September 6 – Goodwood – Munch – 94
A small field assembled for a pot worth 100k, but nevertheless, it’s a race worth noting for the future based on the overall time figure it produced. Fariba ensured the gallop was strong from the outset and when she gave way, it was left for David Menuisier’s filly to come through powerfully to win going away in the closing stages. Obviously, the soft underfoot conditions made it more of a test than normal. but either way, for a filly who is closely related to a 1m5f winner, it was still a fair effort by the daughter of New Bay to score over seven-furlongs. Now rated 85, she can placed to good effect in pattern company in the near future. The runner-up, Sirona, is also worth noting as she gave the impression she would be seen in abetter light on quicker ground.
September 10 – Leopardstown – Luxembourg – 96
As expected for a race of this magnitude, the gallop was honest right from the start and in the prevailing conditions, it was a test that suited the winner down to the ground. Proven on soft ground over a mile at two, Aidan O’Brien’s colt was never going to be found wanting in that department, it was just a case of whether his rather truncated preparation would prove to be his Achilles heel. As it turned out, his class probably got him home and now all roads lead to the Arc in a month’s time to see whether he round off his season in the best possible fashion.
September 11 – Doncaster – Trillium – 95
A fascinating clash on paper beforehand between two exceptionally smart fillies and it went the way of Richard Hannon’s inmate who has found her vocation over the minimum trip. Her previous victory in the Molecombe suggested she was just as good over five-furlongs than at six and she proved that in no uncertain terms on Town Moor, outstaying her main market rival in the closing stages. Entered in the Cheveley Park and Mill Reef, a return to further wouldn’t bother her in the slightest and she remains on track to be regarded as one of the best sprinters of her generation.
September 11 – Eldar Eldarov – 102
With French Claim setting off with a degree of intent, a Classic that was a true test in every sense of the word and the winner has to be rated a worthy one accordingly. Winner of the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot, stamina was never going to be an issue and with the race run as it was, it was little surprise to see him as the chief beneficiary. Likely to be kept in training, all the big Cup races should be on the agenda for him next season.
September 11 – Curragh – Kyprios – 100
Talking of Cup horses, Aidan O’Brien’s colt remains the big fish in that division this season after another commanding display in the Irish version of the St Leger. The fact that he and the runner-up pulled miles clear of the rest is an indication of his class and one would imagine it will be a similar programme to last season, beginning with the Vintage Crop in April.
September 11 – Curragh – Al Riffa – 95
While all the attention was afforded in the direction of Moyglare winner, Tahiyra, Joseph O’Brien’s colt quietly went about his business a little more under the radar, but that doesn’t mean he was any less impressive. Indeed, if you analyse the final three-furlong splits of both juvenile races, his works out just under a second better which, given the impressive manner of Dermot Weld’s filly’s win, his performance probably deserves more respect than it received on the day. A proper unit, the son of Wootton Bassett can continue to thrive with cut in the ground and he has the physique to make up into a smart three-year-old for next season.