The Somerville Lodge record at Sandown Park during our ‘Period 3’ with 3yo’s in handicaps at the Esher track over the last 5 seasons, makes for impressive reading.
In races over a mile from 4 runners 2 have won and 1 was 2nd. In general with 3yo’s over all distances across the same period the win rate is 35% from 26 runners. A large majority, win or lose at Sandown, have gone on to win later in the same season. This is a big indication that Haggas only sends horses to run at the track that he considers to be well handicapped .
Darzah lacks experience and her win in a Bath maiden at 8/15 is hardly justification for an opening mark of 78 in the Class 4 handicap at 8.20.
However, based on her debut performance at Newmarket when beaten just over 3L by So Regal she could be thrown in.
Her form links to the stable’s highly-regarded filly Lilt, and she is exceptionally well-bred. A 375,000gns yearling purchase from Yvonne Jacques’ elite Carisbrooke Stud, Darzah is a daughter of super-sire Dubawi out of the Group 2-placed Dansili mare Stylistique. This ‘Dubawi over Dansili’ cross screams top-of-the-ground class and natural progression. For a filly with this kind of pedigree to debut in handicaps after just two runs seems unlike Haggas and she could be thrown in off 78.
This is a high quality Class 4 handicap with any number of improving 3yo’s in the line up. However Darzah was given 4 entries between Thursday and Sunday this week- 3 over 8f and one over 10f. All were in handicaps.
The choice to come here rather than the flat tracks at Haydock and Thirsk which looked easier options, suggests the stiff track at Sandown will suit her.
Her lack of experience slightly limits the stakes – I am fairly confident she will be much better class than her mark of 78 and is worth a bet.
Recommended Bet 0.5pt Ew Darzah 8.20 Sandown.
The problem that is ‘Another Abbot’ returns to distract me on Thursday. Everything about his comeback run over 5f at Ascot last month indicated that he could be a reformed character. He settled well into the race and despite having been drawn on the wrong side, stayed on really well to finish a running on 7th. Had he been drawn higher he may well have been placed despite being ridden as though this race would bring him on for the outing.
That race followed a run at Chelmsford where he was up to his old tricks unshipping Cieren Fallon on the way to post and then finding trouble in running without which he probably would have won.
At Yarmouth in the 4.23 on Thursday the sharp 6f on fast ground is exactly what he needs. He will also get a lead from stable mate Carbine Harvester in stall 10 – he is perfectly drawn in stall 7.
As was the case when he was a 3pt bet at Salisbury last October I have no doubt he is the best horse in the race of a mark of 82. That day he completely spat the dummy out and was tailed off.
They say ‘never say never’ in Racing and after vowing never to back him again after Salisbury – his Ascot performance and the set up of Thursdays race leaves me no option but to have an interest. Tom Marquand rides him in preference to going to Sandown which is another big indication that he maybe a reformed character ,there is always a doubt with the progeny of Harry Angel.
I was surprised the yard persisted with him but ‘in Haggas we trust’ and I will have a 1pt win bet on what could be a good season for Another Abbot starting from a mark of 82. I expect him to be very well backed.
Recommended Bet 1pt win Another Abbot.
The other runner on the day at Yarmouth Pierian has been handed a second win on a plate in a 2 runner Novice Stakes at 2.18. She will be long odds on.
Summary
A taste of what should follow over the next 72 hours with two bets that in many ways hit all the right notes for backing Haggas horses in handicaps. Let us hope ‘the Haggas tax’ is not to punitive !!
0.5pt ew Darzah 8.20 Sandown
1pt win Another Abbot 4.23 Yarmouth
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