Srucahan

Srucahan took another step forward when he won the six-furlong handicap on the first day of the new season at The Curragh on Sunday.

Weak enough in the market immediately before the race, Paul Deegan's horse travelled really well in the field of seven, he moved up nicely between horses a furlong and a half out and he quickened away well through the final furlong to win by a comfortable length and a half. He looked disappointing last season, but he won his final two starts of the term, and he picked up that winning thread again here. Chris Hayes had probably chosen to ride him in front of Allegra Tak, who was well backed and was ridden aggressively, so Srucahan was probably impressing at home prior to Sunday's seasonal debut. Indeed, Paul Deegan said after the race that he has sharpened up over the winter, and he really travelled powerfully here, so he should be even better in a more strongly-run race.

By Kheleyf, the key to him appears to be this sort of ground, his last three wins have all come on officially heavy ground, and he can go on again from this as long as the wet weather continues. He is entered in the Listed Cork Stakes this Saturday and, although he would be meeting several of his rivals on disadvantageous terms there, he would still be interesting at a potentially decent price if he took his chance in the race.  He is obviously in form, he thrives on soft ground and he won at Cork last season, so he could out-run his handicap mark in the listed race.

As well as that, he still has plenty of scope for further progression in handicap company (unless he blows his mark with a big run in Saturday's listed race). A 6lb hike for Sunday's win is reasonable for a horse who is in form.

24th March 2013

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