Sky Advocate Excels in Handicap Company at York

It was fantastic to see Sky Advocate get off the mark in such convincing style at York on Friday (10^th October). Returning to seven furlongs for the first time since his debut season, he proved rather promisingly that the drop back in trip suited him well and produced a professional performance in what was a typically competitive handicap.

Racing amongst a challenging field of 21 runners, he handled the occasion with real maturity. Breaking smartly, he settled into a nice rhythm under Jack Callan and was always travelling prominently in a midfield position. Racing with a visor for the first time certainly seemed to have the desired effect and gave him the confidence to battle on gamely into the closing stages.

As they approached the final two furlongs, Jack asked for more and he responded bravely, finding plenty more when under pressure. Hitting the front once they were inside the final furlong, he stayed on strongly and pulled clear to score by a comfortable length and three quarters at the line.

This was a well-deserved victory for this progressive and genuine three-year-old, and it’s a real credit to his attitude and consistency that he’s now got his head in front. A very well done to his owners, Stephen Barrow and Julie Deadman, on this pleasing York success.