SOARING SPIRITS gave everyone at Harper Lodge Farm a lift when winning at Brighton today at a massive 25/1.
It was 40 days and 47 runs since the yard had its last winner, the “coldest” spell of the year, but the search for a winner ended courtesy of the eight-year-old chestnut son of Tamayuz. He was given a great front-running ride by Robert Winston to repel the challenge of the runner-up, Dream Of Camelot during the final two furlongs to hang on by a neck.
Soaring Spirits was well handicapped, running off a mark of 62, having won last year off 66 but the key could be Robert Winston who has now ridden him to victory in his last six wins. Spirits is inclined to sulk if he’s not in front, so Robert jumped the blinkered runner out and made all, in very similar style to how he won on him back in June at Lingfield.
Despite the best efforts of the runner-up, Soaring Spirits battle on gamely under strong driving and he was always just doing enough to land his fourth career win at Brighton but his first at the Sussex track over a mile.
While he is not an easy to horse to win with, Spirits does have a pretty good strike rate, this being his tenth success in 71 career starts and he has been in the first four in 44% of his races. Owner Doreeen Carter loves him and one can see why!
September may have been a lean month for the stable but last week end saw the beginnings of a return to form with Flaming Spear and Eirene both fifth in competitive races at Ascot while Wotadoll was third at Brighton earlier this afternoon, on ground she would have found too quick.
Hopefully, the stable has turned the corner and Dean and the team can enjoy an Indian Summer with more winners this autumn!
