August 20 – York – Ombudsman – 85
In-keeping with how many of these big Group races have gone this season, a race that saw the field fractured by a pacemaker going off like the clappers but unlike what happened in the Sussex Stakes, the front runner wilted late on and allowed John & Thady Gosden’s inmate to come storming through to victory. Clearly unsuited by the way the Eclipse panned out previously, the five-year-old proved he is one of the best around when getting a strongly run 1m2f and The Irish Champion Stakes looks the obvious target for him next.
August 21 – York – Minnie Hauk – 87
Aidan O’Brien’s Oaks heroine didn’t impress everyone in the Irish version but there could be no complaints in this contest with the daughter of Frankel producing easily her best performance so far to date – backed up by the clock. Momentarily, Estrange looked dangerous two furlongs from home but she soon pressed the excelerator down again to pull nicely clear late on and on this evidence, she looks to be improving. No doubt connections will be on weather watch during the autumn with targets such as the Arc and Breeder’s Cup mentioned afterwards and on genuine good ground, she will prove a match for all.
August 22 – York – Lifeplan – 80
Flagged up on this column after his debut success at Thirsk, Declan Carroll’s inmate proved his speed figure to be correct with an equally impressive display in this much deeper field and he looks a very exciting colt going forward. Similar to his opening gambit, the son of Kodi Bear had little trouble coping with the strong pace set from the outset and he rates a live contender for the Middle Park next month, for which he currently quoted around the 8-1 mark.
August 22 – York – Cape Flora – 85
The data over the years suggest it is very difficult to make all the running on the round track at York and when it does occur, the speed figure usually indicates the winner set tepid fractions. According to the time we have for this fillies contest, however, John & Thady Gosden’s filly made sure there was no hiding place in front and, as a result, her winning performance deserves upgrading. Clearly just coming of age, this late-maturing filly can continue her progression all the way to the end of the season, where no doubt bigger tasks await.
August 22 – York – Frescobaldi – 77
On a day that witnessed a very big speed figure from the Gimcrack, this contest could have easily paled into insignificance but not a bit of it, this year’s Convivial maiden should work out to be a very informative affair. Unlike many maidens of its kind, this one was strongly run and the winner did well to hang tough having been on the sharp end throughout. For openers, this has to go down as a perfect beginning for Aidan O’Brien’s colt and there is little doubt he is a pattern race performer in the making. Of the rest, there were several who caught the eye, including Spyce, Night Wolf and Red Spells Danger. The former finished off his race as well as any from the rear and he should turn out to have a bright future housed by a trainer who likes to bring his juveniles along steadily. Night Wolf was another who came home well from an unpromising position and he should be a good thing in a small maiden up the north, while the same comments apply to the latter, who kept on well away from where the main action took place.
August 23 – Curragh – It’s A Heartbeat – 82
This looked a strong fillies handicap on paper and so it proved in the race itself, with the winner taking a huge step forward from her previous victory over the same C&D. The way she cruised up to the leaders off a strong pace before scampering well clear in the latter stages was eye-catching to say the least and it would come as no surprise if she were vying for black type sooner rather than later. One to follow.
August 23 – York – Never So Brave – 85
The inaugural running of this Group 1 and it went the way of a thoroughly progressive gelding. Andrew Balding’s inmate had made the transition from handicaps to pattern races a seamless one with victory in a Group 2 at Ascot previously and this performance suggested he took another big step forward. Suited by a sound gallop, he got the perfect set up thanks to the exploits of Quinault and he should continue to be competitive in races of this nature.