Ahern

Ahern made a big impression when winning the Edinburgh Castle Conditions Stakes at Musselburgh on his racecourse debut at the start of June, recording a time over half a second quicker than the 0-105 Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap run an hour later, and he enhanced his reputation in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot on Thursday.

He probably lost the race at the start, he was rearing up a little as the stalls opened, and was then squeezed out immediately as those from the stalls around him converged. That left him adrift and he was always facing an uphill battle after that over five furlongs. He was still last after they had left the two-furlong pole behind them, but he ran on really strongly from there, finishing best of all to be closest at the finish, just getting up for fifth place on the line.

David Barron’s horse is almost certainly much better than he was able to show here, he could just never get into the race after his tardy start. Given the time he clocked on his debut he is clearly not short of pace, but he should have no problem stepping up to six furlongs now. He could prove to be at least as good as the horses who finished in front of him here, even the impressive and inexperienced winner Reckless Abandon, and he should improve considerably for the experience given how difficult it is for juveniles who go to Royal Ascot with just one race under their belts.

20th June 2012