June 6 – Leicester – Ziryab – 99
John & Thady Gosden’s colt proved no match for stable mate Mostabshir at York previously, but he looked a totally different proposition when dominating from the front to see off some promising types inside the final two furlongs. Lengthening well all the way to the line, he left the impression there could be plenty more to come and it would be no surprise if he were to line up in the Britannia Handicap at the Royal meeting off what would appear a favourable opening mark of 88.
June 7 – Newbury – Burdett Road – 97
Disappointing on his two previous starts, a tactical switch proved very effective for Michael Bell’s inmate as he once again he can be a very useful sort when allowed to dictate from the front. The way he quickened to leave his rivals standing at the two furlong pole was impressive and he is the type to keep on thriving in similar small-field environments.
June 10 – Haydock – Regional – 103
A fairly quiet week regards top quality action, but the opening contest at the Merseyside venue produced the best performance from the last seven days and it would be no surprise if Ed Bethell’s gelding were to keep rising up the ranks in future. A good winner of a strong handicap at York previously, the son of Territories readily took the step into pattern level in his stride and his overall time figure and sectionals bear up to the closest inspection. Having proven he handles the Knavesmire, he could easily turn out to be the joker in the pack at a big price for the Nunthorpe later in the campaign.
June 11 – Beverley – Reach – 100
As expected, the Sunday Series proved to be a competitive environment, none more so than this mile handicap, and it was won in some style by a handicapper very much on the rise. Despite encountering a wide trip, she still managed to win with a bit up her sleeve and given the strength of opposition, there appears no reason why she could not follow up in due course.
June 11 – Goodwood – Thunder Blue – 96
In a season which continues to produce juvenile performances rarely seen at this time of year, this son of Blue Point added his name to an ever-growing list of very fast two-year-olds. Tracking the strong pace set by Sennockian, Dominic Ffrench Davis’ colt stayed on extremely strongly to go clear inside the final furlong and his time figure is right up there with some of the best on offer going into the Royal meeting. On a similar front, it may pay to make note of Ancient Wisdom (91), Princess Chizara (96) and Pearls And Rubies (92) all of whom ran very good numbers in races of their nature.