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”.
Susu’s Dimples – 4YO Conditions Race (C3) – Chantilly 22nd March – Finished 4th
She has only won 1 of her 10 starts, but SUSU’S DIMPLES has been a model of consistency and probably deserves more credit than she receives. She fits into the gap between Handicaps and Pattern races, so the Class 2 & 3 conditions race held in France look ideal for her. She finished 4th at Chantilly behind Forest of Wisdom, who has won 2 of his 6 starts for Fabrice Chappet and looks highly progressive. Having settled nicely, she was still on the bridle as the field turned for home, but Christophe Soumillon found himself in the pocket behind the leader and could not get a clear run. This is an all-too-common occurrence on the all-weather at Chantilly, where the lack of a cutaway in the home straight can make it very difficult to get out from behind the pace. She was beaten less than 2-lengths in what looks to be an above average Class 3 contest, which could make her interesting next time, especially if kept to racing against her own sex. As a daughter of Sea the Stars, it is highly likely that she will stay further than 1900 metres and that could also give her connections some more options in the weeks ahead.
A Babord – 5YO Conditions Chase – Fontainebleau 25th March – Finished 2nd
A high-class race mare, this was the first start that A BABORD had made in over a year and on reflection she looked to need this outing. The winner of 4 of her 12 starts, she has been a model of consistency for her connections and is tactically versatile, which can open so many more options for a mare in France. Having travelled strongly in mid-division, she briefly threatened at the 3rd last, but didn’t quicken with the eventual winner when they pace lifted. Keeping on nicely under a gentle ride in the closing stages, she was eventually beaten just under a length and her connections will no doubt be delighted with this return from an absence.
