May 3rd: Newmarket: Astronereus inched out Quest For More in the Class 2 handicap over 1m 4f. The sweating runner-up’s temperament will always prove his biggest drawback. On this occasion the excellent Doyle settled him in front after he had torn into the lead and then conserved enough to have a second stab close home. Arab Dawn was close in third, posting an excellent effort on his reappearance. Watersmeet threw away his chance by swerving left after hitting the front.

As a four-year-old, Bragging has turned into a striking example of her sire Exchange Rate. Beaten by Kiyoshi at her first try at Group level last year in the Sceptre, she opened her black-type account with victory in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes. Not finely tuned, she extended generously and finished with ears pricked. She will stay further and looks set fair for a good season. Kleo ran above anything so far seen to take second (underlining the form of the Cumani stable), ahead of Belle D’or. Those with established form at this level flopped. Fintry was given an average ride by Barzalona, which did not help. Rizeena looked lack lustre.

Eastern Impact won the fiercely competitive handicap over six from Huntsmans Close in a tight finish. Zanetto shaped well with an always-prominent third, Accession was another always in the mix. Shore Step ran encouragingly. Gamesome finished nicely from out of the pack under hands and heels and looks primed for something similar in the near future.

Bogged down on her first start of the year behind Stormfly but winner of a listed last time on faster ground, Legatissimo powered up the hill to pick off Lucida in the 1000 Guineas. Stamina is her strong suit (should stay the Oaks trip but not guaranteed), something that enabled her to get on top close home. Lucida was always a fraction behind the best last year and ran with credit. Tiggy Wiggy justified the decision to run, racing freely but sensibly and plugging on when headed. Clearly a mile does stretch her. Malabar (not grown at all since last year) was a genuine fourth; Fadhayyil fifth with a front bandage flapping in the wind. Jellicle Ball – who looked very well beforehand – dropped away quickly. Terror needs to return to sprinting.

The two-year-old event developed into a rough house of an affair. Leaning across the runner-up, Zebstar bullied his rival out of it. Dheban, who is lighter and more attractive, deserves another chance. Academy House flashed home late for third, ahead of a bunch consisting of Sahreej and Carrington. Chances are this was not a race out of the top drawer.

The stable has always liked Jazzi Top and this was the day when she vindicated that opinion, winning the Pretty Polly with an injection of pace from the dip. She should not be underestimated. Zannda (form ties in with Guineas winner) could only stay on in second.

Marma’s Boy rang down the curtain on this first Classic meeting with a dour performance in the Class 3 handicap. Azraff stayed on strongly from top weight, whilst, with everything in his favour here and no obvious excuses, Muqtaser looked as if he has hit the buffers in third. Mustard came there swinging but found little when the revolver was cocked.

May 2nd: Newmarket: Only two in a field of ten were having their seasonal debuts in the opening Class 2 handicap. One of them, Top Tug, looking well but probably racing on ground that was too fast, lacked the pace to become involved. Balty Boys (doesn’t always run to form) put it all together to beat Halation and Educate.

Making the transition from handicap company, Goldream beat some proven rivals in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes. He took this in his stride and apparently the Temple is next on the agenda. Justice Day rattled home late for second, ahead of Kingsgate Native. Second to Astaire in the Abernant, Watchable (may have struggled on this quick ground) was on the retreat early. Stepper Point was another that was soon struggling.

Making a rapid move three out, Telescope went clear in the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes, looking all set to score. However, Second Step, winner of a listed at the Curragh when last seen, mowed him down under a confident ride.

Picking up where he left off last year, Gleneagles grabbed the first Classic with a smooth performance in the 2000 Guineas from Territories. Two of the principals in the Jean-Luc Lagardere last year, they carried that form with utter distinction in their second seasons The winner, who got alarmingly warm in the parade ring but cooled down later, sets a strong standard for the Irish equivalent or the St James’s Palace. Ivawood made a leap from the Greenham in third – proving he stays the trip in the process. Bossy Guest was a surprising fourth; Celestial Path boosted the already strong form of Elm Park (non-runner here) in fifth. Hail The Hero was sixth at a big price. Of the rest, Estidhkaar (probably unsuited by the ground) dropped out quickly in the closing stages and may not have stayed the extra furlong. After his Newbury maiden win, Intilaaq found this too much too soon. The striking Ol’ Man River was virtually pulled-up. This ground and the trip was against him in any case. This was a big ask for Moheet on his third run. After a slow start he found things developing too quickly but made up a lot of ground from the rear (last but one at one point). Despite rolling on ground that was too lively he finished well. He wants a couple of extra furlongs and better ground, in which case there are decent races to be won and he remains of interest.

Twilight Son, who has apparently been keeping Limato company at home, duly landed some thick wagers in the handicap over six furlongs from a mark of 83. He won with authority in the end but will be better with some juice. Desert Force faced a stiff task trying to concede 11lbs to the well-handicapped winner. Third to the impressive Salt Island at the last meeting, Magical Memory again ran into one here but still performed with credit in what looked a strong event.

Best Of Times asserted in the listed event, for which several were well-entered. This was his first real test after a couple of minor wins last year. There was a point when he looked like winning easily but he did jink on the ground and his jockey, alive to the situation, nursed him home. Connections like him and feel he will improve plenty for this. Balios was the final challenger, never quite looking likely to get there but giving it a good try. Tempus Temporis stayed on for third without posing a serious threat. Azmaam almost certainly failed to stay.

It was a rough end to the day in the Class 2 handicap: Emirates Skycargo the principal sufferer and arguably, after receiving a substantial bump and recovering manfully, an unlucky loser. All out, Mutasayyid got the better of Gibeon.