Only to small stakes, team, but one who has to be worth taking a chance on, in my opinion, is INIESTA (5.05 Bath) of the morrow. Probably one of the best bred horses in training he is by Galileo out of the Group 1 winning mare, Red Evie (who was sold for 1 million guineas in ’07 shortly after her final racecourse appearance). This makes the old boy a full brother to Arc and Breeders Cup Turf winner Found.
In recent times Iniesta has been plying his trade far more in the NH sphere (won at God’s own racecourse, Newton Abbot, in June) but at Bath will make his Flat debut for his current barn. As a 2YO was a winner for Aidan O’Brien, back in ’13, and rated as highly as 90 after that. Since leaving Ireland, early in ’15, has only raced on the level 5 times because as I say he has been campaigned much more over obstacles (reliable sort with in total, under NH rules, 2 wins and a further 8 placings). Will run at Bath tomorrow off just 67 which given his lineage seems almost incredible! Or as one of those Chav’s might say, ‘OMG. Totes amazing!’.
Since joining the Blake yard at the end of ’17 the old boys form, over sticks, has been consistent with form figures of -232316 with the only really poor effort last time out when possibly feeling the effects of a run too many. Refreshed after close to 3 months off the track he may also be rejuvenated by this ‘new’ discipline.
The Western part of the Isle has in recent days been hit hard with the old precipitation and the sod is now unsurprisingly Good to Soft, Soft in places. That should in no way though hinder Iniesta as his runs with the word ‘soft or ‘heavy’, since ’16, in the going descriptor has seen a formline of -22712232 and that previously mentioned win for Aidan O’Brien was achieved, troops, on heavy going. 12 furlongs, on that ground, at this time of the year, will I think be too much for several of Iniesta’s opponents of the morrow.
Look I’m in no way suggesting that Iniesta is going to emulate his sister, Found, and win next year’s Arc but off a career low perch of 67 I think he is worth taking a punt on. Especially as his form hasn’t shown any marked signs of deterioration, over jumps, since moving to Wiltshire. And on top of that I really wouldn’t be surprised if the Flat reinvigorated him (it’s what he was bred for afterall!) and think he’s worthy of each-way support.
Good luck all.
