Spring Romance beats Royal Household
SPRING ROMANCE took the step up in class in his stride to register his second win in three starts this year when prevailing by a short head at Lingfield this afternoon over six furlongs.
The Solario Racing (Berkhamsted) owned 3yo son of Zebedee was one of seven runners in the 0-75 handicap over 6f and drawn one, he took advantage of a good inside draw to be handy throughout under Harper Lodge stable apprentice Jack Duern.
After getting to the front from the off, the 3/1 joint-favourite led until half way before settling behind the well-backed Enzo’s Lad. He then went through the eye of a needle to go up the inside rail, taking it up and despite the late challenge of the Hannon-trained Royal Household, he held on.
Great credit should go to jockey, Jack Duern, who judged when to press on and who encouraged the still very green Spring Romance to go through a very narrow gap. This was the first time the horse had ever either really passed a horse and withheld the challenge of one. It was a great learning experience for this young sprinter.
Needless to say, Solario Racing owners were rather pleased! They came from Hertfordshire, Surrey and Nottinghamshire to see their pride and joy get his head in front for the second time this year.
Spring Romance started his handicap life off 40. After going up 5lbs without racing, he won off 46 (a pound out of the handicap) and then was second off a mark of 58. The handicapper then raised him 4lbs for his second at Dunstall Park and today he won off that revised mark of 62.
He will of course go up again but having only won by a short head, hopefully by not too much!
