Despite being by Derby winner Sir Percy
out of a Sadler’s Wells mare, and being trained by the most
successful trainer in the history of British horse racing, Mark
Johnston, Gemologist has shown only limited signs of ability,
at least so far. However, the Double Delight Hat-Trick Heaven at
Totesport.com Handicap (6.45) at Chelmsford on Tuesday evening is
scraping the bottom of the barrel, in terms of quality, so, with the
step up to 1 mile 5 furlongs and 66 yards seeming in her favour, the
filly may yet be seen in better light.
She returns from a 215-day break and
her two previous efforts at the Essex track, albeit over 1 mile 2
furlongs, were moderate at best. On the most recent occasion, in
March, she finished sixth of eight, beaten 8¼ lengths, after finding
no extra in the closing stages, but that was in a 0-65 affair, off a
handicap mark of 62. Notwithstanding the step up in distance, here
she contests a lowly 0-50 handicap, off a handicap mark fully 12lb
lower, so it would be no real surprise if she showed improved form on
her return to action.
Indeed, apprentice Andrew Breslin takes
off another 5lb, so I suspect that – despite her illustrious
pedigree – without a forward showing in the company, her days at
Middleham Moor may be limited. Let’s hope, for all concerned, that
she turns out to be the proverbial “diamond in the rough”.
Selection: Chelmsford 6.45
Gemologist to win
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