Heartstring made her Maiden appearance at Thirsk on Saturday 4th August in the EBF Novice Stakes (Plus 10 Race)(Class 4) (2yo) 5f Race. Going was Good To Soft .
She was up against some stiff competition in the form of Moojim who had recently performed well to be second in the Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes(Class 2) (2yo) (5f34yds) worth £122,295 to the winner and who was also looking to win his first race after a string of placed performances.
Heartstring was drawn 12 on the extreme outside, which was not ideal for a first time out horse as she had nothing around her to provide a racing channel . To his credit jockey Jason Hart got her away quickly and she ran her own race on the Stands side, but away from the leading group. Never off the bridle she rans straight and true and seemed to enjoy the experience, finishing a creditable 6th with some fancied horses in her trail. A positive first appearance and something to build on next time out in 12 days at Beverley.
The going had dried out in the morning to Good to soft, good in places.This juvenile novice stakes was won by the subsequent Group 3 winner Abel Handy in 2017 and it looked a good standard of contest again. The first two disputed the lead throughout, and nothing got involved from off the pace.
MOOJIM has improved for the two-month break, highlighted by his close second in the Newbury Super Sprint, but was very easy to back here. However, he jumped well to dispute the lead, and put his experience to good use to get off the mark at the sixth attempt. He is clearly on the upgrade and can win again.
Golden Circle, related to three winners and out of a Listed 2yo winner, showed terrific pace on this debut to match strides with the winner, only to give best late to her more experienced rival. She should be winning soon and could be useful.
Ginvincible showed good pace more towards the stands' side than the principals and was only seen off late. She can make her mark in nurseries.
Three Card Trick, backed into favouritism late on, getting a 5lb pull for a narrow defeat by Bartle Hall at Ripon, tracked the two leaders but failed to pick up when asked. He qualifies for a mark now, but might need help from some headgear.
Heartstring, who is a sibling to six winning sprinters including the smart Dutch Masterpiece, was unfancied on this debut but showed good pace until fading over a furlong out. She should come on for the outing.
Bartle Hall, who beat today's third on her debut at Ripon, had a 6lb penalty to carry. She was easy in the market and never got involved.