FIGHTING TEMERAIRE achieved back-to-back wins when winning comfortably at Newmarket last night following a less cosy victory twenty-seven days previously at Lingfield.
Both races were 7f handicaps, Martin Dwyer was the jockey aboard on both occasions and the starting price was 9/4 for both wins. There the similarities end because the manner of the two wins was quite different.
Last time, the 6yo son of Invincible Spirit was held up and had to wait for a gap and he left it rather late to collar the leader and was first past the post by a neck. This time, although held up, his passage was much smoother. Well in touch three out, he was ridden to lead a furlong from home and went clear with the winning margin two and a quarter lengths.
Despite going up 9lbs for his Lingfield win (which might seem harsh but the front two pulled six lengths clear) this win was arguably more impressive as he travelled strongly, came with an impressive run and won with something in hand. The handicapper will undoubtedly hike him up once more but if he gets suitable conditions again (he likes fast ground), he should remain competitive.
It is always nice to see back-to-back wins and the stable has enjoyed a few this year. Sir Prize had back-to-back success at Kempton in January while Fantastic Flyer had all-weather back-to-back wins in March and April. Badenscoth achieved the feat, not once but twice with victories in the spring at Wolverhampton and after a minor blip, did the same again, striking at Chelmsford and Sandown.
Congratulations to Fighting Temeraire’s owners, Michael & Heather Yarrow, for whom this was their seventh win from four horses this year, having also won with Sir Prize, Lothario and Daddy’s Daughter. The win was the 27th for the yard at a strike rate of 14%.