September 17 – Sandown – Cicero’s Gift – 85
On a fairly mundane week regarding the times (even the big sprint handicaps were nothing special), this fella stood out as the star performer and based on his previous data, it was no more than he deserved. Charlie Hill’s gelding had been knowing at the door all season without having too much luck but in a strongly run race at a track where he has gone well in the past, he was seen to best effect under his ideal conditions. Seemingly a much more reliable conveyance since wind surgery and being gelded, the five-year-old can now see out his races really well and whilst in the form of his life, he should continue to thrive throughout the remainder of the campaign.
September 18 – Yarmouth – Aspect Island – 75
The first of two very two-year-old races run at the seaside venue and James Owen’s inmate was arguably the most impressive. Setting his stall out from the start, the son of Showcasing went off at a far pace and from halfway he kept increasing his advantage all the way to the line. Winning by seven lengths, he posted a smart time figure for a race of its kind (better than the older horse handicap won by 92-rated Caburn) and on this evidence, the drop back to six furlongs was a stroke of genius by his shrewd connections. Likely to get a shot across the bows by the assessor, he still, however, should have enough up his sleeve to win again.
September 18 – Yarmouth – Baltic Fleet – 76
Similar to Aspect island on the straight track, Simon & Ed Crisford’s inmate clocked the fastest time of those racing on the round course and that is an indication it was a decent contest for a juvenile event. Pestered by main market rival, Green Falcon, from halfway, the pair had a protracted dual from that juncture and the fact they pulled well clear of the rest suggested there was no relent in the pace. George Boughey’s inmate clearly took a big step forward from his opening gambit at Windsor and there should be more to come from this long term middle distance prospect. As for the runner-up, he also looks like a horse who relishes a stamina test and he can win a nursery under similar conditions before the season is out.
September 19 – Newbury – Senorita Vega – 77
One of many keenly contested nurseries run during last week and this one at the Berkshire venue came out best on the data. Based on the overall speed figure, they clearly didn’t hang around over the seven furlong trip and they fact the field finished strung out is testimony to that viewpoint (20 lengths first to last). Looking exposed heading into this contest, she poured cold water on that theory in no uncertain terms and whilst clearly thriving, she should easily be capable of winning again in due course. Runner up, Shaman Champion, stuck to his task manfully inside the final two furlongs and while no match for the winner, he did more than enough to suggest he is not a busted flush just yet.
September 20 – Gowran – Faiyam – 84
As far as top class performances of the week go, Ger Lyon’s filly joined Cicero’s Gift at the top of the pile and she looks an exciting prospect going forward. Settling down into a nice rhythm early after looking like she might over race, the daughter of Frankel went through the gears inside the final half a mile and at no stage did she ever look like relinquishing her advantage. Winning by a wide margin, she did so with seemingly loads in hand and this talented three-year-old has the size and scope to tackle stiffer opposition next time, particularly on soft ground.