June 26 – Newmarket – Argentine Tango – 77
By and large, most of the two-year-old races at Royal Ascot were below par on the clock, only the Coventry standing out as the shining light, but this listed fillies contest provided a much-needed shot in the arm for the generation and it should work out to be a strong race form-wise going forward. Predictably, all-the-way Leicester winner, Amberia, cut out a solid early pace and she was still churning out the fractions down to the furlong pole. However, she couldn’t shake off three of her nearest pursuers and Tim Easterby’s inmate was the one best placed to take advantage when the front runner faded late on. Keeping on well close home, the daughter of Mattmu just gained the day from the fast-finishing Midnight Tango, and she looks well worth her place in the Lowther Stakes at York, her next big future target. As for the runner-up, she deserves upgrading in a big way coming from so far back and Ed Walker’s filly is a name worth keeping on side for the foreseeable future.
June 27 – Curragh – Learntodiscover – 77
Just like London buses, the next big two-year-old speed figure came along the very next day when Ger Lyons’ colt struck oil on his second start. A promising third on his debut over the same C&D behind the potentially smart Brussels, the son of Havana Grey faced yet another Ballydoyle hotpot in the shape of Puerto Rico on his return to the Kildare venue but this time, he managed to come out on top. Whether he would have prevailed had the runner-up got out of a pocket sooner is open to debate but either way, this was still a big step up for him based on the data. Despite being beaten, the runner-up is probably going to be the best of the field long term and a maiden looks a mere formality for Aidan O’Brien’s colt. Of the rest, Kensington Lane created a favourable impression by staying on well into fifth and she needs just one more run to qualify for nurseries.
June 28 – Chester – Alzahir – 84
A contest that wouldn’t normally set the pulses racing – that was certainly the view pre-race – but the speed figure it produced suggested it might turn out to be one worth following for the next few months. Cinque Verde ensured the gallop was honest from the outset and the winner, travelling well in his slipstream from an early stage, picked him off readily inside the final furlong. Better known for his exploits over further previously, Jenny Candlish’s inmate has found some speed from somewhere in his last two runs and a continuation of something similar makes him a viable proposition going forward.
June 28 – Newcastle – Spirit Mixer – 90
Based on our calculations, this renewal of the Northumberland Plate was the best handicaps run so far this season and it will be interesting to see whether the form works out accordingly. A breakaway group of four pushed the pace along from the start and by halfway the field were stretched out to the tune of 25 lengths. Unsurprisingly, the pace eventually collapsed and those from the midfield, including the winner, became the chief beneficiaries. Given how the race panned out, the performance of East India Dock deserves upgrading and he clearly remains in good form despite a tough schedule over the past year. Too handy when trying 2m4f for the first time at Royal Ascot, this time James Doyle gave his mount far too much to do in the second part of the race having decided to park James Owen’s gelding in last place despite breaking in a reasonable fashion and he will command plenty of respect wherever he goes next time.
June 28 – Curragh – Beautify – 78
Lady Iman was understandably all the rage to maintain her unbeaten record but as this panned out, Ger Lyon’s filly just failed to get home in a race run at a searching pace. The winner on the other hand, relished being put through more sterner paces than on debut and she looks to be an exciting prospect going forward – particularly over further.
June 28 – Curragh – Trustyourinstinct – 89
Joseph O’Brien’s gelding is fast developing into one of the most reliable performers in Ireland and he gained his second pattern success in pretty facile fashion. Sitting in behind the strong gallop set by Deepone, the son of Churchill just had to be nudged out to assume command from the two furlong pole and his winning time figure went rocketing passed his previous best over the same C&D. Clearly a lover of the galloping nature of the Kildare venue, it would be dangerous to underestimate him under any circumstances in the future.
June 28 – York – Quinault – 84
Stuart Williams’ inmate didn’t arrive on the Knavesmire in particularly good form but already 2-2 at the track, he kept his unbeaten record intact with another dominant front running display. Despite scorching off in front, he still found the necessary reserves to fend off the more patiently ridden pair, Room Service and Parobus and this victory over seven furlong opens up plenty of more options going forward. As for the runner-up, he did best of those held up off the pace and similar to the winner, a return to the Knavesmire clearly inspired his change around in fortunes.