Danzan

Danzan ran a lot better in the Acomb Stakes at York on Wednesday than his finishing position in fifth place suggests.

Fast away from his middle draw, he disputed a fast pace early with Fleet Review, with Dee Ex Bee just behind them in third. It was apparent when they passed the three-furlong pole that Danzan was travelling better than both his rivals, the two market leaders, and he looked a likely winner as he travelled well in the lead. However, the fast early pace took its toll, and he was caught and passed by Wells Farhh Go and James Garfield, and he just kept on to retain fifth place, with a nice break back to the fifth horse.

This was a fine run from Andrew Balding's colt. He did best of those horses who raced prominently early, belying big odds, better than Dee Ex Bee and Fleet Review, the first and second favourites, who had both looked impressive in winning on their respective previous run. The four horses who filled the first four places were all held up, and Danzan finished just a length behind the fourth-placed horse Zaaki in fifth.

This was the Lawman colt's fourth race, and it was another step forward. Beaten on his firs two runs, both on all-weather, both over seven furlongs, he was seriously impressive in winning a novice auction stakes at Pontefract on his this run, switched to turf and stepped back in trip to six furlongs, coming home 10 lengths clear of his rivals. He was given a rating of 91 after that win, and he proved on Wednesday that that rating did not flatter him. He will be of interest now at listed or Group 3 level, and he may still be under-rated.

23^rd August 2017

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