Peak Raider

Mentioned here for his previous run at Gowran Park, Peak Raider is worth another mention after he was impressive again in landing what looked like a good two-mile-two-furlong Grade B handicap chase at Fairyhouse on Wednesday. Settled in the rear, just like he was at Gowran Park, he jumped and travelled really well for Nina Carberry. He made good ground up towards the leaders at the two fences before the straight, and there was nothing travelling as well as he was on the run to the second last. Jayo and Lastoftheleaders produced their challenges on the inside of Tommy Carberry’s horse up the straight, but his rider still looked to have a double handful going to the last, and with another fine jump, the son of Machiavellian picked up well under the minimum of fuss to win very cosily.

This was another smart performance by Peak Raider and he still looks highly progressive. The time of the race was good, only three seconds slower than the Grade 2 race won by Golden Silver half an hour earlier. It may be that he only just does enough or that he has to be delivered late in his races, but he was certainly value for more than the two-length winning margin. The second and third, Lastoftheleaders and Jayo, are two useful types as well and they in turn pulled five lengths clear of the rest.

Peak Raider showed ability over hurdles before and over fences last season, but the penny may have dropped with him now over the larger obstacles. Still only six, there could be still more to come. He is at his best of a strong pace, and he seems to like to get his toe in. An 8lb hike leaves him 20lb higher than he was for his Gowran win, but it still may not be enough to halt his winning run.

15th December 2010