Races

It Pays To Follow

SUPPORTIVE 

Wednesday, February 8 @ Belmont

For a horse better placed at 1400m and stretched to 1700m before a spell last campaign, the return of Supportive last week caught the eye. She had trialled well leading into her 1000m maiden assignment and whilst beaten nearly three lengths behind a smart one in Too Dardy, she ran home strongly on inferior ground along the cutaway to grab third. Is well and truly capable of breaking her maiden status soon.


AWESOME RIVAL

Wednesday, February 8 @ Belmont

This Michael Lane-trained mare is getting close to another win. Really close. Her last-start second behind multiple-placed Saturday filly Deetea was full of merit. Awesome Rival was well found in the market entering last Wednesday’s race after a couple of heartening efforts following a spell, but found herself chasing Deetea after William Pike beat Chris Parnham to the punch to grab what would ultimately prove the winning position in running.


KELVIN

Saturday, February 11 @ Ascot

It’s been more than a year since Kelvin last won a race. That streak could have ended on the weekend had Clint Johnston-Porter seen any daylight in the straight. He’s no star, but is actually going okay and knocking on the door. He just needs someone to open it.


THE GREAT ONE

Saturday, February 11 @ Ascot

Much like Kelvin, The Great One has nearly forgotten what the winner’s circle looks like. He doesn’t help his own cause though because he can be a very difficult horse to ride. That said, his last three runs have been encouraging without much luck. Actually no luck. Whether he would have won or not on Saturday is up for debate, but we can all agree he would have been in the finish with a clear passage.


ADMIRATION EXPRESS

Saturday, February 11 @ Ascot

A genuine star who I want to be with for the rest of this preparation. Like everyone else. Was brave fresh over the 1500m of the Listed Challenge Stakes to finish runner-up and is only going to improve as her campaign goes on. Enough said.