Callender

Callender ran a lot better than his finishing position suggests in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Patrick Prendergast’s horse was fairly well away, but he was squeezed out of it between horses after they had gone 150 yards, with the result that Chris Hayes had to take him back. The net result was that he found himself at the rear of the near side group after they had gone a furlong.

That was not the place to be. Not only because he was well back in the field after losing momentum in a five-furlong race, but also because he was racing on the near side, which appeared to be at a disadvantage on the straight track on Tuesday. He travelled well though, he picked up well at the two-furlong pole, and he finished off his race really well to take fifth place. That was impressive in itself, but he was only beaten a head for fourth by Full Intention, who won the ‘race’ on the near side.

It was a fine run from Callender. The winner Ardad was very good, it was probably a very good Windsor Castle, it was run in a time that was faster than the time that Profitable clocked in winning the King’s Stand over the same course and distance earlier on the day, possibly on better ground. Callender was progressive before this. He ran well in defeat in his first two races, both on soft ground, and he won his maiden over five furlongs at Naas IN May on his third attempt, on fast ground, despite the fact that his saddle slipped. Tuesday’s run was another step forward, he can be marked up on the bare form of it, and he should continue to progress. Bought for £120,000 at the Goffs London Sale on the eve of this race, he is related to winners over a mile and 10 furlongs, and he shapes as if he will improve for stepping up to six furlongs at least.

14^th June 2016