Tales Of Grimm

Tales Of Grimm recorded his first win since his racecourse debut in August 2011 in the Dubai Duty Free Conditions Stakes over nine furlongs at Newbury on Friday, and he can build on that now.

Admittedly he did settle better than most of his rivals out the back off a sedate pace (Ryan Moore probably did a very good job of restraining him, happy to be slightly detached from the main cluster of runners) and the favourite French Navy in particular was very free early on. However, the Richard Fahey-trained colt had been weak in the market beforehand and he still came through nicely off the sedate pace to join French Navy and wear him down, with the pair of them coming clear of the talented but frustrating Bonfire.

Robert Ogden’s horse was getting 9lb from French Navy, and he was rated only 5lb inferior, so he was entitled to win this even though he was sent off at a much bigger price, but the fact that he settled well was really encouraging, as was the strength with which he saw his race out. He hadn’t been settling very well when he was trained by Michael Stoute, and that was obviously hindering his progress, but he was much better on this, his first run for Richard Fahey. Maybe his new trainer has found a key to him. If he has, Tales Of Grimm should be able to progress from this. He appears to possess plenty of ability, and he hasn’t had much racing at all for a four-year-old. This was just the seventh run of his life.

A son of Distorted Humor, he stays a mile and a quarter well, so there could be more to come from him back up at that trip if he continues to settle better, and there are plenty of options for him for the rest of the season. He handles easy ground well but he also has form on quicker ground from early last season. He will be of interest wherever he runs next.

20th September 2013