| Course: WARWICK | Race date:15/04/08 | Race time:4:00 | Runners:4 |
| Race distance:7f | Going:Soft | Winners time:1m 26.97s |
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Stall | Weight | Age | RPR | OR | Odds | B High | B Ave | B Low | In run | Finished | Dist Behind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dabbers Ridge | Michael Hills | B W Hills | 1 | 8-8 | 6 | 0 | 102 | 5/2 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 1 | |
| Welsh Emperor | Micky Fenton | T P Tate | 4 | 9-2 | 9 | 0 | 113 | 6/5F | NA | NA | NA | NA | 2 | 1¼ |
| Vanderlin | William Buick | A M Balding | 2 | 8-5 | 9 | 0 | 102 | 100/30 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 3 | ½ |
| Prince Forever | Eddie Ahern | M A Jarvis | 5 | 8-8 | 4 | 0 | 104 | 8/1 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 4 | 2 |
Dabbers Ridge chased leaders, ridden to lead 1f out, edged right, ran on
Welsh Emperor soon led, ridden, edged right and headed when rider dropped reins 1f out, stayed on same pace
Vanderlin chased leader, ridden and not clear run over 1f out, switched left inside final furlong, stayed on
Prince Forever held up, ridden over 1f out, not trouble leaders
DABBERS RIDGE returned from a near six-month break at the top of his game and was a convincing winner. He managed just one win last season, showing very patchy form, but he was never right according to Charlie Hills and is clearly over whatever was troubling him.
He had to work hard to get past Welsh Emperor, who had the benefit of the rail in the straight, but he was well on top at the line and there was a lot to like about this effort.
He could now go for a Listed race at Haydock on May 10th, or for the Victoria Cup on the same day, and he also has an entry in the Duke Of York Stakes over 6f. He would not be inconvenienced by a drop back in trip if taking his chance at York but, wherever he goes, he will probably appreciate a bit of ease in the ground.
He kept on once headed, despite his rider briefly dropping his reins, and he was able to keep Vanderlin at bay back in third after that one had to be switched. This was a smart effort considering that he was conceding 8lb to the rejuvenated winner and he is entitled to come on for this first run in 169 days.
Vanderlin, returning from six months off, travelled well just in behind Welsh Emperor for much of the way, but could find only the one pace. He would have been closer had he not been squeezed up against the rail at the furlong pole, and he had to be switched, but he was not unlucky.
Prince Forever was well held by the front three, but he still showed a lot more than in the Lincoln on his reappearance and he might be able to build on this.
Racing results courtesy of racing post. Please note that ever effort is made to ensure results are correct but I accept no liability for mistakes. The data is provided as a free service.
Please visit my Blog or sign up to my racing forum for the latest news and views.