The replays and sectional times have been reviewed from Saturday’s Hunter meeting at Newcastle. Our analyst highlights 5 runners that won’t be far from the winners stall moving forward.
Bullets High
When nominations first came out he looked a great bet getting out to a mile 3rd up but the map was always going to make it difficult. They crawled up front and it made it an impossible task working down the outside on a day where it was tough to make ground. It was a great effort to just miss in a photo splitting the horses than settled 1st and 2nd. He is definitely one to follow from the Hunter meeting.
Briasa
The Hunter was the talented 4yos opportunity to show he was going to be the real deal and he didnt’t disappoint after being forced to sit 3 wide without cover behind a hot tempo. He was still strong enough to reel off a strong final 200m to just get there on there on the line. He is now 6 wins from 7 career starts and should’ve won the only race he lost with even luck that day. The sky is the limit for him in the autumn.
Inhibitions
It should pay to follow the Godolphin mare after she was ridden with a lot more intent than usual in order to be relevant with the track pattern of the day. She settled 2nd and looked the winner at the 200m but didn’t quite let don’t like we normally see to finish 1.2L 2nd with a big 2.2L gap back to a previous Saturday winner in Battleton.
Naval College
It was a horror watch for those on the Nesham/Archibald stayer. He had a soft run in transit but when the whips were cracking he found himself all over the leader’s heels after 2 runs had closed on him. When he got out the final 100m he charged home to claim 3rd. He was 2nd up so there will be more to come but he did slightly dash what was an outstanding 2nd up record.
Townsend
One that was already in our blackbook but I am even more bullish on now. I am always hesitant with horses coming off a long break that have raced well 1st up going into their 2nd up run. He melted in the yard but to be able to lead, take off at the 800m and hold on for a big 3.4L victory was an awesome effort. I expect him to improve 3rd but and could possibly string multiple wins together.
