September 10 – Curragh – Henry Longfellow – 95
Just the four runners faced the starter for this Group 1 two-year-old contest but the Amo Racing pair ensured it was run at a sound clip and that strong pace ultimately played right into the hands of the sole Aidan O’Brien representative. Prior to City Of Troy being declared a non runner due to the changing ground conditions, the son of Dubawi wasn’t given a huge fanfare by the media but after the result, he now enters calculations for all the remaining big juvenile contests this season and into 2024. A classy colt with a likeable way of going, he has demonstrated both a willing attitude and ability to handle a variety of conditions in equal measures and he also looks like he will stay a mile standing on his head.
September 12- Leicester – Tarraff – 99
A five-race maiden heading into her first attempt in handicap company, Simon & Ed Crisford’s filly was given license to bowl along in front at the midland venue and it soon became apparent she had her four rivals under the cosh. Setting and maintaining fractions the rest couldn’t live with, she galloped on relentlessly all the way to the line and in doing so, he posted a really good time figure for the grade. Clearly at home over 1m4f on soft ground, she can continue to make hay while similar conditions stay in place during the rest of the season.
September 13 – Punchestown – Fleetfoot – 97
A strong gallop was set by Oriole and he soon had many of his rivals, including the eventual winner, on the back foot. However, Jim Bolger’s colt is nothing if not game and his persistence ultimately rewarded him with a deserved victory as he stayed on best of all to lead close home. On this evidence, even a well-run 1m1f is right down the bottom end of his stamina spectrum and he can be seen to better advantage over 1m2f and beyond during the remainder of the season.
September 14 – Doncaster – Sumo Sam – 100
Having caused a bit of shock when making all the running at Goodwood previously, the question was could the daughter of Nathaniel carry out the similar tactics at a more demanding track? After setting off as she did at the Sussex venue, she put herself in a situation where it was her race to lose turning for home and although she momentarily looked like she might relinquish her advantage, she stayed on in determined fashion inside the final furlong. Clearly a filly who enjoys a proper test, she is more likely to head to France over Arc weekend to tackle a similar contest over this trip rather than drop back to 1m4f for the Fillies And Mares at Ascot on Champions Day and looking further down the line, she could end up a contender for some the Cup races for next season when conditions are in her favour.
September 15 – Doncaster – Dancing Gemini – 97
A decent field of juveniles assembled for this listed prize and it went the way of a hugely progressive colt from a relatively small yard. Having landed a maiden the time before, Roger Teal’s inmate had to improve again to cope with several who achieved more on the bear figures, but as it turned out, he was more than equal to the task. Having raced keenly through the early stages, he was still noted going well at the two furlong pole and once asked to go and win his race from that juncture, he quickly scampered clear of his toiling rivals. Clocking one of the fastest speed figures we have awarded any juvenile this season, the son of Camelot has put himself into the conversation for some bigger targets ahead and his current quotes of 33-1 for next season’s 2000 Guineas don’t do him anywhere near justice. Rest assured, this is a top class colt in the making.
September 15 – Salisbury – Trawlerman – 100
John & Thady Gosden’s inmate hadn’t been out since disappointing out in the desert back in March but on this evidence, he has returned with every part of his game in full working order. Setting out to make it a proper test at the Wiltshire venue, he soon had his three rivals at full stretch and, in maintaining the gallop all the way to the line, he posted a number right up there with his previous best (100 when winning the Ebor). Although he handles a bit of give underfoot, his optimum conditions would be good, or good-to-firm ground, so a lot depends on what sort of autumn we get as to whether he can be a force in races such as the Long Distance Cup at Ascot.
September 15 – Doncaster – Mistressofillusion – 103
A small but keenly contested fillies’ handicap run at a very strong pace and it went the way of the supposed second of Ralph Beckett’s. Contrary to the Racing Post report, the daughter of Mastercraftsman made this a proper test from the outset and even though she looked vulnerable two out, she found plenty for pressure when required. Clearly the first time cheekpieces helped focus her mind accordingly and based on this effort she can transfer her game to pattern level before too long. Of the others, runner-up Queen Emma deserves a good deal of credit being the only one to offer any resistance to the winner from off the pace and she too has the makings of a better model than her current rating suggests.