King Charles

Things finally dropped right for King Charles in the 10-furlong handicap at Newbury on Saturday. The ground was just on the easy side of good, the pace was fast and consistent, he was ridden with confidence by Richard Hughes, who is brimming with that quality these days, and he wasn't checked in his run at any stage. He moved impressively through his field, and he showed a nice turn of foot to catch and pass Cheshire Prince, and to actually win quite cosily in the end. The time of the race was good, and King Charles's attitude and turn of foot was impressive. He is a really useful performer when things go right for him, and he is even better than the bare form of this. He gave the impression that he won with a little bit in hand. The handicapper gave him 5lb for this performance, but it still leaves him 4lb short of his mark at this time last year. He is staying this 10-furlong trip well now, and he can win another similar contest at the very least.

18th July 2009

© The Irish Field, 25th July 2009