Os Tres Amigos
DANCINGINTHEWOODS, aka “Woody” won on his all-weather debut yesterday at Kempton, making it his fourth career win.
The 5yo son of Garswood, was having his second run after a wind op and just his fourth run under Amy Murphy. It was also his first win over 7f, although he had shown plenty of form over that trip as a two and three-year-old.
Frederick Larson rode “Woody” in the 0-75 apprentice handicap and though the plan was to have him handy, there was no pace early on, so rather than disappoint him, he had him in the lead early on before settling him in second.
Always travelling well, which was great to see, Freddy Larson kicked on just after the cut-away and although challenges mounted, “Woody” was not for catching. He won by three-quarters of a length from Blue Flame with a further length and a half back to dual winner, Havana Goldrush, who ran behind Sharp Distinction in November of last year.
Racing on the all-weather may have been a “first” but he had had several all-weather gallops at Kempton as a two and three-year-old and had always gone nicely. Also, he had gone very well in a barrier trial on Lingfield’s polytrack, prior to him winning at 50/1 on his racecourse debut at Newmarket.
It was wonderful to see “Woody” regain the winning thread and to see him travelling so well and enjoying himself. He had his ears pricked passing the line as Freddy gave him a big winning pat down the neck. Despite his three previous wins having been over 6f, Freddy suggested keeping him to 7f.
The only downside was that the Racing Manager could not be there to enjoy the celebrations with the Solario Racing (Ashridge) owners. However, he did enjoy watching the race with Amy and Lemos in one of the bars at Tattersalls and although we had our nerves tested to the nth degree during the race, we enjoyed the replay with a bottle of Champagne!
