RESULTS    25/05/02  OFFICIAL GOING   STANDARD

PRIZE MONEY ALL RACES   £100, £50, £30

KOMANDOR
Photo:- Sunshines Photo Studios

 Race 1 DOROCINA OPEN  MAIDEN  6 Furlongs

Time: 1m 25

Silver Seranade and Kildalton Rabanna were green at the start and by thetime they had got away they were 30 lengths adrift. The others raced in close order with the winner Millenium Ibn Procyon going into a clear lead from the start, taking a breather 3f out then running on strongly in the straight to win going away. It looks like the Larkhill maiden he was 3^rd in two weeks ago was a much stronger race than it seemed at the time.

Benedikt was a big disappointment, being there with every chance in the straight but hanging into the rails and finding nothing his rider accepting defeat in the final furlong. He came here after showing form in International 3 year old races but will now presumably be kept to maidens until showing some sparkle.

Kateland had a nice introduction tracking the first two throughout and not being asked a serious question as the winner kicked clear. She will improve for this run and be a danger next time.

Race 2 MANTECH MAINTENANCE 0-35 HANDICAP 7 Furlongs

Time: 1min 44

Martha Rivers lost 20 lengths at the start and was never in the hunt. Gas Matylka showed speed for 2 furlongs but gradually dropped away.

Basym has not raced for many years but must have shown some spectacular homework because he was backed from 4/1 at all rates into 1 /4 but after looking in fine form in the paddock and leading for the first quarter mile he wasn’t stretching out and was allowed to coast in in his own time. He is obviously much better than this but it’s doubtful if he will be seen on a racecourse again.

Zak Zak was in contention for three furlongs then faded but Ben Kenobi  was a little slowly away then ran on without ever being in the race.He was probably flattered to finish so close to Doraman.

The last named ran his usual gallant race but after disputing the lead until the straight he could do no more. Island Benedict looked to have improved and was always prominent going clear in the final furlong to win unchallenged. He will be even better over further.

Race 3 PENNWOOD CHALLENGE OPEN HANDICAP  8  Furlongs

Time: 1min 58

Lubaba looked possibly in need of the run and after leading at a steady pace had no answer when Fayre Abi found a gap on her inside to sprint clear in the final furlong. The form shouldn’t be taken too literally in these tactical 2 runner contests and the result could well be reversed next time they meet.

Race 4 PENNWOOD CALLENGE AA/PB OPEN HANDICAP 12 Furlongs

Time: 3m 03

Another fascinating tactical battle. Sugar Dandy led for 3 furlongs then tracked the winner until throwing down a sustained challenge in the final two furlongs getting his head in front inside the final furlong but being run out of it close home.

Pride of James was under heavy restraint until taking an interest in the exit to the course on the stable turn and having to be bustled along to get him round the bend. Finding himself in front he was a sitting duck but he had enough in reserve to fight back after being headed. He is probably better than the bare form and will be seen to better advantage in a larger field.

Race 5 PRESIDENT 0-65 HANDICAP 6 Furlongs

Time: 1m 26

Lots of action in the betting ring as WFA Promotion was backed into favouritism at the expense of Island Rover whilst there was late support for Thia.

Both wagers proved to be shrewd money. Sakit Sura again showed little never being in the race and will be better later in the season.

Babuska had only run in maidens before and ran wide into the straight but was never seen with a chance. Island Star couldn’t get to the front and plugged on at one pace. She will be seen to better advantage over a trip and the 17f at Barbary Castle has doubtless been pencilled in by connections. Island rover contiues to impress and led until 1 furlong out, this surface is not ideal for him and he can win again this season.

Thia came from well off the pace to run into second close distance is on the short side for him and he will be better suited by a mile.

WFA Promotion confirmed the form of the Larkhill maiden won by Olivphaya (who will herself now have to be rerated a few pounds)and was impressive despite hanging right all the way down the straight. He came right away in the final furlong and will probably be suited by further.

Winning Owner	N Van Dijk
Winning Trainer	N Van Dijk
Winning Breeder	M Bancroft

Race 6 TRACK ARABIAN 0-50 HANDICAP 12 Furlongs

Time: 3m 05

Again a heavy betting heat with Komandor backed from 2/1 into evens and Akrotiri also well supported. The punters again got it right with the two fighting out the finish. Habbi Bey was a disappointment despite looking well in the parade ring. Sellwyn ran another good race disputing the lead until the final furlong but finding no extra and being eased down.

Borago led for most of the race and rolled off the rails a furlong out giving the winner the opportunity to get through on the rails for a decisive sprint to the line.

Akrotiri is the horse to watch out for in future. He lost a few lengths at the start but worked his way into contention and produced a strong run in the final furlong. 11 stone is a lot for a 4 year old to carry at this stage of the season and he must be hard to beat next time with this experience under his belt.

Both Komandor and Borago looked well handicapped beforehand and this was Akrotiri’s first experience at the business end of a race. He may need a week or two to recover but this was a performance full of promise.