City Double
Fri 05 Jul 2024
Winner 46 of 2024: BLUEFLAGFLYINGHIGH, trained by Michael Bell and ridden by Joe Bradnam. ‘QuinnBet Acca Bonus Hands and Heels Apprentice Handicap’ over 1m2f at Yarmouth.
After three placings from as many runs in 2024 it was BLUEFLAGFLYINGHIGH’s time for glory at Yarmouth. Drawn on the wing of the 4-runner field, he broke well, and Joe Bradnam managed to gain the lead after a couple of strides into the race. Still travelling strongly turning for home, he ultimately went clear within the last 2 furlongs to win comfortably by 4 ½ lengths.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/atrplayer-popout/VOD/1447314
Timeform rated it as a career best performance with a 85+, saying: "went one better than on 2 of his previous 3 starts this season, very much open to question whether he improved in running out a clear winner, unlikely that any of his 3 rivals gave their running; led, went clear 2f out, comfortably."
A delighted Joe Bradnam after the race: "We managed to get across and get the lead despite the outside draw. He travelled and always gave me a great feel. Once I asked him to quicken, he responded nicely and went clear a furlong from home. He was not for catching today. Well done everyone!"
Syndicate Manager Tim Palin says: “Congratulations on your 'blue-flag-flying-high' yesterday, delighted to see another 1 by his name. A good, well-judged ride from Joe Bradnam, who seems to get on particularly well with him. Very well done to his owners. A great day all-round with Sergeant Pep winning the feature race at Haydock, giving us our 6th double of the season."
See the official photo gallery here: http://https://www.leaderboardphotography.com/p59679308
Winner 47 of 2024: SERGEANT PEP, trained by Clive Cox and ridden by Dougie Costello. ‘Supalite Group Handicap’ over 6f at Haydock.
Sergeant Pep was back in the winners enclosure, after taking the feature race of the card in good style. He ended up midfield in the early parts of the race due to him slightly missing the break, and was denied a clear run, when he tried to make headway about 1 furlong from home. But once he switched to the nearside of the track, he found a clear passage and stormed through to win by ½ length.
Watch the full replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/watch/replays/04-jul-2024/haydock-park/1540
Timeform rated his success with an 88+, saying: “Was back down to his last winning mark and came back to his best in a race that was run to suit, even if he had to wait for a gap to make his run; slowly into stride, mid-field, hampered under 2f out, forced to switch, stayed on to lead final 50 yds, driven out."
Dougie Costello spoke to Racing TV after the race: “Despite him sadly missing the break by a fraction, Clive told me beforehand to find a nice rhythm with him, so I was happy to follow. They went a nice even pace, he was able to settle nicely and he enjoyed passing horses, he kept finding and won well."
See the official photogallery here: https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C385818520/x4-sergeant-pep
Syndicate Manager Tom Palin says: “It was a joy to see him travelling so well, very much tanking through the race, but there was the slight fear whether he could find the gap on time. But congratulations to his owners! It all went to plan, Dougie found a way through and they won the feature race of the card comfortably in the end.”