Soldier’s Heart’s step up to six furlongs paid off

Soldier’s Heart made the most of his course experience to dominate the British Stallion Studs EBF Ripon Champion Two Years Old Trophy Stakes.

Simon and Ed Crisford decided to step him up to six furlongs at Ripon, which paid off after he struggled in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood.

Soldier’s Heart made a decisive impact in that conditions race, showing his readiness in a competitive field of seven previous winners.

Harry Davies expertly positioned him from stall five, securing the ideal rail spot. The outcome was never in doubt as Soldier’s Heart took an easy lead, steadily increasing his advantage. By the final furlong, he was comfortably ahead by four lengths.

Benevento finished best of the rest, narrowing the gap to two lengths, but couldn’t challenge the 15-8 favourite, who will now advance in class.

Richard Fahey’s Shadow Army, who had finished fourth in the Group One Phoenix Stakes, trailed off, suggesting something might have been amiss.

Davies commented on Soldier’s Heart’s performance: “He’s really improved since his last run. He jumped well from the gates and was much more aware today, he was a bit green last time. His prior experience on this track clearly benefited him. Some horses struggle on their first visit, but he’s clearly adapted and handled the conditions superbly.”

“At Goodwood in the Molecomb, he was overmatched; it was my first time riding him, and Goodwood’s sharp five furlongs didn’t suit him. He only started making headway in the last furlong. We knew that bringing him to a track where he felt comfortable would allow him to show his best, and he did just that.”