Problema Tic

Problema Tic probably had a fair bit more in hand than the bare winning margin when taking a two-mile-three-furlong novice hurdle at Market Rasen on Sunday. The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding was always up with the leading quartet for AP McCoy, and his task was made easier when the second favourite Dear Sam, who had been in front at the time, ran out on the bend going away from the stands. The son of Kapgarde was always travelling well though and he took it up at the fourth last hurdle. He duelled for the lead with Saint Are from there, and the pair were still locked together at the second last, where Problema Tic didn’t jump particularly well. But it soon became fairly clear that he had the measure of Tim Vaughan’s horse and as soon as McCoy allowed him a bit of rein, he extended his lead in impressive fashion to win nicely.

Problema Tic was making it four wins from four runs here and, although the winning distance was only one and a half lengths in the end, he was probably value for a lot more than that, given the way he was ridden. The merit of the performance doesn’t look great form-wise, especially with the second favourite running out at the halfway stage, but the winning time was good, the fastest comparative time on the day. He is a horse that is held in high regard by Nicky Henderson and he looks like a progressive type now, given this was only his second start over hurdles. The ground was good, but he won a bumper on soft ground at Towcester on his racecourse debut, so that sort of surface shouldn't inconvenience him in the future. It will be interesting to see where he goes next. He is deserving of a step up in grade.

23rd January 2011

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