Spring Of Fame

Spring Of Fame, the apparent second string for Godolphin after Ashram in the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown last Saturday, ran well to finish third in the circumstances. The slow early pace set by Racketeer would have been all against him over this mile trip, and he got left behind a little as the sprint for home developed from the top of the home straight. Last of the seven runners at the top of the home straight, he had to be switched by Ahmed Ajtebi to the outside, but once there he ran on really well, taking third spot inside the final 50 yards, just failing to catch his stable companion for second and closing on the winner Border Patrol all the way to the line.

The son of Grand Slam looked unlucky in-running when just failing to catch Mafaaz in the Kentucky Derby Trial at Kempton in April on his final start before joining Godolphin. On his first start under the blue banner he finished third behind the useful pair Your Old Pal and Palavicini, who subsequently went on to beat Father Time over the same course and distance at the end of May. That race was over 10 furlongs, and it was obviously felt that the drop down to a mile would suit, and it may well have done had the pace been stronger. He is relatively lightly raced, and it would not be at all surprising to see him improve now for Godolphin. He is worth another try over a mile, as long as a decent gallop is assured. Nine furlongs may prove to be his optimum.

28th May 2009

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