Carloswayback

Carloswayback was most impressive in winning over hurdles at the first time of asking in a two-mile maiden hurdle at Limerick on Sunday. He never really settled for his rider Martin Doran, running freely and taking a keen hold all they round. But he was actually still taking a hold on the turn for home, and he improved to take it up when Doran gave him a little bit of rein just before the second-last, before going on to win easily on the bridle. He was more than good value for the winning margin of five lengths.

This was a highly likeable performance. Although this was probably only an average maiden hurdle, it was the way in which Paul Nolan’s horse did his job that was most impressive. He never really settled at any time with no cover on the outside, but he still jumped really well and basically won in a canter, in the form of a really exciting horse. He shaped with a lot of promise on his only previous run in a fairly good Leopardstown bumper last season, won by subsequent Champion Bumper third Frawley. He was a really well-backed joint-favourite on the day and he looked like playing a big part in the way that he travelled into the straight, but he just didn’t pick up as well as the others, which was understandable on his racecourse debut. He did still keep on well to take fourth, not beaten far at all and finishing best of all the newcomers.

A half-brother to Jessica Harrington’s Roberto Goldback, he has the potential to be very good and he will be of significant interest next time out, where he will most likely be upgraded to a much better race. A stronger pace in a better race would help him settle better, and he could prove to be very good indeed.

7th November 2010