Saturday October 26th:

Newbury Racing Results Review

The two divisions of the maiden for fillies over a mile were equally hard for race readers and participants alike. Heavy overnight rain meant the ground was as soft as it could get.

The first division was dominated by two unraced fillies – Wylye, by Dalakhani, outstaying Dogaressa, who is by Mastercraftsman. According to Andrew Balding, the winner has been busy since June, which he thought was a decisive factor.

Lady Tyne was a wide margin winner of the second. After only a fair run on debut and with possibly only average fillies behind her here, it would be premature to get carried away.

The Hannon bandwagon continues to roll! With form on soft, Piping Rock – another Dubawi – quickened in the ground to win the Group 3 Horris Hill from St Cloud maiden winner Galiway, who was always being niggled but found his stride when it was all over. Day Of Conquest was third for the winning stable and a progressive Cordite a staying-on fourth.

Nichols Canyon looked all set to win the Group 3 when easing to the front two out, but on the run to the line was caught out by Cubanita’s turn of foot.

Even in these conditions, 1m 4f is probably a minimum for Nichols Canyon, who should make his mark in staying events next year.

Masterstroke and Sugar Boy again both ran as if something is amiss.

Prince Bishop was pulled-up; Model Pupil was another well in arrears.

Soft ground seems to bring out the best in Aqlaam Vision who wore down Oxsana and Dutch Romance in the Listed Radley Stakes. It was stamina-sapping stuff from a long way out.

Doncaster Racing Results Review

After an impressive debut at Goodwood, Night of Thunder maintained an unbeaten record scoring with similar authority in the listed contest. Both his wins have been on soft ground but, by Dubawi, it seems reasonable to assume he will handle a faster surface, although he may not be quite so effective. For now he looks decent after disposing of the useful Aeolus and the penalised Stubbs with the minimum of effort. He is not short of pace.

This was Aeolus’s sternest test to date and he was not disgraced in defeat. Not for the first time, Brave Boy pulled much too hard. Chances are he will be leaving Godolphin before next season.

Despite wandering, progressive Thomas Hobson defied the handicapper to win the Class 2 handicap.

Apparently he loves the soft ground which undoubtedly helped him against some leg-weary rivals.

A late thrust by Kashmir Peak just failed. Presumably he will next be seen over timber.

Highland Castle and Voodoo Prince were the only other contenders spotted near the finish. Predictably, proven soft-ground sires were responsible for the first three. Halling sired the first and third – Tiger Hill the runner-up.

Dungannon’s win in the Class 2 handicap sprint once again emphasised what a fine claimer young Oisin Murphy is.

Hawkeyethenoo and Harrison George filled the places. There will be few members of the Valbchek fan club. Although tricky, he is capable of winning a decent race, but on this evidence (outpaced early but eventually staying on), he wants further than five.

After bursting on to the two-year-old scene at Newmarket two weeks ago, Kingston Hill maintained an upward trend with another taking performance in the Group 1 Racing Post.

His biggest assets are a high cruising speed and an ability to quicken. By Mastercraftsman with stamina on the dam side, there is a slight doubt about him staying the Derby trip; if he does, he would be a serious contender. He became another big winner for the Varian yard who will start next year with a strong second-season team.

In second, Johann Strauss will surely not remain a maiden for long. Apart from the winner, he was the only one to pick up in these conditions.

On a line through Oklahoma City, Altruistic ran pretty much as the form book indicated in third.

Dolce N Karama took a giant leap from his debut at Wolverhampton to finish fourth, but on this ground his run should not be taken literally just yet.

Buonarroti made the pace and kept on when passed. Most of the rest were run ragged in the ground. Snow Sky should have handled it but probably was not good enough. Chief Barker was always struggling, Pinzolo finished legless; Century was never travelling.

October 25th:

Newbury Racing Results Review

On borderline heavy ground, it was backend juveniles to the fore on the early part of the card, starting with a Class 4 maiden won by Strait Run, whose win paid a backhanded compliment to mid-week Newmarket maiden winner Pretzel.

Flight Officer came out best of the unraced in second. With a suspect head carriage, his jockey was not shy to apply the persuader and caution is advised next time.

Canova and slow-starting Impulsive Moment both ran well enough under more conservative rides to suggest they will not be maidens for long next season.

The following maiden looked modest.

Once again Dark Leopard emphasised the mediocrity of the race he had finished second in on debut. Looking well here, he was soon beaten.

Last on debut at Kempton, Scrutiny outstayed G Force with little else worthy of a mention.

In the second division of the maiden earlier won by Strait Run, once again experience won through as Chatez, having twice finished third in moderate company at Warwick, scored a narrow victory. By Dandy Man with Tiger Hill on the distaff side and related to bumper winners, Chatez stayed well in desperate conditions.

With a proper Flat-racing pedigree (Galileo out of Party), Observational stuck to his task well on debut, posting plenty of promise. He should be shedding his maiden tag next time.

Lightly-raced Kalispell made a mockery of a mark of 75 in the fillies’ handicap. Two-year-old form when second to The Lark put in here under favourable terms and by Singspiel, she stayed the trip well and predictably handled the ground.

By the last race, the ground changed to heavy. After a promising reappearance in a better event at Ascot, Blessington was most people’s idea of the day’s good thing in an ordinary sprint handicap. Like many a so-called good thing, a price of 8/11 at the off became as big as you like within thirty seconds. Looking edgy beforehand, he appears to have bounced up to the stratosphere, trailing the field by a furlong.

October 23rd:

Newmarket Racing Results Review

Roger Varian should have a good season next year judging by the strength of the stable’s juveniles.

Pretzel became another winner for them in the class 4 maiden, beating two other high profile newcomers in Mutakayyef and Stetchworth.

New Approach was responsible for the first and third, Sea The Stars for the runner-up. It is possible that Mutakayyef (looked the greenest and least switched-on of the principals) may turn out to be the best of these in time. The signs were this was a decent enough event.

Runs behind Outstrip and Pinzolo meant form horse Sudden Wonder only had to reproduce that to edge out his three rivals in the Class 2 Houghton. Making just about all, he wound up the pace to draw right away from two ordinary rivals in Noble Metal and Cape Wrath – whose Newbury maiden win looks decidedly shaky. A taking son of New Approach, Sudden Wonder has made plenty of physical improvement since we last saw him and although his stable seems to house better and he is unlikely to win a classic, he is not a bad second-division contender to have. Correctly campaigned next year, he should win a decent event or two.

On a day for two-year-olds, Moontime, a gelding by Sea The Stars, outstayed Munjaz (form ties in with Sudden Wonder) in the Class 4 over a mile. Like many in the field, the winner looked backward so has probably done well to win. Munjaz had his chance here against rivals he had an experience advantage over and may struggle to confirm this form with several of them next year.

Third horse, Mange All – another gelding – finished strongly and should improve for the experience.

Danjeu was clueless at the start and in the race but finally picked up to show some promise. Touch The Sky, who had flagged up only a modicum of ability on debut, has run to a similar level here. He lacks substance and is already struggling to live up to a fantastic pedigree.

Kempton Racing Results Review

Marzocco made the best possible start to his career when winning the first division of what looked like an above average class 5 maiden. With an attractive American pedigree and looks to match, despite a slow start, this son of Kitten’s Joy lengthened in good style.

In second, although not disgraced at Newmarket last time,Roskilly stepped up on anything so far shown. From a decent mark – say mid-seventies – he would be of interest in an all-weather nursery.

Moonfaarid, second in a fair Newmarket maiden back in August, gave the impression he has failed to progress physically and ran accordingly in third.

Cry Joy showed promise after a slow start when staying on in fourth.

Warrior Of Light was another to take the eye in a race that should throw up a winner or two.

Again, a nice-looking field turned out for the second division; although the earlier race had a stronger look.

Billingsgate provided a shock for Godolphin having caught stablemate Pretend, who ran out of gas inside the final furlong having gone clear early in the straight.

In fact, Windsor fifth, Bury Pacer stole second in the last few strides.

Favourite Ian’s Memory, having finished fourth at Lingfield on debut, was next home.

There was a lot to like about D’avignon, a big son of Smart Strike, who was slow to stride and also out of kilter on the track. He should know more next time.

October 19th:

Ascot Racing Results Review

Champions’ Day started with the Group 3 over two miles, for which, escaping her Group 1 penalty for whatever reason, Gold Cup winner Estimate started favourite.

Although by Monsun, the ground was something of an unknown and in the event she possibly failed to handle it as well as some. She kept staying on and was only beaten three lengths or so, but this was a strong contest and it was not her day.

Royal Diamond, a tough stayer, deprived long-time leader Harris Tweed in the dying strides.

In third, Eye Of The Storm served notice that he will be back here next summer for the Gold Cup. This was a strong run from a three-year-old that has a touch of class.

Pale Mimosa stayed on from the rear for fourth.

Biographer (last turning in) was another who made up a great deal of ground in the straight to finish on the heels of the principals. This was an improvement on his Doncaster Cup run where he merely plugged on and it appears this sort of ground is what he wants.

Not many got into the Group 1 Sprint won in dogged fashion by Sole Power. Awash with sweat, he dug deep when Jack Dexter came to him, the pair ahead of Viztoria – who will surely appreciate a return to seven furlongs.

Prominent throughout, Hoof It was fourth.

Maarek chucked his chance away at the start but picked up from halfway, leaving the impression that with a clean break he may have gone close.

The so-called Champion Fillies’ went to the outsider of the field: Seal Of Approval. By Authorized, and one of the few that seriously got home, she simply outstayed her rivals in deep conditions.

Belle De Crecy has been a model of consistency all season; she proved on her first attempt at this trip that she stayed, finishing second.

Talent once again ran well, improving from the rear but she was unable to quicken in this ground.

Dalkala moved strongly throughout but, at least today, she failed to see it out. All her best form is at 1m 2f.

Taking his run in the Jacques Le Marois literally when second to Moonlight Cloud, Olympic Glory – proven in the ground – had a serious chance in the QEII. Described by connections as lazy, particularly after a lack-lustre effort in the Moulin, the application of blinkers woke him up today. Having cruised throughout, he blitzed his rivals in the last furlong. By Choisir, he stays in training next year when soft ground will be crucial; the Lockinge being an ideal early season target.

Top Notch Tonto splashed home in fine style in second, vindicating his trainer’s decision to supplement him into this elevated company.

On only his fourth outing and surely over an inadequate trip, Kingsbarns gave plenty of encouragement for next year in third. He could be a big player in something like the Eclipse next July.

Dawn Approach looked well, was once again keen without being stupid, but failed to quicken in the ground.

On unsuitable ground, Elusive Kate battled on.

Of the rest, only Gregorian ran a race.

Maxios ran poorly, taking an early tug and never threatening. Having beaten Olympic Glory in the Moulin last time, he really should have acquitted himself better, but, on balance, it seems he reserves his best for his native France.

The showpiece went to Farhh: credit where it is due to Godolphin and the excellent Saeed Bin Suroor, for whom this victory was possibly the training performance of a lifetime.

In a tight three-cornered scrap inside the last furlong, the strong-travelling Cirrus Des Aigles could not quicken past Farhh.

The Derby winner, Ruler Of The World ran a screamer in third, arguably his best of the season. Three top-class contenders did not belie the title of this event.

October 18th:

Cheltenham Racing Results Review

The Class 2 novice hurdle over 2m 5f ultimately concerned two from the big stables that had been busy over the summer. Relishing the trip, Saint Roque jumped well throughout and stayed on strongly in the face of a determined challenge after the last from Rum And Butter.

But for a jarring mistake at the second-last, Pantxoa would have gone closer in the Class 2 novice chase. As it was, he stayed on pluckily but Twirling Magnet (weighted to beat Pantxoa on last season’s form), proved too strong. On this evidence, Pantxoa is improving.

Looking fit and well, with a clear-cut form chance after a useful spell last season, Lac Fontana never really looked like an odds-on chance during the running of the Class 3 maiden hurdle. Too keen early, he was allowed to bowl but his jumping was sketchy. In the end nothing got to him but now he has won, life will become more difficult.

Hurdle debutant, Germany Calling, made a few errors but got better as the race progressed. He should be winning at somewhere like Exeter or Newton Abbot in the near future.

Amateur riders had their hour in the Class 3 handicap chase. In turn they made the usual race-riding mistakes: going at it too hard from the get-go; kicking too soon and consequently curling up on the run-in; falling off and bringing their own mounts down – you name it, they did it. All very entertaining for those in the stands; but this only serves as a reminder to think long and hard before backing anything partnered by a member of this motley crew.

Haydock Racing Results Review

Over a mile-and-a-quarter in soft ground, the maiden developed into something of a slog.

Despite drifting across to the stands’ rails, Fun Mac, third to Dullingham at Pontefract most recently, was too strong for Personal Opinion and the improved Battersea, who plugged on well enough on the back of a non-descript debut at Newmarket.

Even Ryan Moore was unable to galvanise Newmarket Warrior who, after six tries, is beginning to look disappointing.

Turned out quickly after throwing away his Newmarket maiden, the application of a hood and blinds at the stalls, suggests Baarez is a handful. Although he won his maiden (a poor affair) with ears cocked, he appeared to think it over. He looks loaded with attitude.

Not having made any noticeable physical improvement since appearing in the same Newmarket event, Tall Ship never threatened. It may have been the ground, which by this time was pretty awful.

October 12th:

Newmarket Racing Results Review

On a day that featured a strong Irish challenge throughout the card, they got off to the perfect start in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes with the well-backed Fiesolana.

Amarillo from Germany was second ahead of Libranno.

Upped in grade, Highland Colori ran as well as could be expected in fourth.

Trumpet Major was unsuited by the ground and never got competitive. His penalty is hampering him at present.

With plenty in his favour, Lockwood ran poorly but his jockey was adrift on the outside of the field, which was hardly a help.

Darwin’s absence was attributable to the change in ground.

This year’s Middle Park was a highly competitive renewal. The ground possibly played a major part in the outcome.

Gimcrack winner, Astaire made all and found extra when challenged. Now winner of four races this year, he saw out this six well, might get seven – but there has to be a doubt about the mile.

In the form of his life, Hot Streak threw down a potent challenge a furlong out, but was outstayed by the winner. This was a laudable effort after his emphatic win in the Cornwallis over five (his best trip on this evidence) last week.

Justice Day ran through beaten horses to snatch third ahead of Speedfiend with the rest in a heap.

The Irish were widely expected to win this but overnight rain was a disadvantage to both their runners. Sudirman – who wins few prizes in the paddock – was posted wide and failed to pick up in fifth.

On the face of it, Great White Eagle was a disappointment. In a fast run race, he could never go the pace and his action suggests he will always be better on a sounder surface. In addition, he apparently had a poor journey over. He may not be the great white hope, but will prove better than this in time. He probably needs further than six.

Only six turned out for a Dewhurst that looked to concern War Command and Outstrip in that order.

Unbeaten over seven, War Command was always coasting and did enough to win under considerate handling and on ground that was too dead for an offspring of the crack American stallion War Front. He will return here for the Guineas as a serious candidate, particularly on a faster surface.

Cable Bay continues to run well at this level without winning. Strict interpretation of his close proximity in second leaves War Command with something to find with the likes of Astaire. However, thought to only do enough, it would be a mistake to take that route.

Outstrip tracked the winner but failed to match his turn of foot in third. Three notable names: Toormore, Be Ready and Kingman were absent from this line-up, meaning, as yet, juvenile honours are far from settled.

An injection of prize-money resulted in a quality Cesarewitch, including the fourth from the Prix Gladiateur, Smoky Hill (looking well-treated from a mark of 91), Ebor winner, Tiger Cliff and Pallasator.

After a 66/1 winner of the race last year, Scatter Dice repeated the dose. She was hard to fancy beforehand.

Lightly-raced Waterclock stayed on well in second, old stalwart Lieutenant Miller was third.

Probably benefitting from the ground and his able rider’s claim, Chiberta King was a decent fourth.

On and off the bridle throughout, Pallasator lunged late for fifth.

Weight and the trip (takes some getting under these conditions) beat the free-running Tiger Cliff.

Smoky Hill was another that failed to stay.

This year’s Rockfel looked unsatisfactory. Yarmouth maiden winner, Al Thakhira was always travelling strongly and eventually won comfortably. She is decent – possibly no more.

In second, Blockade should not be in this league.

Valonia is a reasonable yardstick in third, making Coral Mist the winner of this.

Lightning Thunder is only small and after receiving a couple of bumps from Blockade was soon knocked out of stride. She was not travelling at the time and ran on to finish a laboured fourth. Although she did try, she has obviously had enough for the year.

The Autumn Stakes meant Oklahoma City and Pupil had to face lightly raced candidates with plenty of potential.

Among these, Kingston Hill was reported to have improved significantly since winning a Newbury maiden. Said to have worked alongside speedy York winner Mishar, he picked up Oklahoma City with some ease, looking at least useful in the process. He stayed this mile well and could be a Classic contender, although may struggle over the Derby trip.

Truth Or Dare and God Willing (ran okay but from the wrong part of the course) were next to finish.

It was a messy conclusion to the day. By now it had been firmly established that the stands’ side were advantageous, so what were those jockeys thinking when they broke away down the middle throughout the day?

Highland Knight produced a shock in a bobbing finish with Tales Of Grimm in the Group 3 with Chapter Seven third. It is hard work taking anything tangible out of this.

York Racing Results Review

Dropped by a 1lb after an excellent fifth in the Cambridgeshire, Seek Again returned to winning form in the Class 2 handicap over 1m 1f – possibly his optimum trip. By the dirt stallion Speightstown, this easier ground seemed to suit as he was always travelling well. A decent sort who has been most consistent since his delayed return in August, he now faces a further rise that will take him to a mark in the low 100’s.

Seussical, absent since June when with David Wachman in Ireland, opened his account with Luca Cumani in the competitive Class 2 handicap. By Galileo, already with decent form to his credit, he gives the impression he can progress from this. He will stay a mile-and-half and might be the sort to bag a decent prize in Meydan next March.

Area Fifty One and Strictly Silver were exposed handicappers that run up their marks in second and third.

Not far off the places, First Mohican appears to have underperformed.

Out Of Bounds became another Godolphin disappointment.

Sweeping from last to first, Mushir won the hot Listed Rockingham like a horse going places. Originally earmarked for the Middle Park and well thought of, after his narrow Kempton victory he has improved considerably to win under such circumstances. Not short of speed, more will be heard of him.

No Leaf Clover stepped up on anything so far seen in second.

Third, Brave Boy was more tractable than when last seen at Kempton. Blurred Vision and Rufford were next to finish.

After such a luckless run last week, Outer Space may have been turned out too soon. He did not look happy and faded tamely. He is worth another chance next year.

The class 3 maiden attracted two expensive debutants with tall reputations. Patentar proved the better, pushed out with hands and heels to win readily.

In contrast, Premium Pressure hung when asked to challenge. We will give his rider the benefit of the doubt and say he tried to teach the horse something by larruping him with the whip. Conversely, it may not have been the ideal introduction for a horse that cost over a quarter of a million and consequently may think twice about it next time.

October 6th:

Longchamp Racing Results Review

The first of seven Group 1 races, Maarek winning a typical cut-and-thrust l’Abbaye over the minimum (not his best trip), getting up in the dying strides to deprive Catcall – considered by the locals to have been produced too soon. On easy ground and at this time of year, Maarek is a very good sprinter; although, not for the first time, this particular event possibly lacked the quality associated with its status.

Hamza ran a personal best in third; Jwala substantiated her Nunthorpe victory with an excellent effort in fourth.

From a poor draw and considering six probably suits better,Reckless Abandon ran a major race in fifth.

Fuming after Catcall’s defeat in the first, locals were again unhappy with Mendizabal’s handling of Lesstalk In Paris in the Marcel Boussac.

Possibly trying to negate a wide draw, he seemed to ride his filly into the ground, asking her to make all on a searching surface and getting at her early in the straight. Very few lead throughout here; Lesstalk In Paris narrowly failed to become the exception but had a hard race in her attempt.

Indonesienne (second to Miss France last time so providing a major boost for her claims next year), picked up a legless Lesstalk In Paris in the last half-furlong.

Queen Catrine (mulish at the start) was a last-gasp third ahead of Royalmania (looked inconvenienced by ground, ran on well and will do better) and Stormyra.

Beaten just over three lengths, Wonderfully gives rise to any theory that, good race though this was, it is probably five pounds off top class.

The colts had their moment in the Grand Criterium.

Karakontie ground out a hard-fought victory from unbeaten Spanish colt Noozoh Canarias.

Charm Spirit was third ahead of Gimcrack runner-up Wilshire Boulevard, whose run should delight the boys from Ballydoyle. They have better at home but Wilshire Boulevard provides an excellent yardstick and, on better ground, is not far off Group 1 standard. Considering Wilshire Boulevard is probably not in the first six in the O’ Brien pecking order, this does demonstrate the strength of their team.

Barley Mow did not have the run of the race in fifth but would not have won. Even so, this was a good run and provides a big boost for Be Ready, who beat him comfortably last time and should not be underestimated in whichever target he is aimed at before the end of the season.

On a day when the quality kept coming, Tasady, behind Arc contender Treve last time, just failed to land the Prix Opera on her seventh race of the year. She has held her form remarkably well all season.

Dalkala, delivered with clinical precision by Soumillon, pounced in the final strides.

Thistle Bird was a closing third in what is her last race, setting the seal on a distinguished career.

Unbeaten Treve was simply imperious in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Sweaty and edgy beforehand, she cruised into the lead from a slow pace as it quickened. She was soon away and gone.

A fragile Orfevre, awash with sweat an hour beforehand and edgy at the start, was nursed through the race and stayed on without matching the winner’s crucial burst. Prone to burst, finishing second is a major training achievement for his Japanese trainer.

We have to conclude Intello stays this trip – at least he did today. His record speaks for itself: winner of the French Derby and not beaten far by Moonlight Cloud over a mile in the Jacques Le Marios, he is versatile as regards trip and faces a big season if kept in training next year.

In fourth, the Japanese Derby winner Kizuna confirmed superiority over the British equivalent winner Ruler Of The World.

As a confirmed stayer, Leading Light was unsuited by the slow pace; even so, he picked up strongly down the straight, running better than his finishing position suggests.

Moonlight Cloud was astounding in the Prix de la Foret! Last with less than two to race, on soft ground, she picked up to sweep past her Group 1 rivals under a brilliant ride from Thierry Janet, completing an unforgettable day for him and those that bore witness to yet another exceptional performance.

Big efforts from Gordon Lord Byron and Garswood – cementing his position as a top class contender over seven furlongs – were simply not enough to contain this wonderful mare, who is unbeaten this season.

Apparently she will have one more run, either in Hong Kong or at the Breeders’ Cup in Santa Anita, before heading for the paddocks.

A breathtaking afternoon came to its conclusion (Group-wise at least) with a strong renewal of the Prix du Cadran.

As at Chester last time, ex-Australian Tac De Boistron – now with Marco Botti – travelled ominously strongly for most of the way but probably found this marathon trip of 2m 4f a bridge too far.

Having looked all set to collect, he was unable to go on when tackled by Ascot Gold Cup fifth, the German-trained Altano.

Times Up was an honourable third and Gloomy Sunday fourth.

October 5th:

Ascot Racing Results Review

In the right place throughout, Mill Reef third Hot Streak proved an easy winner of the Group 3 Cornwallis. He did have the run of the race so this margin may be misleading.

In second, Outer Space stepped up markedly on his Sandown debut. The subject of a considerable gamble, indicating improvement was expected (stable had a line with Fast), he only found his stride when the race was all over.

He will appreciate a sixth furlong and looks potentially useful.

Kickboxer and Extortionist (surely given too much to do but would not have troubled the winner in any case) were next to finish.

Secret Number finally opened his account on turf in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge following several promising efforts this season.

It all worked for him today and he won easing up from Royal Empire (once again the penalty did for him as did the ground, but an honourable effort – will surely do well again in Meydan next year).

Gatewood (bit keen) had every chance but failed to quicken in ground that should have suited.

Newmarket Racing Results Review

The Tattersalls Millions sales races kicked off the card – fillies first with Wedding Ring prevailing in what looked the lesser event – something confirmed by the clock.

Manderley and Fashion Fund filled the places.

Night Song, a victim of an easy debut success that has failed to work out, was a long way back when changing legs in the dip before plugging on. Seven probably stretches her at this level. She ought to be marked up, although opportunities next season will be limited.

A runner last weekend when second to stablemate Geoffrey Chaucer in a Group 2, turned out again, Oklahoma City was always travelling before staying on strongly for a clear-cut success. His win further indicates the Irish juveniles may be better than the English.

Postponed snatched second ahead of Bon Voyage, Hunters Creek and Jallota. Toofi did plug on but it is entirely possible this seven stretched his stamina.

With a good pedigree (Sea The Stars), Seagull Star – who is not very big – became another debutant winner for William Haggas in the Class 4 maiden. They were a mixed bag in behind.

Now thrice-raced Rasameel was a big-priced runner-up with no obvious claims in a Newmarket maiden.

The fancied Venezia scrambled into third ahead of Johann Strauss, who filled up the plane alongside Oklahoma Star for his debut.

A very good-looking son of High Chaparral, he has a reputation for being fizzy and was ridden (some may say too much so) with a great deal of sympathy. Clearly he has ability.

Others said to be worth watching out for were Dance Of Heroes and Battersea. Both looked the part but neither showed enough on this occasion to quicken the pulse.

Longchamp Racing Results Review

It was a great day for Cirrus Des Aigles, who chalked up his third Prix Dollar win at Longchamp. Now seven, this cemented his comeback from the cold after a mixed season. He travelled superbly well throughout, supplementing a win at Maisons-Laffitte last time. His very adept trainer has produced him at the top of his game at this stage of the year but reckons he will strip fitter for his next intended start – the Champion Stakes.

Having failed to stay the 1m 4f last time, Mandour was another to return to his best in second.

Noble Mission never looked likely to win but made up plenty of ground from plum last turning in to finish fourth.

October 4th:

Ascot Racing Results Review

On rain-softened ground, Tinghir, who so far had raced over further than this trip, possibly outstayed hot favourite Modern Tutor in the classified over a mile.

Reliable yardstick Gworn was third. Born To Surprise and Emilio Largo attracted support but are essentially ‘casino’ horses, neither consenting to run to their best.

Intibaah was always in prime position in the Class 2 handicap, striking for home early and racing beyond recall inside the last furlong.

In second, on only the third race of his life, having been absent since July of last year, Blessington ran particularly well, finishing as if an extra furlong will be no problem. Breton Rock once again performed with credit, as did late-finisher Normal Equilibrium in fourth.

A thorough stayer with a soft ground action, Nichols Canyon, who ran creditably in the Queens Vase behind Leading light over this track, returned to winning form when lifting the listed event from Greatwood. He could be a player in the Cup events next year.

The unexposed Ballinderry Boy relished conditions to win the Class 3 handicap from the tough Man Of Plenty who seems suited by two miles.