August 25 – Chelmsford – Wonder Elzaam – 102
A fairly low-grade week in general terms, but there were quite a few useful races on the figures nonetheless – this Class 2 handicap being a case in point. Setting off with a degree of intent, Stan Moore’s gelding went really hard through the early stages, but despite being hassled throughout, he somehow managed to maintain the gallop all the way to the line. Not for the first time the son of Elzaam excelled on an all-weather surface and he should continue to punch above his weight in future events of a similar nature.
August 25 – Newcastle – Tregony – 101
Winner of a similar event at Lingfield previously, Clive Cox’s filly once again proved that a well-run and competitive environment suits her down to the ground and in doing so, she took her all-weather record to 3-5. Clearly just as effective on a stiff track, the daughter of New Bay saw the trip out really well and although likely to creep above the 85 waterline, she still could prove a step ahead of the assessor when she bids to complete her hat trick. Of those defeated, it may pay to make a note of My Little Queens who saw little daylight at crucial stage.
August 26 – Goodwood – Vino Victrix – 100
Having knocked at the door on several occasions this term, Hughie Morrison’s gelding finally got his due rewards for his consistency and he did so in a very fast time for the grade. As is often the case, Star Calibre made sure the gallop was honest at the Sussex venue and that really suited the patiently-ridden son of Sir Percy who swooped to conqueror at the business end. Seemingly well-suited by plenty of ease underfoot, he may be one to consider for something like the Cesarewitch at Newmarket should HQ get a sufficiently wet Autumn.
August 27 – Goodwood – Hoo Ya Mal – 101
A poor turnout for a race of its stature, but nonetheless it produced a winning time worthy of note going forward. Having run well in a warm heat at the Sussex venue previously, it looked a plain case of whether George Boughey’s inmate saw out the extra two furlongs and given the way he powered clear in the closing stages, the answer was very much in the affirmative. Now St Leger bound, the son of Territories would also have to be a consideration for the Melbourne Cup should he come through his next test with flying colours.
August 27 – Beverley – Tis Marvellous – 101
Unsurprisingly, this five-furlong heat was run at a fast pace courtesy of the exploits of trail-blazer King Of Stars and that strong gallop set things up nicely for this confirmed deep-closer. Often seen to good effect at Ascot, the stiff nature of the Yorkshire venue played into the strengths of Clive Cox’s sprinter for the second season in succession and it once again proved that he is a very useful sort at this level when things pan out in his favour. Likely to head back to Ascot at some stage this season, the son of Harbour Watch is always worth consideration at his favourite track.
August 27 – Windsor – Regal Reality – 104
Just a small field assembled for this Group 3 contest but with Majestic Dawn in the line-up, the gallop was always likely to be healthy, and so it proved. Held up off the early speed, Sir Michael Stoute’s charge was produced to challenge over two out and, in seeing out the trip best of all, he gamely saw off the persistent threat posed by market leader Grocer Jack. Although rising eight, the son of Intello clearly harbours plenty of ability and it wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world if he was kept on the go while his enthusiasm shows no sign of waning.