Monday August 10th – Leicester – Enigmatic – 99
A truly extraordinary performance in every aspect and one if repeated that will surely see Joseph Parr’s gelding hard to beat again next time. Having his third run for his rookie handler, the six-year-old had plenty to do as the field turned for home at the Midland venue but a powerful surge all the way down the straight carried him past all of his 11 opponents and in the end he won with a bit to spare. Not only was the overall time off the scale, his split times inside the last four furlongs came out easily the best of the three races on the round track, and with these new-found hold-up tactics clearly seen as a much better way to utilise his strengths, a similar ride in future should reap maximum rewards.
Wednesday August 12th – Beverley – Billian – 91
Having shape well over the C&D on his debut, Bryan Smart’s colt was well-fancied to build on that initial display on his return visit to the Yorkshire venue, and despite a wide draw, he duly went two places better. Staying on strongly late on, the son of Memhas proved too good for his old rival Sound Of Dubai and in turn, he paid a huge complement to Nooran, who battered the pair on their previous encounter. Clearly useful in his own right, Billian can pay his way in better races throughout the remainder of the season.
Thursday August 13th – Salisbury – Alpinsita – 99
Sir Mark Prescott’s filly was up against two smart fillies in the shape of Award Scheme and Queen Power in this above-average listed prize but having set sound fractions throughout, she readily left her two main market rivals in her wake. Clearly enjoying the very fast ground at the Wiltshire venue, the daughter of Frankel can be backed accordingly when encountering similar conditions in future and she also looks ready for a step up in grade based on this evidence.
Saturday August 15th – Newbury – Dream Of Dreams – 100
Sir Michael Stoute’s gelding has often come up just a little short against the very best over six furlongs, but dropped slightly in grade and upped in trip, he showed in no uncertain terms what he can do when on his A-game. Always travelling well, the flashy chestnut breezed to the front going strongly three out and from that juncture it became a question of how far he would win. Time-wise, this performance was close to a personal best and it would come as no surprise if connections kept him over this seven-furlong trip for the foreseeable future.
Saturday August 15th – Newbury – Surrey Pride – 95
Hukum clocked a good time when scoring in the Group 2 at the Berkshire venue (96), but it is the performance of Joseph Tuite’s gelding on the same round track that made us stand up and take notice. Posting a similar furlong-per-furlong time as Owen Burrows’ St Leger-bound colt, the son of Lope De Vega was also identical from the four-furlong pole as his more illustrious counterpart, which strongly suggests he ran well beyond the expectations of a 79-rated handicapper. The fact that he and the runner-up, HMS President, pulled well clear of the rest lends weight to the theory it was a performance of some repute and he remains one to keep on side when encountering similar underfoot conditions in future.
Saturday August 15th – Chepstow – Sir Canford – 93
Low grade stuff, but a fair time posted by Ali Stronge’s gelding and the backend sectionals also confirm he was trapping on for a 57-rated handicapper. Clearly much improved since undergoing a recent wind-op, the son of Canford Cliffs might not be undone by the impending rise if he can back it up.