April 15 – Newmarket – Almeric – 80
A good quality middle-distance three-year-old handicap was the pick of the action on day one of the Craven meeting and the form should pay to follow accordingly. Green Storm, as anticipated, made the race a proper test and just like he showed on his final start as a juvenile, Andrew Balding’s charge has plenty of stamina. The way he stayed on the latter stages suggested he will also prove just as effective over further and even at this early stage of the season, he looks a candidate for a crack at a pattern race at some point.
April 17 – Ripon – Have Secret – 81
A good swinging gallop set by Wintercrack and it was a race that played into the hands of the winner, who had been seen to good effect in many well-run affairs in the past. Down the field at Doncaster first time out, a drop in grade and refitting of the visor seemingly made all the difference and although his overall profile suggests he is not one to go overboard with, he is clearly capable of a big performance when everything pans out in his favour.
April 18 – Newcastle – Wonder Legend – 86
A race run at a very strong tempo thanks to the exploits of the ill-fated Plage De Havre and James Ferguson’s inmate ran out an extremely impressive winner. Oisin Murphy had a total rush of blood to the head here with the ride he gave the favourite, seemingly trying to compensate for the stinker he gave Old Harrovian an hour earlier and it meant the speed figure was always going to be very good. That said, an 86 was well beyond expectations and it says the son of Sea The Stars is not far off Group level. Whether connections will be forced to go down that route in future remains to be seen but in the meantime, he could take his most immediate engagement in the Chester Cup and at the current prices (12-1), he makes plenty of appeal.
April 19 – Cork – Nautical Force – 81
A generous gallop set by the race-fit Waterford Glow and it was noticeable how easy the winner coped with such a test on his first start for 210 days. Cruising into the lead at the two furlong pole, Johnny Murtagh’s colt soon established a clear advantage which he maintained all the way to the line and the time figure he posted pointed towards a smart effort for a maiden winner. Seeing what handicap mark he has been given will be crucial before connections decide what to do with him next but given his handler’s love affair with Royal Ascot, it would come as no surprise if all concerned had one eye on the King George V Handicap at the big meeting in June. Of the rest, runner-up Arouet ran a blinder from a poor draw on his debut and he should be winning soon, while there was promise from the likes of Kilmeaden and Kasgani.
April 19 – Musselburgh – American Affair – 85
A quality sprint handicap run at a brisk tempo and it allowed Jim Goldie’s inmate to get back to something like his best. Disappointing on his final start last season, the five-year-old had been a model of consistency in all his races previously and on this evidence, he can take future steps towards pattern races.
April 20 – Bath – Electric Storm – 81
A competitive fillies’ listed affair won in good style by an improving type and it was good for connections to see her go one place better than the previous year. Getting a lovely tow into the backend of the race, James Tate’s filly went past her target, Frost At Dawn, without too much fuss and another good season looks on the cards around the same level for this consistent filly.