Himalya

Himalya was one of the other eye-catchers in the Listed Rous Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday, noted staying on really well at the end. Like Excellerator, it is probable that the visual impression left by Jeremy Noseda's gelding's finishing effort was accentuated by the fact that they went so fast up front through the early stages of the race, but he is still worth noting. Weak in the market beforehand, he simply couldn't go the early pace, and was being pushed along and still challenging Excellerator for last place a furlong and a half out. Like George Baker's filly, he picked up noticeably when he met the rising ground and he finished best of all to take sixth place, just three lengths behind the winner Spin Cycle.

This was a fine effort from Himalya on just his fourth ever run. Fourth in the Coventry Stakes on his second of just two runs last season as a juvenile, we didn't see him this season until last month, when he ran no sort of race after leading out in the centre for a bit in the Group 2 Park Stakes. He has obviously had his problems, but he is also obviously a talented individual, and this was much more encouraging. This five-furlong trip was much too sharp for him. He is from a family of sprinters, but his dam won over a mile and he is by Danehill Dancer, so he should improve for stepping back up to at least six furlongs and possibly to seven. He was staying on well at the end of the Coventry last season over six furlongs as a juvenile. He is entered in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket on 17th October, and he will be of interest if he takes his chance in that as long as the ground isn't too soft. He is also and interesting prospect for next season.

1st October 2009

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