The Vegas Raider hits the Jackpot!
Mon 26 Apr 2021
OUR 23rd WINNER OF 2021: THE VEGAS RAIDER, trained by Michael Bell and ridden by Callum Shepherd: 'The T & M Glass Handicap' over 1m 2f at Salisbury.
Having his first start after being gelded, along with being fitted with a first time visor, he looked a picture in the paddock. Michael has been keen to step him up in trip and to try the head gear, as he has had the propensity to be lazy at home. He started steadily and sat towards the rear of midfield, but seemed to be moving well as others began to lose places. Callum moved him to the outer about 3 from home and began to push him along. He began to make headway 2f out and we all started to sit upright! He continued to stride out and took up the running at the 1f pole, keeping on strongly, to win going away by 4 lengths. The commentator nailed it, by saying: "When the chips are down, The Vegas Raider strides away!"
Watch the full replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/326379-t-m-glass-handicap-6
Timeform awarded him a rating of 70p and say: "Gelded since last seen and upped markedly in trip in first-time visor after 4 months off, showed much improved form to get off the mark starting out in handicaps/on turf; waited with, headway out wide from 3f out, carried head bit awkwardly, led entering final 1f, clear when hung right late on; he's likely to progress further on this evidence."
See the official photos here: https://www.francescaaltoft.co.uk/salisbury-25th-april
Syndicate manager Tim says:"Well done to his owners on their win and also hats off to Michael. He has not been a straightforward horse to train. He is very able and talented, as well as being a lovely looking horse and could now go on to better things. I have two races in mind for him next, which I highlighted to his owners this morning in their race review, so hopefully there's more to come."
Without wishing to sound too repetitive, April continues to bloom for us, with this being our 11th of the month. This morning saw us declare the exciting juvenile THE GATEKEEPER, for The Royal Ascot Two-Year-Old Trial Conditions Stakes on Wednesday - a race we won with Ventura Rebel in 2019, before he went on to be 2nd in The Norfolk Stakes. MARIE'S DIAMOND will run in the Listed Paradise Stakes, after his super 2nd in the Group 3 Earl of Sefton Stakes on seasonal debut. Tomorrow will see our first Richard Hannon 2 year old debut; KODIAS SANGARIUS is a Kodiac filly and the handsome THE ROSSTAFARIAN is entered at Goodwood on Friday, so lots to look forward to!
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