Thoughts on Outrage
Outrage runs in the 4.55 at Haydock Park this afternoon. Richard Kingscote takes the ride for the five furlong sprint and the pair are drawn in stall 2. The pair have been victorious together in a similar grade in the past and shaped nicely last time out after a slow start (a bad habit of Outrage’s) and the gelding is rounding into somewhere near his best form. Richard is a master of his trade but his statistics at Haydock are outstanding so its good to have him on board here.
As ever at Haydock there is uncertainty about the going, with a clerk whose going stick readings never seem to be consistent with the actual descriptions. As its the last race on the card we will have other data points to analyse by then. If it is on the easier side Outrage will take his chance and as it does look a decent opening for him despite his very best form being on fast surfaces.
Many clerks are excellent with their going descriptions in the lead up to races, unfortunately there are some who repeatedly seem to get it wrong. This is frustrating for all involved whether someone is betting on a race or connected to a runner. Fans who want to just watch compelling racing are met with smaller fields due to non-runners late on. Unfortunately no one seems to hold those that make these errors to account despite the detrimental effect it has on the sport. It is difficult to know what to do. There is no point complaining without being constructive so here are a couple of suggestions to develop things and improve the sport.
Independent going assessors would be the ideal scenario but is a costly exercise for the sport. Alternatively data should be kept. Those who repeatedly break a threshold for incorrect descriptions prior to racing should have some sort of penalties placed on them. A system that the BHA have used to control other other areas of the sport to try and improve it.
The race looks a tight affair, with Canford Bay in fine form at this level looking the one that Outrage will have to beat. Seen the Lyte isn’t always consistent but has the ability. There has been market support Glory Fighter who looked a promising horse very early in his career but hasn’t really delivered since and this would be a career best.
Outrage is by Exceed And Excel, out of the Cadeaux Genereux mare, Ludynosa. He will be led up today by James Pulley. Outrage races for Capture The Moment, a syndicate personally managed by Daniel and Claire.