of running and didn’t lose any ground when he found the trouble. The leader was not stopping and Symphony was going to have to pick up quickly if he was going to lay down a challenge.
Moving into the final furlong Kevin was into his drive and the response he got was encouraging. Perfect Symphony was really shifting through the gears and started to pass horses with ease. Looking towards the front you could see that the leader was still not stopping so Symphony was going to have to find a great run. Clear of his nearest rivals and now in daylight the 2 year old began to eat into the ground with each stride. The 1/2 f had seen him get into contention and the second 1/2f was going to be whether he could rein in the leader. Perfect Symphony had hit his stride and reached top gear and was flying home. With Kevin asking, Symphony was answering and it became obvious he was going to catch the long time leader. With just yards left to run he drew alongside Monte Cinq but was past him just as quick. As soon as the pair hit the front, Kevin knew he had the race won and stood up in his irons. Passing the line they had won it by a neck but it was a little easier than that.
Perfect Symphony came with a late dash to secure victory
Perfect Symphony showed a great turn of foot and again seemed to asking for 6f. He had the form in the race that deserved the win but the manner in which he did was the most pleasing part. Although it was only a neck, he did win with Kevin pulling up so he was probably worth a little bit more than the bare result. Hambleton Racing have enjoyed a really good run of form in the second half of the season which is great for all their connections. Win, lose or draw this was going to be Perfect Symphony’s last run of the year and it is great to finish on a winner. The winter break will now let him relax and grow into a 3 year old, hopefully one that can continue the upward curve that he has been on so far in his racing career.