5:50 – Bath – RACING EXCELLENCE “HANDS AND HEELS” APPRENTICE SERIES HANDICAP (CLASS 5) (3yo 0-70) Good, Good to Firm in places 5f161y

The Rod Millman trained 3 year old bay filly Gladiatrix looks capable of following up the course and distance win she achieved on her last run 21 days ago.  She is making just her seventh career start today and runs off what would appear to be a Handicap Mark she is capable of winning on.

Gladiatrix did not run as a 2 year old and made her racecourse debut at Kempton on the all weather track in May.  She then ran on the turf in three Maiden races and a Handicap between June and the beginning of September and although she did not win her form figures of 3, 2, 3 and 4 hinted at some ability.  She finally got her nose in front at Bath on her last outing. She was in the rear for the first 3 furlongs when she was pushed along and taken to the outside 2 furlongs out she ran on strongly from the final furlong to take a narrow lead.  She was pushed along and kept on well to win by ½ a length with the 3^rd horse being some 7 lengths back.  It is debatable what she beat but she showed a willing effort and still looks open to further improvement.

The going at Bath is Good, Good to Firm in places and as Gladiatrix has won on Firm ground and been placed in Good going she should appreciate the underfoot conditions today.  Having already won over course and distance at Bath is another distinct advantage given the contours and quirky nature of the Somerset course.

She also runs in an apprentice handicap this afternoon and has a very capable jockey riding her.  Michael Murphy is having a very good season riding 25 winners from 112 rides for a very respectable 22% winning strike rate, including winners for trainers such as Mark Johnston and Alan Jarvis.

With going and course conditions to suit and the not inconsiderable assistance of Michael Murphy riding today, Gladiatrix should go close.  On her only previous run in a handicap at Warwick in August she ran off the same mark she runs off today and after missing the break stayed on very well to finish 3^rd.  She has been running well and holding her form all summer and has a leading chance in today’s race.