The Very Man

Noted here before after he finished fourth in a handicap at The Curragh on Irish Guineas weekend, The Very Man is worth noting again after he came from the rear to win the Shergar Cup Stayers at Ascot on Saturday. The moderate early pace was not ideal for Jessica Harrington’s horse, typically a hold-up performer who recorded a finishing speed of 109.96% of overall speed, but he travelled well in rear for Hollie Doyle, he moved well on the outside on the run to the home turn. Still last at that point, he picked up well when moved to the outside at the top of the home straight, and he stayed on strongly down the outside, hitting the front on the run to the furlong marker and clearing away to win by over three lengths.

It was an impressive performance by Jessica Harrington’s horse. A 137-rated hurdler, he was recording just his second win on the flat here for Jessica Harrington, and his first since he won his maiden at Thurles in October last year. He could go forward again now, he remains a potentially well-handicapped horse on a mark in the low 90s. He is at his best over a stayers’ trip, especially when it looks like there will be a fast pace on. He holds an entry in the Irish Cesarewitch, and he would be interesting in that, back at The Curragh, where he ran well in May on his only visit.

Ascot, 12^th August 2023