October 10 – Wolves – Sucellus – 96
There were obviously much better races class-wise as the week progressed, but it’s one we feel deserves pointing out all the same. The winner, a little unlucky at Haydock previously, stayed on strongly in the latter stages to win going away and in doing so, he made it 2-2 at the Dunstall Park venue. Unexposed on the all-weather, the son of Dansili can continue to thrive in similar events throughout the winter months.
October 11 – Leicester – Audience – 96
A top-quality seven-furlong handicap that was won in spectacular style by a horse bouncing back from a couple of below-par efforts (gelded since) and based on the numbers he produced at the Midland venue, he could take his game to an even greater level next time. The way he bounded clear of a smart field was eye-catching to same the least and if the hood continues to make all the difference, he can make the long overdue impact in pattern company.
October 12 – Nottingham – California Gem – 95
There were two decent five-furlong sprints that took place at the Colwick Park track and the first of them came via this competitive nursery. Although only six went to post, it was run at a strong pace and the gallop clearly suited George Boughey’s filly, who came from off the speed to win going away. A creditable runner-up to the improving Amichi in a valuable sales race previously, the daughter of Cable Bay is clearly improving in a rush and she looks ready to face off against pattern company on this evidence.
October 12 – Nottingham – Fast Response – 100
Half an hour later and the older horses took centre stage over the same C&D and we witnessed another impressive winner in the shape of Karl Burke’s filly, Similarly to the previous contest, the daughter of fast Company came through strongly from the back of the field to claim the prize and with the runner-up and herself finishing well ahead of previous course winner Fantasy Master, she underlines her current wellbeing with her best speed figure so far to date. Clearly well suited by soft ground, she can continue to thrive under similar conditions.
October 13 – Chelmsford – Croupier – 99
A well-contested mile handicap run at a very strong gallop and it went the way of a horse making his debut on the all-weather. Always well positioned towards the inside rail, Simon & Ed Crisford’s gelding picked up the running going well on the run down to the final furlong and from that point onwards, the result was never in doubt. A dual winner on turf, the three-year-old now has options going forward, but on this evidence. connections may be wise to keep him to this sort of surface for the foreseeable future.
October 15 – Ascot – Kinross – 103
Trueshan posted a tremendous time figure when slogging it out in the Stayers prize, but star of the show – albeit only marginally – went to Ralph Beckett’s rapidly-improving sprinter. Seen to best effective mainly over seven-furlong in recent times, the decision to roll the dice over this shorter trip could have been viewed as a risky one beforehand, but considering the ground help make it a decent test, his ability to stay further clearly stood him in good stead. Now due to go to the Breeder’s Cup Mile, he is in the sort of form that will make him impossible to dismiss.