Monday, 19 April 2010

Ponte` Review


Richard Fahey's Castles In The Air looks sure to take in some of the season's better sprint handicaps after making a winning return to action at Pontefract.

Running in the colours of Channel 4 Racing pundit Jim McGrath, the five-year-old was having his first start since finishing down the field in a hot event over seven furlongs at Ascot in September.

Dropping back a furlong in distance for the Riu Palace Meloneras Handicap, the 6-1 chance travelled sweetly throughout in the rain-softened conditions before scooting up the rail to lead passing the furlong marker.

Internationaldebut really began to hit top gear late on and scythed through the pack, but the winner had already flown and passed the post two and three-quarter lengths ahead.

McGrath's business manager Roger Trevitt said: "Jim couldn't be here because he's down at the British Horseracing Authority, but I'm sure he'll be absolutely delighted.

"Physically this horse has come on a lot during the winter and Richard had been very happy with his recent work. They were all confident coming here and it's worked out well."

Kevin Ryan recorded his first two-year-old success of the campaign as Geesala turned in a taking display in the Premier Sports Cafe Bar Median Auction Maiden Fillies' Stakes

Sent of at 8-1, the daughter of Barathea showed plenty of dash from the starting stalls and found another gear rounding the turn for home to beat another promising newcomer in Abidhabidubai by a length and three-quarters.

Wexford-based owner John Brennan is no stranger to success, with Grade One-winner Glencove Marina among his prized assets in his native Ireland.

Brennan said: "This is my first horse with Kevin and it's a great start. I've probably had around 120 winners over jumps, but Kevin convinced me to have a horse with him and all he said was to make sure I was here. She's done it well and should continue to improve."