HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 31/08/13:
ARTISTIC CHARM
BROXBOURNE
CORAL MIST
EHTIFAAL
EXCESS KNOWLEDGE
FREE EAGLE
HILLSTAR
JAZZ
SEEK AGAIN
SHOWPIECE
SWEET DEAL
YUFTEN
OVERALL PROFIT————-PROFIT—7.5 POINTS
We need to add SEEK AGAIN to our overall record as he finished second to Ehtedaam at Kempton on 28th August. There was not much wrong with the run as it was in a competitive Class 3 handicap. He remains on our list. Although being by Speightstown and therefore dirt-bred, it strikes he may be better than an all-weather horse. He has an engagement in a similar race at Kempton this week that it appears he is likely to take up. We will look at him again after that, but the signs are he a big handicap awaits before the end of play – possibly on turf and over nine furlongs. Any advance on the Cambridgeshire?
OVERALL RECORD————-PROFIT—6.5 POINTS
August 25th:
Goodwood Racing
Having finished third to the useful God Willing at Newbury, victory for What About Carlo in the Class 5 Auction Stakes boosted the form. This form was further enhanced when the Newbury fifth, Signposted, won a similar event at Epsom on August 26th.
On the same card, Whipper’s Boy, who had shown promise last time at Goodwood, failed to progress when refusing to surrender last place to a rival in the five-runner conditions event.
August 31st:
Sandown Racing Results
Although impressive, last time we saw Kingman he looked as if he had spent a winter in a forest. On this occasion, he lined up for the Group 3 Solario with a gleaming coat, cruising to the front over a furlong out to win comfortably. Not a strong renewal, this race was an ideal stepping-stone in his development. It is early days but so far he is keeping the dream alive. It is most likely The Dewhurst will be his next engagement.
Integral is learning her trade; not beaten far in a messy Nassau, she showed a lot of grit to dead-heat in the Group 3 Atalanta. Shuffled to the rear early, from where she made up ground quickly to head Ladys First, she then battled back in the dying strides. She was the moral outright winner here and will not be out of place in the Sun Chariot. The chunky Zibelina lost her unbeaten record, lacking the turn of foot on this surface to make an impact when the pace quickened.
Lilyfire looked an unlucky loser in what was an average nursery. On a day of hard luck stories, her jockey always needed a miracle to get a run – once it came it was too late, all she could do was snatch second behind Gown. Her mark of 80 will give her a chance of making amends at this level next time.
Beverley Racing Results
Bookmakers took a rare chance with York Glory in the Listed sprint, pricing up a 5/2 chance at 5/1 in the morning. They got away with it.
Over five, York Glory was outpaced early, which cost him the race. A fast closer, he could not quite get to grips with Stepper Point. Although unlucky and probably not given the optimum ride, York Glory’s best form is at six furlongs. To be fair, Jamie Spencer peaked two hours later when pouncing on Consign from a long way back in the Class 4 handicap.
Sound Of Summer didn’t help herself too much in the maiden. Slow to stride, she is not the quickest and could only plug on to take third behind Dance Bid and Anipa. Better organised, she may have gone close but this does not advertise the claims of Lightning Thunder – the filly that beat her last time at Newbury.
Chester Racing Results
A failure to hit the gates running cost New Fforest an advantageous draw in the sprint handicap.
Her apprentice jockey stuck to the inner but too much ground had been lost to allow New Fforest to pick up El Vienito.
Under the circumstances, she did well to finish second. She deserves to pick up another race (particularly when ridden by her useful claiming rider) in the near future.
August 24th:
Rain-softened ground at all tracks meant some events turned into slogs, particularly at Newmarket.
York:
The speedy Astaire made just about all to win the Group 2 Gimcrack in the face of strong last furlong challenges from Wilshire Boulevard (just failed – will be better on a faster surface and could be interesting next time) and Parbold (always prominent, tried hard but lacked change of gear and may want a seventh furlong).
Always travelling kindly, Tiger Cliff pounced late in the Ebor to deny solo winner, Genzy, who put up another good performance after finishing fourth to Royal Empire at Newbury last week. Tiger Cliff stays two miles but is not short of foot. This had been the plan for a while, making this an astute piece of training from the Cecil yard.
Goodwood:
Amazing Maria successfully made the transition from maiden company to emphatically score in the Group 3 contest for fillies. Making all on soft ground, she had her rivals in trouble some way out and looks progressive. The Fillies Mile will be on the agenda. In second, Qawaasem kept trying but the winner was too good. This ground found a few out, including pint-sized Midnite Angel who floundered.
Despite anxious moments at the stalls, Afsare eventually consented to load, settling well in the race and producing a killer kick at the end of the Group 2 Celebration Mile. As at Salisbury, this was a decent performance – particularly given his best form is on quicker ground. This appears to be his trip.
Magog was all the rage in the Class 4 handicap, a race he took his time to win, but in this ground it is understandable. His mark of 75 will be revised, but not too much and he may win again as obviously he is held in some regard. Returning after an eleven-month absence, the now gelded SWEET DEAL kept on promisingly and should be fitter next time. A current mark of 78 (may be adjusted after this) gives his shrewd trainer plenty of options. He has won on soft.
HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 24/08/13:
ARTISTIC CHARM
BROXBOURNE
CORAL MIST
EHTIFAAL
EXCESS KNOWLEDGE
FREE EAGLE
HILLSTAR
JAZZ
SEEK AGAIN
SHOWPIECE
SWEET DEAL
WHIPPER’S BOY
YUFTEN
Winners since last posted:
Broxbourne———————–Won 6/1
Golden Town———————Won 4/1 (Removed)
PROFIT ON WEEK ————6 POINTS
OVERALL RECORD————PROFIT –8.5 POINTS
August 23rd:
York Racing Results Review
Nothing out of the ordinary occurred in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup with the two market leaders fighting it out.
Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Ahzeemah got the better of a slog to the line with the consistent Simenon. Times Up did best of the rest with Caucus and predictably Colour Vision downing tools at the earliest opportunity.
City Style won a scrappy Strensall Stakes, holding the last rattle of Danadana close home.
Considering the overnight rain, Pavlosk was a disappointment. Well backed and fancied for this, she pulled too hard early and found little down the straight. There might be another day for her but it is equally possible she has been overrated.
Not for the first time we saw an upset in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes – Jwala finding hitherto unseen form to win, ahead of the two candidates with form at this level.
Shea Shea looked slightly unlucky. The altered ground was not in his favour, a slow start also made life tough. He launched a late challenge that just failed, as did Sole Power, another that could have done without last night’s rain.
Hamish McGonagall – invariably at his best on this track – ran a blinder in fourth. Kingsgate Native and Tickled Pink came next. Moviesta was never seen with a chance.
Golden Town was better organised today than at Goodwood, comprehensively reversing form with the second and third this time in the Class 2 Convivial Stakes.
Breaking on terms and always travelling prominently, he had the run of the race. He may not be totally straightforward; fitted with a tongue-tie, he carries his head high and jinked right once hitting the front, making him look an awkward ride.
That may be greenness. On the other hand, he needs to be more tractable to be competitive in better class.
Red Galileo, who had posted a similar introductory effort to the winner at Newmarket, again got going too late. He should win next time.
Bow Street led early and hung on to third at a big price, whilst Tahadee – third at Goodwood, a place ahead of Golden Town that day – was fourth.
There was quite a word for Derbyshire who did no more than run okay. However, he looks the part, comes from a good stable and should improve.
On a day when it was noticeable those racing prominent had an edge, Secret Art closed nicely enough in the last, a class 2 handicap to finish fourth.
This was in part an endorsement for Notebook horse, Seek Again, who had beaten him cosily at Newmarket last time.
August 22nd:
York Racing Results Review
It is possible to single out Nezar and Rufford as possibles for something similar after they finished behind Haikbidiac (may have found stands’ rail an advantage) and Thunder Strike in the Yearling Stakes. Life won’t be easy for them so they are not actual Notebook horses for next time.
With the Lowther betting headed by a 79-rated filly in J Wonder(admittedly expected to leave that rating behind) it looked a sub-standard event this year.
After her win in the Cherry Hinton, Lucky Kristale defied a 3lbs penalty. Once again, she scooted up the near rail, but she has a great deal of size about her and the penalty that normally anchors horses at this level failed to stop her. Clearly, the Newmarket form was boosted by the run of Rizeena in France behind No Nay Never.
Queen Catrine was second ahead of Wind Fire (turned out quickly after her win at Newbury last week)
Revelation was Merletta – who demonstrated to her Doncaster and Windsor supporters what the talk was all about in finishing fourth. Obviously, had she run up to this level in either of those events she would have opened her account. Her handicap mark is shot now; consequently, she is removed from our Notebook. She would have been a good thing in a nursery!
The Fugue returned to her best on the fast surface, emphatically winning the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks.
In beating Venus De Milo, whose only card seems to be the ability to gallop and stay, this was not The Fugue’s finest hour, but she is now off the mark over 1m 4f on her fourth attempt. That said the time was comparatively slow and the opponents not as strong as she is used to meeting. Her appalling run at Sandown in the Eclipse is explained away after the news she scoped badly.
It was a big day for Willie Haggas. After the success of Haikbidaic, Our Obsession narrowly won the Galtres from Sayand Ghasabah was unlucky in the Class 2 handicap when failing to get a run and finishing with a late thrust behind Dutch Roseand Indignant.
August 21st
York Racing Results Review
With the sand flying, they raced on quick ground. It seemed to find out several in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes – which did not look up to its usual standard.
The Grey Gatsby struggled, losing his action two out but rallying close home. Treaty Of Paris kept rolling in front and lasted. Disappointments came from Brazos (never travelling) and First Flight (all over the place), who had pleased on debut but looked hopelessly out of his depth here.
In running, Telescope was always going to win the Great Voltigeur, although in the end he failed to clear right away as he had threatened at one stage to do. In winning, he upheld solid form. It may be he will be seen to best advantage next season.
Foundry did best of the rest and connections are sure to be pleased with this, only his second effort on the racecourse.
Toughness gained the day in the International Stakes.Declaration Of War has got better all season and reached his pinnacle by winning this.
Trading Leather completed the Irish one-two. Like the winner, he is a battle-hardened candidate.
Al Kazeem ran a little below his best but went down with all guns blazing in third.
Hillstar stayed on well under considerate handling. There is a decent event to be won with him over further – he would be a serious St Leger contender.
Toronado never looked happy (pulled early – ran as if finding ground too fast) and was beaten before the trip became an issue. He will probably return to a mile now; however, after his flop in the Guineas, this is the second time he has failed to fire on the big day.
Broxbourne pounced late from an impossible position to lift the Class 2 handicap, once again leaving the impression there is more to come especially over further. Only going up the handicap steadily, she shouldn’t be raised much for this and remains of interest, particularly if targeted for the Cesarewitch.
Last at one point, Jazz stayed on strongly in the closing nursery. Currently rated 83, if remaining on the same mark and stepped up a furlong he should go close next time.
HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 17/08/13:
PARBOLD
CORAL MIST
WHIPPER’S BOY
PAVLOSK
GOLDEN TOWN
FIRST FLIGHT
EXCESS KNOWLEDGE
BROXBOURNE
MERLETTA
ARTISTIC CHARM
SHOWPIECE
SEEK AGAIN
FREE EAGLE
EHTIFAAL
YUFTEN
Runners since last posted:
Spirit Of The Law ———–1st 7/2
Expert —————————–Lost
(Both now removed).
A word to followers of this feature:
In compiling this list, the aim is to produce a mix of contenders – some of which may be obvious but clearly of interest nevertheless, and others that may have been overlooked and consequently are likely to start at rewarding odds next time.
Just because something that has clearly shown a great deal of promise is excluded (such as Godolphin’s Be Ready – which will be on plenty of lists and no price when reappearing), it should not be construed that it either has been missed or is not a bet next time.
We are not necessarily suggesting we should follow these horses blindly over the proverbial cliff, but if placed to advantage they should pay for themselves. Keep in touch as we will be commenting on any of the above when they next appear.
August 17th:
Newbury Racing Results Review
This is the time of year when some of the more taking two-year-olds make their appearances; with a crowded program-book they can’t all win next time. Lightning Summer (Fillies’ Mile entry) and Sound Of Summer took the eye when finishing first and fourth in the Class 4 maiden.
With his rounded action, aided by a shower of rain, Somewhat powered away with the Listed Washington Singer. He looks a Royal Lodge possible. It was surely a questionable tactic for Godolphin to introduce Be Ready – allegedly their best juvenile by a country mile – in this considering they could have run in the split maiden yesterday. A big son of New Approach, he got tired in the closing stages but showed plenty of promise. Speedy Approach, a similar sort by the same sire, stayed on for third. In fourth, Expert was not good enough. There is a race for him but not in this league. He is presently in no man’s land, meaning removal from our list.
With too many horses disappointing, the Geoffrey Freer was inclusive. Aiken folded, Biographer never figured. Royal Empire continues an upward curve – trying this trip for the first time – and winning bravely from penalised Red Cadeaux.
Soft Falling Rain enhanced his future chances at this level with a fine run in defeat in the Group 3 Hungerford Stakes. To an extent, he answered most of his critics after going down with all guns blazing behind the consistent Gregorian, to whom he was trying to concede 2lbs. This shows he can mix it with decent rivals outside Dubai. Proven on Tapeta, it might be worth considering the Breeders’ Cup with him. A hard-pulling Caspar Netscher failed to reproduce his excellent comeback run at Goodwood.
With hindsight a trick was missed with Glen Moss in the Class 3 handicap. Many were quick to seize on his good run in better class at Goodwood, reckoning that he had every chance off the same mark. He duly won as he liked. The boat has sailed but he could easily follow-up.
August 16th:
Newbury Racing Results Review
The Class 4 maiden attracted some nice-looking sorts and winners should emerge. Run at a steady pace (seven seconds outside standard) the winner, God Willing, is a fine son of Arch that is open to improvement. Sympathetically handled, despite looking green he won nicely and can step up.
Raise Your Gaze (fourth to Sea The Skies at Sandown) and What About Carlo (beaten seven lengths here on debut) set the standard.
Fourth home, Ehtifaal, should better this soon. This looked a slight cut above the second division that was run in a faster time.
The well-backed Barley Mow received a more vigorous ride than runner-up Yuften, who should go one better before long. Richard Hughes likes the winner who did quicken well. Whatever the merits of the two events, we should see more of the respective winners who will face sterner tests next time but, for betting purposes, backing Ehtifaal and Yuften next time looks the call.
August 14th:
Salisbury Racing Results Review
Not inconvenienced by a drop back to a mile – if anything it helped – Afsare made mincemeat of his Group 3 rivals in the Sovereign Stakes. On a going day (not always the case -sometimes refuses to start), he is a high-class performer.
Future engagements in Group 1 company (these include the QE2) mean he is hard to recommend. Second in last year’s Arlington Million, this win further endorses the Sandown race where he finished second to Dansour and in front of Excess Knowledge and David Livingstone – all of whom have franked the race in various ways.
Although swamped for speed, Boom And Bust was an honourable second. He needs to have his sights lowered but is fully exposed and hard to place.
Newmarket Racing Results Review
On his first start of the season and only his third ever, Seek Againtook his time to find stride in the Class 2 handicap. When he did, he ran out a cosy winner.
A winner at Newmarket then second in a conditions event to the useful Van Der Neer at Leicester as a juvenile, he looks guaranteed to improve on this. His current mark of 90 (shouldn’t rise by more than 5lbs) looks generous, particularly when tackling a mile or more. He could easily win a couple of decent handicaps – possibly culminating in the Cambridgeshire.
August 12th:
Ayr Racing Results Review
Spirit Of The Law became our first representative in the Class 3 handicap at Ayr – winning at 7/2. His astute trainer found a perfect opportunity. One of four vying for the lead inside the final furlong, once switched, Spirit Of The Law found the best turn of foot to defy Fort Belvedere and Kashmir Peak.
Likely to be raised three or four pounds for this, whilst not ruling out further success, for now, having justified our comments he is removed from the list.
Windsor Racing Results Review
Merletta could be on her way to a favourable handicap mark after again failing to meet expectations in the Class 5 maiden. She may have an issue or two (tends to be keen and hangs her head at times) but should not be discarded just yet. Her next outing will be crucial. Not one to take a short price about, she looks ready for seven furlongs and may benefit from a hood. Fast ground looks essential. She could win a nursery once qualified.
August 13th:
Ffos Las Racing Results Review
Having posted a promising performance on debut behind strongly fancied Lamar at Newmarket in a race responsible for two subsequent winners, the run of Artistic Charm was disappointing in the Class 5 maiden. Heavy rain almost certainly comprised her chance as she failed to handle the surface adequately getting bogged down. The much stronger Valen, who had shown promise at Goodwood, had no such worries.Artistic Charm is worth considering in a moderate event on better ground.
Salisbury Racing Results Review
The two with form dominated the Class 4 maiden that looked a decent enough affair.
By discarding a disappointing run at Newmarket last time,Showpiece was just about the form pick on his second to the useful Outstrip. Unhappy on the undulations early (probably similarly affected at Newmarket last time), he found his stride when meeting the rising ground to pull away from Newbury third Captain Bob. He is a likeable sort that may lift a valuable nursery or conditions event on a flat track.
HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 10/08/13:
SPIRIT OF THE LAW
PARBOLD
EXPERT
CORAL MIST
WHIPPER’S BOY
PAVLOSK
GOLDEN TOWN
FIRST FLIGHT
EXCESS KNOWLEDGE
BROXBOURNE
August 4th:
Newbury Racing Results Review
Backed before the Class 4 maiden, First Flight justified confidence despite a slow start that should have sealed his defeat. However, he made headway to lead inside the last furlong, pulling away decisively. This was not a strong event, but this was an impressive win from a juvenile presumably capable of better.
August 10th:
Ascot Racing Results Review
Weights and measures indicate Broxbourne is improving. 8lbs worse off with Homeric for three lengths on last month’s running, she was only beaten an unlucky two lengths and change here from a mark of 89 in the Class 2 handicap over two miles.
As at Goodwood, she switched off mid-race. Consequently, she was set too much to do by her New Zealand lady rider. It would appear a trip in excess of two miles (won over 2m 5f last time) and a stronger gallop will pay to her strengths. There are not too many obvious opportunities on the horizon, but the Cesarewitch does spring to mind as a suitable end of season target for this progressive filly.
Haydock Racing Results Review
Victory in the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster for David Livingstone over the right horses, Telescope and Noble Mission, has to point to the claims of Excess Knowledge in the St Leger. Fourth, inches behind a rusty Excess Knowledge at Sandown, David Livingstone franked that form here. Already noted as an unlucky loser at Goodwood, with no Hillstar to worry about at Doncaster, Excess Knowledge has to be the call in the final Classic.
TRACK NOTES
August 2nd
GOODWOOD RESULTS REVIEW
Coutts Glorious Stakes [Group 3]: Some of the gloss was removed with the withdrawal of Aiken and the knowledge that the clear form pick, Arc third Masterstroke, was unlikely to be at his best.
Royal Ascot winner Forgotten Voice successfully stepped up to the twelve-furlong trip, benefitting from a typical canny ride from Johnny Murtagh.
Lost In The Moment had his chance at this level but failed to take it;
Sheikhzayedroad was squeezed up at a vital moment but was not travelling well enough to suggest he would have finished closer. This remains a fair effort and apparently the Ebor is on the horizon.
Whatever the story with Masterstroke (suffered a setback in Dubai) he failed to convince. His pottery action suggests soft ground is essential, but on this evidence he has something to prove.
Mujaar was another that appeared a shadow of his former self.
Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes [Group 3]:
Montiridge made it three from five this season with a smooth success here. He is a very likeable sort, with whom the Hannon team have been patient. Avoiding the top-notch races with this big son of Ramonti looks sure to pay dividends. He is all quality.
Tawhid (third and behind Montiridge at Ascot) was again beaten on 3lbs better terms.
Snowboarder was third in a comparatively weak renewal.
The slow to stride Whipper’s Boy may have been out of his league but made up ground under considerate handling to finish fifth. He should improve for this his first run of the season and be placed to advantage next time.
The Hannon/Hughes bandwagon continued to roll in the Class 2 handicap over a mile.
So far the season had been a catalogue of misfortune for Wentworth, but today everything dropped right. In a rough race, Hughes picked his way through the field to strike the front inside the final furlong and Wentworth made no mistake, winning with something in hand. It is felt he is an even better prospect with some give underfoot. Off 99 today, he may remain ahead of the handicapper. In second,
Cape Peron is another likely to be more effective on easier ground. These two endorse the quality of this event.
Sandagiyr made up plenty of ground to take third. If he could be relied upon to reproduce this, he could be fancied next time. Galician did receive a bump from the winner as he was making his run. It probably made no difference to her finishing position of fourth, but emphasises she is in good heart just now. Beyond these we had the usual suspects for a race of this type.
Betfred King George Stakes [Group 2] :
Moviesta became the first three-year-old to win this for ten years. It was a smart performance from an in-form and progressive sprinter who now goes for the Nunthorpe.
There was a good deal of trouble in the closing stages. Principle sufferers were the runner-up, Swiss Spirit, Spirit Quartz and Tickled Pink.
To be fair the right horse won, but Tickled Pink could be marked up as she would probably have been placed but for intimidation in the closing stages.
As another three-year-old, Glass Office did particularly well to finish fourth.
Smoothtalkingrascal (looked on the burly side after sixty-two days off) missed the break and never landed a blow. This is becoming a trend with him.
Jazz showed improvement in the nursery.
Pavlosk threaded through the field from last place two furlongs out to finish best of all in the Oak Tree Stakes.
Seven furlongs is probably on the sharp side and she should soon regain the winning thread over a mile.
Retirement Plan’s victory from 88 in the Class 3 handicap earned a quote of 16/1 for the St Leger.
A somewhat raw colt by Monsun, he has a future but it is premature to think in terms of a Classic at this stage.
His owner has a more credible contender in Excess Knowledge at present.
August 2nd: Goodwood Results
Having his first run of the season, after a slow start Whipper’s Boywas not knocked about when fifth to the smart Montiridge in the Group 3.
Winner aside this was a weak contest, but Whipper’s Boy is the sort worthy of consideration in a handicap.
Pavlosk finished strongly in the Oak Tree Stakes from what looked a near impossible position. Last with two furlongs to run, she flew to snatch fourth. Outclassed in the Coronation, she can recover the winning thread returned to a mile.
August 3rd: Goodwood Results
Golden Town made up a great deal of ground to close on once-raced Snow Trouble in the Class 2 maiden without ever looking likely to get on terms. This effort means he should be hard to beat next time as word suggested this was a race full of talent.
HORSES TO FOLLOW AS OF 03/08/13:
SPIRIT OF THE LAW
PARBOLD
EXPERT
CORAL MIST
WHIPPER’S BOY
PAVLOSK
GOLDEN TOWN
TRACK NOTES
August 1st
Goodwood Results
A competitive Class 2 handicap for three-year-olds provided the curtain raiser.
Broughton, sitting nicely in the handicap from a mark of 86, sealed it inside the last furlong. This was his third win of the season, following success at Chester and Ripon. Beaten over twelve furlongs last time, this trip of 1m 2f seems crucial for a son of Teofilio.
Aussie Reigns and Red Avenger dead-heated for the runner-up spot. The latter provided a boost to the form of Maputo, his Newmarket conqueror from last time. Noble Gift is on the upgrade, finishing strongly in fourth from 3lbs out of the handicap.
Tha’ir was unable to justify market support. A mark of 106 is plenty high enough.
The way the race panned out made life tough for Ajmany (unable to get competitive from the rear after a slow pace), who can be forgiven his final placing.
AUDI RICHMOND STAKES [Group 2]:
Beaten seven lengths in the Norfolk and winner of his two previous starts over five, this extra furlong seemed ideal for Saayerr. For now it would appear, both on paper and as a result of this, that this is his trip. Quotes of 33/1 for the 2000 Guineas seem optimistic.
On a line through Whaleweigh Station, Cable Bay looked held by the favourite, Figure Of Speech. The fact he presented the winner with the biggest problem suggests he is on the upgrade.
Thunder Strike came back to his Woodcote form in third.
As for Figure Of Speech, he was in own worst enemy. Once again his demeanour left something to be desired. An awkward start was followed by continual traffic problems. He may do better stepped up to another furlong.
ARTEMIS GOODWOOD CUP [Group 2]:
A cup race with new names on the block, the old guard ultimately left struggling. The race was run at a breakneck gallop so it is understandable that several jockeys were content to sit still in rear. As it turned out the leaders did not come back as could have been expected.
No one can begrudge Michael Owen his success with Brown Panther, who did it the hard way having been prominent throughout. The horse showed a good deal of resolution as he batted away challengers, sticking his head out inside the last furlong.
Ahzeemah spearheaded the Godolphin bunch in second;
Ascot Gold Cup fifth Altano (given an awful lot to do that day) did best of the closers to finish third.
Number Theory and No Heretic ran above themselves. Cavalryman, Colour Vision, Mount Athos and Caucus all plugged on without looking dangerous.
Caucus in particular seemed ill-suited by the track.
BLACKROCK FILLIES’ STAKES [Group 3]:
Not a competitive field for this, won for the second year in succession by Wild Coco. Official ratings suggested this was a straightforward task – so it proved. Presumably, she will now be aimed at the Park Hill where she will face sterner opposition.
Ribblesdale third, Elik, was an honest second ahead of Alta Lilia (second to Maputo at Hamilton) with Souviens Toi (second to Brown Panther at Pontefract) in fourth.
The New Ham,
a Class 2 for fillies that often throws up a useful type, featured the introduction of the buzz filly, Radiator. By Dubawi out of a Green Desert mare, she did not disappoint in the flesh. Still slightly on the leg – as were many of these – she gave the impression she had done enough at home but that the race would bring her on.
Despite several other debutants catching the eye, it was Amazing Maria – with two Newbury runs under her belt – that scooted clear, winning emphatically by six lengths. Experience did serve her well, but her stable have always held this filly in high regard; today she justified that opinion. Her long-term objective is the Fillies’ Mile. With Storm Cat on the distaff side, it is no surprise she can be fizzy. It will be a surprise if this race fails to throw up a winner or two.
Inchila, a stoutly bred daughter of Dylan Thomas, did well to recover from a slow start to chase the winner home. She should go one better soon.
There was promise from Radiator, Remember (easier ground will be to her advantage) and Regardez (from the family of Look Here) who was very green.
The two for money fought out a desperate finish for the Class 2 handicap.
Majestic Moon added to wins at Newmarket and York this season, holding on by a whisker in the face of a last furlong rattle by Pythagorean.
Quickening ground, which may play a part in results tomorrow, enabled Highland Duke to win the Class 3 apprentice handicap. It was a rough house of a race.
Recent Comments