Thoughts on Helm Rock

Helm Rock makes his seasonal reappearance in the 2.10 at Southwell this afternoon (Thursday 8th of April). Kieran O’Neill is in the irons for the mile maiden, as unfortunately Richard Kingscote was injured in the stalls yesterday afternoon – all the best for a speedy return to action. He is a big scopey horse who has been gelded over the winter. He ran well for a long way at Newbury on debut on heavy ground last year before tiring late on. He is just ready to start out again this season we’re hopeful he can develop into a nice sort in time as he gains experience. 

As with most three year old maidens at this time of year its an interesting race. Kehailaan has been second on both starts to date and clearly has plenty of stamina have already run over ten furlongs so the testing nature of the surface shouldn’t be a problem and if taking to the surface. Arctic Territory ran well on debut in what is normally a decent race at York and brings a similar level of form to the contest. Divine Balance, Special Directory and Thunderclap all have pedigrees suggestive that they will be suited by the Fibresand surface and are interesting debutants. Special Directory comes from the breeze up sales and that experience can be useful first time out. The booking on champion jockey Oisin Murphy on Thunderclap catches the eye too.

Helm Rock races for Capture the Moment a syndicate managed by Daniel and Claire, giving its members direct regular contact with the training team. Daniel and Claire are currently offering shares in the Diskovery Partnership, another syndicate they run in a well bred filly by Havana Gold who has already hit the board as a sire of winning two year olds this season.

Helm Rock will be led up by James Pulley this afternoon and overseen by travelling manager Shaun Johnson.