Marching To Victory
Wed 27 Sep 2023
WINNER 92 OF 2023: PALS BATTALION, trained by David O'Meara and ridden by Jason Watson: 'The Mccabe 20th Wedding Anniversary Restricted Novice Stakes' over 5f at Beverley.
We purchased the son of first season sire Invincible Army at the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale. This was his third start, after finishing 3rd last time out.
Breaking well from stall 4, he was soon to the fore of the 12 runner field. Jason just let a couple stride on in front and settled him in behind. Having to come through horses when asked, he made good headway to take the lead over 1f out. Ridden briefly inside the final furlong to keep up to his work, he kept on well to win by 1 and a 1/2 lengths.
"Pals Battalion is kept up to his work and is away and gone." Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/results/uk/466266-beverley/26-Sep-2023/1525
Timeform rated it a career best 80 performance, saying: "Easy to back despite stable going well, progressed again to get off the mark after just 7 days off, suited by the emphasis on stamina (will stay 6f); close up, produced to lead under 2f out, edged left to stand rail 1f out, pushed out.”
Jason said in his Racing TV interview: "It's plenty soft enough out there, but his pedigree suggested that wouldn't be an issue and the stiffer finish has probably helped him. He has physically and mentally matured and has done a bit of growing, so I think he will be alright. He stood out in the paddock there today and will be a nice 3-year-old.”
See the official photographs, here: https://www.hannahaliphotography.co.uk/race-3
Syndicate manager Mike says: "Well done to his owners on his win! He took another step forward form wise and the stiffer test suited him. I thought it was a good ride from Jason as he broke well but he just took him off the speed as he thought the front two were going a bit quick and the horse showed a good attitude to go through the tight gap between them and he won nicely in the end. He's a nice scopey sort who'll make up into a lovely 3yo. We'll see what mark the handicapper gives him on Tuesday and then we can assess what options there are for him for the rest of the turf season. He's one to look forward to next year."
It was almost a double, as Due Consideration was caught on the line at Newcastle - so we are just 2 winners away from 1,500!
We purchased another Invincible Army colt at the yearling sales, so that bodes well! He goes to Clive Cox and you can see his details here: https://www.middlehamparkracing.net/horses/view,invincible-army-ex-dutch-monarch-colt_1529.htm