Major Glendinning

Major Glendinning put up a fine performance in finishing third behind Mister Farmer in a two-and-a-half-mile chase at Navan on Saturday. Travelling really well behind Colmanstown Hope to the end of the back straight, he went across the top of the course looking by far the most likely winner, trading at almost even money as early as that. He made a bad mistake at the cross fence, but was back on the bridle before the third last. He was still in front over the second last and the last, but it is a long way home from the top of the home straight at Navan home, and he seemed to idle on the run-in, pricking his ears and looking around him, allowing Mister Farmer and Barcardero past.

Tucker Geraghty’s gelding has been mixing it over hurdles and fences this season, he was going well when unseating his rider in a handicap chase at Fairyhouse in January that was won by Saddlers Storm, and he ran well to finish second to a useful horse of Pauline Gavin’s, Ad Idem, in a maiden hurdle at Thurles at the end of February. He could have won this race had he been ridden with a little more restraint, he just seemed to idle when he hit the front, and he could be better over further. It was the first time that Ross Geraghty had ridden him on a racecourse, so he should have the confidence to ride him with more restraint next time. He is by Saddlers Hall out of a Deep Run mare, so he should be even better stepped up again in trip from this two and a half miles. He is a seven-year-old who has run just seven times over fences in his career, and he should be progressing now. The handicapper can’t be too hard on him for this, and he will be interesting wherever he goes next.

27th March 2010