3 minute read
Handler anticipating fruitful campaign.
Trainer Michael Dods can look forward to seriously campaigning Jawwaal over five furlongs after the sprinter blitzed his 17 rivals in the Betfred Heritage Handicap at Ascot.
It was just his third run over the minimum trip, but Jawwaal showed that was his optimum with an authoritative display.
Callum Rodriguez was happy to keep the five-year-old in midfield before unleashing him with a strong run that took him to the front a furlong out. Jawwaal (10-1) powered away to win by two and a quarter lengths from Mountain Peak.
"They went a good gallop which suited him and he travelled well. The ground was decent which also suited him," said Dods.
"He travelled extremely well during the race and I thought Callum gave him a confident, lovely ride.
"He quickened up nicely from one and a half furlongs down.
"He had a few little niggles last year, but since we pulled him back to five furlongs he's shown he's got the speed to travel over five and quicken up.
"We were campaigning him over six and he wasn't getting home. He's done it nicely. He's got a lot of confidence now and he can go on from there.
"Today was a test. He'd won that little race at Doncaster and did it nicely. Today we threw him in the deep end and he's done it well. I'll have to a rethink and see where we go," said the Darlington handler.
"He does need good ground and it was only when the rain came at Ascot on Wednesday night that we decided on Thursday morning to go."
There was a sad postscript as the David Brown-trained National Anthem suffered a fatal injury during the race.
Carlos Felix appreciated a big step up in trip to get off the mark in emphatic fashion in the 'Play Nifty Fifty Exclusively At Betfred Handicap.
Fourth over a mile on his seasonal debut, the David Simcock-trained colt looked a different proposition over an extra half-mile as he stormed clear of his three rivals in the straight.
Luke Morris could afford to be easy on him close home, finishing four and a half lengths clear of Celestran.
The jockey doubled up on Alphabetical (6-5 favourite), who completed a four-timer in he Betfred 'Thanks To All Key Workers' Handicap for trainer Sir Mark Prescott.