As mentioned in the previous post, our intention with Becky was to race three days earlier at Thirsk on Monday 13th June, but the meeting was abandoned after three races.
So we decided to take our chance at Ripon in a better Class 4 race, with our trainer saying it would be harder to win.
Undeterred however, and with expectations rising with the forecast heavy rain showers, members gathered at the course, only to find that the forecast rain did not turn up, never looked like turning up, the men in the crowd watching the England v Wales match on the big screen were all in their shirtsleeves, and the ladies…on ladies day, resplendent in beautiful…..some not so beautiful outfits were revelling in the dry, warmish conditions.
1m 4f in front of us then, with jockey instructions to lie 3rd / 4th then go for it on the bend into the straight.
Fair play to Duran Fentiman, he carried out his instructions to the letter.
Third turning into the straight, he pressed the button, but well as she responded, Becky couldn`t quite get on terms with the front two. Nevertheless only one horse got passed her..the favourite, and she finished a creditable 4th…beaten 5 lengths, to prompt a response from the jockey that she is definitely a horse that will stay 2mls, and maybe front running, catch me if you can tactics will suit her best in future.
So, as the headline above states, we`re getting there with Becky.
Already Micky is talking of her winning two races this season, with the likelihood very soon, that he will pop her over a few hurdles to find out if hurdling will be her game in the future.
He has already penciled in a hurdle race at Wetherby for her in October !!!
Believe me, even though her form figures this season don`t look too good, Becky is no lost cause, and I smiled at Ripon when I noticed the horse that beat us into 2nd place at Thirsk last season, LOVELL, was the paper favourite, and went off at 11-2 in the last race of day 3 at Royal Ascot.
My opinion for now is, as Micky Hammond has already agreed, that its his job to find the right race for Becky next time out, one that ticks all the right boxes….and there are plenty available….his words not mine.
So doubt very much that she`ll go off at 33-1 next time.
