Phone In

Phone In sprang a 20/1 shock in the two-mile-five-furlong handicap chase at Ayr on Friday. Having just his second start for Lucinda Russell, the son of Sinndar racing prominently throughout, took it up at the top of the home straight and galloped on well over the last four fences to win well. He jumped well throughout, he clearly appreciated this good ground, and he beat a useful performer in Work Boy into second place, and leaving favourite and hat-trick seeker Bene Lad well back in fourth. This was just Phone In’s second run over fences. Well beaten on his debut over fences, for Lucinda Russell, over this course and distance in March, this was a huge step up on that run, but it is easy to explain. He was having his first run in three months then, so it was reasonable to think that he would come on for it. Also, the ground was softer then than it was on Friday, it was his first run for a new yard, and it was his first run in cheekpieces, which were dispensed with on Friday.

He may still be under-rated, because it is reasonable to think that he can build on this now. He is a little temperamental at home apparently, and his trainer didn’t think that she had him spot on for Friday, so there could be even better to come. He is only seven, and there should be progression forthcoming anyway as he gains in experience over fences. The handicapper put him up 10lb for this, but a mark of 112 is not overly harsh, it is only 7l higher than his hurdles rating, and he should be able to win again off that mark. Good ground is apparently important to him, and it will be interesting to see where he goes next. He will be interesting if he runs next on good or fast ground.

16th April 2010