July 27 – Doncaster – Sea Theme – 98
A competitive fillies handicap on paper beforehand but it was won in the manner of a horse who had quite a bit in hand. Settling nicely in behind the strong pace set by Shagpyle, the daughter of Sea The Stars arrived on the scene going well at the two furlong pole and from that juncture, she eased her way clear of her rivals without too much fuss. The further she went the better she looked and she could well be worth a crack at pattern company next time with York being the obvious target later this month.
July 28 – Ascot – Woolhampton – 100
Not the classiest or most competitive sprint field ever assembled at the track but in produced a smart speed figure nonetheless. The winner, positioned over towards the far side of the track, showed a useful turn of foot to get herself away from her main rivals in a short space of time and despite a late rally from Sarah’s Verse, she had enough of a buffer to maintain her advantage. Piecing together a better set of results since the headgear has been sported, Rod Millman’s filly should be capable of continuing in a similar vein.
July 28 – Thirsk – Darnation – 94
Promising on her debut at Haydock, Karl Burke’s filly was well supported to build on that initial display and as the market predicted, she duly delivered the goods. Setting off with a degree of intent, she soon established a clear advantage that she maintained all the way to the line and in doing so she ended up posting a very useful speed figure for a juvenile. Despite being by Too Darn Hot, she is clearly not short of speed and it would come as little surprise to see her have a crack at pattern company in the not too distant future.
July 28 – York – Midnight Mile – 100
A well contested fillies listed affair that went the way of horse taking advantage of a huge drop in class. Down the field in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, Richard Fahey’s inmate went through this well-run contest like a good horse and once assuming command over a furlong from home, she left the impression she was just saving a bit for herself in front. Clearly suited by 1m2f with some cut in the ground, connections will be hoping similar conditions apply at York’s Ebor festival later this month.
July 29 – Ascot – Intrinsic Bond – 101
As expected, the King George produced a smart speed figure (99), but pride of place on a classy card went the way of the concluding sprint handicap. Having his first run for Michael Wigham, the six-year-old soon established a clear advantage from his high draw and maintaining the gallop all the way to the line, he ended up winning with quite a bit to spare. Seemingly an exposed type prior to this contest, he won in the manner of a horse with a new lease of life and he could be one to bear in mind for something like the Great St Wilfred at a track where he has a particularly good record.
July 29 – Newmarket – Sharp Power – 102
A strong-looking three-year-old sprint handicap run at a sound clip and it produced one of the best speed figures of the week. Winner of his two previous contests, this was quite a step up in class for Richard Hughes’ inmate, but he proved equal to the task in lowering the colours of several well-fancied and in-form rivals. Up to a mark of 88 now, he won in the style of a horse who could easily defy another hike and you would be a brave man to bet against him completing the nap hand.