Saturday Treble
Sun 02 Jul 2023
WINNER 56 OF 2023: BATAL DUBAI, trained by Harry & Roger Charlton and ridden by Oisin Murphy: The Class 2 'JenningsBet Festival Handicap' over 6f at Newcastle.
A Tattersalls HIT purchase in May, this was his second start for us, back at Newcastle, where he won over 6f in September of 2022.
Drawn on the nearside, he dwelt at the start, but Oisin was happy to hold him up in rear. Coming to the 2 furlong marker, he was still there, as the front of the field were sent for home. He didn't get a clear run repeatedly from 2f out and switched left. Making good headway 1f out, he was pushed along and ran on really well inside the final furlong to lead in the final strides, under hands and heels, winning by a head.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Newcastle/01-July-2023/1220
Here's Oisin, talking to Rishi on ITV Racing after the race:
Timeform rated it as a t99 performance, saying: "Was strong in the betting having not been seen to best effect on his reappearance and showed improved form with that under his belt to land a second win over this C&D, value extra for coming from off the pace without his rider having to go for everything; slowly into stride, held up, travelled well, smooth headway inside final 1f, quickened to lead late on under confident ride; he could do with brushing up at the gates but will go on improving and should be up to winning more races.”
See the official photo gallery here: https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C385577833/x1-batal-dubai
Syndicate manager Tom says: "What a ride that was from Oisin and didn't the horse respond for him when asked to run through those gaps! Well done to his owners, that was a nice £15,400 first prize to collect. Oisin was very taken with him. We obviously have him in the Stewards cup, something that he's been cut from 33-1 to 16-1 for. We will see if he gets into the main event or if we get into the consolation race and we will speak to Harry and Roger over the next few days to formulate a plan as to where we go with him next."
WINNER 57 OF 2023: LEXINGTON KNIGHT, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Neil Callan: 'The Racing Welfare Handicap' over 1m 4.5f at Newcastle.
Running so well this year, the market had him as favourite, as he was trying an extra 1/2 a furlong on top of the 1m 4f that he has been running over this year.
In touch with the leaders, he settled into about fourth position. As the field came around the home bend, they moved to the centre of the track, with Neil switching him to the near side. He soon went 3rd, but it looked as though the gap had closed, but he squeezed through on the stands rail and led narrowly 1f out. Keeping on well, although he faced a stern challenge, he was always doing enough, to win by 1/2 a length.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Newcastle/01-July-2023/1625
Timeform rated it as a career best t87 performance, saying: "Is proving consistent and picked up his second win in 3 starts, always well placed the way things panned out; chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, led approaching final 1f, kept on.”
Neil said in his Sky Sports Racing interview: "He was a bit on and off the bridle. They congregated towards the stands rail and to be fair to the horse he was quite tenacious and stuck his head down. Although he made me work for it, he is quite genuine.”
See the official photo gallery here: https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C385577840/x8-lexington-knight
Syndicate manager Tim says: "Congratulations to Richard on saddling 4 winners yesterday. In fact we were at Herridge seeing our string with owners and watched our first couple of runners with the team! Lexington Knight has been so consistent this year, with his last 5 starts reading 3,2,1,2,1. Some very happy owners at Newcastle in the photos there - seeing our silks winning the first and the last race on Northumberland Plate Day was superb, so well done everyone.”
WINNER 58 OF 2023: PETE THE GARDENER, trained by Simone Brogi and ridden by Mlle Anaelle Mekouche: 'The Prix Du Domaine Du Grand Comte' over 1,700m at Castera-Verduzan, France.
Having his third start, the strapping son of Recorder looked a picture ahead of the race. Settling into third, as they came around the home bend, Anaelle pulled him out to make the challenge. Lengthening his big stride, he won by 1/2 a length.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.france-galop.com/en/racing/detail/2023/P/UmFRSit6d2xIMmlFeU0vUEZ4eEFrUT09
Syndicate manager Tim says: "That was a thrill, to see him win on just his 3rd start. Simone was there and Pete himself, who named him, made the trip across to France to watch him run, so what a result! Well done to all his owners on his win and picking up over £7,000, with the owners premiums.”
Shares are available in Pete The Gardener: https://www.middlehamparkracing.net/horses/view,pete-the-gardener-by-recorder_1452.htm