The versatile Blazeon Five just gets better and better

December 13

Last week-end Alan confessed that he was in a bit of a dilemma as to whether to stick to Flat racing on the all-weather with Blazeon Five or go back over hurdles, where the seven-year-old mare showed plenty of promise last summer.

Having seen Blazeon Five dig deep to beat off all-comers in the straight at Southwell on Friday, thus completing a hat=trick of wins on the level, Alan will doubtless have a happy conversation with the mare’s owner-breeders, the Calne Engineering Ltd, as at either level she will remain a force to be reckoned with.

Returning after a six-week break, Blazeon Five was given a masterly waiting ride by Rossa Ryan, who was still content to be only fifth turning for home in the two-mile contest.

Whereas the others swung wide straightening up for the line, Rossa nicked a length or two by taking the turn tighter, and, striking the front before the furlong-pole, the gutsy Blazeon Five held off Alrazeen by a neck.

Rossa, who has a terrific record when riding for Alan, said:” She is enjoying her racing and I probably rode her a fair bit handier than usual as I thought I might get tapped for toe because she is very good on soft ground.

“That resulted in me getting there ‘a week too soon’ but though the chasing pack closed down on me they were tired, and Blazeon Fuve was able to find a bit more to hang on. She has won well, and I think she could improve again in a better race.”