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Harbour Law No Surprise

September 14th, 2016 | Marten's Current Racing Diary

I was really delighted to see my selection Harbour Law win the St Leger on Saturday for Laura and Ian Mongan.

I have been aware of the son of Lawman since the spring when Tony Clark, who I have known since his days with Guy Harwood, brought him to my attention before he ever ran. The colt was with Jo Crowley at the time, and we had a few quid on him when he made his debut at Lingfield in March.

He was not ridden to advantage on that occasion and went down by a length and a half at 20/1. Looking back it’s galling to lose out on a subsequent Classic winner in a Class 5 maiden at Lingfield, but that just shows what can happen on a horse’s racecourse debut.

My personal view is that Harbour Law’s optimum trip will be the mile and three-quarters of the St Leger. I know he was a good second in the Queen’s Vase over two miles, but his dam is by Pivotal and there is plenty of speed and miling blood in the bottom line.

Earlier today at Yarmouth So Mi Dar returned to winning form following her spell on the sidelines. I had backed her at fancy prices over the winter for the Oaks, a race for which she was around 5/2 favourite after landing the Musidora in impressive fashion in May.

Frankie Dettori was not hard on her today in the knowledge that she had done just enough work to run. Next stop will be the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera at Chantilly with the Qipco Champion Fillies and Mares at Ascot another option.

One horse that did catch my eye elsewhere today was Richie McCaw at Sandown. Now with Ian Williams from Mark Johnston, the son of Zamindar was still green as he came to challenge two furlongs from home. He stayed on well all the way to the line and is bred to get further. Watch for him over a mile and a half.

Bye for now

Marten