A shame to have to run two in the same race but we have so many 6f horses it isn’t always possible to keep them apart.  Both Meshardal and Vallarta have been consistant in their races so far this year but it was Val who came out on top on this occasion.  Partnered by Jack Garrity, he grabbed a nice position early from an outside draw and really stuck his neck out to beat Mesh by three quarters of a length.

“Recent winning form was thin on the ground in this handicap, which was only open to 6yos and above.  VALLARTA travelled best and ended a frustrating run of placed efforts. Never worse than second, he hit the front on the bridle 2f out and dug in when it mattered to see off his stablemate (and choice of stable jockey) and the fast-finishing third. He’s a model of consistency at this level but will be vulnerable from a win perspective back against younger horses after any kind of rise.  Meshardal, the pick of stable jockey James Sullivan, ran a good race but was could not get by his stablemate. Sporting first-time cheekpieces, he was caught on heels and taken back early on and did well to get as close as he did.”

Racing Post, 2017