Four years after ‘uncle Wildcat’ landed the Select Stakes, Signet Ace showed trackcraft, ability plus and just a touch of ungentlemanly conduct to take the £7,500 invitation event at Nottingham.
When the traps opened, Jaguar Macie was away and gone and showed brilliant speed to the first bend. To say she misjudged it would be an understatement as she took a course which would have allowed an HGV up her inside. Signet Ace needed no second bidding and slipped through on the rail. Macie attempted to get back on line off the second turn, but 33 kilos of Ace was having none of it and Mighty Macie was badly bumped out of contention.
Select Stakes run up: Jaguar Macie (t1) leads early from Tenpin (t3) with eventual winner Signet Ace (t2) close up on the rail. Pacemaker Ted (t5) Thorn Falcon (t4) and partly hidden Drumcrow Brent (t6) also pictured. Photo: © Steve Nash
It was still work to be done with the even heftier Tenpin in pursuit to the third bend. Ace took the racing line, Tenpin was forced to follow and although the Mullins runner continued to press, Ace held on by three quarters of a length.
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The invitation followed a Cat One win in the Winter Derby at Monmore though even trainer Kevin Hutton was surprised to see Ace go to traps as the 9-4f.
He said: “He hadn’t see the place in a while, it was a tricky draw with Macie inside and Tenpin always wanting to come across to the rail but I thought he showed good determination not to let Macie through at the second bend.”
The Select winner will head the Hutton team going into next week’s ARC Judgement Night where he will, unsurprisingly turn out in the ‘standard’.
Many of the likely entries trialled before racing on Monday (see below) including the kennel’s entry in the puppy event, Sleek By Design. The Jan’20 pup is a half sister to Ace being by another former kennel star, Magical Bale, out of Irish Oaks winner Forest Natalee.
Kevin said: “She is two from two at Towcester and went very well in her trial. I thought running to within five lengths of Coolavanny Bani was some run given her inexperience. The whole litter is exceptional though, Signet Otis, Signet Denver, Moments Of Magic. . . their mum has just produced a six week old litter by Confident Rankin. Unfortunately there were only three this time.
“Apart from those two, we plan to run Magical Firebird in the bitch’s event. Southfield Code will go in the stayers race. Headford Buzz goes in the sprint and Feeling Classy, who has been running in A3 at Towcester in the maiden.”
Is it a strong team?
“It’s not bad” said Kevin, “there are a couple there who are a bit further behind than I would like, but they should be okay. I think Angela Harrison’s team look particularly strong though.”
Given on-going developments at Oxford, is there any chance that the kennel might be split?
“No I don’t think so” added Kevin. “If anything we are trying to do less racing and not more. I haven’t spoken to anybody about what we will do. I love Towcester and am very happy there. If Oxford came up, who knows?
“I honestly have an open mind about it. I think it is fantastically exciting to see it re-opening though. We’ve had so many enquiries from old owner asking if we will find dogs for them to run there. The place was always brilliant. Whoever does end up there won’t be left with dogs without owners. There is huge local support.”
Select winner Signet Ace with Kevin Hutton holding the trophy and kennelhand Adam Webb. Photo: © Steve Nash
