Stefanki

Stefanki gave away at least 10 lengths when slowly away at the start, but was only beaten five lengths in the end, in what was a decent seven-furlong handicap at Goodwood on Thursday. Jimmy Quinn was still happy enough, given the circumstances, to allow Stefanki bide his time at the back instead of rushing him up, just letting him make his ground gradually. He eventually got involved in the race coming up the straight and made good ground up the far side, staying on well, going past horses to whom he had given a massive head start.

It is probable that had Stefanki come out on terms he would have been involved in the finish at least, and this was a decent race, with Citrus Star just getting up to beat Gene Autry and Rakaan, three progressive three-year-olds. Stefanki was impressive in winning on his handicap debut at Lingfield and probably should have beaten Grand Zafeen at Folkestone on his previous start, his challenge came down the centre of the track, which probably didn’t help him. He may not be that far under the radar now, he may have gone into many notebooks after this fairly obviously unlucky run, but he might still be one for backing in-running next time once you know that he is out of the stalls on terms.

29th July 2010