Never in Doubt, at Newmarket!
Fri 24 Jun 2022
WINNER 66 OF 2022: LEAP ABROAD, trained by Paul and Oliver Cole and ridden by Mohammed Tabti (-7): 'The Cambridge Precision Innovation Handicap ' over 6f at Newmarket.
It was Cambridgeshire County Day on the July course yesterday and there was an appearance from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to make things even more exciting for the owners of Leap Abroad, as he lined up in the 2.35 race. A winner last time out at Pontefract, the handicapper gave him an 8lbs rise for that, so he came here under top weight.
He broke the best of the field and immediately led up the centre of the course. Mohammed switched him right towards the near side after about a furlong, as there was a difference of opinion from the jockeys as to where the best place to be was. The 6 runners were pretty closely matched as they approached the final furlong and his lead was being diminished. Four of them disputed the lead approaching the winning post, but he kept on really strongly to prevail, by a neck. (See the photo finish image in the gallery.)
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/396732-cambridge-precision-innovation-handicap-4
The Racing Post reported: 'The apprentice division has plenty of interest already this season and Mohammed Tabti has thrown his hat into the ring with some polished performances, including on Leap Abroad in the 6f handicap. Formerly based in France, Tabti, who joined the Paul and Oliver Cole stable two years ago, guided the topweight home for the yard in a tight finish. Oliver Cole said: "Mohammed has shown steady improvement and now rides all of our handicappers, which is very helpful taking 7lb off their backs. "That was a very game performance from Leap Abroad, who will come on for that and could head to Goodwood for the Stewards' Cup consolation."
Timeform rated it as a career best 94 saying: "Followed up from last time from 8 lb higher and is holding his form well, forging a successful partnership with his claiming rider; soon led, travelled well, joined over 1f out, edged left, led again close home; showed a good attitude and isn't far off useful now.”
The Racing TV team commented after the race that he was given 'a fine ride', which it was by Mohammed. He said in his Racing TV interview with Rishi Persad: "I just let him jump and see where he wanted to be! When he sees another horse come to him, he goes again for you.”
Syndicate manager Mike says: "Well done to his owners and to the Cole team grooms, as he was awarded 'best turned out' in the parade ring. He really is proving pretty useful, when you look at this last 7 race results: 2,2,1,2,2,1,1. I will speak to Paul and Oliver about where we think he could head to. We paid 22,000 for him at the breeze ups last year and he is now Timeform rated 94, with £31,000 of prize money in his account, so he has done well for us so far.”
Thankyou to Graham Clark for allowing us to use his photo.