Outsider Run To Freedom takes Abernant title

Veteran sprinter Run To Freedom proved he is no back number with a surprise victory in the Zyn Abernant Stakes at Newmarket.

While it is fast approaching three years since Henry Candy’s charge last tasted success, he has spent some time on the sidelines during the intervening period and a third place finish in the July Cup last summer proved he retained plenty of ability.

The eight-year-old was well beaten in the Sprint Cup at Haydock and on Champions Day at Ascot on his next two starts, but dropping back down to Group Three level for his reappearance he showed his true colours, finishing off well in the hands of Rob Hornby to win a shade cosily by three-quarters of a length.

Aramram pipped Quinault to the runner-up spot, with Diligent Harry fourth and 11-4 favourite Time For Sandals not beaten far in fifth.

Candy, saddling his first runner of the year, said of his 28-1 winner: “I thought he’d run well, he’s been working nicely. He’s done a huge amount of work in the swimming pool and on the grass and I thought he’d run a good race.

“He got a little bit upset in the stalls as he always does, but he travelled absolutely beautifully through the race and when he hit the rising ground he really stretched. He does need an uphill finish – one of his autumn efforts last year was at Haydock and that’s a very flat track and he never gets going.

“I don’t want to be rude about it but it wasn’t the greatest Abernant there’s ever been and I thought he had a good chance really.

“He had a lovely long holiday and does a lot of work in the pool, so we try to save his legs as much as possible. Mercifully he’s a bit sounder than me!”

Run To Freedom holds a handicap entry at next month’s Guineas meeting, but having put his two below-par efforts at the end of last season behind him, he now looks likely to stick to Pattern company.

“He was a bit disappointing on his last couple of runs last year, he just tailed off a bit, but he’s a gorgeous horse with huge ability and a fantastic pedigree. Unfortunately nobody has ever wanted him for stud, but he ought to get a job really,” the trainer added.

“Having spent the winter telling Godfrey (Wilson, owner) I wasn’t going to make any more Group One entries and we’d probably be going handicapping and running over seven furlongs. I suspect I shall be told now to revert to Plan A!

“The end of last year was disappointing and we had to start thinking of lowering our sights and doing things differently, but I think we’re back on track again now.”