Mush Mir

Mush Mir did well to finish third in the three-mile handicap chase at Kempton on Saturday. A confirmed front-runner, he was back on his heels when the tapes went up, with the result that he kicked off in behind horses, and he had to do a lot of running over the first three fences just to get to the front rank. Once there, he had consistent competition for the lead from On Trend, who also had the benefit of the inside rail, which wasn't ideal.

Mush Mir travelled well in front, however, and he actually didn't give best to strong stayer Brackloon High until the second last fence, after which his early exertions seemed to tell, and he actually gave up second place to the rallying On Trend half way up the run-in.

This three-mile trip may have been a little far for Mush Mir, although he may get it if he breaks in front, or isn't taken on for the lead, or back on better ground. He goes well on good ground, and he will be very interesting now in a good three-mile or two-mile-six-furlong handicap back on better ground, or if it looks like he will get an uncontested lead. The handicapper left him on his mark of 135 after this performance, which is more than fair. He is only six, he has raced just five times over fences, and it is probable that he can improve fairly significantly on this run now.

12th January 2013

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