A Wolves Hat-Trick for Cityzen Serg
Thu 07 Jan 2021
OUR 2nd WINNER OF 2021: CITYZEN SERG, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Thore Hammer Hansen: 'The Bombardier Handicap', over 1m 1/2f at Wolverhampton.
Drawn towards the outer in 9, Thore allowed the field to go on and he got Serg across towards the inner. The race was being led by our very own Howzer Black, with Thore keeping Serg bowling along, but he bravely waited for enough room to appear coming towards the final bend 2f out. Our hearts were beating a little faster as they turned into the straight, but the gap was there and he gave him a push along to make good headway 1f out. He went on to lead inside the final furlong and was soon clear, to win 'comfortably' by 1 1/2 lengths, with Howzer staying on to take 2nd.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Wolverhampton/06-January-2021/1455
View the official photo gallery here: https://www.jahphoto.co.uk/-/galleries/wolverhampton-horse-racing-2021/january-2021/6th-january-2021/race-5-255-winner
Thore said to Matt Chapman in his Sky Sports Racing interview after the race: "He was drawn badly here, but he is progressing well. He is a nice big horse and we should have some fun with him this year. Thanks to Middleham Park Racing for the ride, as they are one of my biggest supporters."
Timeform graded the win a career best 95, saying "After just 7 days off, wasted no time getting back on track, making it 3 wins from his last 4 starts; raced off the pace, going well when not clear run over 2f out, headway to lead inside final 1f, hung right, went clear; likely to continue in form." and The Racing Post made him their 'Star performer' from the meeting: "Cityzen Serg (2.55) proved in a different class and remains on the up."
Syndicate manager Tim says: "Well done to his owners on his quite authoritative victory yesterday - my eyes lit up at that and it was a good ride from Thore. He is now 3/4 at Wolves this winter and looks progressive. I have been in touch with his owners after the race to suggest that we give him a Lincoln Trial entry for March, as he is certain to go up a few pounds and would hopefully get in. "
It has been a decent start to 2021: We have had 11 runners, with 2 winners (Fiveandtwenty over hurdles and Cityzen Serg,) FIVE(!) 2nd places (Howzer Black, Lexington Rebel, Motawaafeq, My Sister Jo & Katelli ) and 1 3rd place (Ustath.)