Motivado eyeing Ebor Handicap at York
Sir Mark Prescott Bt’s 4-year-old charge, Motivado, was declared favourite for York’s Betfred Ebor (Heritage Handicap) after his classy success at Glorious Goodwood.
After a couple of terrible defeats earlier this season, the gelding broke the shackles in a great fashion, winning the Toyo Tires Performance Stakes (Handicap) at the start of this month.
Owned by Syndicate 2009, the son of Motivator started off this season with an embarrassing loss. The audience at Newcastle saw him finishing 13th behind Ile De Re in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate (Heritage Handicap) at the end of June.
His misery continued at York, where he could only seize the eighth place in the John Smith's Silver Cup (Handicap) last month. Despite two awful defeats, the bookmakers did not lose their trust in his abilities, as they rated him the 11-2 favourite for the
Goodwood battle.
Despite not making an impressive start, Motivado made a wonderful effort in the hands of Luke Morris. He led inside the final furlong and after getting into command, he kept stretching his advantage. Following a splendid act, he notched up the top position
by five lengths.
After such a comprehensive victory, the bookies were left with no option, but to give him the highest respect for the Ebor Handicap, scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 25th. Prescott was pleased to get an entry to the historic event at
York. The handler said after the race:
"He didn't like the ground at Newcastle at all but I was less worried at York and much more relieved after that. I had in my mind to go straight for the Ebor but even my maths could work out that he'd have to turn up here. You'll never see a bigger horse."
Although Motivado is not one of the regular winners, no one can doubt his ability to trouble even the best in business. Bred by Newsells Park Stud, the gelding has raced on a dozen occasions so far, emerging as triumphant thrice. He has also secured the
runner-up spot twice, and ended up third once. After a brilliant success at Goodwood, Motivado is full of spirit, and will not let his supporters down this weekend.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.Com’s editorial policy.
Tags: