August 23 – York – Continuous – 99
A strongly run affair courtesy of the early running made by Gregory and, having been given a perfect patient, waiting ride by Ryan Moore, Aidan O’Brien’s inmate came through from the rear of the field to swoop to conquer. A progressive type with a good attitude and plenty of stamina, the son of Heart’s Cry looks just the type to feature in the St Leger in a month’s time.
August 24 – York – Warm Heart – 100
Slightly below par on testing ground in the Irish Oaks at The Curragh previously, Aidan O’Brien’s filly was rather the forgotten horse coming into this Group 1 prize but she reminded us of all her qualities by staying on best of all off a strong gallop to add her Ribblesdale success back in June. Given her preference for decent ground, the Arc might turn out to be a bit ambitious but the Breeder’s Cup could be a better option later in the season. Despite being beaten on merit on the day, Savethelastdance came out of the race with plenty of credit on ground quicker than desired and providing she gets a bit more ease in the ground in a month’s time, she is likely to prove a contender for The St Leger.
August 25 – York – Lake Forest – 94
Coltrane (100) took the main honours on day three of the Ebor meeting but William Haggas’ colt clocked a decent time for a juvenile in the Gimcrack and he looks one to keep on side. Disappointing when a well beaten odds-on favourite at Newmarket last time out, the son of No Nay Never had questions to answer up in class but, after travelling well throughout, he responded in the manner connections would have hoped for, ultimately scoring in the style of a decent horse. Whether he ends up being a smart three-year-old only time will tell, but for now races like the Middle Park and Mill Reef hove into view and on quick ground, he is likely to be a player.
August 26 – Curragh – Opera Singer – 91
Just run out of the argument late on by A Lilac Rolla over the C&D previously, Aidan O’Brien’s filly was sent back to the Kildare venue in search of compensation and she seized the opportunity presented with both hands. Impressing with the way she travelled throughout, she also exhibited a smart turn of foot inside the final two furlongs to pull right away from her rivals and providing she continues this level of improvement, she should be tackling Group 1 company before too long.
August 26 – Windsor – Passenger – 104
On a retrieval mission after disappointing in the Derby, Sir Michael Stoute’s inmate answered his critics in the best possible fashion by lowering the colours of the well fancied West Wind Blows in a titanic dual to the line and this victory should provide him with a sound platform to build for the remainder of the campaign.