Black Quartz

Black Quartz showed a lot of guts to stave off the late challenge of Corcovada and land a seven-furlong nursery off under top weight of 9st 7lb at Galway on Saturday. Rousted along in the early stages by Johnny Murtagh in order to make best use of his good draw and maintain his position on the rail, he was soon travelling kindly in front. He led all the way round to the top of the home straight, and he was actually headed by the runner-up before he rallied gamely to get back up and win by a short head. There is a chance that this performance will be under-rated, but there was a lot to like about Black Quartz’s attitude, the same one that was in evidence when he beat the exciting Jim Bolger horse Reiteration in his maiden at The Curragh on Oaks weekend, he had a lot of weight to shoulder and the front pair were clear of their rivals. He should improve for stepping up to a mile and, as long as the ground remains soft, he may not be finished winning yet.

1st August 2009