Exeter Races

Towards rear - headway when not fluent 4 out - close up going best 3 out - shaken up and led just after 2 out - awkward jump last - hung left and ridden out run-in - comfortably(op 11/10)

Took keen hold - led - headed and close up 2nd - led again after 5 out - pushed along 3 out - not fluent and ridden 2 out - soon headed - held but stayed on run-in(op 10/3)

Towards rear - shaken up and still plenty to do 3 out - awkward jump last - ridden and went third run-in (enq into the running and riding of the gelding which was patiently ridden in mid-division towards the outside of the field - before making some progress under initial tender handling in the home straight prior to jumping the third last hurdle - where after the jockey asked for a more serious effort - to finish third beaten 16 3/4 lengths. Jockey stated his instructions were to make sure the gelding had plenty of daylight and get him jumping - this being his first run over hurdles - and to finish in the best possible placing. Jockey further explained that he felt the gelding jumped greenly through the early stages of the race - a fact he reported at scales and added that he was always happy with the gelding's position throughout the race. Coming up the hill on the final circuit he allowed the gelding to fill up as he felt the gelding was tiring - but the gelding got a second wind turning in and stayed on one paced from that point on - passing beaten horses. Trainer confirmed she was satisfied with the ride according to instructions - further stating she was happy with the gelding's performance - and that the gelding is a future 3 mile chaser - who gallops at the one pace - and will benefit for a step up in trip in the future)(op 66/1 tchd 150/1)