BADENSCOTH relished the Soft conditions at Goodwood yesterday when leading his rivals a merry dance to win his first race of the season but his seventh in 32 career starts.
The mile and a furlong handicap cut up with four non-runners leaving six to go to post. The well handicapped son of Foxwedge had been held up last summer when sluicing home at Sandown off a two pound higher mark but different tactics were employed this time around at the Sussex track.
George Downing jumped him out to be in front from the off and he was given an uncontested lead during the early stages. Three from home, the pace started to increase but despite the attempts of Sword Beach to close in on the eventual winner, nothing ever got close to him and a gap opened up of two, almost three lengths inside the distance. At the line, the stable runner was a length and three-quarters to the good ahead of runner-up Fantasy Believer.
This was the first time Badenscoth has had conditions in his favour this season and he duly took advantage of them, gaining an uncontested lead to win convincingly. Perhaps the only surprise was his starting price of 7/1 given the four non-runners.
Congratulations to his owner and breeder, Peter J Skinner whose six-year-old gelding is sure to go up a few pounds but who could progress again either when the horse gets his ideal conditions on the grass or on a return to the all-weather. A five times winner on an artificial surface with wins at Kempton, Chelmsford and Wolverhampton, he has the versatility to win on a range of tracks.
Badenscoth’s Goodwood win was a welcome win for Harper Lodge Farm following some disappointing results of late. Hopefully, the yard can now kick on for the rest of the season.