September 27 – Ffos Las – Rhodes Runner – 81
They went a right old gallop for a relatively low-grade nursery and Ralph Beckett’s filly ran out a ready winner in a very fast time. Previously impressive on testing ground at Chester, the daughter of Minzaal once again appreciated give underfoot and the hat trick could well be forthcoming with conditions in her favour.
September 28 – Hamilton – El Matador – 86
Competitive stuff and one of the best handicaps of the week based on the figures. Sujet and Good Morning Alex were responsible for how the race panned out and the strong pace played into the hands of Ralph Beckett’s gelding who, having run well over 1m2f three starts prior, had the confirmed stamina to take advantage of the pace collapse. Digging deep late on to fend off the challenge of Strength Of Spirit, he held on well for a game victory and with the pair clear, the form looks solid. As for the runner-up, that was the second time Karl Burke’s inmate has gone well at the Scottish venue and he is one to note when revisiting the track.
October 1 – Salisbury – Gran Dia – 75
The opening four races on this card were all for juveniles, including a decent conditions events, so the fact the best of the speed figures achieved went the way of Andrew Balding’s newcomer strongly suggests he could be above-average. There was much to admire about the way he got the job done at the first time of asking too, staying on powerfully in the latter stages to score with any amount in hand. Indeed, the further he went the more dominant he became and being by Lope De Vega, he should make into a nice middle distance prospect next season.
October 2 – Ascot – Drymee – 84
There was a clear bias towards who raced towards the stands side rail over the two-day meeting, so the fact the first two home here were drawn 1 and 2 says a lot for their superiority. The winner was switched left from the start by Billy Loughnane in a bid to try and make the best of a bad job but he clearly had a very willing and well handicapped partner, coming through late on to win in snug fashion. Now a winner of four of her last five starts, James Fanshawe’s filly continues to thrive and gaining some valuable black type will surely be her next objective. As for the runner-up, Henlein, he didn’t get the clearest of runs when mounting his challenge and his effort deserves to be marked up accordingly.
October 2 – Ascot – Infraad – 85
The softly, softly approach afforded William Haggas’ colt very much paid off in this listed contest and the future remains bright for him as a staying prospect next season. The son of Ghaiyyath doesn’t do things very quickly but he does have a deceptively long stride and once in full cry, as he was in the final two furlongs here, always looked like getting up late on. Based on the post-race chat, stumps look like bring drawn for the season and he could develop into a lovely Cup horse next term.
October 2 – Dundalk – Joga Bonito – 81
Paddy Twomey’s inmate set a very strong pace for this listed prize but he proved good enough to maintain gallop all the way to the line and it came as no surprise to find the speed figure he posted was exceptionally good. That is now two wins from three outings since being gelded and he is blessed with a fair blend of speed and stamina. Likeable type.
October 3 – Ascot – Hidden Force – 83
Once again, the stands side rail proved the place to be – albeit the winner was switched off the paintwork to make his challenge – and it was a return to form for Charlie Appleby’s inmate, who was a shade disappointing when last seen in the Craven Stakes. Having undergone a wind operation in the interim, he returned to action following a five month break but the time off proved no barrier to success and he won in the style of a horse who should enjoy a lucrative final few months of the campaign.