September 6 – Cork – Collective Power – 98
The speedy Mount Ruapehu ensured this six-furlong handicap was run at a sound clip and, having travelled noticeably well throughout, the winner went on to score in pretty convincing fashion. Equally effective over this trip as over the minimum, Edward Lynam’s chestnut is one to keep on side for the remainder of the season and its also worth noting he goes particularly well at Dundalk for those who wish to keep him in their tracker for longer.
September 8 – Ascot – Zouzanna – 100
Well supported in the market beforehand despite being a shade disappointing previously, the daughter of Zoustar justified the confidence behind her with a performance of some note. Strong at the business end, she clocked a smart speed figure for the grade and with these conditions – seven-furlongs with a sound pace on decent ground – proving ideal, more races can go her way under similar circumstances.
September 8 – Ascot – Miss Information – 95
As you probably know, we always like to inform you of some of the better two-year-old performances when they occur and the opening contest at the Berkshire venue was one such race that may pay to follow. Although it looks exposed form at first glance with a 74-rated juvenile winning, the speed figure suggests it was a very good race for the grade and time may tell and Andrew Balding’s filly could be up for something a good deal more substantial next time. Of the rest, runner-up Seax is probably the one to take out of the race going forward and this Mill Reef entry, highly regarded by George Scott, looks a shoo-in form a novice event next time.
September 9 – Haydock – Chindit – 104
Often the bridesmaid against the very best company, Richard Hannon’s inmate was presented with a slightly easier task on paper and he duly took advantage, in turn, posting a career high figure. The way he quickened to assume command between the two and the one was too much for the rest to handle and although he idled a bit close home, he still had plenty to spare at the line. A likeable type with a good attitude to his work, he should continue to thrive if kept shy of Group 1 level.
September 9 – Kempton – Bay Bridge – 103
This appeared a golden opportunity for Sir Michael Stoute’s inmate to get back on track after a series of fine efforts against the very highest company and there wasn’t any stage when he didn’t look like delivering the goods. Pulling well clear in the closing stages, he ended up posting a time figure which suggested he had run right up to his maximum capacity and this victory now gives connections plenty to ponder for the rest of the season. Prior to this success, all his best form had been over 1m2f but maybe he needs this sort of trip to be fully effective going forward and its worth noting he is entered in the Arc later in the campaign. At 25-1 currently, there are certainly worse bets than him in the race.
September 9 – Leopardstown – Augustine Rodin – 103
Another masterclass in tactics by Ballydoyle (not sure what Jim Crowley was thinking on Alflaila to name one) and the son of Deep Impact proved once and for all, he is the best middle-distance horse of his generation. After disappointing for no apparent reason at Ascot, there had to be some sort of doubt as to whether he could recaptured his two pieces of Derby form but, having travelled sweetly throughout, he put that theory well and truly to bed. Although he won last year’s Futurity on soft ground, its worth noting his two poor runs so far this season have come with ease underfoot, so with the likelihood of testing ground come Paris in October, a trip to Santa Anita for the Breeder’s Cup seems more obvious at this stage.