Russian Jar

Russian Jar was weak enough on Betfair before the Class 3 seven-furlong three-year-old handicap at Newmarket on Saturday, he was available at 5.8 on the exchange when he was no better than 7/2 in the ring, but he performed more than creditably to finish second to Seek N’ Destroy. Free on previous run over a mile, he raced freely again here even though he was racing over just seven furlongs and up with the pace on the far rail. He travelled well, though, and still looked a likely winner when Philip Robinson kicked him on two furlongs out, but that was before you saw Seek And Destroy, usually a front-runner, travelling so well in behind. He had no answer to Seek N’ Destroy’s finishing kick (that horse improved for being held up but a 9lb hike appears harsh) and he actually almost surrendering the runner-up spot to the fast-finishing Elliptical, but it was still a fine effort. This appears to be his trip now, and he can do even better if he can be taught to settle, or if he can be ridden with a little more restraint. This was just the third run of his life, and he should progress for it anyway. A 1lb hike is not severe, and he will be interesting in this grade or even slightly higher wherever he goes next. He is entered in a Class 2 three-year-old handicap over seven furlongs at Doncaster next Wednesday, and he will be worth a second look in that if he takes his chance.

29th August 2009