Full Marks!
Sun 26 May 2024
WINNER 37 OF 2024: TEST OF LOVE, trained by Sir Mark Prescott and ridden by Shane Kelly: 'The William Hill Extra Place Races Handicap' over 7f at Salisbury.
Back up to 7 furlongs, this was the second division of the handicap - labelled as "the tougher of the two races" by the Racing TV team. He was chalked up as favourite, so a very nervous time in the prelims!
Breaking from stall 2, he was prominent in a line of 5 horses early on and raced keenly. Shane declded to slot back in after a furlong, to track the leaders on the rail. Shaken up over 2f out, just before the cut away, he soon started to go through the gears and make headway. Taking the lead inside the final furlong, he kept on really well, pulling away to win by 1 and a 1/2 lengths.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/results/2024-05-25/salisbury/1930
Timeform rated it as a career best 83 performance, saying: "Showed improved form to get off the mark, as anticipated well suited by a return to 7f; prominent, pushed along under 3f out, headway when switched 2f out, led inside final 1f, ran on; he could well kick on now up and running”
Shane said in his Racing TV interview: "We figured there was going to be pace and I was happy to get a lead. The track seemed to suit and the ground was perfect. I think the trip also helped and he is an improver hopefully. ”
See the official photo gallery here: https://www.francescaaltoft.co.uk/salisbury
Syndicate manager Tim says: "You would have to be thrilled with that. The race panned out well and just as Sir Mark called it. It looks like he is on an improve and another step up in trip could suit. He is in at Carlisle on Friday, but we will see what the handicapper does on Tuesday. Delighted for his owners who look very pleased in the photographs, taken by Dave Bourton our racecourse representative. Plenty of champagne was enjoyed!”