September 2 – Goodwood – Another Baar – 85
Adrian Keatley’s inmate has been turned inside out on recent weeks and his fourth win in successive outings was achieved in his best speed figure so far to date. A winner on fast ground at Brighton the day before, he handled much softer conditions with aplomb and in doing so, he seemed to score with plenty in hand. Looking further afield, the five-year-old could well take his chance at Ayr next week in either the Ayr Bronze or Silver Cup and given his current wellbeing, it would be a brave man to dismiss his chance.
September 3 – Bath – Miss Dolly Rocker – 87
Just the six runners went to post but it turned out to be an extremely strongly affair and, unsurprisingly, the speed figure we awarded the race backed up that view. Such was the number, now is probably a decent time for us to explain why we gave it an 87, which suggested we were dealing with Group horses rather than relatively low grade handicappers. Of course this is not the case, it was just a by product of what happened on the day in comparison to the rest of the card and not a true reflection of class. We do get these slightly inflated times every now and then and even though we urge you to take note of the race going forward, it must be done so while the main players are kept in the same grade.
September 4 – Haydock – Division – 76
A sparkling display by William Haggas’ colt on his second start and the clock pointed towards a performance to suggest he can more than hold his own in better company in due course. Knowing more than he did on debut, the son of Kingman soon had his rivals at full stretch and, in maintaining a solid gallop all the way to the line, he scored with a degree of swagger. The way he hit the line and looking at his post-race metrics (long stride), he looks a horse who will benefit from further and something like the Dewhurst is not beyond the realms of possibility for this promising colt.
September 5 – Ascot – Shout – 85
A competitive handicap run at a sound gallop and once again at the track, a horse who was ridden way off the pace came through to score. Simon & Ed Crisford’s gelding had been noted as a slightly unlucky loser at Goodwood previously, when the draw counted against him and he proved that viewpoint to be spot on, under conditions that clearly suited. Now he is proven over the C&D, one would imagine connections will look to run him again at the Berkshire venue on a regular basis.
September 6 – Haydock – Big Mojo – 83
Yet another result that suggests the top-class sprinting division is tantamount to bingo on legs but it was probably no more than the winner deserved having run consistently well in many similar events during the course of the season. Things didn’t quite pan out in his favour in the Commonwealth Cup and similar comments apply for him in the July Cup. However, Mick Appleby’s inmate ended up on the favourable strip at the Merseyside venue and he didn’t need any second invitation to take advantage. Unlikely to head back to Ascot again this season due to the probably change in going, he might well seek warmer climbs to advance his profile.
September 7 – York – Elmonjed – 86
A race not without incident but it shouldn’t detract from the performance posted by William Haggas’ gelding. In-keeping with many results over the years at this venue, previous form on the Knavesmire proved decisive and he had the requisite qualities to fend off a host of challengers close home. A likeable type with a habit of running big speed figures, the five-year-old can continue to do so while conditions are in his favour. Of the rest, Prince Of India caught the eye with the way he conducted himself throughout a rough house of a race and he hit the line hard enough to suggest he still remains on an upward curve.