Point in Time at Kempton
A slightly mixed day at Wolverhampton yesterday; Skyllachy ran, especially over the first two or so furlongs, the kind of race we thought he would before beginning to seriously get the hang of things when pulled clear of the kickback on the turn in; he will have learnt a lot from yesterday and we shall look for improvement when he goes up to six furlongs (the slight hold up being the reason he ran yesterday over the slightly less desirable shorter trip). Isobel did exactly the right thing in staying on the rail with Bird to Love in the Apprentice Handicap and she was unlucky that it didn't open sufficiently for her to get through (those with long memories will remember an identical scenario on the Wolverhampton turn in with Hayley Turner and Scottish River where the gap did just come at the last poss moment); there will be other days for the combo directly.
It is difficult to say too much about Padura Brave, who has never really recaptured her decent Nursery form of twelve months ago, and has just not progressed from two to three (although the alluring prospect of the 1680/1 double at Kempton last September as Arlecchino's Arc kicked on remains).
We take Point in Time back to Kempton this afternoon for what will almost certainly be her final run of the Season; she has quietly progressed from 64 to 80 over two seasons winning four times; the longer term aim is to get her some Black Type next year before she goes to the Paddocks; but the short term aim this evening is to find out how she copes with 16 furlongs; it is difficult to know (she defo gives the impression, witness the video here, that it could suit) but the key will be that she settles into the race early on; she will be well ridden by Jason Watson to achieve this; she has had an excellent season for her generous Owners and the Yard are delighted that she stays in training next year.
Arlecchino's Arc runs in Chelmsford's ten furlong Handicap on Thursday evening.