April 19 – Curragh – Starford – 80
A 1-2 for Joseph O’Brien, but not how the market predicted with the winner stepping up markedly on his effort over the same C&D at the previous meeting. Stable mate Beset looked to obtain first run on the son of Beckford, but to his great credit, he soon mowed her down and in the end, he scored going away. Clearly a horse on the improve who enjoys plenty of give underfoot, more races beckon granted similar conditions. He also, in turn, paid a handsome complement to Fiver Friday, who won with any amount in hand when beating Starford & Co previously and she could turn out to be well treated even off her revised mark of 90.
April 21 – Pontefract – Have Secret – 88
No hiding place in this 1m2f handicap, backed by the extremely fast speed figure, and the race set up perfectly for Richard Fahey’s inmate, who has proved in the past a well-run affair suits. Unlike when he was too keen off the front on his seasonal bow, he settled well in behind the pace and once meeting the rising ground, he stayed on powerfully to record a facile success. Given he won over this trip at Redcar in November, the Zetland Gold Cup at that venue could be on the agenda next. As for the runner-up, Insanity, this effort was a perfectly satisfactory seasonal bow and he’ll likely to be suited to a step back up in trip. A previous Ascot winner, one would imagine the Duke Of Edinburgh would be the race for him.
April 21 – Yarmouth – Brilliant Star – 79
John & Thady Gosden have made a tremendous start to the season, particularly with their fillies, and this daughter of Cracksman set herself up for what should turn out to be a fruitful campaign. As the market suggested, this looked an ideal opportunity for her to build on her promising start last season but the speed figure pointed towards her performance being more than a mandatory one. Not in the Epsom Oaks, she could turn out to be one for the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot.
April 24 – Cork – Zia Zabel – 81
Natalie Lupini’s inmate had showed bright promise on two starts last season and he improved to make it third time lucky on his return to the fray. The race was run at a sound gallop, so he needed to be on his mettle after a break and the way he stayed on in the latter stages suggested he will get further in time. For now, a soundly-run mile suits just as a well and he looks the type who could feature in a big-field, premier handicap either at the Curragh, or over the Irish Sea in something like the Britannia Handicap.
April 24 – Sandown – Opera Ballo – 83
Sound fractions were set by Charlie Appleby’s colt and with fitness on his side, the kick he produced from three out was enough to keep him nicely clear of his better fancied rivals. Seemingly maturing as he gets older, the son of Ghaiyyath is now streamlining his ability to greater effect and one would imagine he will be aimed at some of the bigger mile races in the calendar.
April 25 – Leicester – Strike Red – 82
Competitive fare and as expected for a race of its kind, a strong speed figure in the final analysis. The winner has always been capable of hitting useful numbers, so no surprises there, but it would be nice if he got his head in front in one of the heritage handicaps after suffering one or two near misses in the past. The other to make a note of was runner-up, Prince Of India, and this effort was much better than his opening gambit at Newmarket, which was disappointing to say the least. On this evidence, however, he looked to be back to something like the horse we witnessed in mid-summer and the Wokingham looks tailor made for his run style.
April 26 – Nottingham – King’s Prize – 75
There has been some nice two-year-olds so far this season, but nothing has produced anything of note on the figures until Ralph Beckett’s filly in this maiden. Settling nicely in behind the pace set by the free-going Phalanx Nation, the daughter of Too Darn Hot picked up nicely when asked for her effort at the furlong pole and despite running green, she kept on well to record a notable speed figure. Given the fact she carries the silks of the King and Queen, a trip to Royal Ascot could be on the agenda. She’s also bred to stay further, and promises to be suited by 7f plus later in the season. As for the rest, the aforementioned, Phalanx Nation proved a little too headstrong for her own good, both on the way to post and during the race itself. Clearly she will need to settle better before fulfilling her potential but there is no doubt there is an engine under the bonnet.