The improvement capacity and scope of 2yo’s was demonstrated by Joey Ramsden’s smart looking Attenborough, who was a facile winner of the R125 000 Listed Somerset 1200 at Kenilworth on Sunday.
Attenborough (Donovan Dillon) – improving quickly (Pic – Wayne Marks)
The good looking Attenborough was a well beaten third on debut and then just got the better of Cream Soda Green at his second start in a small field to win his maiden. Considering Cream Soda Green flopped next time, there were questions as to how he would deal with Snaith’s unbeaten Sergeant Hardy on Sunday – even in receipt of 3kgs.
Well those were answered in no uncertain terms as the son of Western Winter, who went off a value 5-2, delivered a top drawer display of power galloping under Donovan Dillion.
He had them all pushing behind him at the 300m, and it was left to second favourite Elevated to chase him home – largely in vain as the winner could have extended the winning margin of 2,25 lengths.
Joey Ramsden – Has a good sort on his hands
Maiden Kenny Trix managed to salvage third and compound the red-faced below-par display of Sergeant Hardy, who showed some early pace but had no answers late.
He eventually finished a well beaten fourth, 5 lengths off the winner, with only one behind him – disappointing!
It was a well timed first stakes win for Attenborough on the very day that his namesake, British broadcaster, Sir Richard Attenborough turned 90.
A R2 million Cape Yearling Sale Book 1 graduate, Attenborough has now won twice from three starts for one place with stakes of R132 200.
Trainer Joey Ramsden confirmed that a breakdown in communication at the sales meant he had to choose between two horses – “I am glad I stuck with Attenborough,” he chirped with a broad smile.
Attenborough was bred by Pippa Mickleburgh and is a son of the late champion Western Winter out of the four-time winning Caesour mare, In Camera.
He is likely to stay at home for the Cape winter.
