October 8 – Leicester – Galyx – 80
A keenly contested 1m2f handicap run at a decent clip and, clearly benefitting from his previous outing at Newbury, Jack Channon’s inmate proved a very willing conveyance in the latter stages. Looking as though he might get swamped by the late flourish of Stressfree, the son of Calyx dug deep to find extra reserves and on the evidence of this performance, he is likely to stay further in due course.
October 10 – Ayr – Inappropriate – 83
A strongly run affair thanks to the early exploits of Can’t Stop Now and once he faded abruptly three out, Harry Eustace’s inmate picked up the baton and ran hard all the way to the line. Considering he was on the sharp end throughout, his effort deserves upgrading and the hat trick looks well within his grasp. Interestingly, both the winner and the runner-up, Up The Jazz, were a couple of the least exposed among the field and, as they finished well clear of the rest, the safest approach is to treat the form with the respect it deserves (Ayr Poet already won since).
October 11 – Newmarket – Desert Flower – 77
A warm order beforehand to maintain her unbeaten record despite not having run a speed figure of significance, Charlie Appleby finally laid that ghost to rest with one of the better numbers we have for a juvenile contest this season. In doing so, she confirmed Doncaster form with January, and a mile looks well within her compass for next season.
October 11 – Chepstow – Flying Fortune – 71
Now some of the better jumpers are beginning to reappear, we will soon shift our attentions to the winter game and this traditional early season Grade 2 is the first race to make its way onto this column courtesy of a very useful time figure. Peter Bowen’s inmate had already proven her wellbeing with several victories during the summer, including the valuable brush hurdle final at Worcester previously, and while there might have been a strong case to be made her superior fitness levels gave her a significant advantage, she still run out an impressive winner both visually and on the clock. Likely to be put away now until the spring, she will not be one to totally dismiss when she takes on stiffer opposition on her return.
October 12 – Newmarket – Starzintheireyes – 78
County Mayo went off like his tail was on fire and it meant the race was run at a true gallop from the start and Ralph Beckett’s colt proved in no uncertain terms he was up for the fight. In needing every yard of the trip to see off the more prominently ridden Green Storm, he ended up posting a useful speed figure and he looks the type who can forge a good career out for himself over middle distances. The runner up proved his Yarmouth time figure was no fluke and also looks a decent stayer in the making.
October 12 – York – Bolster – 83
They went a proper gallop in this competitive 1m2f handicap and not for the first time this season, Karl Burke’s inmate proved his suitability for such a test on soft ground. A likeable type, he is well worth another try at pattern level when similar conditions are in his favour.