June 8th – Leicester – Noble Horizon – 84
Oli Rix’s inmate was subject to heavy support previously only to fail, but this time he made no mistake and in doing so, he posted a very smart time figure for the grade. Making all, he stretched right away late on and the data suggests there was no fluke about the performance. He’s bred to be much better than a handicapper and won’t be one to oppose lightly now he’s clicked for his new yard.
June 10th – Hamilton – Royal Heritage – 76
What looked a straightforward, no-nonsense success to the eye at the Scottish track, the clock suggested it was anything but and considering he produced such a figure without being subjected to a hard ride pointed towards a colt of serious potential. The fact he impressed all concerned enough for connections retract their original view and not go for The Coventry, is a big indication the feedback offered by James Doyle and it has come as no surprise to see him opt for this son of Blue Point over Ruler’s Pride.
June 11th – Newbury – Forty Years On – 79
A competitive handicap on paper beforehand but the market only wanted to know one horse and the support in the direction of George Scott’s filly proved well founded. The way she cruised through this well run affair before striding well clear was of a filly who looks mikes ahead of her mark and no doubt connections will be looking towards gaining some black in the near future. She clearly handles soft ground very well and a wet autumn can see her continue to flourish.
June 11th – Yarmouth – Neyvas Angel – 85
A low grade sprint handicap but it produced an unusually fast time and the winner is clearly a horse going places on this evidence. Runner-up over 6f here on good to firm a fortnight earlier, she relished the combination of this drop in trip and slower ground and ran out an emphatic winner. Well backed, she broke well and had matters in hand soon after entering the final furlong and further success beckons under similar conditions.
June 11th – Yarmouth – High Point – 86
Again, another freakish time for the grade but one that needs to be taken seriously for future reference. Back on his last winning mark and with underfoot conditions in his favour, he enjoyed the run of the race and took full advantage, making it two wins from as many runners for his yard this month. He’s now 5-11 on the turf and is worth keeping on side in a similar contest.
June 12th – Gowran – Rion Rubette – 81
Previous C&D form was upheld here with Michael Butler’s filly showing her love for the Kenny venue, running out a worthy winner. Staying on strongly late on, she posted a decent number to add to her backend sectionals – which were the best on the card – and she now heads to the Curragh for a race on Irish Derby weekend.
June 12th – Sandown – Dangerman – 84
Not for the first time, John & Thady Gosden’s gelding showed his love affair with the Esher track and his winning figure proved to be a career best. His rider was hard at work from a long way out but he proved a willing partner and his victory was well deserved. Of the rest, Al Aali closed his race off well from the back of the field, tactics not usually successful at the track, and he looks to be coming to the boil after a period of frustrating efforts.
June 12th – York – Antipodes – 88
A very strongly run handicap and it paid to be up with the pace. Roger Varian’s inmate up 6lb after a winning comeback, followed up, defying early keenness and fully proving himself at this new trip. With his three wins all coming by narrow margins, his attitude in a finish cannot be faulted and the John Smith’s Cup, over C&D, in a month’s time looks an ideal target.