Fiftyshadesofgrey

Fiftyshadesofgrey put up a big performance in the circumstances to finish fifth in the seven-furlong handicap at Ascot on Saturday.

The early pace was not strong, which was unusual for a big seven-furlong handicap at Ascot. The net result was that the pace held up well, the prominent racers were at an advantage, Majestic Moon made just about all the running, and it was difficult for the hold-up horses to get into the race.

Fiftyshadesofgrey was held up early on in mid-division by Liam Keniry. The rider still sat motionless as they passed the two-furlong pole, a wall of horses in front of him, as several of his rivals became more animated. Moved to his right for racing room and asked for his effort, George Baker's horse picked up well from the furlong pole. It never looked like he was going to catch Majestic Moon or Suzi's Connoisseur, who duelled along the stands rail, but he ran on well out in the centre of the track to take fifth place, closing in on fourth-placed Outback Traveller all the way to the line.

You can't really say that the Dark Angel gelding was an unlucky loser, he wasn't stopped in his run and he didn't really have to check around horses, but the sedate early pace was against him. He is not obviously unexposed, but he is in the form of his life, and he has one of these big handicaps in him. He is at his best over a stiff seven furlongs behind a fast pace, and he will be of interest when he has those conditions again.

5^th September 2015

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