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With plenty of interesting races at Leopardstown this afternoon I thought it a good point to start a notebook for the flat.
Forester had clearly come on for his debut over the minimum trip. He was well supported and the extra furlong made a big difference as he stretched clear inside the distance in the manner of a useful early sort. A rematch with Dawn Approach will be interesting and something like the Marble Hill on Guineas’ weekend would be a likely target for one or both.
The 2000 Guineas Trial had a disappointing turn-out but Furner’s Green was sent off a well-backed favourite. His stablemate set a gentle pace and although when the race started in earnest, he seemed to be a little caught out, he was actually struck on the head by his opponent’s whip. Once recovering he went on to assert his authority as the market suggested. The runner-up ran well enough on seasonal debut and was eased down once the race was beyond doubt, he probably wants a bit further already. The winner looks to be some way down the pecking order in the stable roll call but will probably contest one version of the Guineas somewhere.
The Heritage Stakes saw Famous Name win the race for the 3rd year in a row. His margin of victory was diminishing rapidly but the runner-up may prove himself at this level. The proximity of the 3rd puts the overall form into perspective but the winner should still prove difficult to beat at this track, distance and listed/group 3 level.
The 1000 Guineas Trial was a very steadily run affair with Homecoming Queen making all under a canny ride. In the end perhaps fitness told over Fire Lily who looked to have her measure inside the final furlong. Up ran in snatches but it is certainly possible she was unsuited by the race tempo. The winner paid a nice compliment to Twirl who had finished well in front of her last month. The runner-up may have been found out for stamina which would make her difficult to place this season.
The Ballysax saw a pleasing performance by Light Heavy, who had beaten Furner’s Green last month. He’ll probably go for one of the Derby Trials next. It is interesting to note that his dam took her races well so it could be that he will be kept busy but just how good the form remains to be seen. David Livingston gave the distinct impression of being a long way from race-fit and probably blew-up in the closing stages. The 3 O’Brien horses will have benefited from the run but it would be surprising if there are not a few better classic prospects in the yard. The runner-up will also come on for the run though looked to have been beaten on merit.
Dundalk; 13/04/2012
Ernest Hemingway:- Galileo ex Cassydora.
While it is never wise to get too carried away with a maiden win, especially on the brown sugar, he could not have been more impressive winning by an official margin of 10 lengths hard held. His dam won the Lingfield Oaks Trial and his 2nd and 3rd dams won the Lupe. He looks as though 12 furlongs will suit him well, but it will be interesting to see which trial his trainer nominates him for. Bookmaker reaction was typically cautious but I honestly cannot blame them as he is now best priced @ 25/1 for Epsom.
Nottingham 11/04/2012
A very interesting conditions race over the minimum trip saw Jonny Mudball return from injury to narrowly land this from the rank outsider Foxy Music. The winner is still very lightly raced and should pay his way this season. Tax Free ran an excellent race in 3rd conceding 7lbs to the winner, his consistency means he gets little relief from the handicapper and in conditions events he is likely to meet improving animals. He’ll probably win a race somewhere this season but chances are backing him every time he runs will cost you in the long run. Triple Aspect had been off the track after a relatively poor showing at Sandown last July. Very much a Sandown specialist with his best form in June and July, he is best left alone until he gets his optimum conditions. Dinkum Diamond finished last after getting no sort of run although underfoot conditions and his penalty made him opposable anyway. He would be a different proposition in the Palace House on faster going.
Windsor 16/04/2012.
Rosslyn Castle: Selkirk ex Margarula
While it should be remembered that Monday racing on the flat in the UK is pretty dire, Rosslyn Castle won what looked the stronger division of the maiden with some authority. He took plenty of time to hit top gear but he cleared away from the field that included some well-bred individuals with fancy entries. He has no such entries himself and he could be interesting on his handicap debut. Roger Charlton’s runners at Salisbury are often the medium of a gamble and I would not be surprised to see him sent there next. While his trainer is not looking at anything more than a handicap at this stage it is worth noting that his dam started out as a 77 rated handicapper but progressed to win the Irish Oaks. His manner of racing suggests 12 furlongs will be within his range and he should not be inconvenienced by softer going as a son of Selkirk.
Craven Meeting 18/04/2012
An interesting day’s racing but one obvious point to note was that Freemason Lodge are still a long way from hitting top gear. Whether the same malaise that affected the yard last year persists remains to be seen but until there is some evidence of horses running up to their expectations they represent very poor value.
Alex Scott Maiden:
The expected favourite Qannaas unshipped Paul Hanagan going to post and crashed through the rail. It is arguable that he should have been withdrawn but in the circumstances it is best to ignore his run, he will find a race in due course. The winner Cogito raced prominently and had already won the race well by the time the 2nd and 4th made their eye-catching late headway. A number of horses finished with good effect down the middle all afternoon so it could pay not to get too carried away with Nine Realms. Mutafaakir ran very green but finished well without being knocked about.
European Free Handicap:
Telwaar was settled in rear and quickened up past his field after receiving one reminder to win a shade more easily than the winning margin. He will be competitive at this level or possibly group 3 given similar conditions.It was far from a vintage renewal but the odds-on favourite Zumbi was disappointing, he probably needs further but he has a bit to prove now. I would give Redact another chance on better going.
Nell Gwyn Stakes:
The first 3 home were all thoroughly exposed which offers little encouragement for the future. The 4th home Starscope finished well but even with normal improvement you would think she has place prospects at best for the Guineas. Minidress fly-jumped just after the start and covered most of the heath, she did not settle that well and did not enjoy the clearest of runs. She will be of interest in an Oaks trial.
Fielden Stakes:
The race turned into a 3f sprint and although Stipulate won decisively, the fact that Mister Music was able to hold on for second helps to put the race in perspective. The leading fancies probably need further already and the way the race unfolded did not suit. That is to take nothing away from the winner who could prove more than useful with plenty of give due to his action. A dry summer will make it very difficult to find opportunities for him in this country.
Get Your Bets On Maiden:
The first and second pulled well clear of the remainder and should pay their way this season. The way Model Pupil battled back after being headed was pleasing and it would be no great surprise to see him run at Chester next time out. Shantaram came to win his race and may well have been undone by inexperience. He will be a short price next time if appearing in this grade but could be chanced at a higher level if he comes out of the race well.
The general level of performance from Brian Meehan’s runners indicates that Most Improved will take the world of beating tomorrow.
Craven Meeting day two 19/04/2012
Abernant Stakes:
Only one horse really got into the race as Mayson proved his trainer’s opinion of him by being better than a handicapper. Always prominent he showed a nice turn of foot to put daylight between himself and the rest of the field. The hold-up horses would not have been suited by the steady early pace but the winner deserves a chance at a higher level and his trainer nominated the Duke of York next month.
Craven Stakes:
Some of the interest appeared to be lost with the early morning defection of Most Improved but Trumpet Major upheld the juvenile form with an emphatic victory from his stablemate. Richard Hannon likes this race, Tirol and Dont Forget Me both ran in it before their Guineas triumphs. Ryan Moore asked the winner for his effort fully 2 furlongs out and while he took a while to assert, the way he stretched clear up the hill in a respectable time should make him a strong candidate for the first classic. The maiden winners were simply outclassed and it would be hard to see the point of any of them running in a group one at this stage. Although he was impressive, the question of jockey must be considered. It is reasonable to assume that Richard Hughes will be in the plate and I am not convinced that his style of riding will suit. If he fails to grab hold of the horse before they go into the dip, he could well be running on when it is too late. While he has clearly improved from 2 to 3, he has yet to win 2 races in a row so there is also a question about his consistency.
Earl of Sefton Stakes:
The seasonal debut of Twice Over saw him out-battled in a good finish by the race-fit Questioning. Now a veteran, he was entitled to need the race and his jockey was not overly hard on him in the finish as there are presumably bigger targets later in the season. He was always prominent and he was committed plenty soon enough but a strong ride from Buick saw him run out a winner on merit despite minor interference to the second. Beatrice Aurore ran a nice race in third and as his her trainer’s wont, she will be on her travels picking up useful prize money as a result of shrewd placement. The winner is at last beginning to fulfil his undoubted potential and his trainer has an excellent record with improving 4yo at around this distance. Twice Over may also benefit from being reunited with Ian Mongan in future engagements.
Turf TV Handicap:
A very pleasing performance saw Main Sequence retain his unbeaten record despite not having the clearest passage throughout the race. He was switched to the stands rail when faced with a wall of horses as the race began in earnest yet still managed to win a shade cosily. His Derby entry might seem a little optimistic at this stage, but he has earned the right to contest one of the trials. He has a likeable attitude and conceding 9lbs to the runner-up may well prove to have been a smart performance. Martin Chuzzlewit was a well supported 2nd favourite but looked one of the first beaten as that stable’s runners continue to cut little ice.
Rest of the card:
The Wood Ditton invariably proves to be a good source of winners, though the first half dozen stretched well clear and it paid to race up with the pace as per most of the meeting. The well-backed favourite Mukhadram may not have had as comfortable passage as the winner and will be a short price to go one better next time.
Perfect Step and Riot of Colour pulled well clear of the remainder in the fillies maiden. Anya in 4th made a highly encouraging debut. The time was very respectable and the first two could prove worth following.
Rougemont further franked the Washington Singer after Telwaar and Mister Music both ran well yesterday. Fencing makes his seasonal debut in the Greenham on Saturday but I think he may find 7f too sharp and his Derby price seems better value than his Guineas quote as I would be surprised if he has the speed required to win the Guineas.Newbury 20/04/2012
Bridget Maiden Fillies Stakes:
A very impressive performance saw Sentaril draw well away from Ensejaam who herself was well clear of the remainder. The soft ground may not make any of today’s form totally reliable once the ground is better but the winner showed an action that did not look like it would be inconvenienced by quicker going. Her dam was very speedy and her best offspring thus far, Enticing barely got the minimum trip so just how far she may be able to stay is a conundrum. If 7f proves to be her optimum trip then placing her could prove difficult until the second half of the season. The runner-up is more stoutly bred and showed plenty of promise for the future, which should be at 10f or further.
Whitley Stud Maiden Fillies (Div I):
A much stronger pace in this division of the 10f maiden saw Vow come through to win going away despite being very green in the early stages. The early pace may well have resulted in her settling better and she grew into the race the further they went. The runner-up boasted the best form going in and her experience was more than enough to cope with the rest although Devine Guest also ran well for a long way and may have tired in the testing ground. The winner earned a 20/1 quote for the Oaks but her siblings have generally needed a bit of time to fulfil their potential and the Oaks is only 6 weeks away so it may just come too soon.
Whitley Stud Maiden Fillies (Div II)
Despite her trainer’s reservations about the ground, Inchina dictated matters under the increasingly impressive James Doyle to score by half a length and a neck from 2 runners with an outing under their belt already this season. She does not hold an Oaks entry and 10f looks like it is as far as she would want to go at this stage. Red Hand looks as though she could pick up a maiden race without too much difficulty but Safarjal has a couple of full sisters who placed but were unable to win. Given that she was turned over at 4/9 last time, it may not be advisable to get involved at cramps odds. Midday’s sister Popular dropped away tamely and may have found the ground not to her liking. Caphene made some late headway and could be very interesting at 12f once she is qualified for a handicap.
Golf World Cup Stakes:
Only 4 went to post but Ektihaam proved much too good to score under a penalty by 5 lengths from Wrotham Heath. The winner had ended his juvenile campaign by finishing last in the Dewhurst. Over 3f further he looked to have progressed well over the winter and this effort certainly ought to warrant another attempt in Group company. The runner-up has a markedly high knee action and seems likely to need plenty of cut to show his best, on the face of it he might have appeared a touch disappointing but the winner is clearly above average so he may not have been disgraced.
Greenham Stakes Saturday:
The defection of Fencing (minor injury) and Top Offer (unsuitable ground) have made this trial even less meaningful than the Craven. While it is not always a negative to go to the Guineas without a prep, to miss an intended prep is another matter.
Newbury 21/04/2012
Dubai Tennis Maiden Div I
The application of a first-time hood still did not prevent Noble Mission from pulling in the early stages although as there was no initial pace he can be forgiven that on only his 2nd outing. He has the look of a colt who should stay 10f but the headgear would not make it a guarantee that he will give himself the chance to settle. While not having a pronounced soft ground action, it could well prove to be his optimum going. The way the field was strung out suggests that more than a few were being looked after.
Fred Darling Stakes
Moonstone Magic won with some authority despite only having made her debut last week on similar ground. If the inclement weather continues she would have to enter calculations for the 1000 Guineas despite her lack of experience. She would need to be supplemented but the forecast is for plenty of rain. Radio Gaga showed improved form and may well take her chance at Newmarket but I doubt she would reverse placings with the winner. Favourite Best Terms pulled hard early and was beaten a long way out. If she has trained on then her future lies at shorter trips but a swift retirement and covering would not be a huge surprise.
Greenham Stakes
Caspar Netscher is a tough and admirable performer. He is suited by flat tracks and prevailed under a strong ride from a tenderly handled Boomerang Bob, making his first appearance since early July. Running the winner in the Guineas would be an odd decision, he got very unbalanced in the Middle Park and he had a hard race here. The runner-up would be a live outsider should he line up at Newmarket although France was mooted as a possible alternative. He is likely to be sent off at inflated odds next time out.
Spring Cup
Captain Bertie gained compensation for an unlucky run last time. He did well to repel Fury who was better drawn and looked to be coming to win the race inside the final furlong. Not for the first time, the runner-up has flattered to deceive, he is either a bit of a rogue or handicapped up to the limit of his ability as he has no excuses for defeat today. He is one to avoid.
Bathwick Tyres Maiden
Minimize Risk was confidently ridden but in the end was all out to repel Uriah Heep. Synchronicity ran on well for 3rd. The runner-up showed the first ray of hope for the stable in what has been a low-key start to the campaign.
Dubai Tennis Maiden Div II
The experienced and now gelded Forest Row was followed home by 2 interesting newcomers who should end up in better company. Lucanin and Border Legend are likely to be short-priced favourites next time out. Also making significant late headway to finish an eyecatching 4th was Petaluma, she still holds engagements for the Guineas and Oaks so is clearly well thought of. She will win races and should add to her sire’s growing reputation.
Curragh 22/04/2012
Alleged Stakes:
Chrysanthemum seems to have been re-invigorated by the application of blinkers as she picked up another group 3 prize. Whether making all was the plan, she dictated matters and won quite comfortably as she fought off a strong challenge from Vivacious Vivienne inside the final furlong. The winning times was slower than the handicap later on the card so the value of the form may not be great but it further enhances Twirl’s claims for a place in the Guineas line-up (especially for those holding bets @110).
Loughbrown Stakes
Not for the first time, Aidan O’Brien won a trial with his second string although he was returned a well-supported second favourite so the result was not a shock to some people. Requisition made virtually all and was ridden without any doubts about his stamina, he is not in the Guineas so will presumably step up in trip next time in one of the Derby Trials. Nephrite travelled well into the race but found very little when asked for his effort. If he was considerably under-cooked for his seasonal debut he may yet redeem himself but he has a point to prove next time out.
Gladness Stakes
Excelebration made his debut for Aidan O’Brien with the minimum of fuss, quickening clear of his field when asked under hand riding. It was little more than an exercise canter and the time was slower than the Loughbrown so he will need to come on for the run to stand a chance in the Lockinge, even without Frankel in opposition.
Spring Cup
Captain Bertie gained compensation for an unlucky run last time. He did well to repel Fury who was better drawn and looked to be coming to win the race inside the final furlong. Not for the first time, the runner-up has flattered to deceive, he is either a bit of a rogue or handicapped up to the limit of his ability as he has no excuses for defeat today. He is one to avoid.
Avoid
Fury
at your peril Eclipse,that was no mean feat giving ‘The Captain’ a stone yesterday,it wasn’t the horses fault he got beat,in fact he stretched out well when Fallon finally got him through 3 eyes in one needle! He has ‘Cambridgeshire’ written all over him granted usual Autumnal ground and the extra furlong of a Course he excelled at when a 2yo.I’m on at 25/1 already!
Sandown 27/04/2012
The exceptionally soft going meant records were set for slowest times so the value of the form must be highly questionable.
Esher Cup:
Grey Mirage made every yard of the running from the bottom of the handicap and having looked likely to succumb approaching the distance, he showed plenty of resolution to run out a comprehensive winner. Whether he will require extreme going to show his best remains to be seen but his fitness was not in question. Graphic ran a highly promising race in 3rd, he was held up and finished best of the seasonal debutants. He could be a good type for the Britannia.
Sandown Mile:
Fitness again was the key as the first 3 home had already run this season. Penitent has been very well placed by his new trainer but will now find life exceptionally difficult with a group 2 penalty. Questioning showed more than enough to suggest a race at this level is within his capabilities but he may benefit from a step back up in trip. Famous Name is genuine but thoroughly exposed, a return to Leopardstown and group 3 level beckon. Opportunities for Dubawi Gold look scarce. He is below top class so will struggle against Frankel and Excelebration at the highest level. While he is better than this showing, he is likely to be vulnerable to improvers.
Sandown 28/04/2012
Gordon Richards Stakes:
Without television cameras and the significant sponsorship it is questionable whether the flat track would have been deemed raceable. The decision to run Twice Over must have been based on his coming out his run last week at HQ well. As it turned out, it proved he has a dislike for bottomless going, whether this run will have soured him for future engagements remains to be seen but a well-deserved retirement would not be a huge surprise. Poet set off to make it an utter stamina test and in the end he was out-stayed by Colombian who had shown form at a higher level and over further. While the winner won his maiden on good/firm, he will be better with some cut although perhaps not as deep as this. He may well be campaigned abroad as he was much of last season. Poet is thoroughly exposed and proved himself vulnerable to an improving horse at this level.
Classic Trial:
The interesting path taken by the eventual winner took in most of Esher but it paid dividends as Imperial Monarch produced a performance full of promise. His pedigree and action suggest he will be suited to better going so to win as he did marks him as potentially smart. He should certainly stay 12f on this evidence and has added another arrow to his trainer’s quiver for the classics this year. Thought Worthy also showed more than enough to suggest he has a bright future, he looked well beforehand but he may need time to blossom. The Gordon Stakes could be his sort of race. Stipulate ran no sort of race and he may have had his day in the sun last week.
Navan 29/04/2012
Salsabil Stakes:
An easy win for the sister to last year’s Derby winner at very cramped odds. The second appears to be a fairly consistent performer although she looked less happy on the surface than the winner. While we are currently experiencing a sustained period of wet weather (Epsom would probably be unraceable at this moment), there is no guarantee that there will be similar conditions in just under five weeks. Therefore her general price of 5/1 makes little appeal. She handled the undulations of Navan smoothly enough and granted her ideal conditions she should go off at a shorter price but relying on the vagaries of the English weather is never wise.
02/05/2012 Kempton
Paradise Stakes:
A very good race of its class with the first 3 home better than the average required to win this event. Sri Putra is a well-exposed performer with plenty of sound efforts to his name at the highest level. He had a tough year last year and the general expectation was that he would need the run. However his record first time out is quite respectable and he was nibbled at in the market. Whether he would beat the runner-up next time is doubtful as Saamidd was returning from a long lay-off. Frankie did not seem at pains to keep Saamidd straight and was on something of a fact-finding mission, a group 2 looks well within his ability but he may prefer to go left-handed. The strong early pace suited the first 2 home and Side Glance lost little in defeat here. He is of listed/group 3 ability and should continue to make his presence felt at that level.
Sagaro Stakes:
An impressive performance by Colour Vision who lowered the recently set course record but true run 2m flat races are a scarcity. He was heavily campaigned as a 3yo and showed considerable improvement for the step up to 2m. As a trial for the Gold Cup, the Sagaro has a dire record for winners and whether he would see the extra half mile out is by no means certain. However, Fame and Glory won a pretty ordinary renewal last year and getting him cherry ripe for the Royal meeting is no easy task, despite him having more considerably more class than anything in the division. Red Cadeaux ran a pleasing race on seasonal debut and will again be a force at 14-16f, another crack at the Melbourne Cup is his long term aim.
Pavilion Stakes:
Gusto won a shade cosily to complete a five-timer and deserves a chance at group level, the Duke of York is an obvious target. Bannock ran creditably again but he is prone to finding one too good at this level, he is better than handicap level but his win ratio is poor. He will pay his way by picking up place money this season. Burwaaz was an eyecatching 3rd but is perhaps a little frustrating. He is highly regarded and clearly capable of winning at this level and probably higher. However, he is far from straightforward and needs to concentrate better to give himself a chance of proving how good he can be.
Newmarket 05/05/2012
Suffolk Stakes:
A valuable handicap over the Cambridgeshire course and it would be no great surprise to see several of the field return for that race in the autumn on hopefully better going. Tullius was having his first run for Andrew Balding and has wintered well. He moved through to lead smoothly and had the measure of runner-up Memory Cloth as they came clear of the field on meeting the rising ground. The handicapper will probably not miss in re-assessing them but the winner has shown form on all types of going so he has the potential to improve further. Fury ran well enough but seems plenty high enough in the weights, with the ground likely to be against him in the coming months he may get some relief from the handicapper before an autumn campaign. Graphic is worth another chance dropped back down to a mile on better ground, the Britannia Handicap would be ideal.
Jockey Club Stakes:
Al Kazeem ran out a convincing winner and travelled with authority. He clearly handled the conditions well but he may not be completely ground dependent. Dunaden stayed on well for third and would be an interesting contender for the Gold Cup.
2000 Guineas:
Probably the worst conditions since High Top prevailed in 1972, so the form may not be reliable throughout the season. However, several of the contenders should acquit themselves well in the coming months. Camelot proved himself a worthy winter favourite by coming through to win narrowly from a well-touted French raiding party so that the home-trained contingent finished out of the places. Immediate reaction was to shorten Camelot for the Derby and his trainer has ear-marked that as his natural target. With the Derby Trials beginning in earnest this week, no horse will go into the Derby with stronger group one form and he will go off as a short-priced favourite. Runner-up French Fifteen also boasted group one winning form so to dismiss the race as a poor renewal is premature. Hermival finished best of those who raced on the far side, but the proximity of Coupe De Ville and Ptolemaic suggests they may have had an advantage by doing so. Trumpet Major ran up to form in fourth but the impression that the Craven was not quite good enough was confirmed. Caspar Netscher ran above my expectations but clearly did not get home, he wandered once his stamina became an issue, 6f looks his best trip although his courage and determination saw him beat several who are likely to prove themselves better on a sounder surface. Born To Sea is very much like his sire so it was no surprise to see him make little show as a 3yo in the Spring. He needs time to develop though he is probably a group2/3 level performer once he is fully furnished. Top Offer was undone by inexperience and a definite dislike of the going. His pedigree offers plenty of encouragement that he can fulfil his potential under the care of his excellent trainer. Power was immensely disappointing and was never seen with a chance.
Palace House Stakes:
Mayson is improving at an exponential rate and his performance was probably the best of the day. He will set an interesting standard in the Duke of York next week against last year’s returning stars.
Newmarket Stakes:
An awful trial run as a 2 furlong sprint and Noble Mission did well to win despite every impediment from his jockey who seemed content to let the race develop around him. He should confirm placings with Mariner’s Cross should they meet again but Michelangelo ran a fine race on debut in 3rd and would have more scope. Noble Mission is being talked down as a Derby horse and doesn’t look the handy type required to cope with Epsom, mind neither did Commander-in-Chief. It is not a good trial for the race although he may be a different proposition at the Curragh.
Newmarket 06/05/2012
1000 Guineas:
While Ballydoyle were fully expected to complete a Guineas double, the manner of victory of Homecoming Queen was that of a rapidly improved filly. The sad demise of Grey Pearl may not have helped some of the runners as a result of the lengthy delay but there can be no doubt that Homecoming Queen was a worthy winner. The time was noticeably quicker than the colts classic 24 hours beforehand and having made all, it warrants respect. The official winning margin was 9 lengths was the 2nd biggest in the race history. I was disappointed that Twirl had not been allowed to take her chance in the race and given that she finished well in front of the winner in the Park Express I can but wonder what might have been. Given the same front running tactics it would be a brave person to bet against her following up at the Curragh. Starscope ran an excellent race for one so inexperienced but had caught the eye finishing well in the Nell Gwyn. Although fitted with an array of headgear she has not displayed signs of temperament. She has scope for further improvement. Maybe lost her unbeaten record and suggestions are that she will come on for the race, if this is true then she should add further successes this season. The Fugue looked the most likely Oaks filly with a creditable 4th place over an inadequate trip. The two Godolphin fillies ran poorly although their trainer had expressed doubts about the going, they deserve another chance on a sounder surface. In truth it was a one horse race, the prevailing going and pre-race delay may make the form such as it is unreliable.
Mafki Future Stars Maiden:
A likeable performance from New Pearl who ran right through to the line. He will be suited by a step up to 6f and is a likely type for Royal Ascot.
Pretty Polly Stakes:
A race that Godolphin have often used to test the merits of a well-regarded filly or two. Kailani exhibited plenty of her dam’s class to bound clear of a reliable yardstick. While she will need to improve to enter consideration for the Oaks, she has the scope to do so. 3rd home Lacily also ran with promise although she may need more time before she can compete at a higher grade.
Chester 09/05/2012
Chester Cup:
The last minute decision to make this a flag start took away any effect the draw may have had and resulted in a thoroughly unsatisfactory race. Overturn showed his experience at the start by gaining a big advantage at the start that only his stablemate could surmount from the home turn. There were probably plenty of hard luck stories but very few horses got into the race. Co-market leader Shubaat was badly hampered by the eventual winner Ile de Re after they had barely gone half a furlong. Dominic Fox had to snatch him up to avoid going over the rails, from that point on he was never in with a chance and his run is best ignored.
Rosslyn Castle:
He confirmed the impression of his maiden win by taking the closing competitive handicap with some authority. Dropped in from his wide draw from the start, he had plenty of cover and travelled well. He could be seen making smooth headway behind the eventual 2nd Gabrial the Great as the rest of the field were hard at work. Once asked for his effort, he was soon in command and looks a colt worth following.
Bob’s World did not enjoy the greatest of passages and will be suited by a return to a more conventional track.
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