May 25 – Curragh – Los Angeles – 86

As you’d expect, a top class field assembled for this 1m2f Group 1 and Aidan O’Brien’s inmate once again proved he is very much among the elite over this trip. The noticeable feature about is game is he doesn’t appear to be doing anything flash, but he has such a will to win and once he engages top gear, he is very difficult to shake off. The fact he stays beyond 1m2f is really helping him see out the trip well in these strongly run contests and for now, connections will no doubt be keen to keep him in this lane. As for the beaten, Anmaat lost nothing in defeat on his seasonal bow and even as a seven-year-old, he still looks like he has plenty to offer, while there is plenty to discuss about the performances of Kalpana and White Birch. The former shaped perfectly well on her first run for 218 days and based on her profile, a return to further can play into her strengths next time, while the latter didn’t get the best of runs from three out and can be considered slightly unlucky not to play an active role in the finish.

May 26 – Redcar – Liberty Coach – 85

Every now and then you get a freak time figure from what appears an ordinary handicap on paper and this year’s renewal of the Zetland Gold Cup proved to be a case in point. Aggressively ridden from the front, Sean & John Quinn’s inmate clearly did not want to leave any stone unturned and those positive tactics just about paid dividends. Hanging on for dear life as See That Storm bared down on him close home, the four-year-old recorded a career best speed figure and on this evidence, he remains a horse on the upward curve. So too does the runner-up and Ed Bethell’s inmate can be followed with confidence going forward, along with the third, Sir Lowry’s Pass, especially when he goes over further next time. Born Ruler also caught the eye with the way he finished off his race from an uncompromising position and he looks the type who will benefit from 1m4f in due course.

May 26 – Wolves – Nahraan – 75

Not the best speed figure of the week by any means but we would like to highlight this filly’s performance on debut all the same. Sent off 12-1 at the Dunstall venue, there wasn’t too much expectations attached to her opening bow but despite being easy to back, she defied her position in the market with a display of some potential. Still fully ten lengths off the pace turning for home, the daughter of Make Believe found a rare turn of speed from two out and her late thrust readily carried her passed stable mate Cajole in the shadows of the post to ultimately win with a bit to spare. Posting a 1.35.0 circuit time along with a backend split of 34.7 suggests she is pretty smart and it will be fascinating to see how she is campaigned from this juncture. Useful filly.

May 29 – Sandown – Almaqam – 87

Despite a copy of late defectors due to the ground, this year’s Brigadier Gerard still brought together a decent field and it went the way of Ed Walker’s colt, who was strongly fancied to back up the impression he created on his seasonal bow over the same C&D. From some way out, the race developed into the tussle the market expected beforehand and despite the persistent challenge of his main danger Ombudsman, the four-year-old fought him off in determined fashion. Clocking a very smart time, the son of Lope De Vega has built a solid foundation for the rest of the season and he should continue to be a potent threat in races of this nature, especially with a bit more ease underfoot. As for the runner-up, although he lost his unbeaten record, his reputation was enhanced and, likely to be all the better for run, we may see a more streetwise model next time.

May 30 – Brighton – Bourbon Blues – 73

Brighton wouldn’t be considered the usual backdrop for quality performances but Brian Meehan’s colt bucked that trend with a display of some potential. Down the field when too green to do himself justice on his debut at Newbury, the son of Space Blues was extremely well supported to make a bigger impact in this lesser race and so it proved. Picking up the running approaching the final furlong, he bounded clear in the closing stages to score by four lengths and his winning speed figure highlighted him dominance. In becoming the third individual winner from the maiden won by Humidity at the Berkshire venue, he paid another handsome complement to Andrew Balding’s inmate and on this evidence, he wouldn’t look out on his return to stiffer tests.

May 30 – Catterick – Gaga Mate – 76

Pride of place on the two-year-old front, however, comes courtesy of Dylan Cunha’s colt’s effort on his debut at the Yorkshire venue and he looks a juvenile of some potential. Showing a bright turn of foot to pull clear of rivals from two out, he clocked a very smart speed figure for a race of its kind and considering he was eased down inside the final 50yds, his performance deserves even more merit. Entered in a couple of sales races later in the campaign, it would come as no surprise, however, if the son of Mehmas were given the green light to run at the Royal meeting in two week’s time and he would be one of the more interesting outsiders for The Windsor Castle if connections decided to go down that route.