Not a Sunday to dwell on a crushing sense of familiarity at Wembley perhaps but there were more reasons to embrace routine at Stratford where STORM ARCADIO once again ran his race.
The 5-year-old son of Arcadio continues to show tremendous consistency, sees out his trip well and will surely find the right opportunity to get his head in front soon.
As soon as Harry [Bannister] got off him at Uttoxeter he noted that a more prominent ride was needed next time and such was the case as he contested the lead on the first circuit with market leader BIG G.
contested lead, headed before 3rd, pushed before 3 out, ridden entering home straight, kept on well (17/2)
Just short of the pace from 3 out there looked every chance of a 5th place finish at best turning for home but he stayed on well to notch another top 3 finish and add to a record that now reads 923P/33. He was still green at points over the sharp 2m trip but jockey, owners and trainer all of the opinion that the penny will drop soon enough.
Week Ahead
HOT TO TROT runs for us for the first time in the colours of Martin Redman & Maurice Thomas at Uttoxeter on Wednesday. The 7-year-old mare ran over 4 different trips in a two month spell last season from 2m to 3m2f so gauging her optimum trip is difficult. We feel 2m3f is a good place to start and hope we can switch her off during the race to see her in a good light.
JUST A WHIM came out of her win at Uttoxeter full of beans and we are keen to get her out again as quickly as we can. We head to Worcester on Thursday where her winning penalty is offset by her mare's allowance, Charlie Price takes both rides.
PIC: STORM ARCADIO taking in the preliminaries at Stratford.