Finest Sound

Finest Sound did well to win the one-mile handicap at Haydock last Saturday. It was a race in which Danny Tudhope was allowed to set steady fractions on the talented Shelir, and quicken from the front. Andrea Atzeni settled Finest Sound behind the leader and along the inside. He travelled well around the home turn and into the home straight, but he was caught in a pocket as Amber Island still travelled well up on his outside until they raced to the furlong pole. The gap developed when Shelir quickened and Amber Island weakened, but Finest Sound still had two lengths to make up on Shelir at that point. He picked up impressively though, and just got there.

It was a good performance by Simon and Ed Crisford’s horse. Shelir is a talented individual and he had the run of the race in front. Finest Sound is talented too, and he progressed nicely last season, his first after a gelding operation and a wind operation. He finished second in the Britannia Handicap last season, and it is probable that the Royal Hunt Cup, over the same course and distance, is his primary target now. A fast-run mile suits him well, and we know that he goes well at Ascot. The handicapper raised him by just 3lb for this win to a mark of 99, and that was more than fair.
Haydock, 24^th April 2021