Arizona John

Arizona John was impressive when winning a 10-furlong Class 3 handicap at Pontefract on Sunday. The son of Rahy travelled well in behind, made nice ground just before the home turn, and showed a nice turn of foot when asked to take it up inside the final furlong to win readily, staying on well all the way to the line.

John Mackie’s five-year-old gelding is not lightly raced, but he improved a lot here for this step up in trip. This was his first try over 10 furlongs, he had never been beyond a mile in his life before. He stayed the trip really well, Pontefract is a stiff track, and he ran all the way to the line. It was a good race for the class, and the second horse, Follow The Flag, is a good yardstick. They went a decent pace and the time was good, 0.35secs faster than the Racing Post standard. The handicapper has raised Arizona John 6lb to a mark of 83, which could still under-estimate his ability over the longer trip. He should be effective over a mile and a half as well at an easier track.

20th June 2010