Leicester preview: Irish Hawke worth another chance
Published:
Irish Hawke disappointed last time out, but looks worth another chance to build on previous promise in the 1m 3f handicap at Leicester today (15.30) now dropped back in trip.
The Luca Cumani trained colt has only had three runs, and caught the eye in no uncertain terms on his debut when a not knocked about fourth to Plane Song over 1m 2f at Salisbury.
After racing wide towards the rear, the three-year-old got outpaced two from home and showed distinct signs of inexperience before picking up once the penny dropped.
Irish Hawke ran on strongly inside the final furlong to press for third close home under a hands and heels ride, leaving the impression that there was plenty of petrol left in the locker.
It was a most taking performance, and Irish Hawke duly improved for the experience when impressively landing a maiden at Lingfield over this afternoon’s trip by an eased down 1 1/2 lengths.
The well-bred son of Montjeu was allotted what looked a very workable opening handicap mark of 83 on the back of that success, but failed to shine when stepped up to 1m 6f and finishing a well-beaten seventh at Salisbury.
However, Irish Hawke was clearly not right and eased once it was clear he would not be winning, so is definitely worth another chance over this trip to show that running was all wrong.
Intensified was a big eye-catcher last time out and can score a belated first success in the extended 1m 1f apprentice handicap that closes proceedings (17.35).
This gelding is yet to win in 17 starts but did have some smart form to his name as a juvenile in Ireland, most notably when runner-up to subsequent Coventry Stakes winner War Command.
He also ran well on his first start last season when runner-up in an apprentice handicap at Naas off 72 before his form tailed off badly.
The four-year-old has since joined Ruth Carr, and is now able to race off just 56 having once been rated as high as 88.
It makes Intensified dangerously well-treated, and the son of Intense Focus hinted that his time was near when finishing with a rattle to be beaten just one length into fourth in an amateur riders’ race at Ripon eight days ago when given far too much to do.
Selections:
14.00: Muntazah
14.30: Fawaareq
15.00: Q Ten Girl
15.30: Irish Hawke (NAP)
16.00: Justice Day
16.35: Zalty
17.05: Sepal
17.35: Intensified (NB)
