Realtin Fantasy

Realtin Fantasy did really well to finish third in the five-furlong handicap at Navan last Saturday, racing on the far side from her low draw. In front from early, she looked a likely winner when she skipped clear on the far side under Wayne Hassett at the two-furlong marker. She was still in front a furlong out, but she was run down close home by Irish Rumour and Little Mi Mi, who both raced on the near side.

Indeed, five of the first six home raced on the near side, four from high draws, and that sextet had a nice break on their rivals. Realtin Fantasy was the only horse who raced far side and who finished in the first six, and she finished three and a half lengths clear of the next best horse who raced on the far side. It was a day on which the high numbers were favoured on the straight track. The first six home in the opening juvenile fillies’ maiden were drawn 11 or higher, and the first five home in the 10-runner five-furlong handicap later were drawn in five of the highest six stalls. Realtin Fantasy is not obviously unexposed, she doesn’t have many secrets from anybody, she is eight years old now and she has raced 42 times. But she has been in the form of her life this season, and her last two races, in cheekpieces, have been up there with the best of her career. There could be a five-furlong handicap in her soon off her current mark. A fast five furlongs suits her well, she goes well at Tipperary and she won at Dundalk last November. He is probably better over a mile too than he is over seven furlongs.

Navan, 7^th September 2024