Hitsugaya Scores for Ireland in Challenge 3yo Turf Mile
Home town entry Hitsugaya came into this competitive challenge event very lightly raced and with a question or two to answer. And answer it he did. With the authority which proves that this will be one of many BTB write-ups to come for this impressive colt. Not only did he give his rivals a start and a beating, with the exception of Glorious Sunset, he had nearly five lengths to spare over his generally more experienced rivals.
It was no shock to see Ten Stone Five jump smartly at barrier rise, but Glorious Sunset went with him to the surprise of the huge crowd who expected the favourite to settle off the pace. Outta Ransom settled third, with Double Malted holding the inside running half a length or so behind, then Septic Squall, with Spirit Seeker on the rail, made up the third row. Zedital raced inside Kela Indy, with Alpine Wonder caught three wide. Night Signal came next, with Hitsugaya comfortable on the rail, and BPB Markane dropped out to the rear.
Once settled, jockeys were content to retain their positions for the next few furlongs, with just a bit of jostling. Ten Stone Five had moved out to nearly a length lead over Glorious Sunset and they’d cleared out by about three lengths on the field which was starting to string out a tad. Almost a dozen lengths separated first and last before the race began to get serious. Approaching the turn and Glorious Sunset was first to move, putting Ten Stone Five under pressure and quickly gaining the upper hand. The jockeys aboard Septic Squall and Spirit Seeker noted the move, and edged closer, while Double Malted was still handy and Outta Ransom had already waved the flag of surrender.
By the time they straightened it appeared that the change of tactics had worked. The favourite had set up a three length lead and looked set for victory. Double Malted, Septic Squall and Sprit Seeker were all trying hard, but not making an impact on Glorious Sunset. Hitsugaya was the only runner making ground, but he had to make up a lot of it. Once settled for the run home, that is exactly what Hitsugaya did, lengthening stride as he stormed home the final two furlongs of his home track, closing the gap until he gathered in the favourite four or five bounds from the wire. At the judge it was home town hero Hitsugaya by three quarters of a length from Glorious Sunset, gallant in defeat.
Double Malted, although never a winning chance, fought on well, four lengths further back, to give EAAA second and third results in the all important challenge
Septic Squall and Spirit Seeker boxed on for the minor payouts.
Ten Stone Five battled away despite being a beaten horse half a mile from home.
Night Signal and BPB Markane made no ground, but improved their finishing positions as horses faded around them
Zedital was thereabouts early, but refused to go when called upon.
Outta Ransom showed early spirit, but was outclassed.
Kela Indy and Alpine Wonder brought up the rear.
Hitsugaya is a three year old son of War Front / Cherokee Slew (
Daedalus is a member of the 22 stable “Ace Stables A”, and is most notably (at least for the time being) home to Dubeye, a Grade 1 winner closing in on the million dollar earnings mark. This week Daedalus sent three to the races, with Yasutora running second in the previous event, also a leg of the Inter-Residency Challenge. A day earlier, Irish Lights saluted in an allowance in