August 4 – Windsor – Rogue Messiah – 75
The well-supported King Victorious ensured this restricted novice event was run at a proper gallop and when he failed to maintain set he set to two out, it was Jack Jones’ inmate who grabbed hold of the baton and with it all the way to the line. It was hard to imagine even with half a furlong to race he would win by three-and-a-half lengths but so strong was his finishing kick, he managed to achieve that feat in such a short space of time and it was probably due to the fact he had the longest stride length of field by nearly a metre. Although clearly not short of speed, the son of Kodi Bear shapes like he may do even better over further and it will be interesting how is campaigned by connections during the remainder of the season.
August 8 – Thirsk – Paddy The Squire – 84
Iain Jardine’s inmate is name who has popped up on this column in recent times and he gained due rewards for a couple of notable efforts in big heritage handicaps with a win of his own. The son of Golden Horn looked the clear pick on form heading into this Class 3 affair and, having travelled well throughout, he readily came clear to justify heavy support. The way he hit the line strongly suggested he might be an even more potent force beyond 1m4f, and that theory will open up plenty of options going forward. Entered in the Ebor, it will highly unlikely he will get into that valuable prize but there should be plenty more decent races to be won with this improving stayer.
August 8 – Tipperary – Nautical Force – 84
Just the three runners for this conditions race but there was no messing around and the strong tempo really helped Johnny Murtagh’s gelding show his true worth. He had got beaten at 1-4 previously having gone well at Royal Ascot earlier in the same month but this was more like it from a three-year-old who seems to relish a decent test. Now rated 102, life will be tougher in handicaps from now on and it might well turn out he will be better off running in pattern races in due course and he looks the type who could easily hold his own.
August 9 – Ascot – Ebts Guard – 88
They didn’t appear to go a breakneck pace to the naked eye in this concluding mile handicap to Shergar Cup day but the overall speed figure suggested otherwise, therefore, it is probably a race worth noting going forward. The winner has been fairly busy throughout the season and arrived following a cracking effort at Goodwood, but on the evidence of this display, he still appears to be thriving and his list of positive result might not be finished yet.
August 9 – Curragh – Diamond Necklace – 77
Despite being easy to back on her debut, Aidan O’Brien’s filly made an impressive winning debut and based on the speed figures, she should easily be capable of making an impact in pattern company in future. Not only did she exhibit a useful turn of foot to seal the deal, she appeared to have a likeable attitude to boot and the combination of those two traits should stand her in good stead throughout her career.
August 9 – Curragh – Power Blue – 76
Impressive C&D winner, True Love, was all the rage for this Group 1 but she came a cropper up against an opponent who showed a great willing attitude. Well beaten by her old rival previously, there seemed no logical reason why the son of Space Blues would turn around the form but he was said to be suffering from a running nose in a post-race interview and that explanation makes more sense based on this result. It was also a much-needed outcome for Amo Racing who, up to now, have had a torrid season with their 2yo’s, so maybe he can continue to build on this excellent effort and have a good second half of the campaign.
August 9 – Newmarket – Zanthos – 75
Well touted prior to this debut, Simon & Ed Crisford’s filly did not disappoint, shaping as she could easily make an impact against stiffer opposition. Knowing her job, the daughter of Sioux Nation soon assumed command and having raced generously throughout, she readily found the necessary requirements to pull clear. Clearly, connections will have aspirations far beyond a race of this nature and the Solaria Stakes was mentioned as a possibility next time out.