The closing Class 4 handicap at Haydock (8.25) features plenty making the step up to 1m4f for the first time and the standout to these eyes is Best Adventure, who was off the mark for Andrew Balding at Newmarket a couple of weeks ago.
You could argue it was an overdue success as it was his seventh career start. He showed promise in three 7f novice and maiden events at two and three more handicaps over a mile, but there was no disguising his superiority at the end.
Best Adventure first caught the eye at Epsom in April when missing the break but roaring home for fourth in a 13-runner handicap over 1m1/2f, and I made a note then that he was a horse to follow when stepping up in trip.
He duly did the business upped to 1m2f at Newmarket last time, although even then he briefly looked in trouble, being one of the first off the bridle out the back.
He picked up really well, though, pulling a length clear of the runner-up at the line with nearly three lengths back to the rest. On that evidence he’s going to be even more at home over 1m4f, and this son of Frankel can shrug off a 7lb rise in the handicap.
Jky: Oisin Murphy Tnr: Andrew Balding
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