Great Team Effort as Autocracy Rules

Autocracy got his head in front at Lingfield where it mattered yesterday afternoon, you can view the race here. He was given an excellent ride by Mickael Barzalona who got down to his minimum weight and came for just the one ride at the track. It was the finishing touch to what has been a long project for owners Gary and Lesley Middlebrook, who bred Autocracy. The strong good looking son of Green Desert had always promised much but had often disappointed and struggled with a few issues along the way with his previous trainers. Taken home to Gary and Lesley’s Wood Farm Stud last summer he was freshened up in the stunning surroundings before being gradually built up with plenty of schooling and flat work by the team there, particularly Laura Eastham who did all kinds of things with him including hopping him over a few coloured poles, the key to him was not only physical but mental. Our team here have continued that work, treading the delicate line between keeping him sweet and enjoying himself and doing enough work to get him fit and strong to start delivering some of his potential, bit by bit working out his character and working on his weaknesses. One hopes there would be more to come, he shouldn’t go up too much for the win and should be able to find a similar race and continue to build his confidence. There are options for him next week on the turf, but he wants good ground or better so it may be a case of waiting for his conditions before trying to strike again!