August 21 – York – City Of Troy – 87
Much was debated beforehand as to how good Aidan O’Brien’s colt was in comparison with other Derby winners he has had in his care and on the evidence of this performance and based on the clock, we got the conclusive answer. Unlike how he was ridden in the Epsom Classic, the son of Justify set out to make all the running on the Knavesmire and under a fine tactical ride from Ryan Moore, he was allowed post solid early fractions before stretching majestically clear inside the final two furlongs. The fact Calandagan was the only one capable of going with him and useful guide Bluestocking was left trailing in his wake suggested this was a stellar performance and there is little doubt he deserves to be talked about in the same sentences of some of greats to grace the turf in recent times. The runner up also deserves plenty of praise for his effort and if it wasn’t for the winner, he would have beaten a top class field by some distance. Having won at Ascot previously, the logical step would be for him to head back to the Berkshire venue for the Champion Stakes and he might end up in the Breeders Cup Turf back over a 1m4f.
August 21 – York – The Lion In Winter – 75
A race billed as a big clash between two colts who were both impressive on their respective debuts and although the finish wasn’t fought out by the pair, a positive view is still taken of the form. The winner, who overcame greenness to score on his opening gambit at the Curragh, broke much more alertly this time around and he found a nice change of gear once pressed by his rivals two out. Although he is bred to get further, the son of Sea The Stars is not short of pace and he looks an obvious candidate for the National Stakes back at the Curragh next time.
August 22 – Leopardstown – Chemistry – 83
A controversial outcome but that aside, a speed figure which suggests this listed contest for the three-year-old stayers was a decent one of its kind. The market beforehand very much pointed towards Kinesiology being the pick of the Jessica Harrington pair and with Birdman blowing out completely (reportedly to have mucus found in his lungs post race), the way was paved for the supposed second string to shine. Despite being the best horse in the race, he consented to roll around/doss under pressure close home and the interference he caused to the runner-up was deemed severe enough in the eyes of the stewards to reverse the placings. Although it was a tough decision to take, connections of the first past the post can look forward to many decent days with the son of Study Of Man and he looks sure to land of these similar events in future. The third home, Barnso, also deserves a special mention as this effort was by some way his best so far to date and he should end up staying further too.
August 23 – York – Vauban – 79
Gregory ensured this Group 2 for the stayers was run at a true gallop and with several not seeing out the trip, Willie Mullins’ inmate was the one who stepped up to the plate. Not quick enough for Tower Of London over 1m6f previously and not having the sufficient stamina for the Gold Cup trip the time before, this two mile distance proved to be just right for the six-year-old chestnut and presumably, all roads now lead towards another tilt at the Melbourne Cup. Of the rest, runner up Al Nayyir deserves a special mention as he was doing some sterling late work having been towards the rear early and he might be another to consider for the big handicap down under should connections be so bold.
August 24 – Newmarket – Brian – 78
There was no hanging around in this sales contest for two-year-olds thanks to the early exploits of Li Ban but she was ultimately swept aside by Sylvester Kirk’s colt, who proved too good for this field in the latter stages. Staying on strongly once meeting the rising ground, he won in the style of a horse all his previous form suggested he might and that’s the second time he has been quite impressive when there has been plenty of ease underfoot. With that in mind, he could be one to pick up a pattern race during the remainder of the season, most likely on the continent.
August 24 – Windsor – My Prospero – 81
Connections of the son of Iffraaj faced a tricky decision at declaration stage on Thursday, do they head to the Knavesmire and the City Of York Stakes, worth a good deal more money, or do they go for easier pickings at the Berkshire venue with only 40k for the winner and as things transpired, they ended up being vindicated with their choice. Pestered by the game Certain Lad all the way, he eventually wore down his chief rival close home and with the pair nicely clear of the rest, the form looks fairly solid. Clearly more at home on soft ground than any other surface, a fruitful autumn beckons William Haggas’ charge.