Cordell

Cordell ran a nice race to finish fifth in a one-mile Class 2 handicap at Kempton on Saturday. Usually a front-runner, the Richard Hannon colt missed the kick, but made ground early to settle just behind the clear leader Samarinda. He held a promising position turning for home at the head of the main group that chased the leader and, although he did tow the field up towards the leader Samarinda, and gave the impression a furlong and a half out that he was going to be involved, he was soon overhauled himself by the closing pack and ultimately finished fifth.

Cordell was apparently the lesser fancied of two Hannon representatives in the race after Cape Hawk. More importantly, however, it was Cordell's first run in more than a year, and Ryan Moore was noticeably easy on him inside the closing stages. He just pushed him out hands and heels all the way to the line without lifting a stick. He will undoubtedly come on appreciably for this run. He came on for his debut last season, when he finished third to subsequent King Edward VII winner Campanologist, to win a decent handicap over last Saturday's course and distance. He is still lightly-raced, and he should be worth following wherever he goes next.

11th April 2009

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