George Bowen

George Bowen did well to win the grey horses’ race, the six-furlong handicap at Newmarket last Saturday. Richard Fahey’s horse travelled through his race well, and he moved up nicely on the far side to join the front rank three furlongs out. From there, he picked up nicely on the far side when Patrick Mathers gave him a squeeze. He hit the front before they reached the two-furlong pole, and quickly put about three lengths between himself and his pursuers. He was closed down a little close home, as his better-fancied stable companion Steve Prescott and Crew Cut finished well down the stands rail, but George Bowen had enough in reserve to get home by a length.

It was a fine performance by the winner. He was probably at a disadvantage, racing, as he did, on the far side. It appeared that middle to near-side was the place to be on the July Course on the day. Also, the turn of foot that the Dark Angel gelding showed to come clear of his rivals was the turn of foot of a horse who was significantly superior to his field. He was run down close home, but he was asked for his effort early enough so it was understandable that his rivals would close a little up the final incline. Visually, it was an impressive performance, and the form looks solid, Crew Cut and Steve Prescott are solid handicappers and the first three were nicely clear. Also, the time was good, the only time that dipped below standard on the day.

This was a career-best from George Bowen. He has raced 13 times now, he shouldn’t really have too many secrets from the handicapper, but he seemed to appreciate moving form fast ground to good ground, and dropped from seven furlongs to six. This was his first run over six furlongs since March, and he can progress again now over the trip. The handicapper has raised him 5lb, but he will be of interest now in another 6f handicap off his new mark of 90. The fact that he has good form on easy ground is an asset now as we move into the autumn, and this performance may be under-rated because this is seen as something of a novelty race, a race confined to grey horses.

15^th August 2015