March 28th: Doncaster: Receiving what some may call an inappropriate ride for a first-time juvenile (De Sousa used his whip liberally) Ravenhoe held off the late challenge of First Bombardment (youngest in the field) in the Brocklesby. February foal General Alexander did the best work at the end to finish third and should find a small race soon.

Tullius made hard work of winning the Listed Doncaster Mile. With form at Group 1 level this represented a drop in class but he is so much better on soft ground and a drying wind was not in his favour. Glory Awaits and Sirius Prospect were the placed horses, narrowly ahead of Penitent, another that is better on an easier surface, but a horse that seems at his best at this time of year.

Held up in the face of a fierce wind, Naadirr was played late to sprint clear of Astaire in the Listed. Useful when things drop right, the winner carried a 3lb penalty. Astaire settled better today but had no answer to the winner’s burst. Money for Perfect Blessings was not unfounded as she stayed on for third and looks to have improved over the winter.

Chatez made light of joint top weight and a mark of 96 in the Spring Mile. A wind operation is cited as being a major factor in his apparent improvement. He had always been well thought of and will be even better with dig in the ground. Several arrived swinging approaching the final furlong. Second in the Cambridgeshire, Buckstay produced a satisfactory reappearance. Youartsonfire, Halation and Le Chat D’or were next to finish. It’s possible the drying ground was against the disappointing favourite Certificate.

Back to his best trip and from a reasonable mark – that of a 100 – Gabrial got the better of Mondialiste in the Lincoln. Moohaarib jinked across the course but still finished third. He may want easier ground. What About Carlo is another that will improve for better ground, Mange All was messed about but still finished strongly.

Kempton: After the Brocklesby Rah Rah made it two out of two in the juvenile department for trainer Mark Johnston when clearing away from hot favourite Anwar in the Class 4. Although outsider of the nine, a decent run from third placed Lady Nayef was not unexpected. Despite a stout pedigree she was able to lay up with the leaders and kept on. A minor event should be hers for the taking.

Third in last year’s Derby and second in the St Leger, Romsdal won the Listed Magnolia Stakes over an inadequate trip, making all. Although looking awkward on the turns (won his maiden here but best form has been on left-handed tracks), he was much too good for some serial losers. Afonso De Sousa chinned Solar Deity on the line for second. Red Galileo continues to frustrate.

Noble Gift made it an easy gallop in the Rosebery then found more when challenged by Fire Fighting close home. Rebellious Guest was third, inches ahead of an arguably unlucky Trip To Paris who could be interesting next time.  In fifth was New Year’s Night, who was the victim of a rough passage and may be better than the bare form suggests. That said this was a deeper race than the one he won last time at Lingfield.

Related won a scrappy handicap from Mishaal and Plucky Dip. All over the place early, Pearl Blue picked up in the straight and might win a little race round here next time.

The cat is now surely out of the bag with American Hope whose defeat in the conditions stakes was down to his own attitude. He pulled too hard early then failed to face the bridle. In the end he made an attempt to get to Ninjago but he is too complicated to confidently call.

Meydan: World Cup Night got off to a storming start: Tamarkuz pouncing late to land the Group 2 Godolphin Mile. That fails to tell the story. Inclined to start slowly at times, he chose the big night to revert to his worse trait but rose to the occasion with a gladiatorial effort down the straight. Ideally bred for dirt this was a performance out of the top drawer. Likewise Sloane Avenue recovered from being last at one point to stretch the winner to the limit on his first try on dirt. In third Free Wheeling was another to post a good effort. It’s a long way off but Tamarkuz would be the sort to serve it up to the Americans in a Breeders’ Cup.

Now seven, Brown Panther took the Group 2 over two miles. Never out of the first two, he quickened off the bend to out-gallop his rivals. Star Empire ran through the field for second, ahead of Ahzeemah, Havana Beat and Dubday who was noted closing all the way to the line for his Qatar connections.

They mixed it up front in the UAE Derby and whilst the front-runners traded blows Soumillon stalked them on Mubtaahij before pressing the button. This trip of approaching ten furlongs suited him ideally. Although a wide margin winner the race was run to suit. Maftool (beaten the winner in the Guineas) picked up the pieces to finish second. Japanese contender Golden Barows got very warm beforehand but kept up some sort of gallop in third.

This was the day when Sole Power finally got his head in front at Meydan. Cooley handled by Hughes, he picked off his rivals after a scorching pace in the Al Quoz. Peniaphobia (now trained in Hong Kong) was second ahead of American-trained Green Mask. This was a race for genuine Group 1 sprinters, meaning those that had been on show earlier in the Carnival were unable to strike a blow.

It was America in the Golden Shaheen: Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Spint in 2013 and runner-up last year, Secret Circle held Hong Kong-trained duo Super Jockey and Rich Tapestry. El Padrino was another Far-Eastern visitor to run well in fourth.

Considering he has a pronounced knee action and looks in need of better ground, Solow produced a sharp turn of foot to close down his rivals in the Dubai Turf. A big son of Singspiel that has excited the right people at home, he looks every inch a Group 1 contender. The Grey Gatsby stayed on for second after getting agitated at the start and having been reluctant to load. He wants further than nine furlongs these days. Mshawish nicked third ahead of Euro Charline who found herself in front from the start, which was surely not planned.

The Dubai Sheema Classic attracted a terrific line-up, worthy of any track in the world. A fine example of Azamour that has improved physically since last year (fifth in the Arc), Dolniya struck down the straight as several challenges completely collapsed. Flintshire (behind the winner last time and so often the bridesmaid) was again second. Japanese Derby winner One And Only ran on strongly for third. Designs On Rome was a laboured fourth but the early pace was slow so this does not prove conclusively he stays this trip. Main Sequence and Harp Star checked out quickly and have not run their races.

Dubai wrapped up the winter Carnival with the World Cup. It seems a long time since Cigar: this year it Prince Bishop that lit up the desert. Results in this race don’t always make perfect sense. Talented but temperamental on an artificial surface – a monkey with his own way of doing things – Prince Bishop is no more than a Group 3 performer in this country. However, brilliantly ridden by William Buick who had the whip out after two furlongs when the partnership was in danger of being tailed-off, he responded to pressure to sweep past California Chrome in the straight.

14th March: Lingfield: Back on a more suitable surface (much too soft in the Horris Hill when last seen) Lexington Times had too much kick for his rivals in the Listed over seven. Perfectly handled by Richard Hughes, he motored in the straight to gun down more fancied opponents. By Paco Boy this surface looks ideal for him. Angelic Lord was caught close home; Fanciful Angel (a fraction keen early on this his reappearance since October) was close in third and should better this next time. Fit and fancied, Four Seasons was taking a step up in class which appeared to find him out although he was not beaten far. By Dubawi (Royal Applause on the dame side) he might be better over a mile but his mark has edged to the high side.

Up to 108 after wins at Chelmsford, Wolverhampton and Kempton, Tryster settled the Group 3 Winter Derby in a matter of strides to record his biggest success. It is easy to get carried away at this stage of the season but he has a turn of foot we have yet to get to the bottom of. Grendisar and Grandeur were close for places, whilst penalised Captain Cat did not have the best of runs when on their tails. This should put him spot on for next time.

Pretend became another progressive Appleby inmate to successfully take a step up in grade in the Listed over five furlongs. Confidently ridden by the excellent Alan Kirby, second last with under two to race, he was galvanised to sweep past his rivals in a matter of strides.

New Year’s Night completed a four-timer for Godolphin in the Class 3 handicap over 1m 4f. By Raven’s Pass out of a Galileo mare, he utilised a useful flurry of speed in the last furlong to defy a mark of 85.

March 13th: Cheltenham: It was Nicky Henderson to the fore in the Triumph – his juveniles filling the first three places.  Peace And Co was always travelling and his strength proved decisive on the run-in. The overnight rain probably helped as Peace And Co reportedly has fragile feet. Top Notch jumped slickly and took the last in front, fighting back once headed. Hargam was the first of the trio to crack – this softened ground not being in his favour. Providing they come out of this okay, the second or third could gain amends at Aintree. Devilment stayed on for fourth with Adonis winner Beltor making headway from the top of the hill and after a mistake staying on for fifth. Aintree always looked a better option.

After such a huge week the Irish achieved a clean sweep in the County Hurdle. Pulled up in the Imperial Cup last Saturday, Wicklow Brave circled the field on the turn and scampered clear. This was yet another winner for the Mullins team. Progressive Sort It Out was second ahead of Quick Jack, who is well handicapped on his Cesarewitch third to Big Easy. He was always swinging and kept on up the hill. After only three hurdle runs in Ireland Max Dynamite is another Mullins inmate to have covered himself in glory in fourth, staying on strongly. Second to Kitten Rock in Ireland over hurdles and behind such luminaries as Flintshire, Intello and Ocovango in France (not beaten far it ought to be said) he looks a shrewd purchase and is a horse we may see at Aintree.

It was the Irish again in the Albert Bartlett but this time bookmakers received some respite. In a slog up the hill in rain-softened ground from which the protagonists will surely need time to recover, it was Martello Tower from Milsean and a slightly unlucky (checked on the run-in) No More Heroes. Arbre De Vie was fourth with Value At Risk best of the home team. It is inescapable to draw the conclusion that the older Irish novices are better than those on these shores.

It was a proper Gold Cup this year – dominated by an old-fashioned chaser in Coneygree who never made a semblance of a mistake as, one-by-one his precision jumping combined with a relentless pace unpicked his rivals. Landing in front over the last he began to tire as he rolled to his right, but he found reserves to hold the late thrust of Djakadam. An always prominent Road To Riches was third, playing his part in a dramatic finish. So the first novice since Captain Christy in 1974 defeated a top class field, dominated in the end by those attempting to win jumping’s most prestigious prize for the first time. Holywell was an honest fourth. Silviniaco Conti ran out of petrol at the top of the hill. He does not stay this trip. Many Clouds was simply not good enough.

So there was no AP fairytale in the Grand Annual. The meeting ended with at least four big names etched on the records – all with seemingly big futures. Douvan, Faugheen, Don Poli and Vautour were impressive in their respective events and all things being equal they will progress to scale further heights. The jury is out on Un De Sceaux. Dodging Bullets and Coneygree were excellent winners of their respective races but this year it was all about the novices.

March 12th: Cheltenham: Once again it was an Irish rout in the opening novice event – this time the JLT Novice Chase over 2m 4f. Heavily-backed Vautour – winner of last year’s Supreme Novices’ – set off in front, jumping boldly even when taken on by Irish Saint on the second circuit. With Irish Saint seen off at the top of the hill, Vautour winged the last three to give a substantial beating to decent compatriots Apache Stronghold and Valseur Lido. Afterwards an ebullient Ruby Walsh described him as a gazelle and as flawless. Beautifully put together with a smooth action for a big horse, Vautour has been given quotes for next year’s Gold Cup, meaning the Mullins’ drawing board is becoming crowded.

A fresh horse that bolted up at Doncaster twelve days ago, relishing this spring ground, Call The Cops followed up in the Pertemps Final. Once unleashed from the final flight he had too much in hand for recent Ascot scorer Unique De Cotte. Winner aside, not too many of the fancied horses got a look in. Regal Encore appeared travelling strongly at the turn but his run fizzled. Edeymi and Dawalan were scuppered by the handicapper; Big Easy was another that was soon struggling. With his Flat racing pedigree (by Raven’s Pass), Aqalim appreciated this surface to finish a running on fifth. Lightly raced, there is a race with his name on it somewhere. Brother Brian was always prominent (led at the top of the hill) but found it a long way home. He battled on from the last but could find no more, finishing sixth.

In a first-time visor, Uxizandre dominated a highly competitive Ryanair, leading throughout and gobbling up his fences with a spectacular round of jumping. Not an obvious winner beforehand, he bounced off the ground on a course he seems to like and held spring mare Ma Filleule from the last. Don Cossack forfeited his chance with a serious error late on but kept battling to take third. Under the circumstances this was a major effort. Eduard and Johns Spirit were fourth and fifth.

It was pillar-to-post once more in the World Hurdle as Cole Harden – sixteen lengths being Saphir Du Rheu last time – led from flag-fall to win only his second race of the season. Saphir Du Rheu chased valiantly from the last but the leader was not in the mood to stop. A major error three out virtually stopped the frustrating Zarkandar in his tracks but he did pick up again for third. At Fishers Cross ran his best race of the season to be close up in fourth in first time blinkers.

11th March: Cheltenham: Holding his jumping together (not always the case) an error-free Windsor Park capitalised on several mistakes from his rivals but looked the best horse anyway in the Neptune. They packed up from three out where a much too keen Beast Of Burden quickly dropped out. Mistakes from Outlander, Nicholas Canyon, and a howler at the last from Vyta Du Roc all smoothed the winner’s path. Parlour Games was best of the home team, chasing Windsor Park from the last. By Galileo out of a Mr Prospector mare, the winner is bred to win a Derby rather than next year’s Champion Hurdle. Nicholas Park, who had beaten the winner in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time, was let down by his jumping. A former useful inmate of John Gosden’s he does not look a natural, particularly on this quicker ground. Under the circumstances the almost suicidal Vyta Du Roc did well to finish fourth.

Normal local services was resumed in the RSA Chase when Willie Mullins produced dual chasing winner Don Poli to supplement a Grade 1 Leopardstown success with a sparkling display. These Irish horses may have limited experience but they have the experience in the right races and it has stood them in good stead this week. Always lobbing, Don Poli took it up from a fading Kings Palace to win with what looked like plenty left in the tank. With his pinpoint jumping accuracy The Gold Cup has to be on the agenda for next year. Southfield Theatre and Wounded Warrior were next to finish. Adriana Des Mottes travelled well for a long way but appeared to run out of gas. Not beaten far, a return to an extended two-and-a-half mile will suit her.

Albeit difficult to pronounce, ex-French novice Aux Ptits Soins is a new name on the block. He got the better of a desperate finish for the Coral Cup in his first race in this country, despite a couple of mistakes on his way round. This was some performance from a five-year-old from a mark of 139. Zabana was second ahead of Activial, who has turned in another cracking performance in his third high profile handicap of the season. This trip of three miles probably suits him best. Top weight Volnay De Thaix ran a mighty race from 158.

In the end the heart-stopper that was the Champion Chase went to Dodging Bullets. This was his third Grade 1 on the bounce after the Tingle Creek and the Clarence House. Jumping accurately in the slipstream of Special Tiara, he had to be pushed right out to beat Somersby. So as an analysis we have to come to the conclusion that, taking the place horses at face value, and allowing for the eclipse of the market-leaders, maybe this was not the strongest line-up we have seen. Yesterday’s warriors were routed. Sire De Grugy dived at a few fences and could only plug on. A sticky Sprinter Sacre has surely reached the end of the road. Backing him in this was madness.

Qualando spearheaded a one-two for Paul Nicholls in the Fred Winter. Stable mate Bouvreuil was the last challenger and once again left the impression that an extra half mile would suit.

March 10th: Cheltenham: Trick or treat time: a treat for those that held the faith with Douvan in the Supreme. A superb example, he was loping for most of the way in a frenetically run event and a big last flight leap settled matters. He looks very good. Shaneshill tried hard in second and kept on, making it a one-two for Willie Mullins. Another Irish challenger, Sizing John, behind the winner in November and a Grade 1 winner in his own right, was third in a quality renewal. L’ami Serge gave chase in fourth but on this faster ground could never land a blow. He is not in the winner’s league but can recover the thread on an easier surface.

Un De Sceaux got better as the Arkle developed. Sketchy over the first couple, he settled into a rhythm in front and burned off his pursuers with a spectacular jump at the last. God’s Own – a good horse on this quicker ground, in the spring and when he feels like it – returned to his best to chase him home. Josses Hill lurched and blundered his way round in third. Learning all the time, he has a future – probably over further – giving the impression the twists and turns of Cheltenham did not play to his strengths. Aintree would be more his cup of tea.

The Druids Nephew came from a Grade 2 hurdle – when behind Saphir Du Rheu – to winning the Grade 3 handicap chase from a mark of 146. Apparently he is Grand National bound. The well-backed Pendra travelled strongly for a long way but finished legless. It looks as if he failed to stay.

Faugheen capped an incredible treble for the Mullins yard with an all-the-way win in the Champion Hurdle, quickening off the final turn, rather as he did in the Supreme last year, when looking as if he was in trouble after a couple of indifferent jumps. Today he banished all doubts about his superiority. Arctic Fire ran a personal best to finish second with Hurricane Fly providing a one-two-three for his stable in third. There were no hard luck stories as Hurricane Fly and Jezki ran pretty much to their Irish form and The New One also ran up to form from last year when third in this race.

Although not in the manner envisaged, the Mullins bandwagon continued to roll in the Mares Hurdle when Glens Melody got up in a tight finish from Polly Peachum and Bitofapuzzle. Annie Power was surely all set to bolt up when tanking and clear at the last. Misjudging the hurdle she crashed out.

Cause Of Causes supplied another Irish winner in an incident-strewn National Hunt Chase over four miles; Irish Cavalier reversed recent places with Generous Ransom in the final handicap, the two split by Thomas Crapper.

7th: March: Sandown: They went off at Cheltenham pace for the Imperial Cup, one of the hardest renewals we have seen. A faller in the Betfair, Ebony Express sprang a surprise to hold course winner Rayvin Black, maiden hurdler Gassin Golf, and top weight Camping Ground. Thistlecrack was a close fifth, showing a gritty attitude throughout considering his limited experience. There were disappointments aplenty: Wicklow Brave didn’t want to know, neither did Arzal. West Wizard has yet to live up to his looks but is only a baby. Calipto and Bidourey (faced a task assignment for a four-year-old) were soon eating dust.

Wolverhampton: Sovereign Debt – not an easy horse to win with but one that is suited by the turns of all-weather tracks – won the fiercely competitive Listed Wilfrun Qualifier. Another that excels on these tracks Chookie Royale almost nicked the race with an injection of pace at halfway. Al Thikhira stayed on strongly to finish a never-nearer third and this should tee her up for next time.

Having beaten Sovereign Debt last time the chances of Mindurownbusiness were clear. He made the best of the opportunity with a decent win in the Lincoln Trial from a mark of 97. Clearly he is on a crest of a wave at present. Santefisio and Solar Diety rattled home late; the latter – who seems to make it up as he goes along – after a slow start.

Meydan: Super Saturday started with UAE Guineas runner-up Mubtaahij winning the Listed from Uruguayan champion Sir Fever, who, on his first start since November and in the Godolphin silks for the first time, ran respectably.

They went hard early in the six furlong sprint on dirt. On her first try at the surface the well-backed Farmah looked scratchy and faded tamely in the straight. The race favoured closers: first Speed Hawk, then Shaishee in the shadow of the post and the late closer United Color, who recovered from a slow start. The arrival of the Americans and the Far Eastern sprinters surely means the sprint form we have seen at the Carnival will be blown apart.

With World Cup Night in mind no new names emerged from the Group 3 five furlong dash on turf won by Sir Maximilian in a diving finish with Ahtoug and Caspar Netscher. Although, on his first start since May of last year, Group 1 South African winner Via Africa showed early speed and was picking them up again at the end. Versatile as regards trip (probably better at six), if he gets another chance he can better this.

It was Tamarkuz again in the Group 3 Burj Nahaar. Travelling within himself throughout he was too powerful for Gold City and Layl – these three, chased by Haatheq, were clear.

Now five and arguably an under-achiever since finishing third in the French Derby, Sky Hunter won the Group 2, his first race since Newbury in October. History dictates Sky Hunter does not stand much racing but he could be fired up for a crack at something here in the early part of the season. Sheikhzayedroad – who runs well here – chased him home with Umgiyo getting the best of a scrum for third.

Last year’s World Cup winner African Story came back to his best form on dirt to break smartly then to be steadied and grab the race halfway down the straight. Once again Doyle gave a master-class from the saddle – as did Buick on a recalcitrant Prince Bishop on whom he conjured a renewed effort to close the winner down. At least, for the first time since the untimely removal of Dettori, Godolpin find themselves with two proper jockeys. Henry Clay ran out of his skin in third. Frankyfourfingers was a spent force early in the straight.

It was further success for Godolphin when Hunter’s Light was always handy in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta on turf, kicking clear to register the three-timer. With Vercingetorix under-performing it was a walk in the park for Hunter’s Light who, at seven, is in cracking form and has come of age. Even allowing for the eclipse of Vercingetorix, this remains a mighty performance, albeit below Group 1 in this country. Trade Storm is no mug but was six lengths arrears in second and the interesting Johann Strauss was third. He can improve again over further and if given the chance over here.

6th March: Sandown: The big unit that is Lessons In Milan shrugged off a mark of 126 in the Class 3 handicap over 2m 6f. Despite a round action on drying ground that didn’t appear to suit and a couple of novicey jumps, he was too good for his rivals. He can do better on softer ground and has a bright future.