Ventura Rebel

Ventura Rebel ran a big race to finish second to A'Ali in the Norfolk Stakes. Richard Fahey's horse travelled well for Paul Hanagan through the race, he tracked the winner through, but he was a little short of room at the furlong pole, and he shipped a slight bump just as he was starting to pick up. He stayed on well from there into second place. While it never looked likely that he would catch the winner, he was only beaten a neck in the end, and he pulled nicely clear of the third horse Dubai Station.

It was a really good run from the Pastoral Pursuits colt, especially in light of the fact that he lost a shoe during the race. Winner of his maiden at Thirsk in April, he stepped forward next time when he sprang a surprise in beating Lady Pauline in a conditions race at Ascot in early May, and this was another step forward from that. His three runs thus far have been over five furlongs, but he stayed this stiff five well on soft ground, so he could improve again for stepping up to six. Two of his three runs now have been at Ascot, his last two, his best two, so he will obviously always be of interest if and when he goes back there, but he is a talented and progressive colt who will be of interest wherever he goes.

Ascot, 20^th June 2019

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