Via Via
Via Via ran a big race to finish third in the Cambridgeshire. Drawn in stall 26, towards the near side, Tom Marquand tacked over towards the centre of the track to join the main group of runners early on. Close up behind the fast pace from early, he travelled well through his race. He came under pressure a fair way out, just inside the three-furlong marker, but he found plenty for pressure. He hit the front inside the two-furlong marker and, even after he was caught by eventual winner Wissahickon at the furlong pole, he kept on well all the way to the line, just getting caught by Mordin for the runner-up spot.
It was a fine run from James Tate's horse. The pace was strong, and he was never far off it in a race in which the hold-up horses were probably best placed. The winner and ultimate fifth Sabador were second last and last of the main group of 25 early on.
Via Via is six years old, but he has raced just 13 times in his life, and his last two runs - his only two in blinkers and the only two occasions on which Tom Marquand has ridden him - have been two of the best runs of his life. There could still be more to come from him, and a 2lb hike for his Cambridgeshire run is not harsh. He goes well on easy ground, and, while he stays this 9f trip, a strongly-run mile could be optimal for him. He goes well at Newmarket, and he will be of interest if he goes back there between now and the end of the season.
Newmarket, 29th September 2018
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