"There is nothing quite like competing in the challenge series!" Colonel Sterling on winning the Sprinters Challenge Final,.

Colonel Sterling on winning the Sprinters Challenge Final Juvenile F 

 

Winning the Sprinters Challenge Final felt amazing, just as good as the first one. I think winning challenge finals has go harder and harder due to the competitive nature of both the horses, and the increasing challenge knowledge of smaller/traditionally non challenge stables. So that all makes a win that little bit more satisfactory.

I was actually very quietly optimistic, but as I mentioned it is so competitive nowadays that nobody is entitled to anything. I did all I could though from the training aspect getting her to the final fit and with only a 2lb penalty, so once I got a decent draw and decent ground I knew she would be hard to beat.

I actually don't have any routines. I just get set up and pumped up, and keep everything crossed as all the seasons hard work, patience and expenditure comes down to that 90 seconds or so. I share wins with my girlfriend, although she doesn't really understand the game. She does understand the winnings though!!

The number one priority for me is to always get to the final off no more than 122lbs (for the Juveniles). Anymore and you are really making it hard for yourselves nowadays unless you have a superstar. If you can get your horse into the final on favourable weight terms, and the horse is good enough, you have done your job.

The one problem I have is managing expenditure getting to the finals. I usually enter a few more qualifiers than I should. If you do it spot on, you can run in only a handful, and still qualify comfortably without too many penalties. You can also pick up some decent place money if you get it right on the mark.

I tend to use 15-20% back in the game immediately, and then the remainder I withdraw for maybe a holiday or treat for the Mrs.

There is nothing quite like competing in the challenge series. I would recommend any stable who manages to get a top horse to have a go at winning one. The feeling and sense of achievement when you do it is phenomenal, and last season showed more than ever that challenge finals are by no means dominated by a handful of stables. There is a far wider group of stables now having success at this level, and I am always on inbox to help any inexperienced stables plan their campaign should they need help.

By Colonel Sterling

Posted via email from Raceclubs.com