September 8 – Carlisle – Thosewerethedays – 82
A low grade maiden but the overall speed figure suggested it was an above-average one for the track and the winner could well turn out to be quite useful. Settling in behind the pace set by main market rival, Sound Janet, Ralph Beckett’s inmate picked off the front runner in ready fashion and without need of too much encouragement, he soon assumed command. Seemingly more at home with the ease underfoot he encountered, the son of Sea The Stars could well be worth one bearing in mind once handicapping and he looks a nice staying prospect for the future.
September 11 – Doncaster – Calendar Girl – 78
Another competitive field assembled for a sales race and we witnessed a big improvement from one of the more unexposed members of the party. Owen Burrows’ filly arrived on Town Moor having suffered a reversal at Epsom previously but she still proved a popular choice receiving all the allowances and she duly took advantage by winning in the style of horse capable of moving on to better things. Clearly well suited a well-run affair, a step up in trip should also suit in due course and no doubt connections will be on the look out for a pattern race in order to enhance her stature.
September 12 – Doncaster – Revival Power – 77
Tim Easterby’s inmate showed blinding speed to land the listed Roses Stakes at York previously and it was very much more of the same despite stepping up in class. She soon had her field at full stretch on Town Moor and just as she did a month earlier, she found more once threatened a furlong out. Clearly a very fast filly who will probably spent most of her career over five furlongs, long term she looks tailor made for next year’s Nunthorpe, with connections no doubt working back from York and plotting out a suitable course along the way.
September 12 – Doncaster – Sweet William – 90
No prisoners taken in this staying contest and despite a tardy start, John & Thady Gosden’s gelding proved too classy for his rivals. Having missed the kick, what Robert Havlin didn’t want was a slow gallop and Oisin Murphy gladly helped out the situation by setting suicidal fractions aboard his mount, Sunway. Once the front runner fainted, the six-year-old eased his way towards the front end of the field in effortless fashion and then when it came to a test of stamina inside the final two furlongs, he found the necessary reserves to pull well clear. According to connections, that is now it for the season for this likeable stayer but no doubt he will be back again to lock horns with his old mate Trawlerman, next term.
September 13 – Chester – Ghost Mode – 78
Andrew Balding’s inmate was on a bit of a retrieval mission having got beaten at 1-3 at Epsom last time out and he duly made amends with a sparkling display. Covering the early pace from his wide draw, the son of Ghaiyyath got himself into a lovely rhythm and once sent to the front over two furlongs from home, he never looked like relinquishing the advantage. Posting a big number for a race of its kind, it will be interesting to see how the assessor reacts to this display and providing he is not hit too hard, he could be one to note in a nursery next time – especially when the emphasis is on speed.
September 13 – Leopardstown – Delacroix – 85
The big race of Irish Champions weekend and a stellar field was assembled but it was normal services resumed with Aidan O’Brien landing the Group 1 for a remarkable 13th. A flop in the Derby, the son of Dubawi hasn’t looked back since and victories here and in the Eclipse point towards him being the best of his generation over 1m2f. Being able to quicken off a strong pace is always a vital weapon at this level and this three-year-old has all the attributes needed for a proper Group 1 horse. Whether he stays in training remains to be seen but hopefully we get a chance to see him again before the season is out with another clash with his old pal Ombudsman very much on the cards.
September 14 – Curragh – Arizona Blaze – 85
Having advised Adrian Murray’s inmate in the Nunthorpe only for him to disappoint, it was rather galling to see him bounce back to form here, but his turnaround in fortunes was rather indicative of how the season has gone in the sprinting category. The term “bingo on legs” has often been used to describe sprint handicappers but that is how it has felt trying to make sense of the big Group races during the campaign and this was another. That said, the three-year-old did have the sort of record at the Kildare venue to suggest he was one of the likelier winners and with the ground coming in his favour, he duly took advantage of home soil. Given his preference for easy underfoot conditions, the Abbeye would seem the most logical choice for him next and a low draw, which essential at Longchamp, would give him a sound platform for him to implement his front running tactics.
September 14 – Curragh – Shaool – 82
Regular clients, mainly who listen to the Irish podcast, will know we have been banging on about Johnny Murtagh’s filly ever since she posted a terrific set of numbers when winning at Leopardstown mid-summer, so it came as no surprise to see her land the concluding race to the Irish Champions Weekend. The only real shock was that it took her until now to realise her potential but for those who stayed loyal, it was well worth the wait. Undone by bad draws, ground and poor track position in the three ensuing races since Leopardstown, the four-year-old looked to have it all to do at halfway at the Kildare venue but with a devastating burst off the home bend, she cut down majority of his rivals to win going away and her performance was one of the highlights of the entire weekend. When you add into the fact she posted faster overall times than Al Riffa and Barnavara in the two pattern races, puts into perspective her achievements and we have no doubt she is one of the best fillies in Ireland under her optimum conditions.