August 3 – Naas – Livenka – 77
Victorious in a fast time at Fairyhouse previously (73), Ger Lyons’ filly was extremely well backed to continue her progressive in this valuable sales contest and she made short work of her rivals. Posting a 77 this time, she looks the type who could take her game to an even higher level and that view was shared by her connections with the Lowther touted as a possibility next time out.
August 6 – Newmarket – Woodhay Wayfairer – 79
What appeared an ordinary nursery beforehand proved to be anything but with a speed figure that suggested we are dealing with at least a couple of very well treated and progressive juveniles. The winner had the mandatory three runs prior to facing the starter at HQ and like many of in that category, she was quite difficult to assess. However, despite being one of the first off the bridle, she stayed on in stout fashion all the way to the line to score going away and for a filly just rated 68, this was a very taking effort. Clearly appreciating the step up to a mile, she can be placed to good effect in due course and Tom Ward’s inmate remains one to keep on side while seemingly miles ahead of her mark. Runner-up High Calibre can count himself unlucky to bump into such a well treated rival and the fact he pulled clear of the rest also points towards him being better than his current assessment.
August 6 – Sandown – Elevating – 75
Crazee In Havana ensured this 5f maiden for juveniles was run at a sound gallop and Richard Hannon’s turned out to be the chief beneficiary. Down two furlongs having failed to stay 7f at Goodwood previously, the daughter of Showcasing came through strongly in the latter stages to overhaul the pace setter and her winning speed figure suggested this was a fair effort. Likely to be kept at sprint trips now finding her lane, a decent nursery might come her way based of this improved performance.
August 6 – Southwell – Spinning Wheel – 84
There hasn’t been too many decent races on the all-weather during the summer but this staying handicap bucked the trend. The winner was held up off the pace early and still had plenty to do turning for home but with a withering late run, he got on top in the shadows of the post score on all-weather debut. Unable to cope with bad ground at Epsom previously, a return to the better surface was clearly the key and he might well head to York for one of the heritage handicaps now back to something like his best (had previously accounted for Hopewell Rock).
August 7 – Musselburgh – Minster Man – 76
Robert Cowell’s colt had shaped well behind Evenfall in a race flagged up on this column on his debut and he duly went one place better in what appeared a weaker race on paper. Jumping well from his favourable draw next to the rails, the son of Blackbeard soon assumed command and despite being momentarily threatened heading down to the final furlong, he found extra reserves to reassert his superiority. An uncomplicated type with plenty of scope, he can continue his progression through the ranks, possibly over further in time.
August 7 – Thirsk – Prosperity Angel – 76
The continuation of the useful two-year-old races on the numbers during last week was highlighted again with another good performance in this maiden. Despite running well enough on debut, she was allowed to go off at 33-1 at the Yorkshire venue and up with speed from that outset, she stayed on best of all to record a convincing display. Presumably nurseries beckon now for this daughter of Harry Angel and an extra furlong could bring about even further improvement.
August 8 – Haydock – Calender Girl – 87
Easily the best race of the week based on our data and it was a fantastic return to action from a filly who hadn’t been seen out since landing a Group 3 at Newmarket last October. Noted travelling well in behind a decent pace, Owen Burrows’ filly soon established command and in the end, she won with quite a bit in hand. With Fallen Angel and Pacific Mission as solid guides, the form looks reliable and she should be in line for a good second half of the season.
August 8 – Haydock – Arctic Thunder – 83
Following Ed Walker’s gelding has been an exercise in patience, not to mention a sturdy wallet but he is starting to repay the faith many have kept with him over the last two seasons and he might easily be capable of completing the hat trick in due course. The way he breezed by his rivals from virtually last to first was in the style of an improver and the assessor will no doubt have to have another swipe at him in order to check his progress.
August 8 – Redcar – Welbury – 84
A really good time figure for the grade and yet another impressive handicap winner for the Ed Bethell stable. Seven length winners of these sort of events are rare and one would imagine the final of the straight mile series later in the season will be his long term target.