Fair Trade

It is probably best to forget about the run of Fair Trade in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot on Thursday. David Elsworth’s colt was way too keen early on, Jimmy Fortune could not settle him and then he was badly hampered and pushed out to the left by Champagne Style going around the first bend. He did eventually settle and run on well when they came up the straight, but he was still last turning in and Fortune seemed to accept it early on, he just pushed him out under hands and heels. He is much better than this.

He was dropping down in class here, his last run was in the 2000 Guineas when he was far from disgraced in finishing 10th alongside the likes of Viscount Nelson and Buzzword. He made it hard for himself by pulling so hard early on here and he lost all chance when he was badly hampered going around the first bend, but even with that he ran on well. This was only his fourth ever start, he should be better for the run and 10 furlongs does not look a problem, given how well he stayed on here. He could be significantly underrated next time with what looks like a disappointing run last time out on his card.

17th June 2010

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