18th-Jun-2013

Well Sharp was a nice, progressive three-year-old handicapper for Michael Dods two seasons ago, and, after being purchased by JP McManus to go hurdling, and winning two of his three hurdle races, he still looks like a well-handicapped horse on the flat.

He was remarkably impressive in winning at York’s Dante meeting on his first run on the flat for Jonjo O’Neill. Really weak in the market beforehand, he travelled supremely well, Fran Berry always looked confident, even though he was a long way back in the field for much of the race. He made smooth progress out wide around the home turn, easily got to the front rank two and a half furlongs out, and he drew right away from Moidore through the final furlong, who had also travelled into the race really well and who was comfortably clear of the rest.

Given the magnitude of Well Sharp’s superiority that day, a 10lb rise to a mark of 95 actually looks lenient. You couldn’t have argued if he had been raised 14lb or 16lb. And that still leaves him just 4lb higher than his peak as a three-year-old.

He won twice over two and a half miles over hurdles last year, so he shouldn’t have a problem with today’s step up in trip. Also, he ran a big race in the King George V Handicap at this meeting as a three-year-old, so we know he acts well on the track. It is possible that there is plenty more to come from him now as a five-year-old, and he looks overpriced at a double-figure price.

WELL SHARP WON (ADV 12/1, SP 9/1)