Abstraction

Abstraction ran a cracker to finish second behind Sir Maximilian in the Listed Abergwaun Stakes at Tipperary last Friday.

Sarah Dawson's colt showed really good pace in this five-furlong race which was run at a fast pace, just behind the leaders. He travelled really well through the race for Seamie Heffernan, moved up on the near side travelling best of all two furlongs out, and moved to the front. He went about length in front at the furlong pole and looked by far the most likely winner, but he was just caught by Sir Maximilian inside the final 100 yards.

Perhaps the fast pace set it up for a closer, or perhaps lack of a recent run told on Abstraction. Sir Maximilian is probably at his absolute best over a stiff five furlongs or an easy six when he has a fast pace at which to run, which is what he got on Friday. Tim Pitt's horse is very useful when he has those conditions, as his win in the Rockingham Handicap proved, and there was no disgrace in going down by less than a length to him in the cicumstances.

This is rock solid form, with the two market leaders, Sir Maximilian and Russian Soul, finishing first and third, and the front three nicely clear. Abstraction was weak in the market beforehand, which was understandable, given that this was his first run since he ran in Dubai in February, 169 days previously. Also, this was only his 10th ever race, so he has lots of scope for progression as a sprinter.

He does seem to like Tipperary, this was his third good run from three attempts there over this trip, but he will be of interest wherever he goes next. He hails from a small yard, so he could continue to be under-rated.

8th August 2014

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