Secret Art

Secret Art was mentioned here after he got up to win over seven furlongs at Sandown on his previous run (the runner-up that day, Indignant, who was well backed, has gone on to win a good fillies’ handicap at Newmarket’s July meeting last week), and he is worth mentioning again after finishing a close fourth to Morpheus in a good three-year-old handicap at Ascot on Friday.

Stepped back up to a mile, which looked like it would suit him well, he had got a bit warm beforehand, which, although it was a hot day, wasn’t ideal. He came under pressure early, he was the first one to be pushed along around the home turn, but he kept finding for pressure all the way to the line against the far rail in the home straight, and he rallied well late on as his stamina came into play, going down by a total of just half a length even though he only finished fourth.

The Ralph Beckett-trained gelding had won his maiden on easy ground at Nottingham prior to his Sandown win, and easier ground probably suits him well. He may find it difficult to pick up on quick ground, he is much more a grinder than a quickener. Also, he is by Excellent Art whose progeny tend to go well on soft ground. On this evidence, Secret Art will benefit from a further step up in trip, to nine or even 10 furlongs. He remains fairly handicapped, the three horses who beat him here are all unexposed in handicaps and are progressive, especially the winner, and there were some solid yardsticks in behind. He will be of interest back on easier ground, or stepped up in trip slightly, or both.

12th July 2013