July 14 – Windsor – Rydale Frosty 75
The first of two above-average two-year-old races during last week and it’s worth noting the winner broke the existing juvenile track record. Needless to say, the pace was strong from the start and race favourite, Hayynah, looked to have everything under control until David Simcock’s grey put in a spirited spurt to steal the prize off her mantlepiece close home. Despite drifting under pressure, there is a good deal to recommend about the winner going forward and this very pacey youngster could easily end up being more than just a nursery type, presumably his next project. As for the rest, Warning Symbol did well to keep tabs on the main players for so long from his outside draw and he will be of some interest next time, while there was plenty of promise from Elan D’or, who came from a long way back after missing the break to be a never-nearer sixth. He should also know more in future.
July 17 – Hamilton – Sallaal – 84
Brave Emperor took the field along at a healthy gallop from the outset and he was the main reason this mile handicap produced such a big speed figure. As for the winner itself, Roger Varian’s chestnut went through the race like a quality horse and it would come as no surprise if this were the last time we saw him tackle handicap company. Runner-up English Oak offered a good deal more than he did at Royal Ascot previously and he is worth another try over a mile.
July 18 – Hamilton – Nahraan – 83
Similar to Sallaal the night before, John & Thady Gosden’s inmate looked a progressive type prior to stepping foot on the Scottish turf and although he made slightly more heavy weather of getting the job done, the time figure he posted still suggested he remains of interest going forward. Once hitting the front going well two out, he looked like he would win a shade comfortably but in the end, he only just hung on by the skin of his teeth. On this evidence, a stiff 1m3f is as far as he would want and he may be seen in an even better light dropping back in trip. Of the rest, Arabian Force, not for the first time this season caught the eye with his finishing effort and it surely can only be a matter of time before he catches a break, while Tiernan ran his face off to finish a never-nearer third, thus blowing his handicap mark on just the third run in his career.
July 18 – Newbury – Wise Approach – 76
The best two-year-old race of the week on paper beforehand and it did not disappoint, producing a speed figure worthy of its status. Runner-up to Charles Darwin in the Norfolk, Charlie Appleby’s inmate set a good standard heading into the contest and he duly delivered the goods, showing a smart turn of foot to pull well clear in the closing stages. Clearly benefitting from the extra furlong he encountered, a step back up in grade looks inevitable and the Gimcrack looks the obvious target for this quality juvenile.
July 18 – Newmarket – Scoville – 83
Impressive when scoring on debut, William Haggas’ inmate enhanced his reputation with an even more eye-catching display at HQ and his winning time backed up that view. The only horse on the card to dip under standard, his 14-length romp has more substance to it than the pure optics and he can easily make the seamless switch to pattern company in due course.
July 19 – Curragh – Al Riffa – 84
This looked a good opportunity for Joseph O’Brien’s inmate to return to winning ways and he duly seize the opportunity with both hands, quickening well clear in the closing stages off a strong pace. Now he is proved himself equally effective over 1m6f, the obvious target would be the Irish St Leger back over the same C&D later in the season and he looks the one to beat on all known form.
July 19 – Newmarket – Spirited Style – 84
A quality-looking fillies’ listed race on paper beforehand and it produced a very impressive winner. Held up off the early pace, she made significant ground to join the leaders two out and from that juncture, she gradually eased herself clear of the field to ultimately score with a degree of comfort. A filly on the rise with a profile to suggest there should be more to come, Charlie Appleby’s inmate can be dangerous at a much higher level.