2:15 – Thirsk – BRITISH STALLION STUDS SUPPORTING BRITISH RACING E B F NOVICE STAKES(CLASS 4) (2yo) Good To Soft 5f
Forray makes his fourth racecourse start at Thirsk this afternoon and is yet to run in any ground better than Good to Soft. The 2 year old chestnut colt was almost bound to go well in testing conditions as there have been plenty of winners in softer conditions on both sides of his pedigree.
Forray cost his connections £31,000 at the October yearling sales at Tattersalls and is already starting to repay his fee. He made his debut at Pontefract on 02 May in Heavy ground. He seemed to know his job well, showing plenty of early speed but after going wide he faded up the hill, which is hardly surprising in the heavy ground given that he was making his debut at a difficult undulating course. He went to Leicester for his second run which was in Good to Soft ground. He was again up with the pace and lasted home much better than on his debut run. However when the winner went for home Forray could not go with him but did enough to finish in 2nd place.
His last run was also at Leicester in Soft ground. He improved on his second run and improved again here as he proved to good for his rivals. He was up with the pace again and led by halfway and although he showed that he was still green when he hung right from the final furlong he did run on nicely to win by 2 ¾ lengths.
The going at Thirsk is Good to Soft and his experience should hold him in good stead and he has now shown that he has the speed and stamina to get home over 5 furlongs with cut in the ground. He runs over 5 furlongs again today and all three of his runs to date have been over the minimum trip.
He is again partnered by Richard Mullen who has ridden him on all three of his starts so will know how to get the best from him. Richard has only had 5 rides in the last 14 days which includes a winner and a 3rd place.
Although Forray carries a 2lb penalty for his Class 6 win at Leicester he does have plenty in his favour today. He is proven over both the trip and in the ground and his running style will also be an asset. With at least three of her opponents fighting for the lead Forray should be able to sit in behind the pace before making his effort through tiring horse, which could well take him to the front inside the final furlong to be ridden out for his second win.
