Third Times The Charm For Seige

It took a little bit of patience to get Under Seige to a race course but he has come up trumps as he took the 6f Maiden at Hamilton on his third career start. His career was set to get under way last year as a 2 year old but a couple of setbacks meant that the son of Invincible Spirit had to be waited with. Steve Parkin, whose company Clipper Logistics lists as the owner, knows the sport as well as any and realised that patience was the only approach to take. His faith was repaid with an all the way success at the Scottish track.

The recent rain had got into the ground and the official going was good to soft. Under Seige had previously run on soft ground, although that night at Ripon was his first run and the ground was closer to heavy. Shane Gray travelled to take the mount and gave the 3 year old a typically confident ride, which in turn reigned in Cam Hardie in the Apprentices title race.

At Pontefract, Under Seige had shown a much more professional attitude and had jumped smartly, something that he did once again at Hamilton. Quickly into his stride, Shane took the initiative from his good draw and grabbed the stands side running rail. It was his stable companion Eleuthera, who was having his first start, that was pushing the early pace but Under Seige held a handy length advantage. The downhill character of Hamilton can find some horses out but Seige was motoring along in front, comfortably travelling at speed down the hill. The well backed favourite Euxton was tracking Under Seige throughout and was hanging on to his coat tails through the first half of the race. As they moved towards the business end Shane was still exuding confidence and had yet to even twitch on board Seige. Eleuthera was still pushing his stable mate but Keagan Latham was a lot more animated and was working his mount into the race where Shane was being taken there. It was the strong favourite who was first to break and was quickly under the pump with 2 1/2f left to run. They were entering the dip and with Shane allowing his mount a quick breather, the lungs were filled and it was time to go. When asked the response was immediate and Under Seige kicked a couple of lengths clear from his stable companion. Although the rest tried hard there was no way they were going to catch Seige who was now pulling further clear. Inside the final furlong it was a case of how far and by the time they crossed the line the distance was a clear 3 1/2 lengths. The only question was whether it could be a 1-2 for Kevin but unfortunately Eleuthera got tired in the final 150 yards but finished a creditable fourth on debut.

It was an impressive display from Under Seige who clearly is improving with racing. Many will say he had the run of the race but the reason he did was because he earned it, breaking quickly and powering to the front to seize the initiative. This was his third run and a handicap mark will now be given to him and that is the next step in his career. Obviously its hard to assess what mark he will be given but he is a horse going forward and could continue to improve throughout the season.