Black Caspian

Black Caspian put up a fine performance to finish fourth at a big price in the one-mile handicap. Fast away from stall 12, he led from early at a good pace, he led around the home turn, and he kicked into a two-length lead on the run to the two-furlong marker. Hartswood and Eastern World both challenged him on the run to the furlong marker, but he was still battling on gamely for Jimmy Quinn before Brunch came with his run from the rear of the field and hit the front inside the furlong marker. La Trinidad came from last to take third place close home, but Black Caspian ran all the way to the line to finish fourth just three lengths behind the winner.

It was a really good run by Kevin Ryan’s horse, given that he led from early in a race in which the winner and the third came from well back. He was fourth behind Brunch too (in a race in which La Trinidad was also third) on his previous run, over seven furlongs at York, when the ground was probably faster than ideal. He probably appreciated the return to easier ground here, but the step up to a mile probably stretched his stamina. He does go well at York though, so he is well worth keeping in mind for when he goes back there again. Seven furlongs and easy ground at York probably represent optimum conditions.

York, 21^st August 2020