June 29 – Curragh – Lambourn – 83
As the market suggested, the Derby form was upheld by Aidan O’Brien’s inmate and although it was a workmanlike performance rather than a spectacular one, his reputation as a top-class colt remains intact. Very genuine and uncomplicated, the son of Australia has plenty of options going forward, with the King George in the forefront of connections’ mind before the prospect of tackling the Arc.
June 30 – Wolves – Time To Turn – 75
A week where we didn’t see too many top-class two-year-old prospects but this guy was the exception to the rule. Wide-margin winners can be viewed as being a bit suspect going forward but his winning time figure suggests that could be a dangerous exercise. Where he goes from here remains to be seen but it would come as little surprise if connections were tempted by something more substantial and he has the scope to back up the view he is a pattern race performer in waiting.
July 4 – Doncaster – Arkinthestars – 83
The gambled-on Elsass went off like his tail was on fire in this small-field handicap and led to a speed figure that was well above expectations for the grade. The winner did really well to hang tough down the straight considering he chased the pace early and his performance deserves upgrading accordingly. Marhaba The Champ was the one who did best of those held up in the rear and a repeat of the same level of form should be good enough for him to go one place better next time.
July 4 – Sandown – Windlord – 86
Cavier Heights, fresh off a break, was keen to get on with things in front and he set fractions that were dipping into the red zone from an early stage. To his credit, he almost saw it out up the straight but in the end he succumbed to a race-fit rival who also had the benefit of previous course form. Andrew Balding’s inmate, off duty for being the sacrificial lamb for Fields Of Gold in his last two starts, seemed much happier taking a lead on this occasion and when allowed to run on his merits, he is a match for most at this level.
July 5 – Carlisle – Sheriff’s Court – 83
An unusually good time figure for a race of this nature and you have to give a huge amount of credit to the winner who was keen enough in the early stages. The fact the two who pressed him early fell out the back of the tv bared testimony to that view and Sir Mark Prescott’s inmate looks a well treated horse based on the data from the Yorkshire venue.
July 5 – Haydock – Plage De Havre – 89
Easily the best version of this long-standing 1m4f handicap run in recent times and based on the speed figure, it will be a shock if the winner doesn’t move on to pattern races in the near future. Andrew Balding’s inmate looked extremely at ease shadowing the strong pace set and once looming up going well two out, he strode effortlessly clear of his rivals. Likely to have a triple-figure rating after this demolition of a classy field of handicappers, the progressive four-year-old remains one to keep on side. Of the rest, runner-up Paddy The Squire also shouldn’t be discounted for the role he played in leading home the rest on merit and now he has proved he stays a strongly-run 1m4f well, more options await Iain Jardine’s inmate.
July 5 – Nottingham – Shady Bay – 84
Occasionally, a low grade handicap produces a big number from left field and this contest at the Midland venue proved a case in point. San Francisco Bay was the main reason why this race is talked about in favourable terms and once his attempt to break free from the pack failed, Tom Ward’s filly seized the opportunity with both hands. Staying on strongly all the way to the line, she scored with plenty of authority and now she has finally found her optimum conditions, connections will no doubt be keen to press on with her over 1m2f.