Hathal

Hathal ran a cracker in the Sky Bet York Stakes to finish third behind Success Days and Mondialiste on his first attempt at 10 furlongs.

William Haggas’ horse was settled nicely at the back of the field through the early stages of the race by Pat Cosgrave, but Success Days was allowed an easy enough time of it in front, and it was always going to be difficult to peg back a horse of Success Days’ talent in those circumstances. Hathal did pick up on the far side at the two-furlong pole, but he had to make his effort between horses, and it still looked like he might get there before he just hung a little to his left in behind Success Days. That effectively ended his chance of winning, but he still kept on well to take third place, beaten a nose and a length and a quarter.

Hathal is five, but this was just his 10th race, and we know now that he stays 10 furlongs all right. A listed race winner over seven furlongs and a Group 3 winner over a mile, that opens up options for him. Probably at his best on easy ground, he is worth another try at this trip, and he should do better off a stronger pace.

29^th July 2017