Chelmsford preview: Athlon appeals in four-timer bid
Published:
David Metcalf | September 1, 2016
Athlon holds all the aces at Chelmsford
Athlon has an ultra-progressive profile and can make light of a penalty to land the four-timer in the 1m 2f handicap on this evening’s card at Chelmsford (19.40).
The David Lanigan trained gelding failed to trouble the judge in three runs as a juvenile, but hinted at ability and looked the type that would come into his own as a three-year-old once strengthened up.
That has proved to be the case with Athlon proving a revelation since going handicapping.
After taking advantage of what looked a lenient opening mark of 66 to score at Windsor, the son of Arkan readily defied a 6lb rise in the weights to follow-up in good style at the same venue.
The handicapper put the three-year-old up a further 8lb for that success, but it was not enough to stop Athlon scoring in style at Kempton last time out.
He readily beat Pointel with far more in hand than the winning margin of 1 1/2 lengths suggests, and it’s no surprise to see connections turn out Athlon quickly under a 6lb penalty as he is due to race off 10lb higher in future engagements.
It makes him 4lb well-in at the weights and the one to beat.
Fashion Design poised to open account
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute has an excellent record with his runners at the track and Fashion Design can further enhance it with victory in the 1m 5f maiden (20.10).
The Newmarket handler has a strike rate of just under 22 per cent at the venue in the past 12 months, saddling seven winners and 11 placed horses from 32 runners.
In Fashion Design he has an unexposed filly who has taken a step forward in each of her three outings.
After shaping as if badly needed the experience on debut at Windsor, the three-year-old posted a much improved effort when chasing home the useful To Etrnity at Wolverhampton.
Fashion Design backed that up with a solid fourth to Scattered Stars in a 1m 4f contest at Newbury, showing plenty of pace to track the leaders before keeping on nicely to be beaten just 1 1/2 lengths.
Those runs represent strong form in the context of this contest and the step up in trip looks sure to suit the well-bred daughter of Montjeu.
Chelmsford selections
17.40: Getgo
18.10: Altiko Tommy
18.40: Gladys Cooper
19.10: Bazzat
19.40: Athlon (NAP)
20.10: Fashion Design (NB)
20.40: Tenzing Norgay
21.10: Miss Phillyjinks
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