The return of soft ground could prove the catalyst for a long distance Group race success for the ultra-consistent Number Theory, owned by Duston man Mohan Fonseka.
That is the belief of John Holt, trainer of the five year-old Halling gelding who has seen his stable star rise through the ranks, transforming him from modest handicapper to the fringes of top class.
Raised in grade this season to contest a Group 3 event at Sandown before running creditably in the Ascot Gold Cup won’ by the Queen’s horse Estimate, Number Theory turned out at York last Saturday in the Listed John Smith’s Silver Cup where he finished third of eight behind the Willie Haggas-trained Sun Central.
The five year-old is still showing improvement at every turn.
Holt said: “His days of running in handicaps are over for now. He will be contesting Group Two and Group Three races and his next run will be over 2m in the Group 2 Goodwood Cup.
“However, we might think about going back to the Ebor again where he was third last year (behind Willing Foe).
“If he gets soft ground for one of these races I’m pretty sure he can win one.”
Reflecting on Saturday’s effort, Holt said: “He was still leading half a furlong from home and was just done for a bit of speed which probably wouldn’t have happened in softer conditions.”
Number Theory’s efforts may have done much to enhance the name of a Holt, one of the game’s smaller scale trainers, but he in turn was keen to give thanks to owner Fonseka.
“I am just pleased for the owner because he came to me asking to buy him his first horse and this has been the result,” said Holt.
NATIONAL Hunt jump jockeys Tom Messenger and Charlie Poste have regularly impacted on the worlds of county race followers in the past few seasons, and both enjoyed a welcome success on Sunday.
The early months of this National Hunt season are traditionally quiet, so the fact both should ride a winner on the same day at separate jumping cards was something of a stand out event.
For while Creaton-based Messenger was on board the 8/1 shot Raktiman for Chris Bealby in the novices’ selling hurdle at Southwell, Poste was closer to his own home base near Stratford now when he partnered 13/2 scorer Daneva for Matt Sheppard in the 2m 4f handicap chase.
Messenger’s efforts on Raktiman, who was sold out of Bealby’s yard for 7,000gns at the subsequent auction, appeared to earn both praise and punishment in equal measure.
For while Lincolnshire trainer Bealby and Attheraces presenter Matt Chapman were glowing in their tributes, the jockey was handed a nine day ban for his use of the whip on the quirky individual.
Poste said: “At this stage of the season it is just good to keep ticking over.
“I have a ride at Market Rasen on Saturday on another horse for Matt Sheppard named Another Flutter.
“I also hope to be riding for Robin Dickin and Richard Lee as the season picks up.”