Raine's Cross

Raine's Cross just got outpaced in the early stages of the National Stakes at Sandown on Thursday. He was actually disputing last place and being scrubbed up two and a half furlongs out, but he picked up then and kept on really well for pressure to take third spot behind Monsieur Chevalier and Star Rover. He had no chance with the winner, and Star Rover and Soccer did go fairly hard from early over what is a stiff five furlongs, but there was still a lot to like about the way in which Raine's Cross stayed on. He came into this race on the back of just one run, a really impressive victory at 14/1 in a median auction race at Bath over five furlongs, but he proved here that he was well up to this grade. He will surely be well suited by a step up to six furlongs now, or possibly even seven. He would be worth a second look if he lined up in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.

28th May 2009

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