Here at Sport Preview, we pay attention to detail, and we give as much focus to a maiden hurdle on a wet Wednesday at Clonmel as we do to a Group 1 at Ascot. With that in mind we will be publishing a weekly review of the weekends action to highlight some exceptional performances that you may not have seen. Here are this week’s horses that went “under the radar”.
AKO CASANOVA – 4YO+ Claimer – Cagnes-Sur-Mer 16th Feb – Finished 4th
As a 4-year-old making just his 3rd start, it’s clear that AKO CASANOVA has had his issues, but the fact that his connections are persisting would suggest that he is showing ability at home. Having made his debut in a hot newcomer’s race at Cholet last April, he wasn’t seen again until reappearing in a Class 3 Conditions race at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in January. He ran perfectly well that day behind the very talented Bobbymurphy, finishing 5th after not having the clearest run in the home straight, beaten 7-lengths. The drop into claiming company for his 3rd start should have brought out further improvement and he looked to be travelling well within himself as they turned for home. Robin Haedens was forced to switch his mount on 2 occasions in search of racing room and although he kept on nicely, he couldn’t get the gaps at a crucial time and finished 4th, within 2-lengths of the winner Manne. All 3 starts have shown enough ability to suggest he can win a race or 2, especially at this level and with some overdue luck in running he should go close next time.
SANTA GIULIA – 3YO Newcomers Maiden – Chantilly 15th Feb – Finished 4th
A daughter of Prix Jean Romanet winner Alpine Rose, SANTA GIULIA made her racecourse debut in what looks to be a relatively hot fillies maiden for Chantilly in February. The eventual winner, Peshmerga, is a very well-bred filly with an entry in the Prix de Diane and the field was littered with nicely bred types from many of the leading yards. Having been drawn widest in stall 12, things were always going to be difficult for Fabrice Chappets filly and Stephane Pasquier was forced to drop in behind the field. Having been last turning for home, she had an impossible task, but made good late headway, coming between horses to finish 4th, beaten 5-lengths at the line. The sectional times show that she was much quicker than the winner from the 3-furlong pole to the line and so with the benefit of this experience and a more favourable draw, she should pick up a maiden in the coming weeks.
