June 21 – Pontefract – Coedana – 86
A keenly contested listed affair for the fillies and a very taking performance from the winner. Settled in the rear division early, Ed Bethell’s inmate made swift progress around the field turning for home and once assuming command, she maintained a healthy advantage to the line. A big, strong filly with loads of scope, she looks the type who can continue to improve and there are plenty of options for her going forward.
June 22 – Ballinrobe – Harana – 81
What looked a fairly modest contest beforehand produced a very good speed figure for a race of its kind and an improved performance by the winner who could easily go on to better things. Dermot Weld’s filly settled well in behind the front pair and when asked for her effort turning for home, she stayed on in willing fashion to pull clear. Only rated 72 heading into the contest at the Mayo venue, it will be interesting to see how the assessor processes her latest content, as she looked a filly capable of much more in future.
June 24 – Carlisle – Wine Dark Sea – 88
Certainly the performance of the week in terms of pure numbers as far as we are concerned and it will be interesting how the handicapper reacts to this demolition job. Harry Charlton’s gelding had looked good when winning at Ascot previous and the form had worked out well subsequently but this was still another step in the direction of a horse heading towards pattern races further down the line and talk of the Ebor was well founded based on the data to hand. A big, imposing sort with a great big stride, he settles well which bodes well for him getting beyond 1m4f – the furthest he’s been so far.
June 24 – Naas – Rebel Moon – 82
Cameo was all the rage for this Group 3, but there was always the possibility of a drop off after such a poor run in the Oaks and so it proved. By contrast, Joseph O’Brien’s filly had no convictions heading into the contest and despite a lack of experience and not having run since April, she still proved much the best. Some way off the pace turning for home, she picked up really well to join Caught U Sleeping two out and although she made heavy weather of getting the job done from that juncture, it was still a fair effort by the daughter of Lope De Vega under the circumstances. Sure to have benefitted from this experience both mentally and physically, she has the scope to do really well against her own sex as the rest of the season progresses.
June 25 – Hamilton – Gangsta Man – 85
A helter skelter pace for this 5f sprint and it unsurprisingly produced a big speed figure for the grade. Jim Goldie’s gelding found himself outpaced and in the rear early, but once meeting the rising ground he picked up really well and his sustained effort enabled him to gain the day in the shadows of the post. Based on this evidence, a strongly five furlongs suits him well and bigger prizes await this improving sprinter – yet another off the Goldie production line.
June 27 – Chester – Stardom Glory – 76
A well run two-year-old contest and with the front two pulling clear, a believable result. The winner had finished second on his two previous starts and was fully entitled to win but even so, this was a performance of some substance and he could easily take his game to the next level. Look out for him in a decent handicap in the interim. As for the runner-up, The Dancing Pirate, he also qualifies for nurseries and will be worth noting in a race of that nature next time.
June 27 – Lingfield – Savvy Disko – 82
Just the five runners for this 0-85 contest but the early pace meant the overall time figure was good and the winner looks one to keep on side. Sean Woods’ inmate has little trouble laying up with the speed and he impressed with the turn of foot he exhibiting in him pulling well clear late on. Clearly on the upgrade, this rapidly-improving, lightly-raced gelding can continue to rise through the ranks.
June 27 – York – Quirat – 85
The market was very much focused on Never So Brave and Saber Strike but not for the first time, Ralph Beckett’s gelding proved to be the party pooper. Setting strong fractions from the outset, he maintained the gallop and saw off his main two rivals with a bit to spare and one would imagine the natural target will be the City Of York back over the same C&D in August. As for Saber Strike, he has twice now strongly hinted he may require further to see him to best advantage and it would come as no surprise if connections allowed him to go down that route in due course.
June 27 – York – Hallo Spaceboy – 81
Probably one of the gambles of the season so far (11-4 into evens) and for those who took part, they never had too many anxious moments, as Ed Walker’s gelding made light work of his handicap mark. He certainly appeared well treated beforehand based on his previous exploits in a useful race at Ascot and he probably had more in hand as he crossed the line than the official result suggests. A son of Starman, he can take higher rank as the season unfolds.
June 28 – Curragh – Pierre Royal – 86
There were solid performances by the likes of Benvenuto Cellini (81) and Purview (82) but pride of place on the figures goes to Ado McGuiness’ inmate who landed this mile handicap in some style. The way he cruised through the well-run event was extremely taking and he looked to score with plenty up his sleeve. In the hands of a trainer who does particularly well with these type of horses from other stables, it would come as no surprise to see him line up for the BMW Mile at Galway next.