Third Dimension

Third Dimension did well to finish third in the Irish Lincoln at The Curragh on Sunday given how the race was run. Settled towards the rear of the field by Colin Keane through the early stages of the race, Ger Lyons' horse travelled well up the home straight towards the centre of the track. Angled towards the far side for a run just outside the two-furlong pole, he did pick up when his rider asked him to. He drifted to his right towards what was probably the unfavoured part of the track at the furlong pole, despite the fact that his rider had his whip in his right hand, but that didn't stop him going forward, and he stayed on well all the way to the line to finish third.

He did finish four and a half lengths adrift of the duelling leaders, but both Onenightidreamed and Aussie Valentine were potentially well-handicapped four-year-olds who raced prominently throughout. Also, Aussie Valentine raced up the favoured stands rail from early in the home straight, while Onenightidreamed, although drawn low, moved over towards the near side half way up the home straight. Third Dimension did best of those horses who raced through the closing stages of the race towards the far side. He also did best of those horses who did not race prominently. The four horses who occupied the first four places at the top of the home straight filled four of the first six places home, while the winner, Onenightidreamed, was always prominent. Third Dimension was the only horse who got close from off the pace.

It was a fine run from a horse who will probably be better over further later in the season. He did record the only win of his career so far over a mile at Limerick last April, but he probably put up the best performance of his career at Leopardstown in October when he stayed on well to finish a close-up sixth behind Stronger Than Me and Dolce N Karama, who won next time at Dundalk. The handicapper has raised him 1lb for Sunday's run, but that brings him up to a mark of just 90, which is 5lb below his peak. Sean Jones' horse stayed on well in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot last year when he didn't have much luck in-running, and it would not be a surprise if his trainer had Royal Ascot in mind for him again this term. He would probably have to go up a few pounds if he were to hope to get into the Wolferton Handicap, which is probably the most suitable race for him at Royal Ascot, but even if he doesn't, he will be of interest wherever he goes next.

29th March 2015

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