October 31 – Kempton – Belloccio – 100
The final of the middle distance series won in some style by a horse who is now the perfect 2-2 on the all-weather. Held up way off the speed while the pace-setting Nao Da Mais cut out the early running, the son of Belardo made his move rounding the home turn and with an irresistible run down the outside, he quickly assumed command. Despite being eased down close home, the four-year-old grey still had upwards of four lengths to spare over his rivals and on this evidence, he looks capable of further glory on this surface.
November 1 – Southwell – Dame Ehtal Smyth – 99
Just the four runners went to post for this novice event, but the pace was as such that it produced an amazing time figure by the winner. Waited with in the rear, she was produced with her bid for glory inside the final two furlongs and without too much fuss, she saw off her main market rival with plenty to spare. Not only was her overall number extremely hot for the grade, her final circuit time of 2.08.7 was by some way the best since the new track was laid over a year ago and even though the assessor has quite rightly tried to adjust his figures accordingly, a mark of 80 is still miles short of her true capabilities.
November 1 – Warwick – Stage Star – 65
A smart novice hurdler, even bigger things were expected of Paul Nicholls’ gelding over fences and based on this debut effort, there is every chance that will prove to be the case. Jumping well at pace, the son of Fame And Glory soon had his rivals on the stretch and he only had to be nudged out after the last to win as he liked. Having won the Challow Hurdle at Newbury last season, one would imagine connections will aim him at the Berkshire venue for a Graded race at the end of the month for his next assignment and on this evidence, it will take a good one to lower his colours.
November 4 – Down Royal – Magical Zoe – 63
A deep field was assembled for this listed mares’ contest and it produced a smart winner who, it turn, maintained her unbeaten record. Settling well towards the rear off a decent pace, the daughter of Shantou picked up nicely at the business end to claim the scalps of many with strong form and she looks the type who will continue to progress.
November 4 – Dundalk – Howyoulikethat – 96
Very rarely do you see a horse come from last to first in the home straight at the Co Lough venue, so that makes the performance of the son of Requinto’s even more special. His final split time of 33.4 was also very impressive and providing connections can find more suitable opportunities, he’s going to be a bit of a money spinner over the Winter.
November 5 – Wincanton – Knappers Hill – 73
For the second this season, Paul Nicholls’ gelding clocked a smart speed figure and this time it came at Grade 2 level. Given how the form of his Silver Trophy win had worked out subsequently, there was a feeling he might prove good enough to lower the colours of Sceau Royal and under an astute ride from Harry Cobben, that theory came to fruition. Depending on who goes where (mainly Constitution Hill), something like the Christmas Hurdle looks well within his capabilities.