Wowzer, Howzer!
Thu 30 Sep 2021
WINNER 89 OF 2021: HOWZER BLACK, trained by Keith Dalgleish and ridden by Callum Rodriguez: 'The Class 2 £25,000 Jockey Club Grassroots Series Middle Distance Final Handicap' over 1m 2f at Nottingham.
Firstly, lets just say that Howzer has to be one of the syndicate stars of the season for his owners. This was his 17th start of the year and so far, he has finished in the top 3 on 10 occasions.
With regular ride Callum Rodriguez in the saddle, this was a competitive race - which is what you would expect for a Middle Distance Final and £25,000 in the prize fund. He broke smartly and after a few strides, could be seen at the head of the field, with his easily identifiable long stride taking them along. Setting a steady pace, Callum increased the tempo 3f from home and we watched to see if he would be caught in the home straight. One horse did come to him and he was hard pressed inside the final furlong, as the two fought to the line, but even though he was headed, he kept on strongly, to gamely re take the lead and winning by a 'short head.'
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/357175-jockey-club-grassroots-series-middle-distance-final-handicap-2
Timeform rated it as a CAREER BEST 100 performance, saying: "Whose last run is easily excused, was backed at long odds and recorded a third win of the season, producing a career best and proving determined to deny the runner-up; led, driven over 2f out, tackled entering final 1f, dug deep under pressure.”
See the official photo gallery, here: https://www.mickatkins.com/gallery_773348.html
Syndicate manager Mike says: "You've got to love Howzer's attitude; he's so tough and gives his all - Callum just rode him with hands and heels and he wasn't to be denied! All credit to Keith for keeping him in such great heart. To produce a career best performace is superb, so well done to the whole team and to his supportive and grateful owners who always show their adoration for his efforts on social media!”
So, another winner towards our 100 winners target for the year! This morning, we declared FODEN for the £150k Tattersalls October Auction Stakes race for 2 year olds at Newmarket - a fine race for any juvenile to take their chance in. A winner last time out, he will be ridden by Thore Hammer Hansen, who we congratulate on riding out his claim this week. We also have VENTURA DIAMOND for the Group 3 Bengough Stakes at Ascot. So these owners will be looking forward to a Saturday at the top table of racing!