May 28 – Tipperary – Truly Enchanting – 75
Relatively easy to back beforehand, Aidan O’Brien’s filly dispelled the negative vibes with a performance of some note and she looks a useful addition to the Ballydoyle two-year-old ranks. A little outpaced at halfway in a race run at a strong gallop, the daughter of No Nay Never soon worked herself back into the contest and once getting her head in front inside the final furlong, she stayed on powerfully to win going away. Clocking a very smart time for a juvenile, she has options of the Queen Mary or the Albany at Royal Ascot and she should turn out to be a big player in whichever race connections’ choose.
May 31 – Doncaster – Mickley – 78
Not seen out since impressing on the all-weather back in March, Ed Bethell’s inmate was a warn order to defy the absence and he never gave his supporters too many anxious moments, only requiring minimum assistance to ease clear of his rivals late on. Clearly well suited by seven furlongs at least on this evidence, the son of Soldier’s Call left the impression he could easily stretch out to a mile at a future date and he might be worth more than a second look should he receive an entry in The Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot, a race that should suit this strong travelling type.
May 31 – Epsom – Luxembourg – 82
A race where there didn’t appear to be much pace signed on beforehand, so it provided Ryan Moore the ideal opportunity to execute the perfect front running ride on Aidan O’Brien’s talented, but hitherto enigmatic character. Unproven over 1m4f prior to facing the starter at the Surrey venue, the son of Camelot was allowed to dictate matters at his own leisure from the front and once he kicked for home rounding Tattenham Corner, he never looked likely to relinquish the advantage he had built up. On this evidence, his victory opens up plenty of new options going forward and one would imagine he will have another crack at the King George, where connections will be hoping for slightly quicker ground to what transpired last season.
June 1 – Doncaster – Wild Waves – 82
Sam Hawkins ensured this competitive three-year-old staying contest was run at a true gallop and it came as no surprise the two who occupied the last two positions early fought out the finish. The winner, who had made a successful handicap debut at Kempton previously, worked his way into contention travelling easily two out and although he was momentarily threatened by East India Dock, he soon assumed command. Clearly improving at a rapid rate of knots since fitted with the hood, it will be interesting to see whether connections decide to pursue a career in handicaps or roll the dice in pattern company next time, so look out for a possible entry in the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot as an alternative to the King George Handicap – the most obvious route. The runner-up remains one to keep on side, also.
June 1 – Epsom – City Of Troy – 85
The narrative to this year’s Derby beforehand was what a poor renewal it looked on paper but as things transpired, it turned out to be anything but and we witnessed a brilliant winner in the shape of the son of Justify. Inexplicably poor in the 2000 Guineas, there had to be doubts as to whether he could rebound back in the right direction in such a short space of time but once again, his master handler proved everyone wrong in producing his colt to put up one of the most iconic victories in recent times. To come from as far back as he did off such strong fractions suggests he is a horse of unique talent and now all roads lead to the Irish version, where he will no doubt be sent off prohibitive odds to repeat the dose. Of the rest, Ambiente Friendly ran as well as his strong form lines suggested he would and bar the winner, he would have run out an impressive winner in his own right, while the fourth, Deira Mile, indicated there are plenty of top class race to be won with him at distances between 1m2f-1m4f.
June 1 – Musselburgh – Jabaara – 80
A smart listed contest for fillies’ and it went the way of one of the most unexposed members of the party, who stepped up markedly on her previous effort at Chelmsford. Seemingly appreciating the extra distance, Roger Varian’s inmate travelled strongly throughout and once given her head at the furlong pole, she readily found the necessary requirements to pull clear of two useful makers in the shape of Pinafore and Soprano. Unlikely to head to Royal Ascot, connections muted Goodwood’s Royal Oak might be her next port of call and given her level of improvement, she should be one to take high rank in a race of that nature.
,