You've Just Earned Yourself A Spotter's Badge by Moletown http://forums.raceclubs.com/Posts.aspx?fid=38&tid=286302&iv=y

SPOTTERS BADGE

The amount of hours that I spend trawling through RaceClubs.com for information about horses and subject matter for my articles, I more often than not come across some hidden gems. It is very often that I have to take a second look, rub my eyes and gasp as I realise that another trainer and not myself has spotted such a pot of gold at the end of the RaceClubs.com rainbow. These great acquisitions are testament to the dedication of trainers, who in search of success, uncover the virtual racing's world equivalent to unearthing a forgotten or unwanted relic from the cobwebs of the almost never ventured to attic. In today's attic are two horses acquired from auction who will be the first ever filly and colt to credit their owners with a spotter's badge and earn that all important tribute to their achievement so far.

BLANCHLAND

On a cold December's morning in 2009 an unraced, unknown yearling, galloped into the auction. She was not of great stature but her coat gleamed and the sparkle in her eye and the relaxed nature she showed when walking around the ring sparked interest from The Hitman. Yes, she was a gamble, for she didn't hold or command herself like a great sprinter, she lobbed around rather than bounced. Some may have thought her to be a lazy type, The Hitman saw something in the chestnut that no other trainer could connect with. There was something about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on. The gamble was on. The filly was captured for £67.82

Her debut wasn't the greatest show ever, running third in a lowly 1000m maiden, though credited with running a little green on that day. The disappointment on the day was an easy pill to swallow for The Hitman as his little rocket had proved beyond all experts analysis of the horse lacking the physique and manner to succeed as a sprinter. On that day the form was justified as she left a very successful type in the shape of Blazing Baby, well in her trail. The experience of this outing served her well and what followed was something even her master could never have imagined.

Stepping up in distance was always a worry but her determination and consistent powerful finish proved to be the gun in her holster as she fired her way to each and every finish line in her next five races. A rated race sandwiched her debut and her maiden victory both of which were over the extended distance of 1200m. Her progression continued with gusto as she was dropped back to the minimum trip to record her next three wins. A progress success was instantly followed by a stiff test against older opposition. After such an impressive progression through the ranks, many pundits were likening her to the great She Loves Me Not, ironically the pair met in her first venture into the WFA arena. How the crowd received her in the winner's enclosure on that day was nothing short of magical. The race was won in a comparatively easy three quarters of a length, Blanchland had now introduced herself as the sprint sensation the virtual racing world now respect her to be. It was not always rosy in her fledgling year. The step up to 1400m proved a little too much for her stamina, not disgraced in going down a length on her maiden run at the distance, connections clearly felt that the trip was not suited and immediately took the decision to stick to the minimum and 1200m for the duration of her two year old career. The season finale on World Challenge Day was all set to be her crowning glory at the end of a most successful year. Sometimes the script just doesn't play out the way it was meant to be. Like a twist in a good thriller, with the scene set and a huge favourite for the race, Blanchland failed to make an impact. She finished way down the field behind the winner, her season nemesis, Tudor Chimes who recorded a third success over The Hitman's star G2 when it mattered most.

Despite the disappointment of not taking the one race a top class two year old yearns, the season in contrast was magical. With forty-nine races under her belt, Blanchland had already paid back the loyalty shown by her investors, recording 17 wins and returning 19 place running’s. This success led to total prize money for the season of in excess of £400 to help her sit third in the money list. A remarkable first season under the guidance of The Hitman.

With the age change proving to be a success, Blanchland continues the impressive improvement she showed throughout her juvenile campaign. the three year old campaign is always a difficult season, although it is no surprise to see her continue to show a repeat of the form that served her so well last season. Admittedly her form is not up to scratch in Eclipse races this season compared to last, but when all is said and done the apple of The Hitman's G2 eye, continues to grace the track with her powerful finish and pocket the prize funds. She leads the way in the standings with 11 wins to her name so far, bagging more than £170. The money is always nice to pocket but it's the wins and quality of those wins that are always remembered. She currently holds a very impressive 38% win ratio and has run with and beaten the best the virtual world has to offer at her fancied distances of 1000m and 1200m. Likewise her place ratio holds it's own with the best in the business at 35% which just goes to show how consistent the filly is.

The make-up of Blanchland certainly points to a career packed full of success, one of greatness is within the step of a hoof for the filly. So it's just goes to say that The Hitman has an eye for the ladies. Congratulations, you've just earned yourself a spotter's badge. The fee paid certainly has to be considered as one of the healthiest G2 purchases I can recall in my time back at RaceClubs.com. An absolute corker of a virtual animal, destined for the Hall Of Fame!

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