April 10 – Kempton – Prop Forward – 98
A strong-looking handicap for the grade beforehand and given the overall speed figure, no reason to believe the form will not work out accordingly. The winner, returning to action after a 251-day break, set his stall out right from the start and, in keeping on best of all late on, he repelled the attentions of Ingra Tor and Dig Two. 2-3 since gelded, Andrew Balding’s inmate seems be going the right way and if he can translate a similar level of ability back to the turf, some decent prizes could come his way. Of those in behind, Fresh deserves a special mention due to his eye-catching late progress and something like the Victoria Cup could well be on the agenda from this Ascot specialist.
April 13 – Chelmsford – Rhythm N Hooves – 95
A good winner at Newcastle previously, Archie Watson was expected to follow up without too much trouble and although he managed to achieve that feat as the market predicted, the time figure he posted suggested there was plenty of substance attached to his performance. The way he powered clear in the closing stages left the impression he could be a smart sprinter in the making and although it’s early days yet, he does have similar traits to stable mate Dragon Symbol, who ended up being a genuine Group 1 performer.
April 14 – Leicester – Maximum Impact – 93
Wide margin winners on testing ground as this time of year are usually worth treating with a small degree of caution, but in this case, Alice Haynes’ colt might be capable of bucking that trend. Well found in the marker beforehand, the son of Havana Grey travelled exuberantly through the early exchanges and when asked to stretch inside the final two furlongs, the amount he found off the bridle was impressive to say the least. Despite being heavily eased, he still managed to run a speed figure to suggest he’s very much in the Royal Ascot bracket and it will be interesting to see how his career develops.
April 14 – Aintree – Gerri Colombe – 77
Deemed by many to be an unlucky loser in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham, Gordon Elliott’s backed up that theory with a performance of some note and, as such, his future looks just as bright as it did pre-race. The way he jumped and travelled was one of a high-class stayer and he’s not short of pace either based on his backend work. Even though it’s a year away, he already looks the type who could easily make up into a Gold Cup contender and 8-1 seems more than fair considering his profile.
April 15 – Aintree – Jonbon – 83
A race that was very much one for Nicky Henderson’s inmate to lose beforehand, but even allowing for the his total dominance in the market, his performance should in no way be underestimated. Marvel De Cerisy ensured the gallop was strong from the start and that helped the son of Walk In The Park settle down into a lovely rhythm, a pattern which he maintained throughout the two mile journey. Clocking a very fast time, he usurped his previous effort when runner-up to El Fabiolo in the Arkle at Cheltenham and on this evidence, talk of him being stepped up in trip might be a bit premature.
April 15 – Yarmouth – Stone Circle – 101
Just a average 0-75 handicap on paper beforehand but it produced a speed figure way beyond its grade. In a wild finish, the winner once again proved he’s fairly useful when he gets conditions in his favour and he looks sure to pick up another race or two before the season is out. Of the rest, Spoof caught the eye with the way he finished off his race from the rear and he could be to bear in mind next time.