June 22 – Carlisle – Commonsensical – 100
A strong gallop set by Sociologist and that set things up nicely for Hugo Palmer’s gelding to come through and claim his biggest prize so far to date. Since fitted with blinkers, he seems to have raised his game to another level and while he probably isn’t the most straightforward of characters, he should continue to give a good account of himself in similar events. of those in behind, it may pay to make note of El Picador who did best of those who raced towards the slowest part of the track up the inside.
June 22 – Salisbury – Dubai Mirage – 101
Runner-up to subsequent Royal Hunt Cup hero Dark Shift previously, Saeed Bin Suroor’s gelding had intimated he was nearing fever pitch and true enough, he came good in this strongly run affair. Scrubbed along and looking in a spot of bother over two out, the son of Dubawi kept on stoutly in the closing stages to gain the day right on the line and even though he is likely to be reassessed over the 100 mark, races such as the Golden Mile at Goodwood still have to be a consideration for this likable five-year-old.
June 24 – Newcastle – City Walk – 101
A typically competitive Gosforth Park Cup won in impressive fashion by a horse who clearly has a preference for an all-weather surface. Disappointing previously on turf at Ripon, the son of Brazen Beau was well backed to make amends and off a strong gallop, he came through powerfully in the closing stages to justify his position in the market. Hopefully now connections have finally worked out that he is no good on grass and continue to map out a campaign whereby he tales on board all the best sprints available on an artificial surface. Back in pack, Count D’Orsay has to go down as a bit unlucky and he is worth keeping on side for future engagements.
June 25 – Newcastle – Sense Of Duty – 100
Carefully and expertly crafted by William Haggas, the daughter of Showcasing kept her progressive profile intact with easily her best performance so far to date and it will be interesting to see where she goes from her. Impressive on the Turf at Haydock the time before, she showed her versatility by scoring on the all-weather at her first attempt and with the time figure speaking favourably, it would come as little surprise if she were tackling Group 1 events before too long.
June 25 – Newcastle – Vulcan – 102
An outrageous time figure for the grade produced by a horse who seems to be coming of age in recent times. Often a strong traveller in his races, the fast pace that was in operation at the Gosforth Park venue clearly suited him down to the ground and once he hit the front, he left the impression he was just doing the bare minimum. Nudged up to 90 in the ratings as a result of this convincing success, Ralph Beckett’s gelding has the ability to take his game to another level.
June 25 – Windsor – My Oberon – 102
Yet another big number posted by a William Haggas’-trained performer and a personal high for a five-year-old clearly getting better with age. Looking in trouble two out as favourite Modern News kicked clear, the son of Dubawi dug deep to find the necessary turn of foot to mow down his main market rival close home and on this evidence, he now looks ready for something a bit more substantial.