May 24 – Curragh – Almaqam – 86
A race full of anticipation beforehand and it did not disappoint, with three high class middle-distance performers from the raiding party proving way too good for the home contingent. The weather and state of the ground was much talked about in the build-up to the event but despite conditions far from ideal as far as the winner is concerned, he still had the class to overcome such an impost. Aggressively ridden to obtain a prominent position after a furlong, Ed Walker’s gelding chased a strong pace through the first mile and when joined by the smooth-travelling Bay City Roller at the two pole, he found the necessary reserves to hold his main rival at bay. When all things considered, this was a terrific effort by the imposing five-year-old and judged by his condition in the preliminaries, he should improve for the run. As for the rest, the runner-up once again run his usual game race in defeat and he will be seen as a more potent threat at this level during the autumn on softer ground, while the third, Saddadd, did more than enough to suggest he can dine at the top table for the rest of the season.
May 25 – Redcar – Danger Bay – 83
The Zetland Gold Cup is usually a race that pays to follow and based on the speed figure it produced, there appears no logical reason to go against the trends in recent times. David O’Meara’s gelding had been a thoroughly progressive horse until blowing out at York on his final start last season but he duly got back on track at the Yorkshire venue, turning in a display that very much increased his stock. Always travelling well, he eased into the lead two out and from that juncture he gradually increased his advantage, in turn, running the last three furlongs in 33.4 (best on the card). Likely to be nudged up beyond the 100 rating mark, the son of New Bay might have another big handicap pot left in him until embarking on a lucrative campaign in pattern races.
May 25 – Windsor – Antipodes – 86
In a race in which the first two had it between them from some way out, Roger Varian’s gelding did enough to edge out the runner-up, who stuck valiantly to his task. Progressing nicely, the son of Starspangledbanner looks the type to win a nice handicap this season.
May 26 – Leicester – Libertango – 74
Yet another to sign on the dotted line for the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and based on our speed figure, one who won’t look out of place. A 400,000gns purchase at the Craven breeze-ups last month, she got her career off to a fine start, taking a bit of time to figure things out but impressing with the way she quickening up nicely late on. Hitting the line hard, the stiff nature of Ascot will suit and George Boughey’s filly goes there with a fighting chance.
May 28 – Sandown – Talk Of New York – 84
A race that always produces a three-year-old of some talent and this year’s renewal should turn out to be no different based on the clock. Right from the outset, the gallop was honest at the Esher venue and Charlie Appleby’s colt had no trouble laying up, seemingly going a half speed to everything else. Once assuming command over a furlong out, the son of Wootton Bassett stretching out impressively all the way to the line and his five length winning margin in no way flatters him. Likely to head to Royal Ascot and tackle the big guns in the St James’ Palace Stakes, it would be dangerous to underestimate his credentials and at 5-1, he seems a solid each-way proposition at this stage.
May 28 – Ripon – Etonnante – 76
After a slow start, all of a sudden Karl Burke has a whole plethora of talented juveniles at his disposal and this daughter of Havana Grey is another name to add to the ever-growing list. Having no trouble going the solid early speed. the well-made grey eased up to the pacesetting Lady Branksome approaching the final furlong and with just a hands and heels ride, she readily came clear. Leaving the impression there is plenty more to come, she looks capable of mixing it in pattern company further down the line and likely to miss Royal Ascot according to the post-race chat, races like the Lowther and Princess Margaret appear viable alternatives.
May 30 – Lingfield – Alta Regina – 76
Probably not a bad fillies maiden based on the pre-race chat and it produced a winner of the highest quality. In-keeping with many Wathnam breeze-up horses, the daughter of Sioux Nation knew her job and once gathering her stride in the latter stages, she really opened up like a top-class prospect. Posting a smart overall time, her backend sectionals and stride data suggest she might even be better served by an extra furlong and if that theory proves to be the case, she could be one of the big players in the Albany Stakes.
May 30 – Carlisle – Estrange – 84
The classiest horse horse on show during the week and David O’Meara’s grey kicked off her campaign in fine style. Based on her profile of running against the very best, she was fully entitled to score at this level but there was a certain swagger about her performance and connections will no doubt have larger fish to fry.