Hallo Spaceboy (16:15 York — Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sprint Handicap, 6f)
A three-year-old bay colt by Starman, trained by Ed Walker and handed a significant upgrade in the saddle with Oisin Murphy taking the ride — a booking that speaks volumes. Hallo Spaceboy has been a model of consistency, placing in all five career starts, and his latest effort was particularly eye-catching. Stepped into a competitive 19-runner handicap at Ascot on 8 May, he went down by just a neck to Secret Santa at 4/1, running to a career-best and doing so off a mark 5lb higher than today’s rating.
Back now after a short freshener, he drops to a mark of 82 on a track he has previously placed over, with good to firm ground underfoot — exactly the conditions he handles well. Walker noted earlier in the season that this colt has a bright future and is versatile enough to drop back to 5f if needed, which tells you the speed is there. Murphy clearly fancies his chances and in a 15-runner field, the low draw (stall 7) with a predicted low draw advantage is another tick in the box.
Verdict: Back to win — well treated off this mark, top jockey, and long overdue a deserved victory.
