October 7 – Nottingham – Sudu – 83
There were two divisions of a 0-80 1m2f handicap at the Midland venue and the first division proved to be easily the best in terms of overall speed figures. Percival and the well-backed Brighton Bot ensured there was a healthy tempo from the outset and when the pair hit the wall two out, those who were held up, including the first two home, took over as they really found their stride. In the end, it was Roger Varian’s inmate who stayed on best to get the better of Borjina and this effort proved to be a return to form after disappointing several times since scoring at Epsom last season. Whether it was a return to class 4 company, a drop back to 1m2f or the ease underfoot that helped regain the winning theme, or a combination of all three factors, who knows, but either way, the son of Teofilo is clearly a useful performer when he is in the mood. As for the runner-up, she can count herself unlucky to bump into such a resurgent character on the day but the fact she pulled well clear of the rest points towards her being of significant interest next time.
October 9 – Chepstow – Pioneer Pete – 70
Chepstow is always the signal of the proper start to the jumps season and the best race on offer at the three-day meeting at the Welsh venue was this four-year-old handicap. Jonjo & A J O’neill’s inmate had been in good form over the last few months at a lesser level but he did have fitness on his side and he was ridden accordingly by his pilot right from the outset. Maintaining a strong gallop throughout, he ran his rivals into the ground and the speed figure he posted backed up the visually aspect of his display. Whether he can continue on the same trajectory when the better horses come out is open to debate but when conditions suit, he should remain competitive at the very least.
October 9 – Newmarket – Mussab – 79
A keenly contested Cornwallis and it was another platform for Richard & Peter Fahey’s colt to showcase his talents. The son of Ten Sovereigns had previously scored at listed level at Ayr but this represented a much stiffer test on paper, up against several who brough decent form to the table. However, despite the complexities of the race and being stuck on the wing in stall 1, he still proved equal to the task and despite his winning margin being a narrow one, that should in no way detract from the magnitude of his performance. His closing sectional of 32.9, quicker than older horse Never So Brave (33.0), proves what a smart effort this was by a very speedy juvenile and he in no way should be underestimated when he heads out to the Breeders Cup later this month.
October 9 – Newmarket – Song Of The Clouds – 86
Heavy rain meant this listed fillies contest was run under deteriorating conditions but that didn’t prevent the race being run at a true gallop, resulting in a very fast time figure. William Haggas looked to have a very strong hand beforehand, but the market spoke extremely favourably towards the daughter of Night Of Thunder and as events panned out, the money in her direction proved to be spot on. Despite racing on the wrong side of the track and pulling hard early, this lightly-raced filly still managed to come out on top and with time on her side, she could turn out to be top class next season.
October 9 – York – Sharadd – 79
While William Haggas was dominating over at HQ, the Newmarket handler sent out another impressive winner on the day and he too, looks to have a very bright future. Impressive on his debut at Haydock a month ago, the son of Dark Angel was a warm order to maintain his unbeaten record and despite the attempted interventions of the runner-up, Our Son Oscar, he did so with a certain degree of swagger. A gorgeous looking colt with an engine to match, the way he went through the race before getting on top of his main market rival was extremely taking and the speed figure strongly hinted he took a big step forward from his debut. He does need to show he can do it on quicker ground with next year in mind but he remains one likely to make his mark at Listed/Group level. Top class prospect.
October 10 – Newmarket – Drumbeat – 80
There was no hiding place in this Group 3 staying contest for juveniles and it produced a winning time to suggest the form is extremely reliable. Aidan O’Brien’s inmate was all the rage beforehand and he certainly had the best form on offer but he ended up surpassing all pre-race expectations with a performance of total dominance. The way he strode clear of his rivals once in top gear was a display of a very high class colt and on this evidence, he is going to be one of the leading contenders for the Derby next season. Despite being beaten far and square on the day, runner-up Wykehurst Park also has a future and he will come into his own when encountering 1m4f and beyond as a three-year-old.
October 10 – Newmarket – Darkness Falls – 75
Not quite so impressive on the clock as his stable mate earlier on the card but nonetheless, a pleasing performance by a colt who cemented himself as one of the best of his generation. There was some doubt beforehand whether he would have the natural speed of his main market threat, Desert Castle, dropping back in trip but he dispelled that theory in no uncertain terms and his blend of speed and stamina is likely to see him take high rank next season.