May 10 – Chester – Savethelastdance – 102
As far as Classic trials go, this was pretty much the perfect performance by Aidan O’Brien’s filly and even at this stage, it is hard to think of anything capable of lowering her colours if she is in the same sort of shape in a month’s time. Racing keenly in behind the solid fractions set up front, once pulled out rounding the home turn she simply took off in the hands of Ryan Moore, so much so, she managed to run the last three furlongs four second quicker than the colts’ trial won by Arrest. Based on those sectionals and overall data, she has to be rated as a filly of the very highest class and with the potential of even more to come granted a stiffer test – which Epsom provides – the daughter of Galileo has the Oaks seemingly at her mercy.
May 12 – Ascot – Orazio – 101
A good winner at Newmarket previously, Charlie Hills’ inmate was even more impressive at the Berkshire track, quickening right away in the closing stages to win in the style of a vastly improved sprinter. A smart two-year-old before receiving a setback, the son of Caravaggio appears to be right back on song and, with his ability at Ascot now confirmed, all roads will surely lead to the Wokingham Handicap at the Royal meeting.
May 12 – Chester – Metier – 102
To the naked eye, they didn’t appear to go a blistering gallop in this traditional staying contest but the overall time figure suggested otherwise, so for now, it is probably wise to take a positive view about the form. Backing up that view is the fact those up with the speed failed to see off the closers, of which the winner was one, and Harry Fry’s inmate has now bagged two big staying handicaps in the last six months. Whether he will head towards the Royal meeting for the Ascot Stakes depends entirely on the ground, but either way, he is one worth keeping on side when conditions are in his favour. Of those in behind, Law Of The Sea is one to note for the future as he didn’t get the clearest of runs in the closing stages and unlike Metier, he does have strong Ascot form courtesy of a useful effort in the Queens Vase two years ago.
May 13 – Ascot – Rebel Territory – 103
A competitive renewal of this sought-after seven-furlong handicap and it was won in pretty impressive fashion by a horse who is currently on a bit of a roll at present. Always travelling well, Amanda Perrett’s inmate stayed on incredibly strongly in the latter stages to pull four lengths clear of his nearest pursuer and with the clocking backing up the impressive nature of his success, the form should pay to follow.
May 13 – Lingfield – Sacred – 100
William Haggas’ filly has dined at the top table for most of her career, so it came as no real surprise she was able to dismiss Group 3 opposition with distain. Finding her customary turn of foot in the closing stages, she complemented her smart overall figure with a 32.8 final three furlong split and on the evidence of this display, she looks set for another fruitful campaign.
May 13 – Lingfield – Military Order – 100
Unlike the fillies’ Classic trial earlier on the card, a contest run at a sound clip and the winner put his Derby claims firmly in the shop window with an authoritative performance. Looking vulnerable over a furlong out when Waipiro drew alongside, it was good to see the son of Frankel find the necessary reserves to fend off his main rival close home and with the pair well clear, the form looks solid. Having proven he can handle the undulations of the Surrey venue, he will be better equipped than most when it comes to Epsom and, as a result, it’s hard to argue with his position in the market.