Rousayan

Rousayan put up a good performance to finish third in the one-mile handicap at Haydock on Saturday.

David O’Meara's horse was a little keener than ideal through the early stages of the race, racing in mid-division. Ice Slice appeared to set a solid pace, but he was able to keep on well enough to win. Also, the fact that Clotilde and Mount Tahan, who finished second and fourth respectively, were prominent from flagfall suggests that the pace was not overly strong.

Rousayan travelled well into the straight and travelled best of all to the two-furlong pole. He did loom as a danger to Ice Slice at the furlong pole, but he was pestered by Clotilde on his outside as he tried to make his challenge, and it was ultimately all too much for him. The fact that rider Daniel Tudhope injured his back in the race probably didn't make any material difference, the horse didn't seem to lack for assistance from Tudhope, but it can't have helped. Rousayan did do best of the horses who raced in mid-division or worse through the early stages of the race, and the form is solid. The first two home are both highly progressive, they had both won their previous three races.

Rousayan is also progressive, this was just his second run of the season after he had won on his debut, and, a free-going sort, he will always be of interest when it looks like there will be a strong pace on. A 2lb hike to a mark of 87 is not harsh, and he could do even better now on slightly faster ground. He could also be worth another try at seven furlongs on this evidence, given how well he travels through his races.

28th May 2016

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