Jonny Garlic made his debut on Friday in the 17:37 Pontefract Northern Commercial Used Stock For Instant Delivery EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (Division 1).
The left-handed track at Pontefract is renowned for its considerable gradients and stiff, uphill finish, requiring good speed and stamina – something which Jonny Garlic’s sire and broodmare sire (damsire) are well-known for.
Jonny Garlic’s sire, Arizona, is a Group 2 winning stallion who showed his true speed over 6 furlongs.
His damsire (grandfather on his mother’s side), Oasis Dream, was a top-class two-year-old sprinter in his prime and is a Group 1 winning racehorse over 5 and 6 furlongs. 54 of his daughters have gone on to produce group winners, including 12 Group 1 winners, like himself.
A Promising Start from Jonny Garlic
Admittedly, it wasn’t the result the owner, trainer, jockey, and racehorse syndicate members anticipated – but we’ve got to remember this was Jonny Garlic’s very first appearance.
In the paddock and going down to post, this two-year-old chestnut gelding showed good conformation before taking to stall 3.
But, unfortunately, he was slow out of the stalls and took a good few furlongs to come into his stride, leaving him held up in the rear.
Although this thoroughbred was ridden over 3f (furlongs) out, he made minor headway in the final furlong, demonstrating his true potential and sharp speed that he inherited from both his sire and dam’s side.
A positive that can be taken from this gelding’s first outing at Pontefract is that he managed to finish ahead of co-favourite, Mayberry Moon.
A Word from The Trainer
When we spoke to the trainer, Karl Burke, after the race, he told us that Jonny Garlic ran green which, for those of you don’t know, means he showed a lack of experience and racing know-how. But we have to bear in mind, it was only his first race!
Having seen Jonny Garlic in the gallops before his big day, the trainer knew he was doing his best work in the last furlong. Now, to help him gain a handicap for two-year-old racehorses (also known as a nursery or juvenile race), it’s just a case of getting him another 2 runs under his belt.
Jonny Garlic is declared in the 14:50 Best Odds Guaranteed at Starsports Bet Restricted Novice Stakes at Southwell on Monday 29th July, which is over 6f.
Karl Burke is certainly optimistic about Jonny Garlic’s future and is confident that big things are to come from this chestnut beauty – especially as his fitness improves and he gains experience!
Good News for Blu Bloodstock Racing Club Members
Our racing club memberships offer a unique opportunity to get amongst the action on race day – without the costs typically associated with horse ownership by joining a racehorse syndicate.
When you sign up for a membership, you’ll join a community of horse racing enthusiasts and experience the thrills and excitement with our fantastic trainers.
If the horse you’ve chosen as part of your membership is first across the winning post, you’ll receive a share of the prize money once your membership ends.
You’ll even benefit from organised stable visits, allowing you to see horses, including Jonny Garlic, on the gallops with your own eyes. And you can enter ballots to win owners’ badges – rubbing shoulders with some of the most successful owners and trainers.
Ready to Share the Successes of Our Expert Trainers?
The team at Blu Bloodstock is incredibly proud of both Jonny Garlic and Karl Burke’s training prowess.
Jonny Garlic is entered in the 14:45 York ‘Harry’s Half Million By Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes’ at York Racecourse’ on Thursday 22 August.
To get involved with Blu Bloodstock racing clubs, why not sign up for a membership today?.