July 18 – Lingfield – Queen Emma – 97
There was no hanging around in this fillies’ novice event and William Haggas’ inmate really appreciated the true test, staying on strongest of all in the closing stages to score going away. Shaping as though she would do better over further on the evidence of her two previous outings, the daughter of Saxon Warrior proved that theory to be the case in no uncertain terms and if kept on her current mark of 78, she can do some damage when sent into handicap company in due course.
July 21 – Newbury – Fox Journey – 99
A competitive handicap on paper beforehand but the market only wanted to know one horse and those who waded in at relatively short odds were handsomely rewarded. Noted going well in behind the pace three furlongs out, Sir Michael Stoute’s inmate was produced to a nicety to strike the front in the closing stages and in scoring with more in hand than the bare result suggests, he ended up posting a very good set of numbers for the grade. Still on the upgrade on the evidence of this display, he remains one to keep on side.
July 21 – Newmarket – Star Guest – 97
Not for the first time Charlie Appleby’s charge has made her way onto this column courtesy of a smart set of figures and she looks to be a filly still on the upgrade. Similar to here previous win over the C&D, she travelled noticeably well at the head of affairs before finding a useful turn of foot and it surely will not to be too long before she steps foot into pattern company.
July 22 – Curragh – Savethelastdance – 98
Despite finishing an honourable runner-up in the Oaks, Aidan O’Brien’s filly left the impression she was nowhere near the same horse we saw capture the Chester Oaks the time before but under more favourable conditions, she was able to show her true worth. Seemingly struggling just over two furlongs out, she stayed on in very game fashion to lead close home and it was a case of the further she went, the better she looked. With that in mind, something like the St Leger must surely be on the agenda for the daughter of Galileo and if she does get her favoured soft ground on the day, she is likely to be one of the main players.
July 22 – Newbury – Relief Rally – 93
Unluckily denied on the bob in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot. William Haggas’ filly was a warm order to atone for that agonising defeat a month ago and she duly obliged in pretty impressive fashion. Quickening up very smartly in the closing stages, she easily picked up the front running Dapperling, who was positioned more favourably over on the far side and in doing so, she clocked a useful over speed figure. Clearly a juvenile thriving on her racing based on her performance at the Berkshire venue, a return to black type events can yield even further success.