Dexcite

Dexcite was a little unlucky not to win the juveniles’ handicap hurdle at Newbury on Saturday, but he put up a fine effort in defeat and surely it won’t be long before he does get off the mark.

Settled at the rear of the field by Paddy Brennan, he was keener than ideal through the early stages of the race despite the fairly fast pace. Still last as they started the turn for home, he was still free and keen on the run to the third last flight. Brennan allowed him stride on on the run to the second last, and he quickly took favourite Storm Force Ten’s measure and went clear on the run to the last. He jumped the final flight well and looked set to win, but he appeared to get lonely and perhaps a little tired out in front, and he wandered a little to his left, which allowed Alzammaar get up on the near side and go on to win by two lengths.

It was still a good performance from the runner-up, especially given that he was racing from 4lb out of the handicap. Tom George’s horse travelled like the best horse in the race for a long way. He effectively raced off a mark of 115 on Saturday, and the handicapper raised him to a mark of 121, but that is fair. That should allow him get into a better all-aged handicap now, and that type of race should suit his style of racing.

A drop back down to two miles would probably be an advantage also, the faster pace that they usually go over the minimum trip should suit him. He raced against some very good juveniles, like Beltor and Bivouac, during the winter, and that experience should stand to him now. He will be of interest wherever he goes next, and he is also worth keeping in mind as a progressive four-going-five-year-old for some of the good two-mile handicap hurdles next season.

21st March 2015