The Long Mile

The Long Mile did well to win the two-and-a-quarter-mile handicap chase. Behind early on, and a little crowded on occasion, he moved up nicely as they raced to the end of the back straight, and he travelled well in behind the leaders as they raced around the home turn. He and Diamond Turf move on early in the home straight and, while it took him a little while to get the better of that rival, and a slow jump at the final fence didn't help in that regard, he stayed on well up the run-in to win nicely.

This was a good performance by Philip Dempsey's horse, and it continued his upward trajectory. Diamond Turf is a good horse himself, he was only just beaten by subsequent winner Castle Oliver at Down Royal on his previous run, and the front two came nicely clear of Debuchet and Allardyce. The Long Mile continues to progress well. This was his third win in his last four runs, and he can improve again. He is only six and this was just his seventh chase. His jumping should continue to improve with experience, and he raced like he should be better over further than this trip. He did win over two miles on his previous run, but he ran well over two miles and five furlongs at Fairyhouse in January, and there is plenty of stamina in his pedigree. The handicapper will raise him again for this no doubt, but he remains a horse to keep on side.

Gowran Park, 7^th March 2020

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