April 29 – Pontefract – Infraad – 85
Easily one of the most impressive winners from last week, a view backed up by an exceptionally big speed figure for a race of its kind. Willie Haggas’ colt had tasted defeat on his two previous starts, including on his seasonal bow at Nottingham, but sent to the front from an early stage, he never gave his supporters too many anxious moments. Handed a rating of 90 after this romp, the son of Ghaiyyath will no doubt be earmarked for a decent handicap in the short term and it would come as no surprise if his first spin in that sphere were to come at Royal Ascot.
April 30 – Lingfield – Mythical Bird – 80
A low grade handicap, but the time figure and performance of the winner needed highlighting on many counts. Not only was the data produced by Hughie Morrison’s filly good, the fact she was forced wide early and didn’t drop the bridle for the thick end of half a mile added to the overall display and she looks one to keep on side when contesting a similar race next time.
April 30 – Yarmouth – Alice De Clare – 80
Again, low grade stuff but another very smart time by a horse rated in the 50’s and as such, we need to keep the form on side. The way James Fanshawe’s filly travelled before quickening right away late on was very impressive on the eye and she looks miles better than her current rating based on the evidence of this effort.
May 1 – Ascot – Sweet William – 83
Probably not the deepest Sagaro ever run but John & Thady Gosden’s gelding sprinkled a touch of class to the line-up and in the end, his qualities just gained the day. Made to work extremely hard for this victory by the improving Caballo De Mar, the seven-year-old proved he can still mix it at the very highest level and he looks in line for another consistent season in all the big staying contests. As for the runner-up, he did have a fitness advantage on his side but at the same time, he did have to carry a Group 1 penalty for his success in the Cadran last season. A fully-fledged stayer at this level, George Scott’s inmate thoroughly deserves a shot at the big one back here at the Royal meeting and there will be worse 14-1 shots in the field for a horse who stays well and handles the track.
May 1 – Goodwood – Protection Act – 82
Just the four runners but a very good speed figure and a winner that could be destined for a bright future. Held up in the rear, George Boughey’s colt still had a bit on his plate approaching the two furlong pole but he found a useful turn of foot when asked for his effort and he ended up winning going away. Entered in the St James Palace Stakes, he is highly unlikely to realise that engagement if stable mate Bow Echo goes down that route, but he wouldn’t be out of place in any group race connections choose at the Royal fixture,
May 2 – Newmarket – Bow Echo – 82
It didn’t look a very strong Guineas on paper beforehand but the speed figure achieved by the winner suggests we all need to reassess those views. Taken back from stall 15 by Billy Loughnane to get a lead towards the nearside rail, the son of Night Of Thunder was brought with his challenge two out and from that juncture he really opened up his stride like a top class performer. The fact he and Gstaad pulled miles clear of the rest suggests the data doesn’t lie and he will take some stopping in this division providing connections can keep him in one piece throughout the season. As for the runner-up, he did nothing wrong in defeat and he might be seen to better effect on a more conventional track. Further back in the field, Into The Sky shaped like a pure sprinter and it would come as no surprise if connections went down the Commonwealth Cup route with him and Padraig Dawn was far from disgraced in eighth having travelled well from the outset.
May 3 – Cork – Edward Thatch – 73
Robson De Aguiar’s colt was a big disappointment first time out but he made no mistakes with that initial run under his belt and he looks the type to continue to improve. A real big unit, he powered his way through the rain-softened conditions to win with any amount in hand and the speed figure was well above average. How he copes with a quicker surface only time will tell but he is clearly a very useful prospect with a big engine and physique in equal measures.
May 3 – Newmarket – Jancis – 83
True Love took all the plaudits winning the 1000 Guineas (79) but the best furlong-per-furlong time was easily this fillies Group contest based on our data and Willie McCreery’s inmate took it with some aplomb. Having fancied her strongly in a similar race at Leopardstown last season only to see her blow out completely and then come here and win in the manner she did was a little irritating but she has always looked a decent filly in the making. Although an 18-1 shot, there was no fluke about this effort and if getting a set-up in future, she could easily repeat the dose.
May 4 – Newmarket – Efsixteen – 72
Always an informative affair, and this year’s renewal shouldn’t prove to be any different, producing a good winner in the shape of George Scott’s filly. Jumping well to race in behind the speed, she settled well early and when asked for her effort at the two pole, she stayed on strongly to win going away. On the evidence of this display, particularly her stride data, the daughter of Havana Grey will benefit from an extra furlong and likely to have one more run prior to Royal Ascot – the race won by Staya last year at Yarmouth – should put her spot on for a tilt at the Albany Stakes – for which she is currently a 16-1 chance.
May 4 – Curragh – Causeway – 80
Having won the same race as Paddington did on his seasonal bow, it was a surprise to see this Irish 2000 Guineas possible so easy to back beforehand but he belied the market drift to score in the style of a high class colt. The way he cruised up to his well-backed stable mate Neolithic before kicking him into to touch left an ever-lasting impression and his speed figure backed up the optics. Not entered in the C&D classic next month, it would come as no surprise to see him supplemented and he is not one to be dismissed out of hand if he does get the green light.