July 5 – Thirsk – Zaman Jemil – 97
A typically competitive northern sprint handicap ultimately dominated by a three-year-old southern raider who, in-keeping with his yard, is striking a nice bit of form mid-season. Building nicely on his first run of the campaign, the son of Invincible Spirit stayed on powerfully in the closing stages of a well-run affair and it was a performance that bodes well for the future. Entered in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood, he will need plenty to come out in order to get a run, but he could be one to bear in mind for the consolation race run on the same day.
July 7 – Doncaster – Rogue Lightning – 98
A good set by confirmed front runners Hiya Mate and Go Freddie Go and that set things up nicely for Tom Clover’s gelding to come through strongly and claim the spoils inside the final furlong. Clocking an impressive 32.8 for the last three furlongs, his overall time figure was also in line with those numbers and with the first-time hood seemingly having the desired effect, pattern races are likely to be on his agenda for the remainder of the season.
July 7 – Sandown – Yibir – 100
Sleeping Lion ensured this two mile contest was a proper test and Charlie Appleby’s inmate proved equal to the task, staying on strongest of all in the final two furlongs to pull comfortably clear. Not quite up to the very best Group 1 stayer’s in the Ascot Gold Cup previously, this performance still proved that he still has a career in this division and one would imagine he will have a better opportunity of being competitive over this sort of trip at Goodwood and in the Irish St Leger later in the season.
July 8 – Haydock – Poptronic – 97
A well-run affair right from the start and, having raced handy throughout, Karl Burke’s filly showed admiral battling qualities to fend off the well-backed Sea Silk Road once headed inside the final furlong. On the evidence of this display, clearly a strongly run environment suits her best and she is very likely to head to the Yorkshire Oaks next in a bid to better last year’s rather disappointing effort. The runner up deserves a special mention as she did best of those held up off the pace and she appears to be going in the right direction.
July 8 – Sandown – Paddington – 106
A disappointing turnout numerically but the overall time figure suggests it was a vintage renewal fought out between two special horses. The winner remains unbeaten this season and he continues to go from strength to strength, adding this top class victory against the older horses to his glistening medals cabinet. Now he is proven beyond a mile, Aidan O’Brien’s colt has an array of options before him and it would no surprise at all if he were to end his campaign at Longchamp for the Arc with date at Goodwood in between.
July 9 – Ayr – Sparks Fly – 100
Courtesy of the exploits of Alpine Sierra, there was no hanging around for this mile contest and having travelled well throughout, David Loughnane’s gelding saw the trip out well once sent clear. Completing the six timer, he also posted his fastest time figure in the process and on the evidence of this display, he does not look finished just yet.
July 9 – Chelmsford – Democracy Dilemma – 100
There was some quality action that took place at the Essex track but pride of place figures-wise came courtesy of the final race won by David Evans’ gelding. Setting off at a true clip from the start, the son of Cotai Glory never took his foot off the gas at any stage and he eventually went even further clear in the closing stages. A testimony to the skills of his underrated handler, the busy three-year-old continues to thrive.