April 14 – Newmarket – Talk Of New York – 78
The first proper week of the Flat season with plenty to digest from predominately Newmarket and Newbury and the first one to gain an entry to this column is Charlie Appleby’s colt in the seven furlong conditions race on day one of the Craven meeting. Having raced way too keen for his own good on his previous start in Meydan, the first-time hood was fitted in a bid to get the son of Wootton Bassett to settle and the headgear certainly worked its magic. The way he came through from the back of the field to ultimately score going away highlighted his undoubted talents and for the rest of the season, hope will be high he can continue to thrive more mentally than physically.
April 15 – Leopardstown – Eretria – 78
The Dublin-based venue also stages a decent card midweek and the pick of the card came in the opening fillies’ contest, won in fine style by a horse who we should be hearing more about during the rest of the season. Donnacha O’Brien’s filly had already had the benefit of a previous outing at Dundalk, catching the eye when runner-up to one of her stable mates and this performance went a long way to back up the theory she could be a stakes filly in the making. Having sat on the shoulders of a good pace from the outset, the daughter of Camelot impressed with the way she put daylight between herself at the rest of the field and she has the size and scope to continue to progress. Nice type.
April 15 – Newmarket – Double Rush – 79
Just as he had done on his first outing last season, Andrew Balding’s gelding created a favourable impression and it would come as no surprise if this guy was edging towards pattern company on the evidence of this display. Progressive until bombing out on his final start last term, the switch in stables from Charlie Hills always had the potential to be a good move for the son of Blue Point and it will be interesting to see how the handicapper reacts after what can only be described as a ‘demolition job’.
April 15 – Newmarket – Damysus – 82
John & Thady Gosden’s flashy chestnut rounded off last season in fine style and he began this term where he left off with a performance of the highest class. The way he travelled throughout a well-run affair before sprinting clear late on was one of the lasting memories of the three days and the sky could really be the limit for this lightly-raced colt if he continues to progress on the same path. Although he has enough pace to be considered as a miler, he is likely to be more of a potent threat over 1m2f and he looks the type who will do well in French races as well as on these shores.
April 15 – Southwell – Goldinthesea – 78
Having his first start for new connections since leaving Joseph O’Brien. the market reacted favourably in the direction of Ed Bethel’s recruit and he didn’t disappoint. Despite taking a keen grip early, he still had the necessary qualities to pull well clear of his field in the latter stages and the time figure pointed towards an above average one for a race of its kind. Unraced on turf, the son of No Nay Never could turn out to be quite smart if he can translate his all-weather form to the grass and he remains one to keep on side. Of the rest, third home Shadow Boxer caught the eye with the way he finished off his race and this was a promising beginning for a horse who is likely to do better in time and over further.
April 16 – Newmarket – Sovereign Spirit – 81
Slightly disappointing that the best time on day three of the Craven meeting came in the opening three-year-old handicap, containing many exposed sorts, but nevertheless, it is a race to follow if the speed figure turns out to be a good guide. The way the winner hit the line having been ridden over two furlongs out was commendable and Kevin Philippart De Foy’s colt looks the type who should continue to do well in races of this nature.
April 17 – Newbury – Maltese Cross – 79
Over to proceedings at the Berkshire venue and the best race on the first of the two-day fixture came in the shape of the novice event won by William Haggas’ colt. The son of Sea The Starts had signed off last season with a win at HQ but this performance was easily the better of the two based on the data and considering he was expected to need the run, this wasn’t a bas return. He’ll need to do more if he’s to take up his Derby entry, but he will definitely stay 1m4f and his trainer suggested it will be a recognised trial next.
Of the others involved in a tight finish, the one to note for the future was Shabab Al Ahli, who looked for all the world as though he was running over the wrong trip. All the available stride data (2.01 frequency and 7.96 max length) from his debut victory at Southwell suggested he was going to need at least 1m4f to fulfil potential yet connections inexplicably dropped him back in distance at the Berkshire venue. True to form, he got badly outpaced before running on nicely at the death and it would come as no surprise if this big lad ends up running in something like the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot. Long term, he could even turn out to be a Cup horse.
April 18 – Newbury – Convergent – 84
Phantom Flight ensured this Group 3 contest was run at a decent gallop and despite getting into a world of trouble, Karl Burke’s gelding came through strongly to claim the prize. The son of Fascinating Rock didn’t have much room to work with approaching two out and it wasn’t until inside the final furlong when he saw daylight. However, once out in the clear he picked up in the style of a useful performer and his winning margin doesn’t do him justice. Other than one poor run on his dance card on bad ground towards the end of last season, he came across as a thoroughly progressive colt and on the evidence of this display, he still appears to be trending in the right direction. Could be top class.
April 18 – Newbury – Water To Wine – 81
Last but by no means least, the one who passed the eye test the most on the week was John & Thady Gosden’s colt in the 1m3f maiden at the Berkshire venue. Extremely well touted beforehand, the giant son of Kingman cruised through the well run affair like a quality act and when asked to put the race to bed, he did so with the minimum of fuss. Hitting the line strong, he seemingly had loads left in the tank and this Derby entry looks easily good enough to fulfil a role at Epsom should connections decide to take a punt. Either way, make no mistake, this fella is a proper class act in the offing and even at this stage of his career, he looks Group 1 material.