June 2 – Hamilton – Desperate Hero – 86
A extremely competitive handicap on paper beforehand turned into a rout by a horse improving at a rapid rate of knots. Tough when scoring under favoured soft underfoot conditions at Goodwood previously, Jack Channon’s inmate proved himself equally effective on better ground and this success, a career high on the figures, puts him in line for something more significant next time.
June 2 – Nottingham – Kassaya – 73
Strong in the market beforehand following a promising debut at Salisbury, Andrew Balding’s filly didn’t give her supporters too many anxious moments in this similar heat and she looks a juvenile of some substance even at this early stage. The way she travels in her races points towards a filly who should easily be capable of taking much higher rank throughout the remainder of the season and it would come as no surprise if she were to justify that view in the Queen Mary at next week’s Royal meeting.
June 5 – Ripon – Loom – 72
Slightly disappointing when too keen for his own good on debut at York, Richard Fahey’s inmate was a totally different proposition at Ripon next time and the future looks bright for this son of Kodiac. Seemingly much better served by being held up over five furlongs, he exhibited a smart turn of foot to brush aside the well touted Artagnan inside the final furlong and his overall time figure and closing sectionals (34.0 best on the card) bare witness to the visual aspect of his display.
June 8 – Haydock – Dashing Darcy – 84
Finally gained due reward for a couple of unlucky performances with a stylish victory at Haydock last time out and the data suggests it was a big step forward by Roger Varian’s colt. Undone by the draw at Chester and by how the race developed at Newmarket previously, the son of Muhaarar was much better served by the stronger gallop at the Merseyside venue and the way he stayed on powerfully in the closing stages points towards him being well suited by similarly run races in future. To labour the point, his overall time figure was quicker furlong-per-furlong than the Group 3 races won by Tiber Flow and Believing, and he looks the type who should be suited by the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot.
June 8 – Beverley – Perfect Part – 73
A very competitive renewal of The Hilary Needler, a race remembered for the unlucky effort by the runner-up more than anything else. Although the winner did extremely well to win on debut, the impression left was Maw Lam would have won this easily but for totally blowing the start and finding herself pinned over towards the far side fence for the majority of the journey and it was only the expending of energy in a big mid-race move that ultimately cost her dear close home. Set to go to the Queen Mary to join the owner’s other main juvenile filly, Miss Lamai, Chris Hirst clearly has two decent bullets to fire.
June 8 – Navan – Mayo For Sam – 80
Low grade stuff, but nonetheless, a very useful time figure for the grade and the winner was one of the two responsible for such a well run affair. Unlike his counterpart, the son of Vocalised maintained the gallop all the way to the line and if anything he was going further clear as he met the rising ground. Clearly a strong stayer at the trip and with a liking for the track (second time he’s performed well there) Ado McGuinness’ inmate is worth bearing in mind when returning to the Meath venue in due course.