June 9 – Goodwood – King Of Conquest – 82
A decent pace set by Deauville Legend and Charlie Appleby’s gelding needed to be tough inside the final two furlongs as he was one of the first off the bridle push came to shove. Although he is yet to race beyond 1m4f, he shapes likes he might improve for further and there are plenty of decent races to be won with him just short of top class.
June 12 – Kempton – Aiming High – 74
On the face of it, David Simcock’s mare looked to have a stiff task on her hands up against many unexposed three-year-old but she put her valuable all-weather experience to good use, ultimately being the one best served to cope with the strong pace. Strong in the latter stages, she powered clear to score in decisive fashion and this first victory in 18 months won’t do her confidence any harm.
June 13 – Newbury – Wonder Kid – 74
A well run affair and it went the way of a horse who looks to be very well handicapped on the evidence of this display. Having his first run of the season and post gelding operation, Hugo Palmer’s inmate travelled noticeably well through the early exchanges and once set alight inside the final two furlongs, he readily came clear to the tune of four lengths. Clearly benefitting greatly for the step up to 1m4f, the son of Belardo can continue to progress as he rises through the ranks and he could turn out to be a candidate for races such as the Melrose and Old Rowley Cup later in the campaign.
June 14 – Cork – Sumiha – 82
having hit the crossbar on her first two outings of the season, Dermot Weld’s inmate was a warm order to make it third time lucky at the mallow venue and she duly got the job done, pulling readily clear in the closing stages to score with plenty in hand. A late maturing filly with a useful engine and attitude to match, the daughter of Sea The Stars looks sure to keep improving as the season progresses and she can take her game to another level next time.
June 14 – York – Ron O – 82
A viciously competitive handicap, typical of the track, was won in facile fashion by a horse scoring at the first time beyond a mile. Despite stamina doubts, Ray Craggs’ gelding dispelled those concerns with a career high effort on the figures and he looks one to keep on side when returning to The Knavesmire at a later date.
June 15 – York – The Striking Viking – 77
Most of the best juveniles will be strutting their stuff at Royal Ascot this week but on the evidence of the clock, this chap would not look out of place in any of the line-ups. Jumping out to make all the running on the Knavesmire, Kevin Ryan’s inmate soon got into a lovely rhythm at the head of affairs and despite setting incredibly strong fractions, he was able to maintain the gallop all the way to the line. A high class colt in the making, he looks one to bear in mind for the Gimcrack over the same C&D later in the season.