POOCH PINCHES THE PRIZE

The 6 furlong Canterbury Tales Grade III race was run and won at New South Wales on Saturday. Whilst the winner was on we had given a good hope and selected in the top 4 the race did deliver a few surprises along with an exciting finish which saw the top 6 horses all finish within 1 1/2 lengths of one another. Let’s have a look at the summary.

1ST – POOCH BG (JPN) – geegee – This run was all class, jockey F.Hanson had the Roses in May colt box seating just off the pace from the jump and delivered a well timed burst in the dying stages to win pulling away. The win takes this potential champion to the impressive record of 9 from 12 and has never finished out of the top 3. This is his highest level win to date and things certainly augur well for geegee and Pooch BG.

2ND – SOMEBEACHSOMEPLACE(JPN) – 911 – We did give this son of Falbrev some hope at 10/1 in our race preview noting that the glut of potential pace may play into his hands. He settle not far from the rear and really let loose over the last 2 furlongs. His sectionals must have had clockers checking their time pieces. Definitely one to keep an eye on over a touch more ground.

3RD – ROZELLE LIGHTNING(ENG) – bjbandit03 – Was expected to be a victim of the speed battle up front and not many thought he had the pace to lead, but he did and did with relative ease. A furlong from home he gave a slight shimmer of hope that he had run them ragged before succumbing to the top two. That said, it took two good runs to beat him. May be worth keeping an eye on over this and shorter trips. This was only his 7th outing and bjbandit03 assures us he has some improvement in him and was ecstatic with the SP# of 100.

4TH – BLOWOUT THECANDLES(KY) – vertain7 –  Another horse suited by the mad scramble up front who may have finished closer if he had not gotten so far back. Sat second last until around the 2 furlon mark where he was set alight and scorched the track, failing by only 2 lengths. He looks to have recaptured his 2yo form and may be worth following.

Our selection HERNANDO’S WAR(ENG) finished 5th in a group with WHATHAPPENSINVEGAS(AUS) not far away, both produced solid runs and could be open to a better result next time out. No one else really threatened to do much although ISLE OF CAPRI(IND) could have provided a spectacle had the race been slightly longer as he set off from last. Top marks to the winner and congratulations to his trainer geegee on a superb effort.

Butcha