2:40 – Aquila Sky 7/1 E/W (PP/Betfair 4 places)
Aquila Sky has been in my tracker since his eye catching stable debut back in March. Now running in a handicap for the first time, he appeals as the type that could improve beyond his current mark.
Having previously been with Harry Fry, Aquila Sky made his debut for Sam Allwood at Doncaster back in March where he finished a fast finishing 4th. Keen early, his late progress despite a lenient ride led to a stewards enquire into his performance. While he clearly hasn’t been the most straightforward, he clearly demonstrated that he has a fair amount of ability. The first 3 from that race are rated 129, 126 and 125 respectively while the 5th is rated 120. It is worth noting that he was receiving 7lbs the 1st and 3rd.
He ran for the 3rd time over hurdles 36 days ago, where once again he caught the eye. Having travelled powerfully in rear, he took much closer order approaching two out. He was staying on into 3rd on the approach to the last but he jumped poorly and landed awkwardly, which led to Robbie Dune easing him down for a number of strides according to the stewards report. He shaped far better than a 28 length defeat would suggest and he’s sure to have come on for his first run of the season.
A mark of 115 is workable without being a gift, with the handicapper clearly taking a stern view of his 4th at Doncaster. However, the way he travels, in my view, leaves the impression that he might still be far batter than that mark.
9 of Sam Allwood’s 10 winners under rules have come in handicaps; he’s 5 from 21 in handicap hurdles (24% S/R, A/E 1.53) while Lorcan Williams is a good booking for this conditional jockeys’ event.
To my mind, Aquila Sky looks to have greater scope for improvement than most of his riders and his keen way of going looks sure to suit handicaps.
overandclear.com 