'Sea' to turn the tide
Keith Clement
Published:
Monday, February 13, 2017
Sea Dweller really should go one better and make it third time lucky in an 'aged' Maiden Fillies' Stakes over an extended mile of Wolverhampton tapeta today; trainer/jockey combination of Anthony and William Carson have done their job by finding an excelllent opportunity and it's just a question of this High Chaparral four-year-old 'doing the biz!'
It's imperative Sea Dweller wins a race because she is out of a well-bred Australian mare Languistine; many options will be available if and when she hits the line in front.
Frustratingly such a moment nearly happened fifty-three days ago when Sea Dweller, despite a valiant effort, just failed by half a length to peg back odds-on favourite, Vogueatti, with the rest eight lengths and upwards in arrears.
Beckett will doubtless view this with relish, especially with a 'weight-for-age' difference of 21lbs, but I'm cool about its effects over middle-distances and have been proved right sufficient times over several decades; experience is also a 'built-in factor and this will be fascinating.
Half an hour later Beckett-trained Hafaka, mount of one-time 'computer champ' Richard Kingscote, makes strong appeal having achieved a 'career-best' when a beaten favourite only eighteen days ago; best time of year for fillies, is now!
There are four eight-runner races on this programme, it will be interesting to see how many non-runners bookmakers manage to get out; punters will be out in force with each-way doubles, trebles and accumulators.
Sizing Seizes Irish Gold Cup
Sizing John proved his stamina with an impressive victory in a thrilling renewal of the Stan James Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, yesterday.
Placed behind the mighty Douvan on no fewer than seven previous occasions, the seven-year-old, formerly trained by Henry de Bromhead, claimed his first win since joining Jessica Harrington in last month's Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.
None of the remainder could be ruled out turning for home and More Of That, a stablemate of Minella Rocco, and Empire Of Dirt both appeared to be travelling strongly on the heels of the principals.
Sizing John was also travelling ominously well and he hit the front with a huge leap at the final fence before his stamina was given a thorough examination as Don Poli and stable companion Empire Of Dirt attempted to bridge the gap, but Sizing John galloped all the way to the line to prevail by three-quarters of a length.
Mullins Stars On Bacardys
Patrick Mullins produced a never-say-die ride to win the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown aboard Bacardys (12/1).
Last season's Aintree bumper winner had made a relatively slow start to his hurdling career, opening his account at the third attempt but improved from his maiden win to land the two-and-a-quarter-mile Grade One in determined fashion.
The six-year-old was one of six runners in the race for Willie Mullins who was seeking to win the race for the fifth time but his heavily backed market leader Saturnas, the Future Champions Novice Hurdle winner, was the first beaten.
Sports
Jeffrey Ross