Tactician

Tactician put in a pleasing effort when finishing second to Bowdler’s Magic in a 14-furlong handicap at Sandown on Thursday. Michael Bell’s colt settled well through the early stages, even though the pace was steady throughout and he was trying this extended distance for the first time. He seemed to lose his footing turning for home and again two and a half furlongs out when Hayley Turner went for the whip, but he still kept on well to finish second behind the runaway winner.

Tactician really wants fast ground, he won his maiden impressively on good to firm ground at Newbury, but they had had a little bit of rain here, they were just kicking the top off it, and that probably didn't suit, he just seemed to be a little unsure of his footing. The course executive did look at the ground and rail alignment on the home turn as a result of Tactician's incident, but they decided to take no action. He did stay the trip well, and that opens up options now. He is still inexperienced, this was just his fifth ever start and he should progress. He may be well under-rated next time off the back of this run.

22nd July 2010

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