Dr Livingstone

Dr Livingstone ran really well to finish second in the 10-furlong handicap that opened proceedings at Sandown on Thursday night on his seasonal debut on ground that would have been on the fast side for him. He did occupy a good position through the race, just behind the leader By Command, on the rail, in a race that wasn’t run at a breakneck pace, but he settled well there and he picked up nicely in the straight when Steve Drowne asked him. Passing the three-furlong pole, he and the winner Mountain Pride were travelling as well as each other, and both travelled better than their rivals, including the continually well-supported, newly-gelded favourite Kensington Oval (Ask’s brother), but Mountain Pride quickened up the better and went on to land the spoils.

Dr Livingstone lost nothing in defeat. He has raced just 10 times in his life now, he remains progressive, and a 4lb hike still leaves him on a mark of 88 off which he should be able to win. He should come on for this, his seasonal debut, and he should be worth following next time, especially if he encounters easy ground.

28th May 2009