Comeonginger

Comeonginger put up a really good performance to win the opening two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase at Kempton on Saturday. Bounced out of the gate by Richard Johnson, Chris Gordon's horse's jumping was superb, he never missed a beat, and he had all his rivals in trouble by the time they reached the end of the back straight.

Roc D'Apsis and Cloudy Bob did close up on him around the home turn, but they were both under pressure to do so, whereas Johnson was still motionless on the leader. Once into the home straight, Johnson gave his horse a squeeze, and he came away again over the third last and second last fences. He did tire on the run-in, but that was understandable. It was a really impressive performance visually.

There was substance to it too. The right horses chased him home in Roc D'Apsis and Cloudy Bob, both of whom were strong in the market before the race, and the front three pulled clear.

The King's Theatre gelding has now won four of his last five races, and three of his four chases this season so far, and he continues to progress. He does seem to go particularly well at Kempton, and he does seem to enjoy himself out in front, bounding along from fence to fence. He seems to be a hugely improved horse. A breathing operation since his previous run at Newbury seems to have had a positive effect. The handicapper has raised him 8lb for this to a mark of 128 but that is not harsh, he remains progressive and there could still be a good handicap chase in him off that mark. He goes on any ground, and he will be of interest when he runs next at Kempton, or at any other chase track that favours front-runners.

21st February 2015

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