August 4 – Chester – Quinault – 81
Stuart Willaims’ inmate had struggled to maintain the levels he showed last year on four starts this term but he bounced back to something near his best with an impressive all-the-way success. Soon adopting the role he enjoys best, the four-year-old set solid fractions throughout and he had enough in reserves to fend off the late challenge of Al Shabab Storm, who is a fair guide to the strength of the form. Clearly, this sharp track suited his run style and connections will be no doubt looking for something similar in the future.
August 5 – Naas – Heavens Gate – 77
A good field assembled for this quality two-year-old contest and it went the way the market suggested it would with Aidan O’Brien’s filly running out a cosy winner. Heading into the race with the best form to her name, it would have been easy for her to take her eye off the ball but she showed great professionalism throughout and her time figure reflected her overall dominance. Yet another off the Ballydoyle juvenile production line this season, this performance suggests she is not too far behind the likes of Fairy Godmother and Bedtime Story.
August 8 – Chepstow – Great Acclaim – 82
It had already been a fruitful season for Eve Johnson Houghton’s gelding prior to shipping up at the Welsh track, but he added more gloss to his tally with a victory of some authority in what was his stiffest task so far to date. Relishing the sound pace, he came through strongly at the business end to score going away and he can continue to progress while fast conditions stay in his favour.
August 9 – Tipperary – January – 82
Just the six runners went to post for this two-year-old listed prize but the pace was unbelievably strong, resulting in an extraordinary speed figure. The winner sat off the pace set by Senna’s Girl and Green Triangle and when they inevitably gave way two furlongs out, Aidan O’Brien’s filly picked up the baton and ran hard all the way to the line. Clearly well suited by the test proved over the extended seven furlongs, she marked herself down as one of the leading players in this division and she adds to the ever-increasing list of smart juveniles – mainly fillies’ – to come from the Ballydoyle operation this season. Even at this stage, she looks a top class prospect for next year’s Oaks.
August 10 – Ascot – Insanity – 84
A strongly run handicap and it played into the strengths of Alan King’s inmate who already had the benefit of racing over the same C&D previously. Just beaten by the improving Mount Atlas that day, that solid background clearly stood the son of Nathaniel in good stead as he returned to the Berkshire venue and he looks one who should be suited by even further during the remainder of the season.
August 11 – Leicester – Papagei – 81
There’s always a low grade contest that sneaks onto this column every now and then and this staying three-year-old handicap is one definitely worth including. A strong gallop was set from the start and by the time the main players had reached the concluding stages, there was only two survivors. The winner himself proved very strong inside the final furlong and, in going further clear with every stride he took, he ended up clocking a big number for the grade. On this evidence, he looks like he will stay even further and James Ferguson’s gelding deserves to be followed accordingly.