Shebebi

Shebebi produced a big effort to finish a close third in the Class 2 seven-furlong handicap at Haydock on Saturday given that he chased a really fast pace from early.

Going fast from early, Beacon Lodge, Laffan and Shebebi held an advantage of three lengths on the rest of the field three furlongs out. At that point, Shebibi ranged up on the outside of the two tearaway pace-setters and cruised into the lead two furlongs out, adding further pace to the race. He kicked on and looked a likely winner at the furlong pole (he traded at 1.37 in-running), but he was run down late on as his early exertions told, first by Ashaadd and then by Mabait.

All the other horses who were involved in the finish, Ashaadd, Mabait and Ducal, came from right out the back, and the other two horses who were prominent early faded right out of it to finish seventh and 12th respectively of the 13 runners. Shebebi did remarkably well to keep on as well as he did to finish third, especially as Dane O’Neill dropped his whip a furlong and a half out just as he was first looking to use it.

This seven furlongs is probably Shebibi’s trip, even though he had previously won a good handicap over a mile. (That run was also at Haydock. He obviously goes well at the track). Fast ground is key, so it wouldn’t be a surprise were he to be kept busy over the next few weeks. He can do better next time, assuming he does not face as much competition for the lead as he did here.

6th July 2013

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