Taste The Victory

Taste The Victory ran a cracker on his racecourse debut to finish second in a seven-furlong maiden at York on Saturday. A little outpaced through the middle section of the race, around the home turn, as the Mark Johnston-trained Karaka Jack set out to make all, the son of Victory Gallop was soon back on the bridle early in the home straight. They got away from him again a bit when they kicked on from the front two out, but there was a lot to like about the manner in which Taste The Victory stayed on on the far side, despite running green and appearing to have an impossible task as they entered the final furlong. They had gone fast enough up front, however, and Taste The Victory fairly flew home once he realised what was being asked of him, making up around four lengths inside the final 200 yards to go down by just a short head to Karaka Jack. He was beaten by the bob of a head, and was a neck up two strides past the line. Taste The Victory is a half-brother to Taste Of Paradise, a Grade 1 winner over six furlongs and a shock Grade 2 winner over nine as a juvenile. He is almost certain to come on immeasurably for this experience, and he will be of big interest wherever he goes next.

10th October 2009