Rhythm Divine

Rhythm Divine probably put up a career-best performance in finishing second to Buildmeupbuttercup in the Listed Mares’ Hurdle at Gowran Park on Friday. Prominent from flagfall in the main group behind early leader Effernock Fizz, it looked like she was back-pedalling when Buildmeupbuttercup passed her at the third last flight and when Emily Moon moved up on her outside as they rounded the home turn. But Rachael Blackmore didn’t really ask her mare for her effort until they straightened up for home and, when she did, Rhythm Divine responded well. She moved past Emily Moon and Effernock Fizz on the run to the final flight, and she closed on Buildmeupbuttercup on the run-in, getting to within a half a length by the time they reached the winning line. There was a sense that the winner was idling in front, but Rhythm Divine still pulled 14 lengths clear of Emily Moon in third.

It was a fine run by Tom Gibney’s mare. She was getting 11lb from the winner, but Buildmeupbuttercup is a high-class mare, a 143-rated performer, and Rhythm Divine ran her to a half a length. This two-mile trip is probably on the sharp side for her too. She won her maiden hurdle at Downpatrick in August over two miles and three furlongs and, when she followed up in a handicap hurdle at Bellewstown over two and a half miles on soft ground, she appeared to get a little out-paced at the fourth last flight before staying on strongly to win well. She has had plenty of racing, but she is still only six, it appears that she has taken her form to a new level this season, and she could do even better when she steps up in trip again.

Gowran Park, 2^nd October 2020

© Sportinglife.com, 5^th October 2020