Time Test

There was an awful lot to like about the performance that Time Test put up to win the London Gold Cup over 10 furlongs at Newbury on Saturday.

Steadied at the start by Ryan Moore, the Roger Charlton-trained horse was a little keen around the bottom of the track, but he travelled really well up the through the early part of the home straight. He was still last passing the three-furlong pole, but it was obvious that he had lots of energy left and, when the gap appeared, he moved through it nicely. He was slightly hampered inside the two-furlong marker, but that didn’t halt his momentum. He got into the clear at the furlong pole and picked up really impressively, fending off the attentions of Dissolution to catch and pass Dutch Uncle and keeping on really well all the way to the line under just a hands and heels ride to hold Dissolution, the pair of them coming nicely clear.

This race can be a really good race. Charlton won it with subsequent multiple Group 1 winner Al Kazeem, Green Moon won it, Hillstar got beaten in it, Cannock Chase won it, and this year’s renewal looks strong. The second and third are both highly-progressive three-year-olds, and the first three finished nicely clear from the well-backed Azraff. Also, Time Test appeared to win with plenty in hand. He could be a really useful individual and time may show that this was a really solid performance.

A son of Dubawi out of Group 1 winner Passage Of Time, this was Time Test’s seasonal debut and it was just his fourth race ever. He won once in three attempts last season, and finished second twice, including in a novice stakes race at Sandown in September on his final run of the season when he finished second to the talented Latharnach, who was only just beaten in the Listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. Also, the maiden that he won has worked out extremely well.

Roger Charlton spoke afterwards about the Tercentenary Stakes at Royal Ascot as Time Test’s next target, and that makes a lot of sense. He is good over 10 furlongs, but he is bred to get further, and he could improve for a step up in trip once he learns to settle better. He would also be of interest if he ran in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes over 12 furlongs instead of the Group 3 Tercentenary Stakes over 10. He is an exciting prospect.

16th May 2015