March 20 – Taunton – Doctor Ken – 65
Olly Murphy is enjoying a bit of a golden patch at present and one of his nicer young chasers coming through is this son of Doctor Dino. Just outpointed by the useful Gold Cup Bailly at Ayr previously, the seven-year-old was a warm order to make amends and, having travelled well throughout, he never gave his supporters too many anxious moments. Seemingly relishing the new trip, he now gives connections options going forward and with his sound technique and decent cruising speed two valuable assists, he can take his game to the next level.
March 21 – Wetherby – Indeevar Bleu – 61
Well-touted beforehand, Olly Murphy’s inmate lived up to all the pre-race hype and in doing so he clocked a smart number for a bumper. The way he quickened in the closing stages also marked him down as a horse with some potential and it would come as no surprise if he were campaigned like a Graded performer next season.
March 22 – Haydock – Grey Diamond – 69
Several may have fluffed their lines in this competitive two-mile affair, One Fine man the Man culprit, but that should not detract from the overall performance of Sam Thomas’ gelding. Considered a shade unlucky not to win at Sandown the time before, the son of Gris De Gris was always in cruise control and when asked to put the race to bed in the latter stages, he didn’t disappoint. Lightly-raced of late, he looks in the sort of shape that suggests he may well turn out to be a big factor in the Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree next time, a race he was a creditable fifth two years ago.
March 25 – Newbury – Blow Your Wad – 70
A competitive contest on paper beforehand, in the end won in pretty decisive style by a young hurdler on the upgrade. Operated on for his wind after disappointing in the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle, Tom Lacey’s gelding was on a bit of a retrieval mission at the Berkshire venue and having travelled well throughout, he made up for the blip in some style. Given the way he galloped out through the line, it’s safe to say the tweak to his breathing has worked and he looks the type who should go on from this to bigger and better things – with Aintree mooted as a potential target next time.
March 25 – Kelso – Elvis Mail – 69
Racing beyond three miles for the first time, there was always a slight doubt whether Nick Alexander’s grey would stay the trip, but on the evidence of this display, he seemed to really improve for the extra distance. Noted travelling best turning for home, it was just a question of whether his stamina would hold out and not only did he answer that question in the affirmative, he actually quickened really smartly to boot. Likely to be given an entry at Aintree for one of the handicaps, the son of Great Pretender will have to be a consideration for whichever race connections choose.
March 25 – Curragh – Bucanero Fuerte – 89
The first two-year-old contest of the season produced a very taking performance by a horse well found in the market and even though it’s early days, the form looks worth following. Always going well, Adrian Murray’s colt impressed with the way he strode clear in the latter stages and not only was his overall speed figure very good, his closing sectionals were comparable to the older horse sprint won by Laugh A minute. A juvenile with plenty of size and scope, he already looks pattern-race material.