July 21 – Sandown – Dance In The Grass – 92
A competitive listed contest for fillies that produced a good winner and speed figure to boot and with the from pair well clear of the rest, it’s probably a race to treat positively going forward. For the second time in succession, the daughter of Cracksman saw the trip out well up the Sandown hill and on the evidence of both displays, she should easily get a mile in due course. Indeed, she is bred for middle distances, so hopefully she can keep developing and become a classic contender as a three-year-old.
July 22 – Down Royal – Hazy Mehmory – 98
A very strongly run maiden went the way of a filly who had shown plenty of promise in her two previous starts and she looks destined for even greater things on the evidence of this display. Having no trouble lying up with the pace, Ger Lyons’ filly picked up the running just after the two furlong pole and from that point onwards, she readily drew clear of her toiling rivals. Clocking a big speed figure, she looked every inch a pattern race filly in the making and with an extensive programme over in Ireland for the female sex, she won’t look out of place when those likely engagements come calling further down the line.
July 22 – York – International Girl – 98
Well-supported having shown signs of a return to form previously, Richard Fahey’s filly justified the market move in no uncertain terms, pulling right away from a competitive field in the closing stages to score with plenty in hand. Clearly well suited by a strongly-run six furlongs, the daughter of Camacho is worth keeping on side for when she returns to the Knavesmire for the Ebor meeting next month.
July 23 – Ascot – Pyledriver – 100
A bit of a shock result but in many ways, this race highlighted just how important tactics and how these big races are determined by how they pan out rather than pure ability. For instance, the winner was ridden aggressively and got no piece on the front end in the Coronation Stakes at Epsom and, as a result, didn’t get a chance for his strengths to be utilised. Held up on this occasion, he sat back while the likes of Broome and the crazily-ridden Westover cut each other’s throats and that enabled him to waltz his way to the front while others around him died. Two contrasting rides led to a totally different end product and is a reminder to us all that we shouldn’t always take the final result at face value.
July 23 – York – Gale Force Mayo – 100
One of the most improved a reliable mares around based on her times, Michael Dods’ inmate proved once again given a strongly run race over six furlongs and she is a match for most handicappers. Typically game in the latter stages, she fought off a series of challengers late on and this performance followed in the footsteps of her excellent effort in a Group 3 at the same track previously. Clearly a lover of the Knavesmire, expect her to be back her in August via her next assignment at listed level at Pontefract.
July 23 – Lingfield – Neandra – 97
Just an ordinary Class 4 fillies’ contest beforehand but it turned out to be quite some race on the figures. Mashkuur ensured the pace was honest right from the start and despite racing keenly through the early exchanges, Andrew Balding’s filly came through strongly at the business to win going away. Versatile regards surfaces and a strong stayer at the trip, it would come as no surprise if the daughter of Jukebox Jury ended up in something like the Melrose Handicap at York next month – a race in which her trainer has won the last two seasons.