Masterful Double
Wed 19 Feb 2025
Winner 7 of 2025: SUN KEEPER, trained by Alice Haynes and ridden by Dougie Costello. ‘Win £1M With BetMGM's Golden Goals Handicap’ over 6f at Wolverhampton.
Drawn 2 and back up to 6f after a good run over 5f on her previous start, our speedy daughter of Havana Grey, a shrewd recommendation from Alice at the HIT Sale in October 2024, jumped well and Dougie got her in a perfect spot – box seat, right behind the leader. Once the gap opened up on the far rail, she showed a great turn of foot, and dug deep inside the final furlong to stay on top. She gained her first win on her only second start in a handicap. A keeper for sure.
Sun Keeper on the far side wins... Watch the full race replay: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Wolverhampton/18-February-2025/1655
Timeform rated her first victory with a t67:
Dougie Costello spoke to Vanessa Ryle from Sky Sports Racing post-race:
"A lightly raced filly, which menas she is still learning on the job, but she did that nicely. She has great gate speed and wants to get on with it, but horses tend to relax that little bit more over 6f and ultimately that’s what helped her today I believe. A good step forward and thanks to Alice and Middleham Park to put me on her. A nice victory – she kept on well."
Find the link to the official photos here: https://www.jahphoto.co.uk/-/galleries/wolverhampton-horse-racing-2025/february-2025/18th-february-2025/race-2
Winner 8 of 2025: MASTER TECHNICIAN, trained by Rod Millmann and ridden by George Wood. ‘Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap’ over 7f at Wolverhampton.
An incredible third victory from his last five starts - which takes his Earnings up to £30,150 for a £25.000 Purchase.
Races with only five runners going to post, it can often be a very tactical affair, and with plenty of pace in the early stages of the race – Master Technician was left towards the rear. But the pair made good headway mid-race and settled into third, before disputing the lead when turning for home and stretching clear to win by ¾ of a length. Another fantastic win by our consistent 3-year-old – And a first success in handicap company.
Watch the full race replay here: http://https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Wolverhampton/18-February-2025/1900
Timeform rated his third full victory with a t89: "Got back on the up to record a first win in handicap company; in touch, went prominent after 3f, shaken up 2f out, produced to lead 1f out, kept on; it's beginning to look as if this trip wil prove his optimum and he should remain of interest under similar conditions."
The official photos can be found here: https://www.jahphoto.co.uk/-/galleries/wolverhampton-horse-racing-2025/february-2025/18th-february-2025/race-6