June 27 – Newcastle – Elnajmm – 81
The feature on day one of the Northumberland Plate meeting and it was won in the style of a horse who could potentially turn out to be better than just a handicapper. Gelded since winning a maiden at Lingfield when last seen, William Haggas’ eased his way into contention two out and from that point, he took total control of the race to eventually score with a degree of comfort. Entered in The Golden Mile at Goodwood, there’s a strong possibility he will honour that engagement before going on to much better things.
June 27 – Nottingham – Blessed Honour – 82
Just the four runners went to post for this novice event for fillies, but it was run at a very strong pace and although the winner got momentarily headed around the furlong pole, she battled back well for a convincing success. As a result of this workmanlike effort, she might be underestimated next time out but the figure we awarded her suggests otherwise and she would not look out of place in pattern company further down the line.
June 28 – Newcastle – Tiffany – 85
An extremely competitive fillies’ Group 3 but the front two were the highest rated going into the contest so there is no reason to cast any doubt over the validity of the form. Moreover, the time figure we awarded backs up that view and the winner seems to be improving with each and every start. Versatile regards track and surface, Sir Mark Prescott’s filly is well worth her place against the very top company and it’s fair to say, the best of her is probably still to come.
June 29 – Curragh – Jan Brueghuel – 81
Flagged up on here following his debut victory in a fast time over the same C&D, the spotlight was on Aidan O’Brien’s colt to see whether he could cut the mustard at pattern level and although he had to work harder than his position in the market suggested, he still had the necessary qualities to get the job done. Listening to the post-race interview with his handler, the rain in the build up to the race was a concern for the son of Galileo, so the fact he still managed to pull through says a good deal about his attitude. A proper stayer in the making, a trip to Goodwood over 1m4f will determine whether he ends up being a contender for the St Leger, his long-term target.
June 29 – Newcastle – Onesmoothoperator – 87
A new course record was the result of a very strongly run renewal of this valuable prize and the first three home all had previous experience of the track. The winner, in particular, is a regular at the Gosforth Park circuit but that still doesn’t explain how easily he travelled throughout the contest for such an exposed horse. Maybe it’s been the sort of test he’s been waiting for his whole life, but either way, it was an extraordinary performance from the six-year-old and one that deserves a positive stance until proven otherwise.
June 29 – Newmarket – King Of Conquest – 84
A decent gallop set by Kemari and the finish was fought out by two horses who are now on speaking terms with each other. Unlike their previous encounter when Charlie Appleby’s gelding proved way too good, the victory was much more hard fought but he was noticeably strong in the finish when joined by his old rival and he would remain a confident choice to uphold the form should they meet again. A likeable and consistent type, the five-year-old can continue to thrive in this environment.