Bounty Box

Bounty Box looked good in winning what looked like a fairly competitive fillies’ listed race really impressively at Pontefract on Sunday. Chris Wall’s filly made the most of her good draw near the rail in stall three, bouncing out of the gates to share the lead alongside Flambeau. She always looked to be travelling well and she extended her lead under no great pressure as they passed the two-furlong marker turning for home before staying on all the way up the hill, always well in control, with Dever Dream staying on for second place.

Bounty Box probably didn’t handle Chester’s tight turns on her previous run, but there was a lot to like about her performance here, she was up with the pace all the way, before pulling away from her rivals up Pontefract’s steep finish, clocking a good time. The form of the race looks solid, and Bounty Box is as much a horse to follow as the runner-up, Dever Dream, who has already been mentioned here for two fine performances this year. She should also still be worth following after completely missing the break – which may have been an intentional move by Michael Hills as it allowed him tack over onto the rail from his wide draw – and was halted in her run a bit at the top of the home straight as Sea Of Leaves hung into her. She may not have beaten the winner without the interference, but she would have been a lot closer, she was closing all the way to the line. However, I am always happier following a winner than an unlucky-looking loser, and Bounty Box should be able to win again this year. The handicapper raised her 10lb for this, but she should be beyond handicaps now anyway. A stiff six furlongs suits her well.

15th August 2010