28th February: Doncaster: Cardinal Walter’s hollow victory in the opening novice paid a compliment to Qewy, the horse that had produced too much pace for him at Newbury last time. However, it is complicated by the fact that the third from that run, Royal Vacation, was unable to do anything but chase home runaway winner of yesterday, Minella Rocco.

A fresh Call The Cops sluiced up in the Class 2 handicap hurdle on only his second run of the season, and could now be on course for the Pertemps at Cheltenham.

Lingfield: Newcomers Mile High (continuously chased along but spun wide on the turn) and Clarentine (bred for further and tenderly handled) showed promise on debuts behind No Delusion (last seen when chasing up Cursory Glance last May) in the Class 5 maiden.

Now with Nicky Henderson, seven-year-old Hurricane Higgins, last in action in the 2012 Cesarewitch, rolled back the years to grab the Class 2 over nearly two miles from Gold Trail.

Naming the day will not be easy but, given his current mark, it will surely come for Smoothtalkinrascal sooner rather than later. Once again he was noted steaming through the field under considerate handling after an indifferent start in the Class 2 handicap won by Boom The Groom.

26th: February: Meydan: Sadly the last Thursday fixture, leaving us with only Super Saturday (trials night) and World Cup night itself. The first two dirt handicaps (run in fast times) failed to feature possibles for either of the forthcoming meetings, although in finishing fourth to Pit Stop in the second of these, Year Of Glory did well considering he was up with a frantic pace throughout.

Winner of the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial and the Guineas itself and now on a six-timer, Local Time made no mistake in the UAE Oaks, once again accounting for Shahrasal and Runner Runner. On a quick surface and sprinting from a slow early pace, this win over an extended 1m 1f is probably as far as she cares to go.

Volatile has gradually been getting there and struck over seven in the turf handicap having always been prominent. He picked off Mastermind in the final furlong. Useful in Australia, Tashbeeh fluffed the start, had to challenge wide and although he got tired inside the last furlong, it is clear he can do better.

The imposing Pazolini, smart in the USA when racing on Lasix, was soon beaten on his debut here in the seven furlong dirt handicap. Mashaaref picked up the pieces in a race unlikely to be of help for the future.

Stepped up in class Safety Check repeated the dose in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile, completing the hat-trick from a 3lbs penalty – meaning he conceded weight to the field. Once again he travelled strongly throughout, pouncing down the straight but, although seeing out the mile, his class got him home and it appears seven is his optimum. So far he has been the star at the meeting and, assuming Godolphin don’t have a rush of blood to the head and target the Dirt Mile, with his winter campaign at an end he can return to these shores as a Group contender. Dark Emerald emphasised his toughness in second ahead of Earnshaw who ran well on his first start for eight months. Johann Strauss was on the heels of the principals and seems to be going the right way.

Relatively fresh after just the one effort when sixth to Samurai Sword three weeks ago, Flying The Flag got up in the dying strides to win the Class 1 turf handicap. Berling and Tha’ir ran to form from last time, Validus finished strongly, Belgian Bill put in his usual game effort, whilst Eye In The Sky, over a trip that chopped his speed, stayed on in dogged fashion. We may see more of this Norwegian Derby winner and if he returns to twelve furlongs over here, he is worthy of consideration in a decent event.

February 21st: Kempton: Ludlow winner Beltor was always tanking in the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile and quickened away in the style of a good horse once his jockey let him go. Nothing special on the Flat, his Ludlow form has already been franked. He will be even more effective at Cheltenham (unproven on an undulating track though so Aintree may be a better option) when a faster pace will take out some of his early fizz. In second, All Yours eventually mastered strongly fancied Bivouac (the plan to go to Aintree may now be revised), for whom there can be few excuses.

Jumping boldly and neatly over a trip that suits, Irish Saint made all in the Grade 2 Pendil, although attempting a flying leap he did almost come down at the third-last. Like so many ex-two mile hurdlers, Melodic Rendezvous is not a natural over fences. He stepped at the fifth-last, putting paid to his chance but finished very tired and probably failed to stay.

Despite a few kinks in his make-up, Days Of Heaven is talented, as he showed when readily disposing of Vago Collonges in the Grade 2 Dovecote Hurdle.

There were more casualties in the Betbright Chase than in a John Ford Western. First to exit was Tap Night, followed by Easter Day and Fox Appeal. One by one the remainder dropped off a suicidal pace set by Renard. Classy Rocky Creek was always travelling strongly and eventually asserted.

Lingfield: Intransigent was beaten by his wide draw (11 of 11) in a tight Listed stakes over six won by Rivellino. Posted wide throughout, he did eventually secure a more favourable position in the straight just as the pace quickened. He stayed on without looking likely to land a blow but should be cherry-ripe next time.

Even Ryan Moore could not cajole Grey Mirage to hit the front in the Class 2 handicap. Negating a wide draw, Moore launched Grey Mirage but he is beginning to look like a nearly horse. In the event he failed narrowly to overhaul Baddilini.

Useful and consistent Grendisar took the Listed Winter Derby Trial in a tight and rough finish. Dual winner so far this season, Lamar came again close home with the fragile Cloudscape (probably best on an artificial surface) close in third after a troubled passage. Grandeur was another to suffer from a tightening of the principals inside the last furlong but was already under pressure at the time.

19th February: Meydan: Back to turf, Caspian Prince made just about all to win a highly competitive sprint handicap from Hototo, to whom he had finished a close third on his first run at the Carnival last month. Banaadeer did much better this time than on his course debut in January to finish third ahead of Jamsie and last year’s winner Medicean Man, who, from a 3lbs higher mark, found the race beyond his grasp. For some reason connections are persevering with Fityaan over this minimum trip. Once again he was outpaced early but battled on under pressure at the finish. A winner over seven furlongs at Newmarket and by Haafhd out of a Selkirk mare, he is not sprint-bred and is capable of winning something if the dinar drops with his trainer and he gives him a chance.

Touched-off last week by Jeeraan over slightly further (9.5 furlongs), Layl was always cruising in the dirt handicap over a mile and eventually withstood the challenge of Giftorm. With the runner-up a decent fourth to Faulkner in January and the well-backed Romansh third ahead of Haateq (fifth to Frankyfourfingers in a hot event a fortnight ago) this was strong form. Edu Querido stepped up on his debut run for the season here when finishing fifth.

Back on the winning trail after two years when taking a handicap last time, Hunter’s Light doubled-up in the listed event under a confident Doyle ride. A one-time Group 1 performer, he had too much class for recent handicap winner Umgiyo, with third-placed Mr Pommeroy beaten a similar distance than when behind Vercingetorix in a Group 2 three weeks ago. Ducab (at one time the backmarker) made up a great deal of ground to finish a not knocked about fourth.

Le Bernardin and I’m Back set a solid marker in the dirt for the handicap after strong runs since the turn of the year. Storm Belt swept through the field to pass the trio in front that had gone hard from the gates. Toolain hung on for second ahead of Artigiano who, blinkered first time, lacked commitment when asked but did plug on. Le Bernardin was probably feeling the effects of a hard campaign in the desert and dropped away in fifth. I’m Back was never in the hunt. Three competitive runs round here is as much as most horses seem to be able to handle.

It was a re-run of the Cape Verdi in the Balanchine: Cladocera confirming that form with Anahita and Zurigha. It was a smooth win from a 3lbs penalty from a filly that looks to have improved from three to four.

It’s been an extraordinary Carnival for Dark Emerald who followed up his sprint victory last time after a neck second to Belgian Bill over a mile with a seven furlong success in the turf handicap. Ultra-versatile as regards trip and on the upgrade, he will face Group company if asked to race here for a fourth time. Fils Anges snatched second from Free Wheeling with poorly-treated Anaerobio a game fourth. Eastern Rules was given a mountain to climb; Music Theory travelled but failed to pick up and looks shady.

February 14th: Ascot: Impressive on debut at this course but beaten ten lengths in the Challow Hurdle, Arpege D’Alene responded from the last to poke his head in front in the Class 2 novice over the extended 2m 3f. This win provided a major boost for Parlour Games who had beaten him last time. Possibly jockeyship was decisive as Tea For Two – a winner over 2m 5f at Kempton it ought be said – landed in front after a big leap at the last but was mowed down as Sam Twiston-Davies galvanised his mount.

Dismissed as a summer horse dependent on fast ground and unlikely to stay three miles, Ansi Fideles (second to Splash Of Ginge at Cheltenham last time) popped round to land the Class 1 Reynoldstown. His jumping was sound and although receiving upwards of 7lbs from his main rivals, he was the best on the day. Deputy Dan gradually found a rhythm but a mistake four out knocked him out of kilter. He regained second over the last. Virak never looked comfortable and found little from the turn.

Carole’s Destrier made hard work of winning a weak Listed Handicap. His five opponents included an eleven, twelve and thirteen-year-old. In the end seven-year-old Clondaw Knight was second.

Unique De Cotte returned to form despite a sketchy round of jumping in the Class 2 handicap hurdle. He has plenty of substance and is the sort to make his mark over fences providing he remains sound. Padge put up an improved display over this trip in second. He settled better today and even further will suit. It is premature to write him off from his present mark.

A silly error meant Ptit Zig, who had jumped like the natural he has always looked up to that point, exited the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at the downhill. Baldur Succes splashed home and looks like he is getting better with racing and upped in trip. Ma Filleule chased him home with a decent effort. Best in the spring she looks to be coming to hand.

Thistlecrack came back from the dead to pounce from the last in the Class 2 novice hurdle. Having looked the winner approaching the last Saint Charles had no answer but still handled this rise in class. Otago Trail remains a promising sort but was beaten by his penalty and probably is not quite up to this company.

Haydock: Top Notch extended his current run to five with a bloodless victory in a sub-standard Victor Ludorum. He has already proved himself to be decent and jumped slickly and neatly. Aintree may suit better than Cheltenham but wherever he goes next he will line-up as a major contender.

Closing Ceremony busted his mark wide open with a Grade 2 win in the Rendlesham. A course specialist, he appeared to outstay last year’s winner Seeyouatmidnight who, on his first run since Aintree last season and conceding 8lbs to the winner, has done his future prospects no harm. A big horse, he appeared to blow up. It’s been a long time between drinks for At Fishers Cross (twenty-two months to be exact). That was further extended by a lack-lustre performance in third. He races and hurdles like a horse with a problem.

Lie Forrit got the better of a dour struggle with Harry The Viking in a veterans’ finish for the Grand National Trial. Monbeg Dude never stopped trying in third. Not over-big, he was always struggling with his weight of 11st 11lbs. He is better off receiving weight from better horses.

After streaking clear for an all-the-way success last week at Newbury, the whizz-bang that is Bygones Sovereign repeated the dose in the Pertemps Qualifier. Run Ructions Run (third to useful Dawalan last time) got the better of a scrap for second with Aqalim, who stills looks a shade novicey.

Definitly Red and Fletchers Flyer ground out a tough finish for the Grade 2 over three miles. Ballagh travelled as well as the front two until appearing to hit the brick wall in the straight at which time the excellent Daryl Jacob looked after him. A return to two-and-a-half in less exacting company will suit.

February 12th: Meydan: Benefitting from his first run when third to Layl, Jeeran got up in the final stride to thwart Layl on 6lbs better terms in the dirt handicap over an extended nine furlongs. Cry Joy hung on for third. After promise last time behind One Man Band, Lanark fluffed the start – something you cannot afford to do on dirt. He plugged on for fourth without looking dangerous but did stay this trip.

From a wide draw James Doyle made all the right moves on Tha’ir to win the competitive turf handicap. Berling and recent winner Belgian Bill were next ahead of a bunch that included Silent Bullet (not knocked about and a fair effort back to turf from dirt), Rock Cocktail and Pilote. There is no point in castigating Barzalona for a bad ride on well drawn Pilote. After a slow start he couldn’t wait to get him off the fence and wide, which was of no help. We know Barzalona is a poor jockey who is ill-suited to the cut-and-thrust of Meydan so that had to be built in to the horse’s chance.

With a clean break this time Dewhurst fifth Maftool (fluffed his lines at the start a month ago) avenged his defeat by Mubtaahij in the Trial in the race that mattered – the UAE 2000 Guineas. The pair was clear of Ajwad with Zephuros wasting his time in this company in fourth. There is a race to be won with him here, but his trainer is not making it easy from a handicap perspective. After a poor effort on turf last week, this dirt attempt was predictably unsuccessful for Burnt Sugar.

The Wizard that is Reynaldo belied his years and his pottery action to win again here – this time taking the Group 3 over six furlongs. Although Reynaldothewizard wins no prizes in the pre-parade, he is all heart on the track. Krypton Factor and Speed Hawk (runs dirt well) filled the places with Rafeej and Shaishee both disappointing.

Songcraft spearheaded and one-two-three for Godolphin in the turf handicap. A winner of this last year, he was always travelling ominously well. Al Saham once again did his best; Excellent Result did not find what he promised but still managed third. Teletext ran no sort of race from the get-go. Sluggish to stride he was never travelling in a race he should have had a say in considering his excellent form in France.

Out of the gates on terms Tamarkuz blitzed home in the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes on dirt over a mile. With the second-favourite (Romansh) ruled out after a hundred yards (clipped heels); Darwin and Fencing quick to cry off, and United Color apparently unable to stay, it is questionable what Tamarkuz achieved in beating Gold City and Empire Storm. However, he is a natural on this surface and although unlikely to stay the distance of the World Cup, he remains a monster over this trip and in this grade.

Limario – not far behind Variety Club in the Godolphin Mile last year – seems to have lost none of his spark with a return to form in the nine furlong turf handicap. Zahee and Elleval were where the book suggested they were entitled to be in the minors. There were several under-achievers amongst the also-rans.

February 7th: Newbury: The day started with a hot Class 3 novice hurdle. Third in an iffy Grade 2 at Haydock on his only run so far, Qewy sprinted from the last to beat some well-regarded opponents. Useful in Ireland for John Oxx last season, by Street Cry he has a turn of foot that proved crucial. Doncaster winner Cardinal Walter was the talk beforehand. Not always making an ideal shape over his hurdles, although an ex-Flat horse, he looks more of a National Hunt type than the winner. Royal Vacation ran a cracker on his first hurdles experience in third. With plenty of experience in France, penalised four-year-old Bouvereuil cruised to the leaders two out but was quickly burned off before staying on. He will do better over half-a-mile further and remains interesting if returning to handicaps over that trip from his current mark of 133.

With the Jonjo O’ Neil stable on its way back to full strength and in view of looking well treated after his run at Haydock in November, there was no denying Milan Bound’s chance in the Class 2 handicap hurdle. Beforehand – the time when betting decisions have any credence – at 6/4 Milan Bound looked short enough. To quote the song: sometimes you are the bug – sometimes the windshield. On this occasion backers were the bug. Milan Bound, only a laboured fourth in the end, had his chances squashed by all-the-way winner Bygones Sovereign who streaked clear from the start and kept going.

Attempting the ascendancy from novice company, Coneygree made all in the Denman Chase and once again put his rivals – experienced as opposed to the novices he encountered at Kempton – to a fairly sharp sword. Soon in a rhythm, athletic and nimble he is clever enough at his fences to fiddle when necessary.  In second Houblon Des Obeaux was closest to the winner all the way but was unable to raise his game. Unioniste ran in snatches to eventually take third. Once again Taquin Du Seuil looks too big and clumsy to be taken seriously over fences at this level.

Beforehand the Game Spirit looked an ideal vehicle for the return of Sire De Grugy. It looked all the more so after chief danger Mr Mole span round at the start and lost twelve lengths. We know how hard it is to come back and the signs were already evident that Sire Du Grugy was not in the rhythm of old. A mistake at the fourth-last and then an unseat at the third-last confirmed it. Meanwhile as the race fell apart Mr Mole strode on for a clear-cut success. Further drama ensued when AP McCoy announced his imminent retirement at the end of the season.

What a game this is! Down and out with Sire De Grugy, Gary Moore landed the Betfair Hurdle – not for the first time today, he had the race in safe-keeping from the front some way out. It was a rough-and-tumble affair and they finished ragged. Cheltenian was second, ahead of Ladbroke third Activial and Calipto. Jolly’s Cracked It and Arazal were two that took the eye, both finishing strongly from uncompromising positions.

In a two-horse affair, despite taking off much too early twice at the ditch in the straight and fluffing the one on the far-side, Kings Palace eventually strolled home from Vivaldi Collonges in the Class 3 novice. The next time we see him will be at Cheltenham (where he is unbeaten after two wins and has never made the semblance of a mistake).

February 5th: Meydan: Back to six furlongs after finishing second to Belgian Bill over a mile three weeks ago, Dark Emerald outstayed Sholaan and Master Of War in a highly competitive six furlong handicap over turf. An always prominent Ertijaal emphasised that sprinting is his game in fourth.

After scrambling home in the trial, Local Time improved again for a step up to a mile in the UAE 1000 Guineas to make it five from six. Confidently ridden she was not in danger from the turn. Good Place was again slow to stride but that only spared her a tussle with her runaway stable companion. Yodelling is a fine looking filly that should improve and may essentially be a turf horse. Ad Idem was attempting this trip for the first time and looked like a non-stayer.

Mastermind made all to win the Classic Trial over seven furlongs on turf. Clear and out of trouble in what looked a rough event, he held on from Volatile, who floundered on the dirt last time. Toscanelli made it a one-three for Mike De Kock with Quarterback fourth. A distant but not unpromising fourth here on dirt last time, Zephuros travelled particularly well for most of the way, staying on to finish much closer now in fifth. He may not be easy to place but would be interesting in the right race.

Second in this last year and back with a promising effort over an inadequate trip on his only outing this time round, Star Empire was a warm order in the 1m 6f handicap on turf. Now nine it has been two years since he won and a slow pace failed to help him reverse that trend. Famous Kid – second to Le Bernadin on dirt last time (form that looks increasingly solid) – was always lobbing from a wide draw and pounced for a decisive win. Ahzeemah, another unsuited by the way events panned out, was second, having been prominent throughout. Meandre – another that tends to run well here without actually winning – was third ahead of the fastest closer Mickdaam. After 124 day absence, Rio Tigre may have blown up but was not disgraced.

Last year’s World Cup winner African Story (runner-up in this to Prince Bishop last year) returned to action in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge on dirt. Although there was no fairytale comeback for the World Cup winner, Prince Bishop ran a monster race in second from a hopeless position at halfway. This was the night for jockey Barzalona, who kept it simple on Frankyfourfingers, taking up the running from a wide draw on the approach to the back and kicking on at the turn. Having run with promise when chasing home Surfer last time on his first run of the season, Franyfourfingers demonstrated improvement to hold the chasing pack. Le Bernadin, who has improved greatly since the start of the Carnival and is a natural on dirt, ran his best race in third. Illustrating the level of the winner’s progress, Surfer was fourth ahead of Haatheq.

Samurai Sword capped the night in the turf handicap. Short Squeeze rattled home late for second, ahead of Slumdogmillionaire, Magic City and Flying The Flag who took the eye when finishing wide. However this was not a race to feature well-handicapped horses so the form may not travel. Ajeeb failed to stay but was already feeling the effects of a blistering pace before that became an issue.