June 1 – Ripon – Fulfilled – 102
A low grade handicap noted for its big speed figure for the grade, so it is probably wise to take a positive view until proven otherwise. The winner, having his first run of the season, was given a patient ride towards the rear and once asked to go and seal the deal late on, he duly delivered the goods. A progressive and consistent sort last season, on the evidence of this display, David Simcock’s gelding should be in for another productive campaign.
June 2 – Carlisle – Princess Karine – 101
A very strong run sprint for the grade, won in terrific style by a filly who was not winning out of turn. Placed on her four previous outings, Bryan Smart’s filly always travelled like the winner and once she quickened to assume command two furlongs out, she never looked likely to be caught. An out-and-out five furlongs sprinter who bounces off fast ground, she can continue to make hay while conditions are in her favour.
June 2 – Doncaster – Embesto – 97
Impressive both visually and on the clock when making a winning debut at Yarmouth, Roger Varian’s colt was even better on his second start, this time overcoming a pronounced track bias. Racing towards the nearside group, it was soon apparent the son of Roaring Lion was a little way off the speed, but he managed to find the pace to not only join the leaders over on the far side, he quickened again to pull clear late on. Posting another fast time figure, he easily looks up to pattern level and it would come as no surprise to see him contest something juicy at the Royal meeting.
June 2 – Epsom – Emily Upjohn – 100
A classy renewal of one of the top 1m4f Group 1’s in the calendar won in style of a mare likely to be a major player in all similar races during the rest of the campaign. Unlucky in last year’s Oaks, the daughter of Sea The Stars was ridden with a huge amount of confidence by regular pilot Frankie Dettori and, in a strongly run affair that rather fell apart towards the backend, she came through with a decisive knockout blow. Seemingly a more settled individual compared to last year, she looks the one to beat in the King George on the evidence of this top-class display.
June 3 – Doncaster – Saint George – 99
A well-contested three-year-old handicap won a decisive fashion by a horse who appreciated both the trip and turf for the first time. Off the track for 58 days following a workmanlike victory at Southwell, the son of Roaring Lion was incredibly strong in the backend of a race which was soundly run and he could easily make the step up in grade for the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot – muted to be his next objective.
June 3 – Epsom – Augustine Rodin – 101
Unlike the Oaks, this year’s renewal of the Derby was strongly run and it is safe to say we witnessed a good winner in the shape of the son of Deep Impact. A bitter disappointment in the 2000 Guineas, the jury was out somewhat as to whether he could recover sufficiently enough to beat what looked a well-contested field but, as it turned out, he totally justified all the previous hype. Lengthening all the way to the line, he gunned down the positively ridden King Of Steel and, with the pair well clear of the rest, the form looks solid. Likely to head to the Irish version, it would be a major shock to all concerned if he failed in his bid to follow up. Of the rest, a good deal of credit has to go in the direction of White Birch who was the only one of those ridden off the speed to make noticeable ground in the latter stages and he looks a prime candidate for the St Leger later in the season.
June 3 – Musselburgh – White Moonlight – 99
A well-contested fillies listed contest run at a strong gallop and the winner took advantage of a significant ease in grade. Placed in Group company over in Meydan during the winter, Saeed Bin Suroor’s filly always travelled like the most likely winner and she only had to be nudged out in the closing stages to assume command. The Duke Of Cambridge would seem the likeliest port of call following this authoritative display. Both Heredia and Lady Onyx deserves special mentions for the way performed and it should pay to take a positive view about the pair going forward.