June 12 – Chelmsford – The Pouncing Lion – 79
Not a sensational speed figure by any means but there was something about the way Michael Bell’s inmate won this maiden that suggests we could be hearing plenty more about him in the future. Gelded since disappointing at Chester previous, the son of Ghaiyyath travelled a good deal sweeter than he had done on the Roodee and once looming upsides the leaders at the two furlong pole, it was a question of how far he was going to win. Striding out purposely in the latter stages, he quickly put daylight between himself and the rest and given how strong he hit the line, 1m2f looks the very bottom limit of his stamina requirements. Now qualified for handicaps, it will be interesting where connections go next and he remains one to keep firmly on side in three-year-old middle distance races of that nature for the foreseeable future.
June 12 – Leopardstown – Shaool – 73
Due to deteriorating conditions, the overall times at the Dublin venue were nothing flash but it is worth pointing out the number this lowly rated (73) filly posted compared to the one achieved by 106-rated Copacabana Sands in the Group 3 over the same C&D. racing in the cheekpieces for the first time, Johnny Murtagh’s filly moved nicely throughout a well run affair and when asked to go and put the race to bed over a furlong out, she exhibited a fine change of gear to pull well clear. Clocking 38.2 for the final three furlongs, the same readings were taken for the Group 3 contest and considering the ground was a good deal slower an hour later, it puts into context what kind of level she achieved. On the evidence of this display, she is clearly miles ahead of her current rating and it would not be beyond the realms of possibility she ends up tackling black type races in the short to medium term.
June 13 – York – Burrito – 85
The pick of last week’s action by some way and it is a race that will surely pay to follow over the next few months. The winner had looked good visually and on the clock at Newbury previous, but this was a step even further forward and it would not come as any shock if he ends up contesting pattern races sooner rather than later. The way he disposed of useful guide See That Storm in the latter stages backed up that view and given the way he wasn’t stopping at the end, you could easily see him stretching out over further next time. Of the rest, the runner-up once again proved he is a handicapper going places and he will be one to bare in mind for the John Smith’s Cup along with Paddy The Squire and Ron O, who should both be back at York in a month’s time.
June 14 – Chester – Castle Cove – 76
Again, not an earth-shattering time but similar to The Pouncing Lion, sometimes a horse wins in the manner of a better one than the data suggests and this guy definitely fits into that category. As we know, it’s very hard to make ground from the back of the field around the Roodee, especially in long distance races but William Haggas’ inmate managed to achieve the unlikely feat with a bit to spare. The way he engulfed his field with a sparkling change of pace was impressive to say the least and considering he had been off the track for almost a year, his effort deserves upgrading even further. Clearly benefitting from being gelded, it would come something of a surprise if he isn’t rated in the 100’s by the end of the season.
June 14 – York – Hucklesbrook – 80
Roger Teal’s inmate had already made his way onto this column with his performance at Leicester previously (78) and we could not leave him out of this week’s list having taken apart of a field of smart handicapper’s in the style of an huge improver. The way he totally bossed the race from the outset was very impressive and if anything, he looked as though he had plenty more to offer if required. Where he goes from here remains to be seen, but either way, he deserves to be followed until told otherwise.
June 14 – York – Classic Encounter – 81
Hat trick seeking Garden Oasis ensured this competitive handicap was run at a sound clip and the form should work out accordingly. Once the front runner fainted it became a dash for the line and the winner did extremely well to extricate himself from a pocket that developed at a crucial stage of the race. As a result, his performance deserves extra merit and he should easily be capable of defying a rise in the ratings in a similar contest next time. Of the rest, Leadenhall comes out of the race with a good deal of credit having been a long way in the rear at the halfway stage. Running on extremely strongly from three out, he did well to force himself into the picture late on and on this evidence, he continues in excellent form.