29th April: Ascot: We saw a useful newcomer in Log Out Island in the Class 2 for two-year-olds. Smartly away, he had three previous winners in trouble by halfway and only had to be pushed out to score. Those he beat were not exceptional by any means, but it takes some doing to win first time against those with experience in this sort of manner. We should be seeing him back here in June.

Sperry went from Wolverhampton to Ascot, winning the Class 3 conditions stakes for fillies from Touchline. Rated 81 going into this, the winner is now entitled to be considered in the mid-nineties. Pulcinella stayed on stoutly for third. She looks as if a step up in trip is required. Haalan – another that will benefit from further – ran through beaten fillies for fourth. Montalcino (looked very well) was over keen, whilst Shagah was again disappointing.

Four-year-olds dominated the Group 3 Sagaro, where the improving Mizzou started the season in the best possible way. This trip suited him and his turn of foot was decisive. Vent De Force and Forever Now were second and third. Wakea and Hidden Gold were close up, clear of the other three that appeared to under-perform – none more so than Pallasator.

The vibes were not encouraging beforehand for the return of Limato in the Group 3 restricted for three-year-olds. He has not grown much and according to his trainer had been working only averagely at home. Drawn on the outside without cover he was always travelling well and only had to be shaken up to prevail. Apparently he blew hard after the race. The strongly-built Tendu (fifth in the Cheveley Park when we last saw her) came out of the pack to throw down the last challenge and has run particularly well. She has a big future. Judging by the ground she made up and the way she finished, she will probably cope with seven. Third behind Limato last year, but closer this time round, Adaay was again third. Strath Burn was a major disappointment to his stable when dropping away tamely having made the running. He probably needs to revert to the minimum.

An eye-catcher in the Lincoln, despite an unfavourable weight turnaround with Mondialiste, Moohaarib was much too good for that rival in the Listed. Always stalking Mondialiste and travelling strongly, Moohaarib cleared away with conviction. He holds an entry in the Lockinge which, on this evidence is not misplaced. Hors De Combat freewheeled into second. Hailing from a yard that is yet to get going, this was a satisfactory reappearance. Mondialiste should have performed better. As his record shows he is a hard horse to win with.

April 25th: Ripon:Trip To Paris remains in good heart. His success over two miles opens up further opportunities in races over this sort of trip such as the Chester Cup. Once again he won tidily from a mark of 92 and a further sensible hike may not stop him.

Bred to be a bullet, Excessable beat two with experience with a fine injection of speed in the juvenile. First Bombardment went off too quickly and tired, allowing Risk Adjusted to steal second. Excessable stamped her authority on proceedings very quickly. She will win again.

The defeat of odds-on favourite Decorated Knight was a major blow for the Varian stable. Although a couple have shaded the wire, it’s true to say they are not fully revved-up as yet.

April 24th: Sandown: On what was arguably over-watered and as a result patchy ground, the Esher Cup was a messy affair. Lightly-raced Mutarakez (with a firm ground action) sprinted clear from over a furlong out. He beat a fit Shaakis. Mister Universe carried top weight with credit, making the running until tiring in the last furlong. It could be he will do better back in trip. Tom Hark looked a tricky conveyance.

Won by Noble Mission last year, the Group 3 Gordon Richards concerned the right horses, this time going to the useful Western Hymn. Beaten five lengths in the Champion Stakes last year, he is just short of top class but this will bring him on. He still looked fitter than his two closest rivals: Postponed and Cannock Chase. Postponed has done well since last year. Carrying plenty of condition (looked as if he had been at the pies) he made the running over what is probably an inadequate trip nowadays and rallied bravely when headed. He will improve and could be of interest in something like the Coronation Cup at Epsom. He looks set for a good season. Cannock Chase was also on the porky side. When pulled out it looked as if he might play a part but he was unable to sustain a challenge.

Never a player in the QEII, Custom Cut returned to form with a determined success in the Group 2 Mile. He looked fit for this, as did the runner-up, Here Comes When, who was the last challenger.  Looking big and well – as if the race would improve him – Shifting Power was perhaps something of a disappointment in third. Perfectly positioned, a finishing kick was noticeable by its absence.

Positive work with Greenham winner Muhaarar meant the form horse Commemorative looked solid at least in the four-runner Classic Trial. Keen early (fly-jumping through the first couple of furlongs), he settled but may have resented restraint. Even so this was a tame excuse, as he found nothing when picked up. Windsor winner Master Apprentice made all to cause an upset. Recent Newmarket winner Cape Clear Island (on whom Moore tracked the dismal favourite) possibly got going too late.

Awash beforehand and locked in on the rails in running, Waady had the speed to get out of trouble and win the sprint handicap cosily from a mark of 90. The field was not particularly strong for a Class 2 handicap. A very fit-looking  Zeb Un Nisa came from out of the pack to take second, ahead of Chelmsford winner Thahab.

Brandybend clung on to the maiden to hold La Boheme, who ran with promise on her debut. Moonlight Sonata stayed on for third. Her sights need to be lowered, but she will be better on firmer ground.  A slow start ruined whatever chance Markabah had, but she worked her way through the field and will have learned plenty.

Jack Hobbs dominated (in more ways than one) the closing handicap from a mark of 85, winning as he liked. Engaged in the Derby, he has come a long way since winning at Wolverhampton in December. Whether he will travel to York (Dante) or Epsom is another matter but he is held in high regard. Stravagante would never beat the winner but his failure to negotiate the turn hardly helped his cause. He stayed on for third and should win a handicap.

April 18th: Newbury: Always in trouble from his wide draw in the handicap over 1m 2f, once-raced Mahsoob was in the rear and apparently struggling at the turn. Gradually he worked into it and eventually hit the front. Rated 89 going into this, that shouldn’t rise by too far (96 would be fair but unlikely!). Clearly he his smart. In third, Field Of Fame was slightly hampered as the winner drifted across him and possibly should have finished second. He looks a ready-made winner from his current rating.

Arab Spring was right back on track in the Group 3 John Porter. Looking in fine shape, he put last year’s woeful Newmarket performance behind him. Always highly-regarded, he continues to impress in all areas and may progress further. He is value more than the winning margin. Pether’s Moon was second with Romsdal (essentially a galloper) probably running up to form in third.

Redstart’s win in the Fred Darling left a few questions. This was a big step up for the winner and she has improved for her juvenile runs. In second after one win on the all-weather, Jellicle Ball has a similar profile. With a mixed pedigree (Invincible Spirit out of Rainbow Quest) she has been given an Oaks entry and is expected to improve for further. As for Tiggy Wiggy – she did not settle early and against all expectations was caught flat-footed then stayed on. One can’t say she failed through lack of stamina, but a mile at Newmarket is another matter. It would seem the best option is to drop her back to six and let her bowl as she did to such effect last year. But they may be sorely tempted to push their luck once more in the 1,000 Guineas. That said connections of Found will sleep in their beds tonight!

Middle Park third Muhaarar and Dewhurst fourth Estidhkaar fought out the finish of a high-class Greenham, run in record time. On the evidence of last year they fall a little short of the best of their generation. Ivawood looks like a horse that has reached his zenith. Dick Whittington stayed on for a remote fourth; Twocoolforschool probably wants cut and a drop back to six. A line can be put through the run of Belardo. Marooned in no-man’s-land and hating this fast ground, he will be more effective with cut and when his yard hits form. Reapplication of a hood may also help.

Ayaar cruised to an overdue win in the Spring Cup. High class on this sort of ground but a horse with a portfolio of excuses coming into this, he was nicely positioned in the handicap from a mark of 96. Spark Plug has shot his handicap mark with a fine run from 100 in second. He does have form at ten furlongs.

Derby entrant Mr Singh wore down Scottish in the maiden over 1m 3f. There were some well-bred three-year-olds in the field – Stratford in the middle of January springs to mind but that may be unkind.

Intilaaq strung out a decent field in the first division of the maiden. Third at Ascot last year on his only start, it was felt he needed this so to bound away so impressively he has to be useful at least. He beat a well-fancied rival in Keble who travelled well enough after a slow start but was always burned off in the winner’s exhaust.

The time of the second division was over  a second slower than that recorded by Intilaaq. A fine day for Sheikh Hamdam was capped by the win of Sahaafy – an expensive Kitten’s Joy colt who bounced off the ground. John Gosden’s horses are in great form and Druids Lodge was another to uphold the banner in second. Wheat Sheaf was fourth with no obvious excuse.

17th April: Newbury: Victoria Pollard won the maiden for fillies over ten furlongs cosily. It was not the best of line-ups but she appeared a willing winner.

Often responsible for a Coventry representative, Newbury’s first juvenile went to the speedily-bred and early foal Harvard Man (by Equiano) who started smartly and was pushed clear over a furlong out. He held on from a closing Ring Of Truth (two months older) and another bred for speed. Third was the more stoutly-bred Sixth Sense, who will come into his own over an extra furlong. If he had run, Sanaadh would have been a firm fancy.

The uncomplicated filly Star Of Seville kept galloping to roll over the colt, Ooty Hill in the Class 3 Conditions Stakes. The winner was stepping up on a decent maiden win at Doncaster (form that worked out) and never looked like getting caught. Ooty Hill pulled early before settling but on ground that was plenty quick enough, only plugged on. He will be much better with cut in the ground but does not look like a Group 1 or 2 animal. There was a negative of sorts for Fillies’ Mile third Winters Moon and she ran accordingly.

Desert Force caused a minor upset in the Class 2 handicap. His solitary juvenile win was recorded here and he made the best of his mark and the 12lbs he received from Strong Chemistry, who was reeling him in at the finish. A fair third to Commemorative in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes last year the runner-up earned the plaudits from top weight. Capel Path looks fairly treated from 83 and Sugar Boy, posted on the wide outside from his low draw, turned in a personal best in fourth.

In the Class 2 handicap, on a quicker surface, Robot Boy demonstrated he had made plenty of improvement since a damp squid of a run at Musselburgh – a run he almost certainly needed. Normal Equilibrium – an out-and-out sprinter that might be targeted at Chester next – followed him home ahead of Green Door. Last year’s winner Lucky Beggar was fourth in a strong race where they broke the track record.

The Bridget Maiden (Newbury’s equivalent of the Wood Ditton for fillies) went to Yasmeen – a strong deep-girthed daughter of Sea The Stars. Whereas her stable mate Multilingual is attractive, Yasmeen – no catwalk model – is straight from a war-time poster for a land girl. She is bred for further and could be capable of making her mark in better company. Several ran with promise: Little Prairie and Vibe Queen to name two, but this was all about the winner.

Jasmine Blue lasted home in the second division of the fillies’ maiden. Once the penny dropped, Forever Popular closed her down fast and would be odds-on to reverse this form next time.

April 16th: Newmarket: Not many of the juvenile fillies were obvious candidates for such an early appearance. Several were stoutly-bred so it was left to the preciously-bred Kurland to sprint clear from the furlong pole. The field was not great – those that figured looked likely all-weather prospects. Second and third Sakhee’s Jem and Miss Moneypenny had appropriate pedigrees for a two-year-old event so early in the season. Kempton fourth Lady Nayef stepped up on that, finishing in the same position here, but her sights need to be lowered and she will improve for an extra furlong.

As usual the runners in the Wood Ditton matched their elaborate pedigrees. Winter House – the only gelding – came from the back of the main group to race clear. Mustaaqeem may have his own idea about the business but ran on strongly in second. An always prominent Fallen For A Star was third. Barraash was an uncomplicated fourth. After that any number could be noted. Argus and Markstein ran with some promise without any hard-luck stories. Exosphere missed the break but made up plenty of ground and should be winning soon.

It was tight for the Tattersalls Millions – several having looked as if they would win at various stages. In the end it was Cape Clear Island in a bobbing finish with Greatest Journey – who came there swinging at the furlong – with Rocky Rider in third. Tannaaf rallied for fourth having been tapped for toe; Azmaam had nowhere to go inside the last furlong when staying on. Apart from the obvious, Proposed is the one to note. By Invincible Spirit he took it up two out still travelling strongly only to run out of stamina over this ten furlong trip. A drop back to a mile should make the difference.

After a fair run when second to Naadirr at Doncaster, Astaire finally came back to form in the Group 3 Abernant. Apparently plagued by a pinching testicle last season, he looks more relaxed and tractable now. Watchable chased him all the way. whilst Music Master was always struggling to get in a blow but ran on for third. There was promise from Lucky Kristale now returned to sprinting.

Kool Kompany set the cat amongst the pigeons in the Craven, making all and shrugging off higher-profile rivals. A decent performer last year that was a notch below top class, conceding 3lbs to the field, Kool Kompany has developed into a big colt with plenty of substance. Nafaqa – second to Elm Park in the Royal Lodge – kept on for second. Once-raced Moheet was not disgraced and looks the likely improver. Uncomfortable on the track and the ground, he knuckled down to deprive the useful War Envoy (done well since last year) for third. White Lake was a major disappointment.

Brought with a withering run, French Navy mowed down his opponents in the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton. Now seven, a horse that runs well both here and when fresh, French Navy made the most of this opportunity. Arod did not help his cause by running too freely early but he eventually settled and saw his race out well.

The win of Ceaseless in the maiden may not amount to a great lot. It was a scrappy contest, with fair efforts from Havre De Paix and Imtiyaaz in third. The first four (Hundi was fourth) all had experience and none of them had given the impression they were anything special. Amazing Speed did best of the newcomers.

Several quality three-year-olds contested the Class 3 handicap – won last year by Cloudscape. The handicapper will be pleased with the way it finished. One of the first under pressure, Dissolution got up close home in a race where the runners were separated by four lengths. Shakopee, Muqtaser (there is a school of thought that suggests Varian horses are needing their runs so watch out for him next time) and Lostock Hall were next in the bunch.

April 15th: Newmarket: Often a good maiden, this year’s renewal of the Alex Scott looked so-so. Carnival King provided a shock but might have been fortunate to beat Hakam. Even so the runner-up did not help his cause.  Reluctant to load then doing too much early, the door was shut in his face on more than one occasion but he looks an awkward ride and was in no hurry to exert himself. He may not be one to take a short price about next time. On his sixth outing Acaster Malbis ran up to form in third. Well-bred Gossiping is likeable and ran with promise in fourth. He is bred for further

They didn’t look the best in the juvenile. Gifted Master quickened up the rail to score decisively. No doubt we will hear the usual ‘Royal Ascot material’ quote, but that remains to be seen. The rest may struggle to open their accounts for now. City Of Stars and Haughmond (oldest in the field and it showed) were next with slow-starting Brocklesby winner Ravenhoe a never-nearer fourth.

Twice behind Secret Brief in similar events last season, Bossy Guest earned a major payday in the Tattersalls Millions Sprint. He beat another well exposed sort in Ballymore Castle (gelded since last seen). The Warrior looked uncomfortable on this quick surface but picked up in the closing stages to snatch third. It looks as if he wants further and certainly he will appreciate some cut.

Always in the right place at the right time, Home Of The Brave – in a first time tongue-tie – soon had the Free Handicap in safe-keeping. Twice well behind Elm Park last year, Tupi did that form no harm in second from a mark of 100. Faydhan was never seen with a realistic chance after a slow start. Even so his jockey gave the winner much too much rope and this was basically a wasted experience. No Guineas candidate, Faydhan will have to have his sights lowered.

Last season’s form rose to the top in the Nell Gwyn as Breeders’ Cup third and Moyglare fifth Osaila prevailed with a little to spare from Rockfel third New Providence. Wide margin winner of a maiden over a mile last season, Beautiful Romance was a staying-on third. She has plenty of substance and will find a race or two when stepped up in trip. The same ought to apply to Lady Correspondent who blew-up from the dip, eventually finishing sixth. Fourth and fifth horses: Astrelle and Bond’s Girl, were having their ‘Guineas’ today and will struggle to find this sort of level again.

Golden Horn won the Feilden Stakes the hard way, starting slowly and then taking closer order (shrewd move on the part of Dettori) before striking the front and fending off all-comers. With plenty to learn he still looks raw and further improvement should be forthcoming. Described as a Group 2 horse by his stable, he is unlikely to stay the Derby trip (does not hold an engagement at present) and will probably be campaigned at this sort of distance for now. A fit Peacock chased him home – laying down a challenge inside the last furlong that was always held. His position is likely to flatter him. Disegno posted promise in third with Festive Fare fourth. This group was clear of the other three runners.

The class 4 maiden over ten furlongs went to the now gelded Global Force on his third start. This was an improvement on anything so far shown. Great Glen – fourth to Aloft in a decent juvenile maiden – was second, ahead of Next Approach who travelled ominously well for much of the trip. In front of Great Glen as a two-year-old and beaten narrowly by Golden Horn next time, Storm The Stars disappointed when never able to land a blow.

Dropped in grade and from a generous but fair mark (93), on only his third run Salt Island scooted away in a competitive handicap. This ground suited him well (floundered in a listed at Doncaster last season but still a credible fifth) and his turn of foot was crucial. A 10lbs rise would be reasonable. Properus  was second; the imposing Spiriting was third.

April 12th: Leopardstown: It was trials day in the soft in Ireland. Zawraq looked a decent prospect when stepping up from his maiden to win the Listed 2,000 Guineas Trial. He beat a fair field with some ease and could be the sort to tilt a hat or two at Royal Ascot.

On a day that belonged to Dermot Weld (four winners), the stable also took the 1,000 Guineas Trial with Stormfly, whose best form has all been with cut in the ground.

Only three lined-up for the Group 3 Ballysax – a race that went to the outsider, Success Days. He made all and kept galloping – causing an upset as victory had not looked likely beforehand. Zafilani moved past a desperately disappointing John F Kennedy (1/4 favourite) to take second under tender handling. It is difficult to know where to start with John F Kennedy. His response when shaken up was limited; his attitude looked questionable (hung his head to one side) and on this evidence plainly he has a mountain to climb if he is to realise hopes once held.

April 11th: Aintree: Only third in the Neptune it was Nichols Canyon today, reversing Cheltenham form with Parlour Games after the two had the race to themselves from the last. The winner jumped better here than he did last time and it would appear by the market that this reversal in form was not unexpected. Parlour Games travelled strongly and was perfectly delivered by McCoy but was beaten by a better horse today. Winner of a Grade 2 at Warwick and considered a chaser in the making, the classy Three Musketeers lacked the finishing kick to trouble the front two but stayed on for third and looks to have a future.

An upcoming seven-year-old, Sizing Granite continued his current ascendency with a win in the Grade 1 Novice Chase (admittedly a sub-standard event for a Grade 1). He jumped well and proved too determined for God’s Own. The runner-up did not help his rider at crucial stages but he did respond on the run to the last to chase the winner and even give momentary hope to his supporters with a rally from the last. He is not the easiest animal to call.

On only his third run of the season – his second over hurdles – Whisper came back to successfully defend his Stayers’ Hurdle crown here. Travelling in the slipstream of Cole Harden he took it up on the run to the last and sprinted clear from the run-in. As usual Cole Harden made the running but the warning signs were out early in the straight. He kept on but the winner was too strong. Zarkandar looked sulky and was beaten from the turn.

Many Clouds defied a mark of 160 to win the Grand National, adding the World’s Greatest Race to his portfolio, having claimed the Hennessy earlier in the season. There was no fairy-tale for A P but his mount gave him a great ride and vice versa. And from this quarter that is about all for the jumping season of 2014/15.

Lingfield: Unlucky in the Rosebery, Trip To Paris made amends in the Class 2 handicap, pouncing from off a slow early pace over a furlong out. He did win with a little in hand. Having his third race in quick succession Fire Fighting finished strongly for second ahead of Gold Trail, who had every chance, and Storm Force Ten who, fit from hurdling, lacks a finishing kick.

Ridden differently this time Lexington Ties almost pulled the Listed event out of the fire. Under a determined ride Fanciful Angel got up in the final strides in what was a bunch finish. Dancetrack made a brave attempt to make all but it was the well-thought of Spanish Squeeze – stepping up in grade – that took the eye. Although only fourth, he was only beaten a length and on this his third start his inexperience showed. He will know more next time.

April 10th: Aintree: Taking a major step in class after two wide margin wins at Newcastle and Hexham, Cyrus Darius prevailed in the Grade 2 hurdle. A fine lump of a horse with a good attitude, according to connections his future lies over fences.  Never out of the first two, Vago Collonges battled on with a smooth travelling Qewy unable to sustain his progress from the last finishing third. Glingerburn’s unbeaten record was sacrificed here on a surface that was never going to suit.

There are times when perseverance can be confused with stubbornness. Such was the charge levelled by some against Paul Nicholls beforehand for returning Saphir Du Rheu to fences in the Grade 1 Mildmay. Nicholls is a great trainer under any circumstances and once again his judgement was vindicated as Saphir Du Rheu lobbed round without causing any serious concern. Only six, he does not look a natural but there is time. This ground may be the key. One or two notable names were missing in the line-up; in beating Carraig Mor (better with cut) and Irish Saint – albeit by a country mile – this was not the strongest contests of its type.

Unable to keep tabs with the flying Uxizandre in the Ryanair, Don Cossack became another wide margin winner in the Melling Chase. Crooked at a couple of fences early, he warmed to his task as the race progressed and had the race in the bag once he headed Cue Card in the straight. Cue Card ran with plenty of enthusiasm and stayed on for second ahead of Johns Spirit. Not for the first time Champagne Fever did not run up to his best.

Fifth in the Imperial Cup on his first venture outside novice company, Thistlecrack relished this quicker surface and the step up to three miles in the Grade 1 Sefton Novice Hurdle. Alpha Des Obeaux was all set to mount a serious challenge when falling at the last, but on balance Thistlecrack looked as if he had more in the tank. Several underperformed after long and hard seasons. The winner came into this from a mark of 135 – a mark that has now been shot to pieces. Vyta Du Roc, who ran well despite a bad mistake when fourth in the Neptune, was a distant second.

April 9th: Aintree: Clarcam seized the bull by the horns to make just about all in the Grade 1over two-and-a-half and endorse Arkle and earlier Irish form with Un De Sceaux. Vibrato Valtat made a couple of mistakes on the way round but finished strongly enough. Josses Hill has yet to get the hang of this game. By continually jumping to his right he forfeited plenty of ground, never looking remotely happy.

Triumph Hurdle form took a nosedive when Hargam ran a lifeless race in the Grade 1 for juveniles. Looking subdued beforehand it has to be assumed he has not recovered from his experience at Cheltenham. An unlucky fifth in the Fred Winter, All Yours produced a rapid turn of foot from the last to collar Devilment, who was ten lengths behind Hargam at Cheltenham but more at home on this ground. Bristol De Mai, who was having only his second run against his own age group since coming here, arrived at the last apparently swinging but was unable to quicken. This ground was almost certainly on the quick side and he has the scope to go on next year.

Pinging his fences without a semblance of a mistake, Silviniaco Conti laid to rest the ghost of Cheltenham with another win in the Betfred Bowl. These are his conditions and three miles is his trip. Surely we can now dispense with any further Cheltenham Gold Cup talk. In a scramble for the line Ballynagour almost pulled it out of the fire with Holywell an honest third. Ma Filleule jumped well enough until fizzling in the manner of a non-stayer.

Ridden with supreme confidence Jezki was produced by McCoy at the last to sprint clear in the Aintree Hurdle. It could be this extra half a mile suits him these days. Rock On Ruby was second but Champion Hurdle runner-up Arctic Fire was in the process of laying down what looked like a potent challenge at the last when taking a horrible fall from which, defeating the Grim Reaper, he later recovered.

April 4th: Kempton: Squeezed up the inner of rivals on the far side rail, debutant filly Rosalee won the Class 4 maiden for juveniles in a tight finish. Foaled in February (early foals have such an advantage at this time of year) she out-sped Anwar (no obvious improvement on first run) and Just The Lord (fourth in the Brockelsby). Although not beaten far, Tawakkol, the part on paper and looks, was sloppy at the start and never really made an impact.

Up 8lbs for his win here two weeks ago, Speculative Bid followed up when collaring Outback Traveller (always in the right place in a slow run affair) with Almuheet in third.

Lady Dutch made it two out of two since leaving Italy with another success at the Sunbury track. Fit and with a good attitude she kept on strongly to hold Solar Magic. Victoria Regina – three lengths behind Cladocera in the Balanchine – was third ahead of Nakuti.

Something had to win the Class 2 handicap over a mile but in truth it was not a strong affair. Realize, beaten at Southwell last time, got the better of a close finish with George Cinq. Made With Love – winner of his maiden at 1/7 here in December – ran okay but was found out by some more experienced rivals.

The money men knew what they were doing when forcing Very Special into odds-on for the Class 2 conditions stakes. With her only form danger Shagah as good as a non-runner (finished last of the four and never seen with a chance), it was left to Very Special to pick up Teosroyal inside the last furlong.

In the end Peacock made light of winning an under-subscribed Class2 conditions stakes from Azraff although there was a point when the result looked in doubt.

Ridgeway Storm – a giant son of Hurricane Run – was possibly made to look better than he is when powering away from Castilo Del Diablo in the Queen’s Prize. This was not a strong race but clearly he stays and a mark of 82 does give connections plenty to work with.

April 3rd: Lingfield: Fresles just lasted over this quick seven to confirm December Deauville form with hot favourite Lamar in the fillies’ Conditions Stakes. Third was the closing Don’t Be. Lamar had to take the scenic route but is surely better over further (a mile at least).

Pretend looked a class apart in the Conditions Stakes over six furlongs. Handy throughout, he was always travelling and his turn of foot meant he won with something to spare. Alben Star ran on for second, ahead of Chookie Royale who kept battling when headed and Intransigent, who was on a going day after such a poor effort last time.

A step up to a mile helped Four Seasons overturn recent form with Lexington Times over seven. In front and in control from the start he stayed on strongly from Tempus Temporis. Although everything went right for the winner it was a case of swimming uphill for several rivals. The runner-up was thrown wide early on. Lexington Times could not peg back the leader from his spot at the rear but did finish as did Emirates Skycargo.

It’s been over a year since Grey Mirage tasted success but everything fell right here (a track he likes) as Ryan Moore pressed the button at a crucial stage. Sovereign Debt had a troubled trip and finished full of running in second ahead of Captain Joy.

In the Easter Classic, William Buick played a dangerous game on Tryster, sitting well back off a slow pace. However, he knew what he was doing, unleashing a powerhouse of speed down the straight. Unbeaten on Polytrack (five from five) life will be harder on turf but Tryster looks half-decent. Complicit was always at the head of affairs and made the best of the opportunity in second ahead of Grandisar.

All speed, Blue Aegean had the Class 2 Conditions Sprint over five won everywhere but on the line. Wobbling close home after stringing out her field from the gates she was mowed down by Lightscameraction. Merdon Castle and the under-achieving Squats were next to finish.

The card finished with a Conditions event over just short of two miles. In a desperate finish, Mymatechris prevailed from the Godolphin duo Anglophile and Hidden Gold.

Musselburgh: Brocklesby runner-up First Bombardment had every chance in the opening juvenile event but was readily collared by Tribesman. By Equiano, the winner (like the second an early foal) looks smart for this time of year, although talk of the Coventry is pie-in-the-sky. Stoutly bred Sixth Sense (late foal) will have his day. This race should throw up winners at similar tracks: even the back-marker, Smart Mover, who was hopelessly adrift at halfway, finished on the heels of the chasing group to post promise.

Buthelezi made all to land the valuable Class 2 over 1m 6f. If the winner was a head-scratcher so was the run of Bayan, who never looked likely to play a hand despite looking to be well-treated on his Flat form.

Moonlightnavigator was another all-the-way winner in the Class 2 handicap over a mile. Tom Hark closed nicely in fourth and has the scope to improve.

Ten-year-old Tangerine Trees made all to beat thirteen-year-old Borderlescott in the Class 2 over five. The winner likes this track and often starts his season with a roar. Robot Boy proved a tame favourite in what looked a weak race, particularly as his main danger, Blaine, tossed away his chance with an indifferent break.