A July Doubles’ Trilogy
Thu 22 Jul 2021
Today’s across the card double secured #TeamMPR our 3rd daily double of the month....
WINNER 53 OF 2021: VENTURA RASCAL, trained by Kevin Ryan and ridden by Kevin Stott: 'The Happy 18th Birthday Zack Hogg Claiming Stakes ' over 7f at Catterick.
Firstly, let's applaud the fact that Kevin Stott had returned from his foot injury. Great news.
Riding for his boss Kevin Ryan, he had ridden Ventura Rascal twice, with both being wins, including over course and distance; so no pressure there then. Breaking well, you could spot the trade mark sheepskin noseband at the front, leading narrowly on the inner. Being pestered on the front, Kevin gave him the push along at the 2f marker and the pair were in a sustained battle in the final furlong - with the commentator remarking that it was "a right set to", but he held on to win by a 'head.'
"A good finish and a good scrap. "Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/341679-happy-18th-birthday-zack-hogg-claiming-stakes-6
See the official photo gallery here: https://louisepollard.co.uk/view.php?id=974&key=64
Timeform gave him a rating of 80, saying: "Wasted no time getting back to form and has developed a good strike rate for one operating at this level; made running, joined under 2f out, edged ahead close home, dug deep under pressure; is a straightforward and consistent sort who should continue to run well."
In his Racing TV interview, Kevin said: "He's tough and likes a battle. He was fast out, which was ideal and we got a nice easy lead. I picked it up from inside the 2 pole and he put his head down and has won it fair and square. He's a consistent horse and keeps his Middleham Park Racing owners happy, always running well. Great to get my first winner back after injury.”
So that's now a 3 race 100% record for the pairing and as there were no claims for him, he returned home, ready to do battle again! This was his fourth career win from 12 starts, in fact in the last 12 months he has only been out of the top 3 on one occasion. Well done to the two Kevin's and to his owners, who look very happy in the podium photo, shown in the gallery.
WINNER 54 OF 2021: CLARENDON HOUSE, trained by Robert Cowell and ridden by Charles Bishop: 'The Visit Attheraces.com/marketmovers Handicap' over 5.5f at Bath.
Having his 5th start, the 3 year-old colt, by the impressive sire Mehmas, was being upped in trip and was back on ground that he likes. Heading down to the start early, which is customary for him, Charles kept this coiled spring nice and calm, even if the heat was sweltering.
They broke pretty evenly, but after a couple of strides, he was in front and racing freely, still going best of the field 2f out. Charles kept him up to his work, as he began to get a little lonely out in front and he duly obliged; pulling clear, he won 'comfortably' by 4 1/4 lengths.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Bath/21-July-2021/1530
See the official photo gallery from Fran here: https://www.francescaaltoft.co.uk/bath-21st-july-2021
Here he is returning to applause..
You can hear Luke Harvey at the end, searching out his owners and thank you to Michael for his lovely interview on Sky Sports Racing! Has it really been 20 years since he first joined us?!
The Racing Post made them their 'Star performer' on the card: "Clarendon House (3.30) thrashed his rivals in the feature sprint handicap." Charles had a post race interview with Luke, which was quoted in today's Racing Post:
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Timeform rated it as a career best 115, saying: "Improved further to resume winning ways in dominant fashion over 1f longer trip after just 5 days off, looking the sort that can make his mark in a higher grade; made all, went with zest, pushed along 2f out, quickened clear over 1f out, had plenty in hand."
Robert commented: "CLARENDON HOUSE put up a career best performance yesterday at Bath. We learnt that he managed to stay the extra furlong and loves fast ground. What we have seen so far on all the evidence he looks to be tuning in to a very useful horse. We are absolutely thrilled with his progress and he returned home safe and sound. Congratulations to you all once again…"
Super work from his trainer and well done to his syndicate on his third win.
Syndicate manager for both horses, Tim says “There seems to be a real buzz about the place at the moment, whether that be back at MPR HQ, or amongst our owners on social media, with #TeamMPR winners, seemingly, coming thick and fast. And given winners is far and away the best barometer of measuring success, long may the purple patch continue.”