3:40 – Newmarket – SOMERVILLE TATTERSALL STAKES (GROUP 3) (COLTS & GELDINGS) (CLASS 1) (2yo) Good 7f
Havana Gold steps up to race at group level for the first time today and has ideal his conditions to do himself justice. The Richard Hannon trained 2 year old bay colt has been brought on steadily throughout the season and runs for just the 5th time today. The past master of training 2 year old’s, Richard Hannon has sent out 105 2 year old winners already this season and Havana Gold looks capable of adding to the list.
He should already have two Listed wins to his name, but for his saddle slipping late on in his run at Deauville two starts back and unshiping his rider just 100 yards from the line. He made amends at Haydock on his last start when upped in trip to 1 mile for the first time. He was leading 2 furlongs out before edging left inside the final furlong after he was asked fro his effort and was all out to hold on at the finish winning by a head from Al Waab.
The Good to Firm ground might have been slightly against him at Haydock as he has not shown this trait in his previous races. However, the going at Newmarket is Good and while Havana Gold has won twice in Good to Soft ground he would have won at Deauville in Good going had his saddle not slipped.
He is back down in trip to 7 furlongs again with both his win at Ascot and his run at Deauville coming over the trip. On both of his runs over 7 furlongs he was noted for quickening and staying on well, so at this stage of his career the trip looks ideal for him.
Richard Hughes rides Havana Gold again today and the current leader of the jockey’s championship – by a massive 35 winners – has won both starts on the horse. He has also ridden 55 2 year old winners this season which unsurprisingly include 49 for Richard Hughes.
Richard Hannon has won this race twice in the last three years and with Havana Gold has the most likely winner. He was all out to win at Haydock last time but the drop back down in trip looks ideal and he also has ground to suit. He is very unlucky not to come into the race with 5 wins from 5 starts and he looks very capable off winning at Group level on his first try today.
