Bold Plan

Bold Plan did really well to win the two-mile-three-furlong handicap hurdle. The pace was not strong, so it was probably a disadvantage to be racing in rear in the race, as he was. He and Robbie Power had to negotiate a little bit of traffic too on the run out of the back straight, and he had to chart his way through horses up the home straight. As well as that, a well-backed and progressive rival in Whoshotthesherrif, who had enjoyed the run of the race, up with the pace, went for home, but Bold Plan ran him down. He actually got to him half way up the run-in, and he went on to win a little cosily in the end.

It was a fine performance by Evan Williams’ horse. He was really the only horse who was held up who was able to get into it. He was the only one of the first three home who didn’t race prominently early on. He travelled well through his race and he was strong in the finish, and he ran out a good winner of a competitive handicap. The handicapper raised him by 8lb to a mark of 138, but he is only five and this was just his sixth run over hurdles, so he has the potential to progress again. He stays this intermediate trip well, and he handles conditions that are softer than this good to soft ground. He is versatile and he is talented and he is progressive.

Haydock, 23^rd November 2019