Silk Cravat will doubtless be heavily-backed for the second division of an ‘aged’ Maiden Stakes over a mile of ‘good’ ground Windsor today, when professionally-minded punters analyse his Leicester debut 237 days ago and realise its significance.
A 50/1 chance Silk Cravat belied those odds by staying on strongly in the closing stages to finish only two lengths fifth to subsequent handicap winner, Move Up; the time-handicap mark was useful and, significantly, others have confirmed the value of my computation.
Solid form counts for so much, it’s imperative to have confidence when betting and, given the professionalism of Simon Crisford, a ‘new’ trainer, Silk Cravat measures up to what we’re constantly seeking, day in, day out, a fancied runner ridden by a proficient jockey; Rav Havlin was aboard on debut and he’ll be in the plate again.
On our computer champion jockey lists, during the last five years, Havlin has figured consistently, he wouldn’t be ‘number two’ for champion trainer John Gosden unless extremely useful.
Jockeyship is fascinating; it’s often said ‘they can’t go without the horse’ but there is much more to it than impressing in a driving finish. What goes on to get thoroughbreds in a position to challenge and obtain the best possible placing, is all about skill, and timing.
‘Grandstand jockeys’ often have their say, my judgement is based on fact and experience, Havlin will always be a serious consideration on a TH fancy.
Gosden runs Western Prince in the34 second, my attention was drawn to him when this Cape Cross colt shaped well in the ‘Wood Ditton’ over the Rowley Mile last month; that is for un-raced three-year-olds.
Western Prince moved superbly until fading gradually in the final quarter mile; you can bet he’ll be much sharper and indeed fitter. Frankie Dettori rides!
Socialites Red coluld be a ‘rick’ in a 3-y-o handicap over five furlongs at ‘good’ Beverley; the handicapper might have overlooked his Catterick effort last season.