Secret Stash

Well backed for the bumper at Chepstow on Thursday, Secret Stash was an unwilling leader up past the stands on the first circuit, so much so that he tried to run out at the stable entrance at the bend past the winning post. Timmy Murphy did very well to keep the partnership intact and, once the rest of the field went past on the inside, Secret Stash was happy to join them on another circuit.

Although he forsook probably about eight lengths in the manoeuvre, it may actually have helped him as he really didn’t appear to be happy dictating matters. Once back in the field on the outside, he settled into a nice rhythm. Kept wide by Murphy throughout, he swung wide into the home straight, bagged the stands rail, travelled well up to the leaders and found plenty once Murphy asked him to go and win his race.

On his only previous racecourse start, the son of Oscar had been a staying-on fifth at 33/1 in a 12-furlong bumper at Newbury and, given that he is out of a half-sister to World Hurdle winner Trapper John, it is hardly surprising that he improved and for the step up in trip to this extended two miles. The form of the race is solid, with the two horses with the best pieces of form going into the race, Double Dash and Polly Potter, finishing second and third. Secret Stash should improve again for this experience and when stepped up further in trip, and he should be worth following.

12^th February, 2009