This refers to a horse that has shown form in point-to-points, then joined a professional yard and raced in novice or girls’ hurdles, probably over an inadequate two miles, and then run under handicap over a longer run from a point allocated on the evidence of his hurdle runs.
Martin Pipe was the first trainer I saw using this strategy, especially with David Johnson’s horses, and it is a very effective way to get a horse favorably handicapped.
However, in the case of Keno Black – keenly noted in advance as an interesting horse by my colleague Jodie – the connections went one step further.
I once suggested to Sir Mark Prescott and Barney Curley a few years earlier that one way to get a decent price would be to take a trial run on a horse’s third run, the assumption being that it is making its final run to qualify for a handicap mark.
Keno Black had shown skill in Irish points, particularly on his second outing when he was a length ahead, but fell to last place, leaving the race to Port Authority, subsequently bought for £200,000 by Gordon Elliott and a winner for him of a first hurdle at Naas by 17 lengths in November and not disgraced in a Grade 2 behind Doctor Steinberg a month later at Navan.
Keno Black then ran third in his last start between the flags and did his best work late in a race won by Timefortom, now with Lucinda Russell and with a score of 112.
He then linked up with Neil Mulholland and formed quite well in his first three starts over hurdles, appearing prominently on each occasion, despite not always jumping fluently, before falling away and being beaten twice 82 lengths and 54 lengths.
During his third run at Uttoxeter, the stewards inquired about his running, which led to a very long explanation from Richie McLernon, a rider of great finesse and particularly effective on inexperienced horses, often in the colors of JP McManus.
The handicapper refused to rate the horse and it was therefore widely believed that his fourth run under the Rules at Lingfield last week was to achieve a grade. At least that seemed the case until the 40/1 offer from the night before was picked up, rising to single figures by morning and a starting price of 5/1.
Of course, it must be said that it wouldn’t have taken much to get the market moving.
However, there was another indication that connections were hoping for a better show, by fitting the horse with a hood, as recommended by Richie McLernon the time before.
The trainer added that the horse had been treated for stomach ulcers since his last run and was being ridden more patiently, helped by the application of the hood, in what appeared to be a weak race.
We are more used to horses being taken off pace when qualifying for a grade, so this was an extremely well orchestrated test in many ways. Looking back, there were clues to be found.
Goodbye for now
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