Wolverhampton winner Red Verdon standing proud.
The challengers came fast and late inside the final furlong, but Red Verdon showed a tremendous attitude to fend off all-comers and get off the mark at the second attempt in the extended mile maiden at Wolverhampton on Saturday evening.
Second over course and distance on his debut two weeks ago, Red Verdon only succumbed by a nose on that occasion. But he found himself on the right side of the photo finish this time around, confirming the form with the Roger Varian-trained Vizier and Godolphin newcomer Towns History to score by a head and a short head as the front three pulled clear on the drive to the line.
Carrying the colours of Mr Ronnie Arculli, this was a pertinent victory for owner, trainer and all of the team here at La Grange coming two weeks after the tragic loss of flagbearer Red Cadeaux. There was a certain symmetry to the win as well, Red Cadeaux – a flashy chestnut like Red Verdon – having broken his maiden at the same venue over six years ago when landing a mile and a half handicap.
Bustled up to race prominently by jockey Pat Cosgrave, Red Verdon tracked the leaders passing the stands for the first time. The tempo quickened inside the final half-mile and Red Verdon looked momentarily outpaced, but he picked up nicely entering the home straight, taking a gap up the inner and running on stoutly for pressure.
This looks a maiden with some substance, the second being rated 74 and the third having been sent off a well-supported, odds-on favourite for his debut at a time when Godolphin are carrying all before them when it comes to all-weather maidens.
A handicap mark in the mid-70s now beckons for Red Verdon, who is an exciting type for next season. Congratulations to Mr Arculli, who certainly deserved a change of luck, and we hope this colt can go some way to emulating his ancestor River Verdon, who also carried the famous light blue with red diamonds when a champion in a Hong Kong.