August 27 – Beverley – Pearl Eye – 101
A very strongly run race for the grade and (changing) conditions and it was yet another solid effort by Darryl Holland’s gelding who continues to thrive. Since being fitted with cheekpieces, the son of Expert Eye has managed to win twice in three starts and having shown a liking for plenty of ease underfoot, it would come as little surprise if he were to enjoy a fruitful autumn campaign.
August 27 – Goodwood – Cherry – 98
A straightforward task on paper for Ralph Beckett’s filly, but her winning speed figure suggested she ran to a very useful standard and she looks the type who could go on and compete at pattern level. That said, she does still have a mark (83) that can be exploited in handicaps, so it will be interesting to see which route connections decide to go down with this improving stayer. One to keep on side.
August 27 – Naas – Ocean Quest – 99
A useful fourth in at Group 1 level previously, this looked a good opportunity for Jessica Harrington’s filly to get back on track and true to form, she duly obliged. The way she came clear in the closing stages suggested she remains every bit as good as she did in the first part of the campaign and given plenty of ease underfoot during the autumn, she is likely to take a hand in some of the better sprint races either side of the Irish Sea.
August 28 – Ripon – Task Force – 95
Having created a favourable impression on his debut, Ralph Beckett’s colt was unsurprisingly a warm order to follow up in better company at the Yorkshire track and, having travelled well throughout, he duly justified his position in the market. Displaying a nice turn of foot at a crucial stage, he soon established a clear advantage and it came as no surprise to see his time figure back up the visual aspect of his performance. Likely to have his sights raised significantly next time, the son of Frankel can prove equal to the task. Of the rest, Seven Questions didn’t quite get the rub of the green when it mattered and he deserves to be given another chance to prove himself at this level.
August 30 – Cork – Gypsy Woman – 96
Well beaten in a big-field handicap on soft ground the time before, Ger Lyons’ filly was very much on a retrieval mission at the Mallow venue but she bounced back to form in no uncertain terms by clocking a smart time figure with an all-the-way success. Once in command, she never looked like relinquishing the lead and this performance, along with her previous victory at Roscommon, suggest a turning track over seven furlongs on good ground suit her best.
September 1 – Newcastle – Alligator Alley – 99
A typically competitive for the track and grade and it was won in the style of a horse who clearly has plenty of talent when everything falls his way. Often a smooth traveller through his races, David O’Meara’s gelding can be a hostage to fortune to how things pan out, but on this occasion, everything worked out to a nicety. Likely to go for the Portland Handicap at Doncaster next week, he surely has to be shortlist material based on his current wellbeing.
September 2 – Chester – Great Generation – 94
A smart winner on debut at Haydock, Marco Botti’s inmate was tackling a better standard of opponent on the Roodee but, as it turned out, she was even more impressive. Noted going well rounding the home bend, she exhibited a useful turn of foot to sweep by the pace setters and then once in the lead, she pulled further clear from her toiling rivals late on. Clearly going in the right direction, the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor has a very bright future.