Fanaar Impresses in Spring Cup Win for Haggas

There was a lot to like about the performance of Fanaar this weekend when he landed the listed Spring Cup at Lingfield, despite only eventually winning by a neck. The three year old travelled very well through a race that was not ran to suit at all, and he found a way to win. This was his first run of the season too, so I expect he will come on a little for the run and overall I thought it was a performance to note.

The seven furlong race was ran at a very slow pace, turning it into a bit of a sprint finish. With a six furlong specialist with plenty of pace in the right position up at the front, everything to do with the speed and positioning of horses was wrong for Fanaar. He was pulled out wide to make his challenge, and eventually wore down Deep Intrigue who finished in second place to win by a neck.

This horse had some nice form last season, but always looked like the type to progress and make up into a nice three year old. Richard Hills, who represents the owner, suggested exactly the same after the race and that they were hopeful of a nice campaign with him.

The step up to a mile should suit him this season, and while he may not quite be good enough to move up to the highest level, there is no doubt that at listed and minor group level he is good enough to make his mark. The horse was gelded during the winter, which has reportedly settled him down, and that will help him stay the mile, he seemed to settle well on Saturday, which was good to see.

Sometimes when looking at a horse race you have to look at more than just the winning distance to form an opinion and I felt this race on Saturday was a prime example of that. Fanaar can be marked up for his win, he had a lot against him but he still found a way to battle on and take the prize, which could be the first of many he wins this season.