September 25 – Curragh – Waterville – 97
As expected for the money on offer, a viciously-competitive staying handicap and it went the way of a horse who could easily make into a Cup horse in future. A long way behind at halfway, he still had plenty to do turning for home, but in producing a tremendous late burst of speed, Aidan O’Brien’s colt ended pulling off an unlikely victory. A slow burner this season, he is clearly getting better with time and with handicaps likely to be off the table from here on in, the son of Camelot can more than pay his way in pattern races next season.
September 27 – Ayr – Abduction – 100
There were no prisoners taken in this mile handicap and the strong gallop really suited Jim Goldie’s gelding who followed up his previous C&D win with some aplomb. The way he went through the race suggested he is a horse right on top of his game at present and with the assessor only seeing fit to raise him 6lb subsequently, there is every chance he can make it 3-3 for his new trainer next time.
September 30 – Newcastle – Ramon Di Laria – 99
Seemingly well suited by the drop back in trip, Ewan Whillans’ gelding turned out to be a totally different proposition to the one we saw at the same track previously and on the evidence of this display, further success can not be ruled out. Looking at his overall profile, you would have to say he is better suited by an all-weather surface and with plenty of opportunities for him to further bolster his win column throughout the winter, he is always one worth bearing in mind for races of this nature. Of those in behind, it may pay to take note of the well-backed Rory, who got going far too late having met trouble in running. He can make amends next time.
October 1 – Newmarket – Fonteyn – 99
In a race where several high profile names blew out big time, Kevin Ryan’s filly really came of age despite seemingly having plenty to find on form. Noted going well just in behind the early speed, the daughter of Farhh kept on incredibly bravely given many around her dropped right away and given there didn’t appear to be any fluke about the result, certainly based on the speed figure, there is every chance she will continue to thrive at the very highest level.
October 1 – Redcar – I’m A Gambler – 97
Mark Johnston’s gelding has been a real money-spinner in recent times and he totally justified connections’ decision not to go straight to the sales and take on some good quality performers at pattern level. A good winner of a tough handicap at Leopardstown previously, the chestnut carried forward that smart form into his toughest test to date and, having travelled well throughout, he fended off a series of persistent challenges in the final quarter mile. Where he goes from here is anyone’s guess, but he is likely to continue to run to a very high standard if stumps aren’t drawn for the season.
October 1 – Wolves – Strike Red – 99
Very competitive on paper beforehand and it went the way of a horse who really appreciated the strong gallop. Now 3-7 on the all-weather, there will be plenty of other opportunities for Richard Fahey’s gelding to thrive during the winter and he is worth keeping on side when a decent pace looks guaranteed.