July 15 – Ayr – Aviemore – 85
0-75 handicap that was noted for its strong speed figure for the grade, dominated by Charlie Johnston’s gelding who made all the running to open his account. Placed on two of his four previous starts, the son of Kodiac had to bounce back from a poor effort the time before but up in trip and getting into a lovely rhythm from the outset, he had enough left in the locker to fend off a series of challengers late on. Capable of further improvement now in the groove, he remains one to keep on side off what still appears a reasonable mark (82).
July 15 – Windsor – Min Huna – 75
A race that revolved around the form choice Under Siege but once he missed the break and found himself in an uncompromising position, the way was paved for a surprise result and William Haggas’ filly proved good enough to take advantage. Assuming command after a furlong, the daughter of Dubawi set decent fractions throughout and even though she faced a potent challenge two out, she found plenty for pressure when required. Handed an opening mark of 78, the data suggests she could be a good bit better than that perch and she is one to bear in mind for a fillies’ handicap in due course. Of the rest, Under Siege clearly underperformed but as things went badly wrong from the start, he can be afforded another chance, while the likes of Bullet Point and Joolianoss are now handicapped to make an impression in that discipline in future.
July 18 – Leopardstown – Diego Velazquez – 80
Even the great Aidan O’Brien has taken a while to work out the requirements of this horse and now it’s plain for all to see he wants decent ground and no further than 1m2f.
Running well despite soft ground in the French 2000 Guineas, the step up to 1m2f under similar conditions in the French Derby proved a bridge too far and he was even more of a busted flush over 1m4f in the King Edward Stakes at Royal Ascot, fading out of contention from the home turn.
However, dropped back three furlongs in trip at the Dublin venue (1m1f) he produced his best set of figures by some way and he can now start to fulfil the potential he showed as a juvenile. The way he travelled before quickening right away from the useful filly Tarawa was extremely striking and it came as no surprise to find out he posted a very smart overall speed figure and final three furlong splits combined.
A scopey sort with a long stride, he has enough pace to win over a mile but he is clearly just as effective over slightly further and he could well develop into a Cox Plate horse where the sharp nature of the 1m2f course at Moonee Valley will suit.
July 19 – Hamilton – Kalpana – 83
A small, but select field went to post for this listed prize and it was won in some style by a filly going places. Still on the bridle two out, she eased into the lead from that juncture and with minimal pressure, she drew steadily clear from the useful three-year-old colts, Gods Window and Caviar Heights. Slightly unlucky in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot previously, this performance strongly hinted she belongs back at that sort of level and she deserves to be played accordingly throughout the remainder of the season.
July 19 – Pontefract – Vantheman – 82
Slightly disappointing at Royal Ascot, Kevin Ryan’s inmate was extremely well supported to make amends in this lower grade and despite looking in a spot of bother rounding the home turn, he stayed on best of all to justify his market position. With this confidence boosting victory under his belt, hopefully he can build on this performance back in better company and it would come as no surprise if he were to face the starter at York next month.
July 20 – Newbury – Dubai Melody – 82
Elite Status was one of the stars of show at the Berkshire venue with his performance in the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes (81) but he was usurped by the time figure posted by Charlie Appleby’s filly in the 1m2f novice contest. Taramasalata ensured the pace was generous from the outset and racing on the shoulders of the leader from an early stage, the daughter of Masar eased her way to the front inside the final furlong before fending off the late challenge of Beatrice Shilling. On the evidence of this display, she could easily be good enough to have a crack at some black type in future but for now, a mark of 82 looks well worth exploiting should connections decide to go down that particular route. The runner-up deserves a special mention for coming from an unpromising position and she too looks one to keep on side off her opening mark of 81.
