Treble Keeps The Celebrations Going

It was only 48 hours since Brando’s Ayr Gold Cup win, the realisation was finally sinking in and it was back to the racecourse where Kevin sent out his first runners of the week. Over 2 meetings he had 7 runners and when the first couple finished placed it looked likely to be a decent day. It turned out better than that as the good form continued with an across the card treble, with three of the yards young jockeys all getting on the scoresheet. 

Distant Past looked like a sprinter to follow last year, flying up the handicap from an opening mark of 75 to a high of 94. His form included three wins and saw him compete in some top handicaps following his good form. Unfortunately he couldn’t quite match that level of form at the start of this season but finally turned the corner, getting back to winning ways when taking Leicester’s feature 5f A.T.Services LTD Handicap, his first victory for over a year. 

Although the start of the season wasn’t quite up to expectations, Kevin just felt Distant Past was feeling the effects from last years exertions. Despite not troubling the judge, he had run OK in some difficult races and had shown glimpses of form. Slowly Distant Past was dropping in the handicap and looked like he was becoming dangerously well handicapped. Following a run at Chester, Kevin decided to give him a short break before aiming for a big prize at The Curragh. With a month in between races it was perfect to try and freshen up Distant, hopefully to help him recapture his spark. 

Travelling to Ireland, Distant Past was set to run off his lowest mark of the season and 2lb lower than his last win. He looked to be in good order with the break seemingly doing the trick to freshen him up. It was the first time he was set to race over 6 1/2f which was a step into the unknown. Distant Pat showed plenty of speed to chase the lead and heading into the last 1 1/2f he took the lead. Looking like the winner, Distant just weakened in the final 1/2 furlong, eventually finishing third. It was a very pleasing run and showed that he was back to his best. 

Distant Past’s run in Ireland took plenty out of him so Kevin decided to give him plenty of time to his next race. A full 2 months later it was time to look for another race and when Kevin spotted the 5f event at Leicester he felt that was the perfect option. 

Shane Gray had won on the 5 year old on two occasions and was booked for the ride, hoping to improve that record. The early pace was very strong as soon as the stalls opened and Distant Past immediately struggled to go with the blistering early pace. For a horse who has won at Musselburgh, it was surprising to see him struggle at the back of the field but it showed how quick they must be going. Shane didn’t panic and gave his mount time to find his feet and his rhythm. With only 5f to run Distant Past didn’t have much time to think about it and would need to finish his race well if he wanted to get involved in the finish. 

The first half of the race was gone in a flash as the leaders pressed on. Distant Past was well behind and Shane was having to push along to try and keep in touch with the group. Aleef had led from the off and was still going great guns in front. This pace was really taking it’s toll on one or two. Distant Past was still in touch with the main group of runners but had around 8 lengths to find as they passed the 2f marker. 

Aleef held a good length advantage and there didn’t look as though anything was threatening his lead. Slowly but surely Distant Past responded to Shane’s urgings and was making up ground along the rail. One by one he moved past his weakening rivals but the leader looked as though he had set sail for home, kicking into a couple of length lead. 

As the 1f marker approached the ground began to rise, ensuring the last furlong would be a test. Distant Past was now motoring down the stands side rail and flying past rivals. The leader was still clear and had burned off every other challenger. Distant Past finishing with a flourish and was the only runner who could snatch victory from the long time leader. Shane was asking for everything and he was getting it from his partner. The stiffer the ground became the quicker Past was going and the advantage was closing with every stride. Aleef tried hard and had the race won everywhere bar the line. In the last 25 yards Distant Past flew up alongside the leader and then past, pulling out a little more. With a late rattle he had passed Aleef and stretched into a 1/2 length advantage to secure his first win of the season.

Owner Jimmy Chua only bought the horse before his Curragh run so it is nice to get a win on the board so quickly. Unfortunately his previous owner decided to sell due to commitments living abroad and although it was a shame, it was nice that he allowed the horse to stay in the yard by selling to Jimmy. 

It was great to get Distant Past back to winning ways and it was a win that he deserved. The stiff finish helped his chances and it looks as though a stiff 5f or 6f will suit the 5 year old. He handles all types of ground so will be kept busy for an Autumn campaign. Obviously he will now go up in the handicap once more but this was a good display and there’s no reason to think he cannot back this win up.

The old saying about London buses can be used in racing on so many occasions and fits perfectly for Canny Style. Having taken 16 runs to shed her maiden tag, she went and followed that with another win when taking the 1m3f Handicap at Hamilton.

This season the 3 year old filly has been gradually stepping up in trip, showing improvement with each and every run. Following some decent efforts, it was when she was given a real test of stamina where Canny began to shine. When she was stepped up to 1m3f last time out at Carlisle there were plenty of unknown factors going against her but the distance proved vital. Settling nicely off the pace, she travelled strongly throughout the race before seeing out every yard of the trip and winning a shade cosily. It was delight for her connections and gave Kevin the answer to the filly. 

When the handicapper assessed her win he agreed that she did win a shade cosily and lumbered Canny with an 8lb rise. This seemed OK as it wouldn’t have stopped her winning last time out and now Kevin had to start looking for some middle distance races. 

The 1m3f Handicap at Hamilton looked ideal, it was over the exact same distance as she won over and had a stiff finish like Carlisle. Kevin Stott was booked for the ride, hoping to make it 2 wins on the bounce with Canny Style. Only 6 lined up for the 0-70 event and it created a tactical race. As the stalls opened, Kevin looked to switch his filly off by dropping her to the rear of the field. The leader started by setting an OK gallop but then quickly slowed things up, creating a very sedate pace. The rest of the field happily tucked in behind to let the leader dictate. 

It was a muddling affair for the first half of the race, with the stop start gallop causing a couple of the runners to race a little keen. Kevin was in no such position but the Danny Tudhope decided enough was enough and rounded the field to take the lead. This injected a bit of pace into the race and Kevin followed suit by edging a little closer to the front. Canny Style travelled well and was now in a position to monitor the leaders. 

As the leader took them to the 4f marker they began to roll downhill. Danny Tudhope tried to stack the field up behind him, slowing the pace again. Canny Style now sat only a couple of lengths off the leader and between the 4f and 3f pole she really started to look dangerous, making good headway. 

With the field heading past the 3f marker the leader now tried to sprint clear and stretch them. This attempt didn’t work but it did spark a reaction from the other jockeys. Now they all started to push along their mounts, all but Kevin who just allowed Canny to lengthen. It was obvious she was travelling the strongest and looked like she was full of running. 

With the leaders challenging one another the race was on moving into the final 2f. There was only a few lengths covering the 6 runners and all had a chance. Kevin was still sitting pretty and yet to really ask any questions. Canny Style was moving very sweetly into the race and looked the most likely winner at this stage. Lengthening all the time she was looming large and now it was a case of how much she would find. 

Kevin decided to press the button just as they moved into the final furlong. Canny Style kicked into a length lead but didn’t put the race to bed. Tectonic began to rally from behind and switched inside the filly. Canny Style was pushed hard but she was tough and game, finding more with each stride. Although not pulling away she was always holding the runner up and saw out the trip well, to win by 1/2 length.

Hambleton Racing have been in fine form in recent weeks and it is great to keep firing in the winners for them. Canny Style has really improved since being stepped up and she won again with a bit to spare. Kevin felt the race wasn’t run to suit but she got the job done anyway. She defied an 8lb rise and will again be on the rise after her second win. Obviously she is flying form at the minute and the improvement doesn’t look like it is likely to stop anytime soon, so connections may be in for another round of celebrations if Canny can continue her rise. 

With the double up Kevin did not have to wait long before making it a treble when The Wee Barra took the 1m1/2f Handicap in the following race at Hamilton. When you think of tough and genuine horses Barra is right up there, always giving it 110% effort and she showed all those qualities when winning her second race of the season, both at Hamilton. 

The Wee Barra will always pick up her races throughout the season and gives The Slaters Arms a great day out everytime. You know what you are going to get from her, she will look to take the race on and battle all the way to the line. This has seen her run some good races this year and has held her form well. On her last run Barra took a step up in grade and handled it admirably, running very well but just succumbing to better horses. Following that run Kevin decided to find an easier option to try and get her head in front once again. The race at Hamilton was a drop in grade, at a track she enjoys and over a distance she had proved to be very effective at so it looked like the ideal option. 

Lewis Edmunds has really caught the eye in recent months, picking up plenty of rides and even notching 5 winners along the way. He looks very good value for his 7lb claim so Kevin put on board the filly, who gave Lewis his first ride for the yard. Knowing The Wee Barra well, Lewis rode her accordingly to her strengths.

Breaking well, Barra was quickly into stride and Lewis sent her forward. With the leader keen to go on there was a decent gallop on and Lewis just tucked in to track the pace. Barra happily travelled in behind and was well positioned through the early stages. The one question mark was if the ground was a bit dead but she seemingly had no issue as she kept the leader honest. There were one or two others who were keen to be prominent and with these forcing the issue it meant the race was going to be a test when they came to business end. 

The Wee Barra has travelled well to Scotland in the past and she seemed to know exactly where she was. The honest gallop soon had the field swinging around the bend but when they straightened up for home there was still half the race left to run. Lewis had let Barra travel in his hands and she moved well, pulling up to be close to the leader. They started to roll downhill and Barra was now a lot closer to the front, ready to strike at the first sign of weakness. 

With 3f left to run the tempo increased again and it got a few of the runners racing a long way out. The Wee Barra still travelled well and Lewis had her in the ideal spot ready for her challenge. The leader was winding it up from the front but Barra marked their every move and travelled well on the heels. Lewis was showing great maturity by not panicking and decided to sit and wait for his run. 

Moving inside the 2f marker all the field were at work but the positions were yet to change. The Wee Barra now looked the biggest danger as Lewis got into his drive and she responded to every urging. Barra drew up alongside the long time leader and began to battle it out. There was only ever going to be one winner when it came down to the hard slog and Barra started to get on top. As they passed the 1f marker and hit the rising ground she pulled out a little more every time. Although there was a late flourish from the eventual runners up, The Wee Barra was finding more all the time despite edging left at the finish. She was not going to be caught and crossed the line with a 1/2 length advantage. 

It was great to get The Wee Barra back into the winner’s circle as she has deserved that with her recent efforts. You know what you are going to get from her and she will always ensure you get a run for your money. The Slaters Arms Racing Club follow their filly all over and celebrate a loser just like a winner so it is nice to give them a winner.