July 11 – Killarney – Didn’thavemuchtodo – 95
A shock winner at 40-1 on her previous start at Naas, Joseph O’Brien’s filly proved that victory was no fluke with a performance of even greater substance, and granted even further progress, she could easily develop into pattern race material. Clearly well suited by a well-run mile on fast ground, the daughter of Highland Reel has the scope to suggest she can scale greater heights.
July 12 – Chelmsford – Karibana – 100
A rating of this magnitude on the all-weather is a pretty rare bird, so it should pay to make note of this mile handicap at the Essex venue. Liberation Point ensured the pace was honest from six furlongs out and when he gave way inside the final furlong, it was left for Richard Hughes’ gelding to take charge. The way he strode out to the line suggested there could be even more to come and he is one to keep on side when he returns to the same C&D in future.
July 13 – Lingfield – River Of Stars – 97
Just the five runners went to post for this fillies’ novice event, but that didn’t prevent the race being run at a searching pace. The winner, who had previously chased home a useful sort in a similar contest at Newbury, was no stranger to a good gallop based on her effort at the Berkshire track and it stood her in good stead in the face of another strongly run heat. Seeing out the 1m2f trip really well, the daughter of Sea The Stars clocked a big number for a race of its kind and she now has the option to go back on the turf where no doubt pattern races are definitely under discussion by connections.
July 15 – Newbury – Perfect Alibi – 98
Having already had the form of her previous victory boosted with River Of Stars winning two days previously, William Haggas’ filly was a popular choice to repeat the dose back at the Berkshire venue and having set off with the intentions of making it a good test over the trip, she came through with flying colours. A little disappointing in between at Royal Ascot, the daughter of Le Havre was much more at home in a less competitive environment and she can continue to pay her way when racing over a galloping. left-handed track against her own sex.
July 16 – Chester – Haliphon – 102
As you would expect for the money on offer, a competitive field was assembled for this valuable apprentice handicap and it went the way of a stayer from a yard synonymous with improving horses of his profile. A far way behind with three to run, the son of Showcasing did remarkably well to run down the main players in the closing stages and given the way he hit the line, there looked to be even more to come. A previous winner at York, he might be worth considering for the Ebor later in the season.
July 16 – Newbury – Grocer Jack – 103
Well-backed on just his third start for current connections, William Haggas’ gelding turned in a spectacular display of powerful front running and he looks potentially top class. Racing with exuberance from the start, the five-year-old maintained the relentless gallop all the way to the line and although he didn’t beat a top-class field, the likes of Cadillac and Finest Sound could hardly be considered as muppets. Likely to be upped in class throughout the remainder of the season, it would not be the biggest shock in the world if this fella ended up becoming part of the conversation for the Arc.