September 1 – Tipperary – Without Words – 82
Matilda Picotte ripped this field apart with her customary early speed and the winner did really well to cut down the sizeable advantage built up by the front runner close home. Recording her first success since joining Joseph O’Brien, she clearly benefitted from these unusual set of circumstances and although it might prove difficult in pinpointing a similar setup in future, she will be dangerous to dismiss against her own sex.
September 4 – Kempton – Ashariba – 81
The fact the two pace setters, Historic City and High Point, ended up filling out the last two positions highlights the gallop that was set in this middle distance handicap for three-year-olds but that should not detract from the performance produced by David Menuisier’s filly. Waited with in the rear after a slow beginning, the daughter of Ribchester made up rapid ground to lead half a mile from home and that manoeuvre ultimately proved decisive as she held on by a diminishing margin. Now 2-2 on the all-weather, plenty more races beckon for this improving filly and she needs to be followed accordingly in the short term.
September 5 – Lingfield – Youthful King – 82
Again, another race where the pace collapsed late on and it benefitted those who where given patient, more efficient rides. The winner, who used to make the running, seems more content nowadays being switched off out the back and those tactics were seen to good effect here with John Butler’s inmate coming through strongest of all to steal the prize late on. Not the most reliable nowadays, he does, however, harbour a decent engine when things go his way and he will undoubtedly pay his way during the all-weather scene during the coming months.
September 7 – Haydock – Montassib – 81
A unbelievably strong/competitive renewal of the Sprint Cup and in-keeping with how this division has played out in recent seasons, a shock winner that defied most pre-race assessments. Although the ground was still just about in his favour, all his best form had previously taken place on a much more demanding surface, so this has to go down as a particularly improved effort. Whether he can confirm form with those around him remains to be seen but a wet autumn would certainly suit him more than most. Of the rest, the runner-up, Kind Of Blue, continues to improve and he will get his chance for revenge in the Champion Sprint at Ascot in a month’s time.
September 7 – Kempton – Assail – 82
The second of two really strongly run middle distance handicaps run at the Sunbury venue and the winner easily produced a career high. Allowed to sit off the solid gallop set, David Simcock’s gelding was produced with his effort approaching two out and despite taking a while to get into top gear, he eventually wore down his two main rivals close home. A winner of three of his six starts, including two on the all-weather, he could be just the type for either surface over in Dubai this winter.
September 7 – Haydock – Shagraan – 79
Night Of Earth was always likely to ensure this sprint handicap was run at a true gallop and it suited the winner, who not for the first time this season thrived in much an environment. Held up towards the rear, Michael Appleby’s gelding still had plenty to do at halfway but he finished his race off strongest of all over towards the favoured far side and ended up winning a shade cosily at the line. On this evidence, he still appears to be improving and it won’t be too long before he is asked to tackle pattern company. Third-placed American Affair is definitely worthy of a mention as he did best of those situated towards the stands side rail, and on the evidence of the two days at the Merseyside track, that ended up being a significant disadvantage. Likely to be given an entry or two at Ayr later in the month, Jim Goldie’s gelding will bid to atone for last season’s unlucky run at the same meeting.