Back in Focus exploded into the Albert Bartlett picture with an impressive victory in the Prestige Novices Hurdle at Haydock, upsetting the highly regarded Court In Motion in the process. His victory came as a surprise to everyone apart from those closest to the horse who reported that he had arrived from Ireland with a big reputation. The heavy ground held no worries for Back In Focus as he had previously won a point to point in Ireland on very testing going and he travelled strongly throughout the race, pulling clear from Court In Motion two out. Now just 8/1 in places from 66’s for the Albert Bartlett he looks a horse with a serious future. Court In Motion was reported as feeling flat during the race by jockey Jack Doyle; he will now undergo tests to see if anything comes to light. Court In Motion had been 9/2 favourite for the Albert Bartlett before yesterday’s race and is now available at 10/1 (Paddy Power and Bet365).
Cathryn Fry, 20 February 2011
