RACING NOTEBOOK

Based on races viewed, Spy’s analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time:

December 29th: Newbury: It was a French import to the fore once more in the Class 3 juvenile hurdle when, despite a 10lbs penalty – earned for two wins across the Channel – Top Notch proved too strong for his rivals. Bustled along approaching the last, he found his stride on the run-in to clear away. Top Notch is another forceful addition to the Nicky Henderson juvenile team. Held up and confidently ridden, Mick Jazz again failed to pick up in the closing stages as expected. Stuck in the mud here last time, there were no such excuses now. Lack of stamina seems to be the chink in his armour. Perhaps he will have his day on fast ground and an easy track in the spring. A third-last blunder did not help Ryeolliean, who was sent on between the last two but made to look pedestrian by the winner’s turn of foot.

Caught in the shadow of the post by Bertie Boru last time at the Hennessy meeting, Phone Home was unable to run up to that in the Class 3 handicap chase. An infrequent winner (1 from 21 going into this), he was soon brushed aside down the straight. On only his fifth chase, Azure Fly jumped modest opposition into the ground (took a liberty with the second-last though).

In what looked like a quality renewal of the Challow Hurdle, three fought it out from the last and there was little between them. Confirming Cheltenham form with Blaklion (this time at levels – was getting 3lbs last time), Parlour Games was delivered late to find extra on the run-in. With pace-setting Blaklion rallying after the last, he and Parlour Games have pretty much run their Cheltenham form to the ounce. In between the two, Vyta Du Roc lost an unbeaten record in this country but went down in style. Once again he was rowed along a good way out but kept responding to mount a serious challenge from the last. Blaklion has lost nothing in defeat. These three are decent stayers in the making and were not that far clear of four-year-old One Track Mind – another to note for the future. Recent Ascot winner, Arpege D’Alene found this altogether too much too soon.

Noel Fehily and Sam Twiston-Davies – two jockeys in flying form – were seen at their best in the Class 2 handicap hurdle. Under a positive drive from Fehily, Polamco kept finding despite a sustained challenge from Morito Du Berlais on the run-in. Two indifferent leaps at the last two hurdles did not help Morito Du Berlais, who had travelled strongly throughout and possibly should have won. Either way, with form that ties in with On Tour, Cup Final and Dawalan, he lends plenty of substance to this contest. After an absence since October there was plenty to like about the run of third-placed Saffron Wells who, if left alone by the handicapper, has a chance of winning next time in the right company.

Despite fluffing more than one flight, Clean Sheet (almost down at the second-last and landing on all-fours at the last) was lifted home by Barry Geraghty in the novice hurdle. Careless at Sandown last time, Clean Sheet will obviously be more effective once he gets the hang of hurdling. He is in the right hands o learn his trade. Seven Nation Army, well beaten by Different Gravey here last time, boosted that form when beaten narrowly in second. Another with form, Great Try, was third so there is every reason to be positive about this as a race. Laurium (stable mate of the winner), who made a mess of the last, ran well enough on his hurdling debut to suggest he will not be a maiden in this sphere for long.

December 27th: Kempton: Carrying a 10lbs penalty in the Class 3 juvenile hurdle, Bivouac (hampered by a swerving Swivel halfway on the far-side) put up a fine performance to collar San Benedeto on the run-in. Described as a work in progress by his trainer, Triumph Hurdle contender or not, Bivouac is full of potential. On his first run in this country, San Benedeto set off in front, setting a slow pace, giving his hurdles plenty of air but sticking on strongly. Long term he looks a chaser. Swivel was a distant third. After running so well on debut, Storm Force Ten ran a wretched race in fourth. At the revised weights he was entitled to run Bivouac close. Untidy at the third-last he was already going nowhere at the time.

Hard on the heels of his Grade 1 victory at Sandown, Vibrato Valtat followed up in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad with a dashing leap at the last which sealed it when alongside Three Kingdoms. Deep Trouble was in contention when taking a heavy fall at the last. Once again God’s Own (given every chance) left the impression there are other things on his personal agenda.

This was Special Tiara’s day as he made all, jumping boldly in the Grade 2 Desert Orchid to frighten the life out of his rivals. Aided by Special Tiara’s solitary mistake at the third-last, only Balder Succes could mount a challenge down the straight. However it was short-lived. Although tired in the end, Special Tiara recovered his equilibrium to ping the last two. Last a winner in April 2013 – of a Grade 1 at Aintree beating Overturn – he was on song here against some dubious rivals.

For a three-year-old Chatez was put in at a ludicrously short price in the highly competitive closing handicap. A touch keen early, he appeared to move up threateningly on the turn only to stop quickly. The final flight fall by Chesterfield gifted the race to Cloonacool who held on by a whisker from a fast-closing Violet Dancer. Starluck ran on for third on a course that plays to his strengths. At present, after the Cheltenham win, the handicap is back in charge.

At CHEPSTOW Bristol De Mai entered Triumph Hurdle reckoning when skating away with the Grade 1 for juveniles. The ground was very testing so an element of caution is required. However, he had decent form in France and in beating Karezak the form is there to be seen. The Wallace Line ran through beaten horses for third with Baron Alco plugging on having made the running and a couple of unwelcome mistakes. Several failed to fire: Golden Doyen and Old Guard the most notable.

December 26th: Kempton: Superior jumping allowed Jollyallan to supplement his latest win at Newbury in the Class 2 novice. A good-bodied type he was more tested here than in his last two ventures over timber, but when shaken up between the last two flights he shrugged off the challenge of Sempre Medici with pacemaker Arzal a beaten-off third. As when winning at Cork, Sempre Medici guessed at several obstacles. Classy on the Flat, he was unconvincing in this better company – a series of errors costing him ground. He fluffed the last when mounting a challenge and until he gets the hang of this lark will struggle. One would imagine this is one association Ruby Walsh will be in no hurry to renew. Although beaten a fair way, Zip Top, who was second to Camelot in the 2011 Racing Post Trophy, shaped with promise.

Making all in the Class 3 handicap chase, Stellar Notion impressed with his jumping on only his second start over fences. With the exception of an untidy jump at the last when he got in tight, he was safe and clever. Knock House was another to jump soundly in second. Generous Ransom and Quite By Chance did little wrong but were unable to quicken when it mattered. These four were clear. It was a big ask for four-year-old Katgary on his first attempt over fences who was soon back-pedalling. River Maigue’s jumping was sketchy. Clobbered by the handicapper over hurdles, The Skyfarmer does not look happy over these bigger obstacles.

Seven set out, only three completed in the Grade 1 Feltham Chase (now the Kauto Star). Over three miles the pace was keen from the start with Carraig Mor and Coneygree mixing it up front. Saphir Du Rheu was first to exit. Never travelling he slithered to the ground after a soft mistake. Only five and a most progressive staying hurdler last year, it looks as if they are asking too much too soon of him over fences. Carriag Mor was found out by this keener pace than at Newbury last time and capsized in the straight first time round. Creepy put paid to his chances with an early error and was subsequently pulled-up. Sausolito Sunrise was closing on Coneygree when crashing out at the middle fence on the far-side. In the end Coneygree, the only one to find a rhythm and to jump cleanly, made all, pulling well clear. Tony McCoy’s persistence aboard a reluctant Warden hill was repaid with a distant second ahead of a desperately tired Virak.

So it was win number eight over timber for Faugheen in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle. Back to two miles, the shape he makes over his hurdles may not please the purists but he is a big strong type that gets from one side to another. Bar bunny-hopping the last he flipped over his hurdles today and sauntered clear early in the straight. Purple Bay was beaten a respectful distance in second, ahead of long time leader Blue Heron. The rest were burned off one by one and no constructive case can be made for any of them overturning this form at Cheltenham. Sign Of Victory moved up halfway down the back straight but could not go on. Irving was always struggling.

Newly equipped in cheekpieces, it was another vintage day for Silviniaco Conti in the King George. A race he won last year, he made all, at times jumping with flamboyant ease and putting his rivals (many of whom looked like non-stayers) to the sword. Although they were queuing up to challenge on the turn for home, Silvianiaco Conti quickened clear, confirming already established form. With the exception of Champagne Fever these were rivals he had beaten in the past. A reproduction of this form at Cheltenham would make him a Gold Cup winner in waiting, but it would appear he is at his best over three miles and round here. Dynaste ran through ragged rivals to take an honest second ahead of Al Ferof, who is not at his best over three miles but has run to the line. Champagne Fever jumped fluently but ran as if he was feeling the pinch at the end. Mistakes ruled out Menorah and Cue Card (surely this is too far in any case). Johns Spirit ran above himself and but for a mistake two out (his only one) may have been placed. Of course he still has to prove conclusively he stays three miles.

Alternatif became another success story from France for team Pipe. Having scored at Wincanton again with Batavir who defied his penalty for winning at Ascot, in Alternatif it would appear they have a horse from a similar mould. He just lasted home in the Class 3 handicap in the face of a strong challenge from the last delivered by Theinval. Hawaii Five Nil was still in with a chance at the turn where he seemed outpaced before running on for fourth. He is worth watching, perhaps over three miles.

20th December: Ascot: Irish Saint, third to Vibrato Valtat in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novice at Sandown over two miles, looked comfortable over the extended trip in the graduation over two miles and five-and-a-half. A decent staying hurdler, proof he can cope with this distance over fences in such testing conditions means his options are greatly extended. Although left clear at the last the race was already safely in the bag. Only five, he is a decent jumper with a definite future. As usual Puffin Billy set out to make the running. Although a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes did not help his cause he was still in front two out but running on empty when, exhausted, he barely took off at the last. In getting up after what looked like a horrendous fall he has certainly used up a life or two. Although back on his feet and to all intents and purposes unscathed, that may not be the end of the story. Bouncing back from such a fall cannot be taken for granted. It can only be hoped he will recover from such an unfortunate incident.

In a complete turnaround from the last when Zarkandar was cantering and apparently home for all money in the Long Walk, Reve De Sivola snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Despite several mistakes, including at the final flight, Reve De Sivola recovered in dramatic style to peg back Zarkandar who went from hero to zero on the run-in, having no answer when it mattered. The pair was clear of Aubusson, who had his limitations exposed in this class. Reve De Sivola was recording his third victory in this event – confirming that for whatever reason he comes alive on this day at this course for this race. As for Zarkandar, classy horse though he is; his day only comes when the moon is in the right phase. On a more personal note: Daryl Jacob’s ride on the winner underlines what a good jockey he is when given the opportunity.

With Houblon Des Obeaux, Hey Big Spender and Sound Investment hoisted to personal high marks by the handicapper in the Listed handicap chase, The Young Master was the first horse in the handicap pundits came to with a workable weight. Despite a fourteen pound hike for winning the Badger Beer – a race for which he was ineligible – carrying 10st 9lbs he was still able to beat his elders. In truth for the money this race fell short. As ludicrous as it was to run last time, his trainer part-redeemed himself by cherry-picking an ideal target here. The Young Master does jump well (shifted left-handed at a couple) but was in control from the turn. Winning from 144 today and likely to be 150 next time; only five coming on six, he is still eligible for top staying novice events.

Not many stood out at the weights in the Ladbroke – dominated by those who had proven form at this level. Very useful dual-purpose contender Bayan, who was fourth in a decent handicap on the Flat at Leopardstown in September after a decent second in a hurdle at Galway from 141, toughed it out from the final flight when the chasing pack threatened to cut him down. Bayan’s close third to Whisper in the Coral Cup emphasises what a good horse he is. The handicapper gave him a chance here but is unlikely to repeat his generosity. Winning from 146, Bayan is heading for a mark in the low 150s. Pine Creek cruised on the scene between the last two but found the winner too determined. With only limited experience over hurdles, Actival has run a fine race in third – the same can be said of Shelford and, for different reasons for top weight Garde La Victoire who finished fifth.

December 19th: Ascot: Desilvano won what was a weak Class 3 maiden hurdle over 2m 6f on his hurdling debut. In beating Bally Beaufort and Buckhorn Timothy he has done all that was asked but will need to improve again if he is to follow up on a track such as this. After promise at Aintree and Cheltenham, Champagne Present ran a shocker in what represented a drop in class. From flag-fall he was much too keen, pulling and racing with a cocked jaw. He did settle for the final part of the race but by then the damage had been done. Walking through the last he was beaten a long way in fourth. A decent jumper, he is better than this but if he continues to prove so headstrong he will never show it.

Jumping won the day for Dance Floor King who put his hat-trick on the board in the novice handicap chase, holding Garrahalish’s run from the last. Cold March was a close third but Fond Memory and Key To The West ruined their chances with sloppy fencing.

Only three turned up for the Supreme Trial but they were quality rivals. All three were in a line at the second-last where Emerging Talent came down. This left L’Ami Serge to follow up on his easy Newbury handicap, sweeping aside Killultagh Vic, who was the preferred Willie Mullins representative from a five-day entry of nine. The winner is a strong stayer and handles soft ground.

The Grade 2 novice was a fascinating contest. Winner of two soft chases, Ptit Zig is athletic and neat at his fences and was able to put his experience to good use. Only five and a decent hurdler last season, Ptit Zig should not be underestimated. Two miles is probably a minimum. In contrast chase debutant Josses Hill is big and gangly. Giving his fences plenty of air he was largely safe although a mistake at the downhill ditch upset his rhythm. Back on terms at the turn he was awkward at the second-last and laboured thereafter. The Arkle might not be ideal; he probably wants a nice flat track like Newbury where he can establish his stride. Dunraven Storm made the running but appeared to fizzle out tamely once pressed. He had a hard race at Sandown thirteen days ago and it may have left its mark.

The Class 3 handicap hurdle over 2m 6f was all about French import Batavir. Able to make all under his own terms, he was fluent at his hurdles and clearly enjoyed this extra trip. Only hand riding was required to seal it and roll back the years for the old firm of Pipe and McCoy.

17th December: Newbury: They tended to blunder their way round in the opening juvenile novice event, predictably dominated by first-timers. Soft ground meant they finished legless. Zarib eventually got the better of Jalingo. Having been clear at one stage, Magic Magnolia ran on for third. Penalised Blue Atlantic got very tired; mistakes down the straight put paid to Winner Massagot, who had travelled like the winner up to that point but appeared to run out of petrol.

First-time blinkers did the trick for Gevrey Chambertin in the Class 3 handicap chase. It’s been a while since his win at Haydock but he set off in front today, giving his rivals a jumping lesson. They did finish very tired but he found extra for pressure on the run-in. The question is whether he can, or will, reproduce this run next time. After only one outing over fences, Kaki De La Pree made a valiant effort but was eventually held. Astigos ran okay in third without looking likely to relinquish his long-standing maiden record over fences.

Stamina-laden Laser Hawk slogged it out to thwart Beast Of Burden in the Class 4 maiden hurdle. On his first effort over timber, with a good action Beast Of Burden did little wrong, jumping neatly and cleanly and travelling like the winner from some way out. After landing a gamble in a bumper in October, he may have needed this, particularly in such messy and unsuitable conditions. He should soon go one better. Communicator fails to convince.

Outsider of the four Tinker Time took the Graduation Chase over three miles, quickening from the last fence in what up to then had been a slowly run affair. By Turtle Island – a well-known mud lark himself – he handled the soft ground. Masters Hill was second with favourite Easter Day only third. Having his first run since beating subsequent RSA winner O’Faolains Boy at Ascot a year ago, Easter Day made the running, jumping well until appearing to blow up over the last fence before the comparative sprint to the line. Conceding 7lbs to the first two he still emerges as best in show, something he should confirm next time. Walkon was the first to check out with a tame performance.

Third at Grade 1 level at Punchestown in April, Value At Risk looked a very useful recruit to hurdles when making all and strolling home in the Class 4 novice. His opponents had only shown snippets of form in lesser company so this was not one of Newbury’s strongest maidens, but Value At Risk has transferred undoubted class to timber and should go on from here. Foryourinformation was a remote second.

December 13th: Cheltenham: After a promising debut at this course last month when just denied by Golden Doyen, Hargam was understandably a warm order in the Class 2. Ponderous over the first two, Hargam’s jumping was sketchy until the pace lifted when he warmed to his task. In the end his class was crucial but he will need to improve again to be considered a serious Triumph Hurdle candidate. Neat and nimble, he is more of a Flat racer in composition than a jumper but he did knuckle down in the closing stages. Karezak put his experience to good use, jumping professionally and proving a tough nut to crack from the last when he and Hargam were clear. Considering he was conceding 3lbs to Hargam, there is a case to be made for him defeating the winner at levels next time. However, it is more likely that, assuming he can sharpen his hurdling on a better surface (something McCoy was quick to suggest), Hargam will confirm the form under such terms. Stars Over The Sea was a distant third having proved too keen early.

There is always a danger that small field chases can lead to misleading results. Impressive on chase debut here when beating useful yardstick Colour Squadron, Champagne West hardly jumped a fence this time in the Class 2 novice – either looking hesitant or getting underneath his obstacles. Basically his rhythm was absent from the first fence. Given his biggest threat, Little Jon, threw away his chance when refusing at the top of the hill, Champagne West made a meal of beating Un Ace. The promise remains. By way of an endorsement of Tony McCoy’s comments after Hargam’s first race win, Richard Johnson was quick to blame the gluepot ground for impeding his mount’s jumping, claiming we will see the best of Champagne West on a better or wetter surface. Little Jon had jumped well up to his departure but is not without a trait or two. Reported to be fine after what could have been a catastrophic incident to both horse and rider, to this observer Little Jon appeared to be lame on his nearside foreleg.

Sew On Target returned to winning form in the Class 2 handicap. In beating Astracad there is not too much to say about this. Solar Impulse was a bit novicey. When he gets it right he gets it right, and when he gets it wrong he is still clever enough to keep himself out of trouble. However his mistake at the top of the hill left no room for recovery and his jockey wisely called it a day. Only four, he needs to return to an easier track.

Only raised 5lbs for winning the Paddy Power but carrying 11st 11lbs, Caid Du Berlais had plenty on to follow up in the Grade 3 Caspian Caviar Gold Cup. His premature departure at the ditch on the far-side (pulled-up after a disastrous error) was a forerunner to a race that was about to fall apart. Having jumped his opposition into the ground at Ascot last month, a 13lbs hike failed to impede Niceonefrankie. Barrakilla struggled past top weight Edgardo Sol for second.

Beaten by Parlour Games over this track last month but otherwise boasting a perfect record over hurdles, Blaklion gave weight and a beating to his rivals in the Grade 2 novice hurdle over three miles. An injection of pace on the turn sealed it and he was pretty much on his own from then on. The plan is for him to return for the Festival in the Alfred Bartlett. Outsider Anteros was second, nabbing a tiring Port Melon (who has still to show what many suspect he is capable of) for the runner-up spot.

After a wretched day for team Twiston-Davies, The New One turned the tide with a proficient performance in the Grade 2 International Hurdle. Always travelling well off a fast pace, his jumping was slick and he quickened away when pressed by his only serious rival – Vaniteux. Together at the last but going marginally the better, conceding 8lbs to the smart Vaniteux and disposing of him in a fairly run race, this has to be The New One’s best effort of the current season. Although the ground was not deemed as ideal for the runner-up, decent though he is (again made all the right moves throughout the race) it cannot be forwarded as an excuse. Frankly the rest had no place in the line-up, but this is jump racing and strange results are always possible. Mighty Moose took matters into his own hands when refusing to take part. Bertimont continues to impress with his hurdling but was left in the dust from the turn.

With ears pricked throughout, confirmed Cheltenham-lover Rock On Ruby took advantage of favourable conditions in Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle to dish out a beating to a gallant Volnay De Thaix. Now nine, it is unlikely Rock On Ruby will attempt to regain his Champion Hurdle crown. A tilt at the World Hurdle may tax his stamina; whereas the Aintree Hurdle over 2m 4f, in which he was touched off by The New One this year, might be a more realistic target.

Doncaster: The Grade 2 Summit Juvenile Hurdle was all about one horse: Peace And Co. Having his first run in this country – last seen in June – he blitzed useful rivals to leapfrog his way to the head of the Triumph Hurdle betting. The way he had his rivals strung out suggests he is useful at worst. Dual winner Starchitect was left toiling in his wake in second.

12th: December: Cheltenham: Although a short price to defeat his three rivals in the Class 2 novice chase, this was no formality for Kings Palace who faced a rematch with Sausalito Sunrise on 8lbs worse terms for a four length beating from last time. However, on only his second run over fences Kings Palace impressed. He carries himself well, has an intelligent outlook and for a big horse is quick over his fences, constantly getting his rivals in trouble. Pressed by the closing runner-up, when asked to come up at the last he winged it. With a bigger field in something like the RSA he will not enjoy such an uncontested lead, but that may not be crucial for him. All we can say based on evidence so far is that he looks a natural over fences and he is not a horse to oppose lightly next time. Sausalito Sunrise had difficulty keeping tabs with the free-flowing Kings Palace. A mistake at the seventh last was a precursor for a couple of other untidy jumps when in the winner’s slipstream, meaning he was unable to sustain his challenge in the straight. Return Spring was a never dangerous third, whilst a series of mistakes resulted in Vivaldi Collonges never being able to land a blow.

Buck Mulligan was caught close home by Al Alfa in the handicap chase restricted to conditional jockeys. Hollow Blue Sky responded to his jockey’s urgings to recover from a couple of errors and stay on for third. He is not a bad sort but lacks gears. He will probably stay further.

Last a winner on this course in April 2013, the tricky but talented Starluck was coaxed home by the excellent Nico de Boinville to gain the nod in the Class 3 handicap hurdle from Goohar. Had he hung on, the giant Goohar may have lost the race in the stewards’ room as he gave Starluck a hefty bump a hundred yards out. With Kalimantan third, this race is unlikely to send out future winners.

It would appear the handicapper has caught up with The Ould Lad for now. A decent enough effort was not quite enough to overhaul the in-form ten-year-old Benbane Head.

Being rowed along and seemingly going nowhere, looking to be safely held on the turn, Big Easy picked up from the last to force a photo with the progressive Ulzana’s Raid. Since winning the Cesarewitch Big Easy has not had the rub of the green over hurdles but has once again run to his best here from a personal best mark of 140. The winner is described as a future star over fences by his trainer, but as things stand – only a five-year-old – he is not a bad hurdler. As this win was achieved from a rating of 143, he is closing fast on a high of 150.

Carrying a 10lbs penalty, dual Plumpton winner Seedling caught long-time leader Some Plan in the concluding Class 3 novice hurdle. The pair was clear. Well-supported Padge may look the part and going into this have supporting form, but after today he looks little more than an expensive slow boat to China. A hard-puller on whom his rider had to forfeit early ground in order to get him settled, he ponderously negotiated the last three flights without ever threatening to close the gap. Presumably his future lies over fences but he has to improve his demeanour if he is to justify his reputation.

6th December: Aintree: After two unsuccessful tries over timber, Ballybolley put it all together here when making all in the Class 3 hurdle. Jumping slickly on a faster surface which seemed to suit, he had his rivals in trouble some way out. This did not look a strong field; although but for a mistake at the second-last, Great Try would have made the winner work harder.

Nyanza’s win in the following novice – restricted to three-year-old fillies – did not amount to much. They jumped scrappily down the straight, the winner eventually asserting on the run-in from first-timer Intense Tango (should get off the mark at a lesser track) and Brise Vendeenne.

The only comment of note from an ordinary handicap chase won by Bincombe was to highlight the ride Jamie Moore gave to runner-up Dineur. I counted at least twelve strokes of the whip. No complaints if you backed Dineur – here was a jockey doing his damndest to win and nearly succeeding – but unless the rules are changed to allow a modicum of common sense to pervade, they have been contravened here in a major way.

The Charge Of The Light Brigade that was the Becher Chase claimed half the field. Now thirteen, Oscar Time jumped these fences superbly, picking up an exhausted Our Father at the last. Having handled the fences well, Mendip Express arrived with a potent challenge on the long run-in. Judging by the way he finished he might just be back for the National in April with a squeak of a chance.

As at Haydock last time, Dawalan dropped the bridle at a crucial stage of the Class 2 handicap hurdle. This meant having looked all set to smoothly slice through the field, he was in trouble. Aided by advice from Barry Geraghty, Daryl Jacob refused to take no for an answer and conjured a second run from his mount, who was only fifth jumping the last. Dawalan swamped those in front of him when he quickened. This was a strong field and his form to date is solid. As last time, he gives the impression he will stay three miles, in which case his finishing kick will be pivotal.

In only jumping ten fences (low sun; so there is a chance for someone that can manufacture glare-proof goggles for jockeys and sunglasses for horses) the four runners for the Class 1 Listed Betfred Chase over 3m 1f had to negotiate less obstacles than in a two mile chase. With a five furlong run-in, after the exit of a bumbling Holywell, Ma Filleule looked sure to pick up Sam Winner who, rousted along, kept on doggedly. In the end he held Medermit who eventually deprived the mare of runner-up spot. Having jumped well bar for clouting the second-last, it would seem Ma Filleule may not be quite up to her current rating.

Cedre Bleu almost landed the Grand Sefton but predictably when push came to shove he decided it wasn’t for him. This left Poole Master to recover form on what was a big day by his standards. It was a tough race by any standards. The weight rather than the mark (still 155 is too high these days) beat Hunt Ball.

Sandown: There is no stopping Nicky Henderson at present – he supplied the first two in the Class 3 novice hurdle. Delivered at the last, Caracci Apache’s win was something of a surprise to his stable on this his debut over timber. His better fancied stable companion Clean Sheet travelled well for most of the race, jumping economically and putting in a giant leap at the last which momentarily looked to have secured victory. Lacking the turn of foot of the winner and now in the best possible hands, after only one run in a point he is entitled to improve greatly for this experience, particularly, one would have thought, over further. Considering the conditions the time was keen; and in third Aso provides a reasonable benchmark for the form.

To an extent this was the day when the excuses dried up for Cup Final. After promising efforts behind Irving last year and a good third on debut this season at Cheltenham (form ties in with the useful and progressive On Tour), a current mark of 127 made him look well treated in the Class 2 handicap. The race was not over-competitive – made less so by the refusal of Home Run to take part. Travelling well throughout, the result was never in doubt when he loomed large between the last two flights. He could not be called impressive but apparently he will improve for better ground so there may be more to come as the season unfolds.

As it turned out, the way they ran the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novice Chase suited Vibrato Valtat. So often a horse that saves something for himself, a fast pace allowed him little time to think about shirking the issue and he responded from the last to gobble up the two (Dunraven Storm and Irish Saint) that had been intent on taking each other out.

Despite looking unwilling at times (a sentiment emphasised by his jockey), Snake Eyes deserves some credit for bouncing back after nearly a year’s absence in the listed handicap hurdle. With a high head carriage and a tendency to hang when under pressure, produced late (but not late enough according to McCoy) he got away with it here from a mark of 123. Amore Alato (another returning from a lengthy absence) was narrowly beaten in second, followed by War Singer and Ruacana.

Dodging Bullets had his day in the Grade 1 Tingle Creek when he picked up Somersby from the last. This was not a vintage renewal but it could be as a six-year-old Dodging Bullets has turned a corner. Stiffer tasks await. Somersby ran as well as ever in second, Hinterland (winner of the Henry VIII on this card last year) finished strongly in third. Balder Succes and God’s Own were let down by indifferent jumping. Third Intention stepped up on anything so far achieved in fifth. The vagaries of this business were illustrated when Oscar Whisky (representing an all-conquering of late Nicky Henderson) fell with fatal consequences at the first on the far side.

5th December: Sandown: The opening juvenile hurdle looked a good event. Baraka De Thaix’s third to Golden Doyen and Hargam in the JCB Triumph hurdle Trial at Cheltenham looked the best on offer, but his jumping on this testing ground let him down and he dropped away in the straight. He has to be better than this. Hugely attractive Bivouac – a French import with limited form – travelled and jumped and despite fluffing the last picked up on the run-in to settle the issue. Well-regarded by his stable, but to an extent a work in progress who may not be ready for the Triumph in March, he has a future. Hurdling debutant Storm Force Ten ran an admirable race in second although, when the chance presented itself at the last he did lack the winner’s turn of foot. Recent winner of a juvenile here in November and carrying a 10lbs penalty, Baron Alco has run a stormer (coming out the best at the weights) and this has done his chances at Grade 1 level later in the season no harm at all.

After close to two-and-half miles there were three in a line as they raced into the closing stages of the Grade 2 novice. Despite looking in trouble turning for home, stamina kicked in for Vyta Du Roc down the straight and he edged it at the last and held on in an all-out finish. Considering he was carrying a penalty this was a good performance and provided Nicky Henderson with yet another high profile winner. Another that appeared to have had enough on the turn, Shantou Bob rallied for pressure to work his way back into the contest. The mare Tara Point had made the running and jumped well at every hurdle but understandably she ran out of gas in the final few strides. It was still a fine effort in third.

Stamina won the day for Black Thunder in the intermediate chase where, having jumped well in the lead, Corrin Wood, possibly in need of the outing, called it a day after jumping the Pond. Black Thunder is a decent sort without looking like a horse destined for the top drawer.

RACING NOTEBOOK

Based on races viewed, Spy’s analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time:

29th November: Newbury: Ratings were vindicated in the Listed novice event for mares when Carrigmoorna Rock – second in a Grade 3 at Down Royal last month – drew clear of Avispa. Broxbourne was pitched into much deeper company than when opening her hurdling account at Fakenham but she stayed on for third.

After the win of chase newcomer Royal Regatta in the Class 3 handicap, the Hobbs/Johnson bandwagon rolled on further with the last gasp success of Bertie Boru in the Class 3 over 2m 6f. Crossing the last clear, Phone Home looked to have sealed it but he began to tread water and was caught as Johnson, riding on a crest of a wave, conjured a late run from the winner.

It was desperate stuff in the Class 2 hurdle over an extended two miles where they finished well strung out and very tired. Minus the cheekpieces that seemed to aid his rise in the spring, Silsol, with 7lbs lobbed off his mark of 144 by a capable claimer, stuck it out from the last to hold the late run of Hammersly Lake.

Perceived dents in the armour of unbeaten More Of That (looked terrific in the paddock) meant, considering he had the best credentials by a country mile, he was allowed to drift alarmingly in the betting prior to the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle. Wearing a tongue-tie for the first time and representing a yard that has been in the doldrums, his defeat was on the cards from a long way out. Sloppy at the middle flight on the far side, willingly stretching his neck but getting nowhere for McCoy’s urgings, he was legless in the straight. Of course he is better than this but an explanation is required. The form of Jonjo O’Neills’ horses has to be the short-term answer. Medinas became the chief recipient of the drama. He came to pick off pacesetter Cole Harden at the last and cleared away. Cole Harden was conceding 8lbs to the winner, whom he had beaten at Wetherby last time.

In a Hennessy containing few that looked kindly treated, Many Clouds confirmed how unlucky he was to have been brought down in the RSA with a dour performance. This was a well publicised victory for the man responsible for so many high-profile wins in the 80s and 90s – including Arctic Call in this very race: Oliver Sherwood. Joint top-weight Houblon Des Obeaux ran up to his best and beyond in second. In third came Merry King who stays all day but lacks a finishing kick. What a difference a hundred minutes makes in this game! After such a dismal effort from More Of That, the O’Neill-trained Merry King has delivered a personal best; however it is two years since he last won. Monbeg Dude, another out-and-out stayer, ran through the pack for fourth and will obviously appreciate even further. Smad Place travelled well but was unable to lift with the pace in the straight. To an extent it was at that point that his jumping let him down. Having moved like a dream for most of the way, as the one horse that was arguably well-treated, Djakadam tired in the manner of a non-stayer. Only a five-year-old, there will be another day.

Monetaire sent punters home happy with a hard-fought win in the last. Unlucky when a mistake compromised his chance at Cheltenham last time, he put in a clear round today. Only four, in getting so close in second Solar Impulse has laid down a positive marker for the future.

Newcastle: After his experience at Wincanton this was the day when it all came together for Irving in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth. Given an iron ride by Nick Scholfield this time there were no mistakes at his hurdles. Delivered at the last, he had too much pace for the gallant mare Aurore D’estruval and for County Hurdle runner-up Arctic Fire. This is the way to ride him: that is to say let him pop his hurdles and leave him alone, allowing him to ease himself into the contest, which is not easy at the highest level. This was good but not top class form.

28th November: Newbury: The well-fancied duo Karezak and Mick Jazz were beaten by hurdling debutant Old Guard in the Class 3 Juvenile hurdle – won last year by Calipto and a race with a good history. By Notnowcato, Old Guard may have hit the front a shade too soon – it seemed a long way home from the final flight – but he kept on well to withstand a renewed effort from Karezak with Mick Jazz seemingly bogged down in the closing stages.

One of the most progressive hurdlers from last season, Saphir Du Rheu made an early exit in his debut over fences when, having jumped well (landed steeply at the first ditch) he clouted the first on the second circuit, depositing his jockey. Only five, it is significant his trainer has diverted him to the bigger obstacles so soon and he is likely to have another day. Absent for two years, Coneygree made all, jumping well to lift the Grade 2 from Dell’ Arca, who had finished only fourth to Champagne West at Cheltenham at the beginning of the month.

Despite an action that suggests he is lame, No Buts kept on strongly to take full advantage of his light weight in the Class 2 handicap. Sound Investment, who had beaten the winner at Sandown last time, was second ahead of a laboured Lamool. Once again they finished at long intervals, with market leaders Pendra and The Paparrazi Kid struggling from some way out.

Only four turned up for the Class 3 novice hurdle won by the ex-Irish pointer Out Sam, who is now with Nicky Henderson and is another success story for his astute handler. The story might have been different had Thomas Brown not made a near-drastic mistake three out; but to be fair the ready winner pulled out plenty in the conditions. Conceding 8lbs to Out Sam, Thomas Brown (whose jumping had been fine up to his error) kept trying on the run-in and will surely win again.

The current run of the Henderson yard was sustained in the last, not by the market leader but by another ex-pointer in Different Gravey. An expensive purchase from Ireland (£140,000), despite obvious greenness, a good walker with an intelligent head, he was the paddock pick. Although hanging to his left over the last two he proved too powerful for another Irish import and hurdle debutant in Ballagh – who, with four races under his belt, was more experienced. In third was the villain of the piece: Days Of Heaven. Frisky exiting the paddock, he ducked to his right at the start, losing at least twenty lengths. A slow pace allowed him to recover the ground and he was still travelling strongly enough two out. Understandably the petrol tank soon registered empty and he dropped away to finish third. This is not the first time his temperament has looked suspect; although it has never been so pronounced. On this evidence the ability is there but the will may be lacking.

November 27th: Newbury: The opening day of the Hennessy meeting was blighted by the weather. With the ground altered to soft – heavy in places – the fields were depleted. The opening Class 3 hurdle attracted only five, with last month’s Exeter winner Jollyallan – pitched against what only looked moderate opposition – a long odds-on favourite. He made all at a sedate pace and strolled home. Life will become harder from here on. French import Lanceur, who has reasonable form on the Flat but had not been seen for over 600 days, was second by default. He was allowed to coast home having looked untidy at a couple of obstacles but has the size to do better. The rest were beaten too far to be considered next time.

Woodford County did well to defy top weight and a mark of 125 in the Class 3 chase for amateur riders. It was not a strong field but there was no mean achievement in conceding 13lbs to the second and third in such cloying ground. Mistakes compromised IToldYou’s winning chance. Last year’s runner-up from a 2lbs higher mark, Susquehanna River, had every chance but failed to quicken.

Vazaro Delafayette has taken his time to get off the mark over hurdles but judging by the market, from a rating of 102, today’s victory was expected. He did have a clear opportunity in the Class 4 handicap hurdle. Blinkered and hooded, he has ability but seems to ration it sparingly. Today he was always in control although his hurdling left something to be desired. In beating Spookydooky in a well-strung out field it is debatable what has been achieved. A winner over points, he may do better in time over fences but does not look a solid betting proposition.

Small fields in soft ground can throw up deceiving results for a variety of reasons – not least because so often there is a false pace and the race can be run to suit a pace-making winner. However in the three-horse contest for the Grade 2 (effectively only a match) there was plenty to like about Carraig Mor, who looks every inch a chaser. Making all with surefooted jumping, it may have been a glorified schooling exercise, but, despite a tendency to jump right in the straight, he did very little wrong and looks all set to tackle better opposition. Jumping is his strong suit, particularly on this ground which suits him admirably. In second, Southfield Theatre was always struggling to peg back the all-the-way winner.

Ned Stark made a pleasing debut over fences at Huntingdon – something he compounded in the Class 3 handicap over 2m 6f. A stout stayer and a neat jumper with few miles on the clock (this was only his fifth race over rules), further improvement seems likely. He will stay further.

Of the three interesting runners that turned out for the bet365 Intermediate Hurdle (The Gerry Fielden), only French import L’ami Serge fulfilled his promise. The solitary runner on this card for Nicky Henderson, he made a mockery of his present mark of 132 to draw away from Kilcooley from the last. In a race where the fancied contenders failed to strike blows, this performance is hard to evaluate but clearly the winner had been underestimated by the handicapper. After promise last season Daneking was beaten in a matter of strides from three out. Le Mercurey looked harshly treated from a mark of 149 and finished very tired and well beaten.

Cheese beat chalk in the concluding bumper. Conceding 7lbs to his three rivals after his Wincanton success in May, the attractive and classy Yanworth – confidently ridden by McCoy – did not have to engage fifth gear to see off the promising Rabunda. The big unit that is Rollingontheriver, who was well-backed on his debut, found it a struggle once the pace lifted.

After making up plenty of ground in Kempton’s auction for juveniles, drawn widest of all and not knocked about, Whitchurch is worth following for something similar. He finished in amongst the right horses in what looked a better than average event of its type and should have no difficulty in bettering this effort.

November 22nd: Haydock: Barry Geraghty held on to Vasco Du Ronceray for as long as he dared in Class 3 handicap hurdle then pushed him right out on the run-in. Once in front, the way Geraghty threw the kitchen sink at the winner suggests Vasco Du Ronceray may not always find off the bridle what he promises. To be fair the ground was testing and the winner had plenty of weight to lump; even so a rise from 135 threatens to make life much tougher. In second, De Boitron, essentially a chaser and off the track for a year, has returned with a decent effort. At the age of ten it remains to be seen whether he can back it up.

In his element over this marathon trip of 3m 5f and on the ground, although finishing tired in the end, Gas Line Boy galloped his rivals into submission in the handicap. Emperor’s Choice started this current campaign on a positive note in second; No Duffer had his limitations exposed in third.

On Tour landed the hat-trick in style on this desperate ground in the Class 2 handicap. He beat a smart field, headed by Run Ructions Run and another hat-trick seeker in Morito Du Berlais. In fourth, as the only four-year-old in the line-up Dawalan stayed on well in ground that was not ideal. Second to his potentially well-handicapped stable mate Sign Of A Victory last time at Ascot, he can exploit his current mark in a decent handicap. This was his first try over 2m 4f. On this evidence he stayed the trip well and may even get further.

The success of The New One in the Class 2 Hurdle was expected. Confidently ridden, although it was not ideal he handled the ground and outspeeded Zamdy Man from the last. Beating Melodic Rendezvous (relishes the ground but no answers in the closing stages) by further than their respective ratings, this will have pleased connections. On target for another crack at the Champion, he will next be seen at Cheltenham for their international meeting.

Aubusson punched a hole in the market leaders to lift the Grade 3 ‘Fixed Brush’ Handicap Hurdle over three miles. Once again Big Easy ran to his best to chase him home. In third, Dara Tango distinguished himself for his ultra-shrewd Irish trainer – one Tony Martin. This was his first run over hurdles for two years, but after a run on the Flat at Catterick last month he was reasonably straight. A big price today, he can better this next time. Running on a penalty, technically well-in Volnay De Thaix travelled strongly throughout, although a couple of shoddy jumps down the straight did halt any further progress. Katkeou ran another decent race after Cheltenham but the 5lbs penalty was his undoing.

No one could deny we saw Grade 1 action throughout the afternoon but the only Grade 1 race in name was the Betfair Chase. It heralded the return of Silviniaco Conti in first time cheekpieces who turned in such a lack-lustre display last time. On his day he is a good horse, but judging his day is not always easy. As a clue, his trainer states easy ground suits and that he needed the run last time. An agile jumper, he is bound for Kempton and another King George where, all being well, he will face serious young pretenders to the crown in the shapes of Simonsig and Champagne Fever . Charlie Hall winner Menorah was an honest second with Dynaste third – so it was the usual suspects in something like the right order. Cue Card probably failed to see it out. Taquin Du Seuil was an accident waiting to happen from the first fence and after a catalogue of mistakes was eventually pulled-up. Until his jumping is ironed out he will always struggle in this company.

Ascot: Fletchers Flyer confirmed the promise shown on his hurdling debut at Ffos Las behind Shantou Bob to get the better of a dire slog in the ground with Parish Business in the Class 2 novice. Understandably, at the end of 2m 6f in heavy ground they finished out on their feet. Against some smart novice hurdlers and on ground that was surely not ideal, Hunt Ball travelled well for a long way before eventually running on the spot. Presumably this was intended as a pipe-opener for a target over fences and he could be of interest over that sphere next time.

The novice handicap chase was an amazing affair! Despite some scary jumping the six runners completed but their passages were not without incident. Although safe at his obstacles, Big Hands Harry persisted in jumping right throughout. As a consequence he gave away an enormous amount of ground and predictably was overhauled on the turn. Less predictably, four lengths down on the run to the last, he picked up to collar Polisky on the line. Although he has run well right-handed, chances are he will next be seen going the other way, in which case, even from a revised mark in the region of the high 130s (133 today), he will be well enough treated to win again. They all took liberties with their fences. Polisky clouted the last and, not for the first time, found little.

Best fresh and arguably over his optimum trip of 2m and change, Al Ferof won the Grade 2 for a second year in succession. He travelled strongly throughout and ran out a ready winner. A series of minor but stamina-sapping errors meant Somersby was unable to mount a serious challenge in second. Wishfull Thinking was a never threatening third. Fox Appeal’s mistake at the last ditch was enough to rule him out.

So, on a day dominated by class, it was over to unbeaten Faugheen in the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle, won by the stable’s Annie Power last year. He made all against inferior opposition but in this ground the win was impressive. He does not always pop his hurdles in his slower paces but rises to the occasion when the pace lifts. In second a ring-rusty Blue Fashion (last seen when second to More Of That this time last year) has put in a satisfactory reappearance and, although not a Champion Hurdle contender, aged only five coming on six, should not be discounted in top company over further.

November 21st: Ascot: £300,000 purchase Alisier D’Irlande certainly looked the part in the maiden hurdle. Wearing a hood and a winner of a maiden point in Ireland, he jumped slickly on sloppy ground and moved up apparently effortlessly on the run to the straight. However, progress was curtailed as he failed to quicken, only staying on at one pace in third. On this evidence he needs further. Whilst the price tag is off-putting and he may never realise it, he should certainly win a race or two. French import Arpege D’ Alene looked a smart recruit, beating Its A Swing.

Jumping sorted them out in the Beginners’ Chase. Now a winner at this track over all N.H disciplines, Puffin Billy made all, producing some spectacular leaps in the process. He was greatly assisted as his main rival, The Skyfarmer, jumped as if he was landing on hot coals. Disappointing as a hurdler on this track on similar ground, this may not be his course, but he has work to do over fences to be anywhere near the force that he was over timber. Killala Quay and Irish Cavalier were never able to trouble the winner, who, on past evidence, is talented but fragile.

The introductory hurdle went to Jolly’s Cracked It, who successfully defied a 5lbs penalty for an earlier win here at the beginning of the month. He survived a howler two out and in so doing confirmed his last piece of form with Clondaw Banker, who had finished second last time but was unable to capitalise on the revised conditions today. Particularly in view of the mistake, this suggests the winner has improved since. A mistake two out put paid to any chance what looked like an already-held Wilberdragon had.

November 16th: Cheltenham: It was all Emerging Talent in the ring before the Grade 2 novice hurdle. Gifted an early lead by the reluctance of his rivals, he set off clear but, nice, strapping type though he is, jumping let him down. He failed to get high at his hurdles – although he did ping the last. Still inexperienced, there will be another day. Wins at Uttoxeter and Hexham meant that Vyta Du Roc had to concede 7lbs to the runner-up. He handled conditions the better and probably stayed on the stronger. It may not be the same story in time. The pair was clear of the rest.

Reduced to only four runners, it was an inconclusive Arkle Trial. Allowed to slipstream the aggressively-ridden duo that was Dunraven Storm and Little Jon, Vibrato Valtat always looked capable of bridging the gap but failed to do so. Possibly his rider held on to him for too long, but in view of his mount’s reluctance on occasion to give his all, on this ground it was understandable. When the chips were down, Dunraven Storm kept finding. Vibrato Valtat might do better over two-and-a-half.

Dropped back to two miles, slick jumping did it for Uxizandre in the Listed. Only fourth when heavily backed on debut at Aintree, he made all here to jump his opponents into submission. As it turned out this was not a strong line-up. Simply Ned was an honest second. Not for the first time, Dodging Bullets left the impression he was only prepared to do so much.

The cream rose to the top in the Greatwood Hurdle when Garde La Victoire, whose careless mistakes meant a sacrificed winning chance on his first run of the year at Aintree, made handsome amends. Connections were concerned the ground was too soft, but in a slowly run contest he saw it out to defy 144. The runner-up Vaniteux also covered himself in glory carrying three pounds more. Described as the only possible Champion Hurdle contender in the Henderson camp, Vaniteux travelled like a dream on such awful ground and looked all set to go clear at the turn. He kept on but the weight anchored him. Having finished third to Vautour in the Supreme, this obviously provided a first-class boost for the top novice form from last year. He should be winning soon.

November 15th: Cheltenham: A highly promising novice hurdler before the wheels came off at the Festival, after a breathing operation, Kings Palace made a pleasing fencing debut in the Class 2, putting in some spectacular leaps on his way round. In close at the last, he was clever throughout and looks like a top novice. He did tire on stamina-sapping ground but saw it out well and was never going to be beaten. The RSA Chase looks an obvious target. Chepstow winner Sausalito Sunrise was saddled with a 5lbs penalty after that and although he plugged on gamely and there was a point when he looked likely to get on terms on the run-in, was flattered by the winning margin.

Sam Winner defied top weight to win the Grade 3 Chase. Despite getting in close at the last, he pulled out plenty on the run-in to thwart the challenge of strong-travelling The Druids Package. They finished at long intervals on this testing ground. Having got detached at one point, The Package (who goes best fresh) did make up some ground, along with Pigeon Island in what turned out to be a slog.

They say weight stops trains; it certainly checked old Johns Spirit who very nearly landed his second Paddy Power. Clear from the last, he understandably tired and was run down by Caid Du Berlais, whose potential over fences remains largely untapped. It proved a red-letter day for Paul Nicholls and Sam Twiston-Davies, as after Sam Winner, they were also responsible for this high-profile success. Present View ran up to his best marketing firm in third, whilst Oscar Whisky, another burdened with a crushing weight on this ground, ran on for fourth.

It was also a big day for the Pipe team. After the earlier win of Kings Palace, another name from the past – this time delving even further back in time – Katkeau, who had been off the track for two years, wore down Cesarewitch winner Big Easy from the final flight in the Listed handicap hurdle. These were the two that looked to have improvement in them – it remains to be seen how they will fare next time under revised weight terms.

With a 4lbs penalty, Golden Doyen rallied gamely on the run-in to take the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial. With two runs under his belt, including a wide-margin victory at Warwick last time, his experience and ability to handle the ground proved crucial. Hurdling recruit from France – where he was useful – Hargam was the one to take the eye. By Sinndar, he will surely improve for the run and for a firmer surface. In front halfway up the hill, he was only narrowly beaten and was not knocked about in defeat. His trainer should find the ideal opportunity next time – presumably at Newbury during the Hennessy meeting.

Lingfield: In the form of his life, Intransigent was delivered late to land the Listed from Fresles. In behind there were a couple worthy of note: After an absence of two months and looking ring rusty, Polybius picked up and was closing fast inside the last furlong. Once again Golden Steps left the impression he is worth trying over seven. Sluggish at the gates, he was another to scythe through a decent field to finish on the heels of the principals. He has outrun his mark here and can surely pick up something before long. Last seen at Royal Ascot, this run should bring Medicean Man on. It looks likely he is being prepared for another campaign in Dubai.

Battalion has always had the ability and chose today to show it in no uncertain terms. Not straightforward and inclined to hang to his left, this tight left-handed track clearly suited and he was able to wriggle through on the inner and was soon in the clear and away in the Listed over ten furlongs. Educate came the long route but that is not to say he was unlucky. He is proving difficult to win with.

November 14th: Cheltenham: On very soft ground, Champagne West looked a decent recruit to fences when landing the Class 2 over an extended two-and-a-half mile trip. That said, eight of the fences were omitted due to a low sun and the race did only develop from the top of the hill. Champagne West had been ponderous at a couple of his obstacles but that is to be expected and in the end he had too much power for his stable mate – the under-achiever that is Colour Squadron. Urban Hymn made the running but lacked a turn of foot once the taps were turned on and Dell’ Arca did not look entirely at home over these bigger obstacles but can surely improve. Like many of today’s contests, the race may not be an accurate reflection of its participants.

An equally promising field of hurdlers lined up for the Grade 2 event that went to Parlour Games, who sprinted from the last. This was a race that was settled from that point in conditions that were worsening with each hoof print taken. Blaklion made the running at a steady pace but was left to flounder in the pudding that was the run-in. Port Melon and Champagne Present posted promise.

Cup Final may have lost the last but was not disgraced. Forever a talking horse – some might say he has been taught to utter,’ Here We Go , Here We Go’ – he was a silly price in this first dip into a handicap despite what looked a temptingly low mark. However, the race did not unfold in his favour and on better ground he may be capable of improvement. In fourth, Cassells Rock ran particularly well considering the surface was much too soft and he is one to note when conditions are more favourable.

November 8th: Doncaster: Although flattered by his second to Fannaan at Haydock last time, it still represented a reasonable level of form for Stake Acclaim who was able to open his account in the first division of the Class 5 maiden. The ground looked very testing but proved no problem to the winner. They were well strung out at the finish with What Could She Be and Sacred Bond doing the best of the debutants.

With Thahab and Mobsta having shown definite promise on their debuts, division two had a stronger look to it. Second at Newbury, it was Mobsta that edged ahead in the closing stages then drew clear. In the end the Dutch Art newcomer Beardwood took second from a very tired Thahab, who either failed to handle the ground as well as the first two or ran out of gas. Once again they finished at long intervals.

Four races in, rain on top of rain meant the ground was barely raceable. Changed to heavy all round, they paddled and sloshed through the mud in the Class 2 handicap over seven. Racing from a 3lbs lower mark than when successful in this last year, Levitate (also won the Lincoln here in 2013) revelled in the conditions to score fairly easily.

Jack Dexter had his best chance of the season in the Listed Wentworth Stakes – a race he won last year. That said, he has not looked quite as sharp this time round and once again only picked up by degrees. In conditions he likes, to finish only fourth has to go down as a disappointment. Despite flopping last time (apparently came back wrong – no explanation other than that’; so that’s okay then!) Aetna consolidated the promise she showed at Newmarket when scooting away with the prize. Described by her trainer in the spring as a top class sprinter on the soft, she has proved it here. Apparently the closed book that is Mick Easterby encouraged the owner to make the journey from South Africa to watch her run. So long as someone is happy! Connections hope to land a Group 3 with her next season – something they may achieve if we have a wet spring.

Anything that wins in this ground clearly handles the mud. Lady Tiana saw it out to defeat Princess Loulou in the listed for fillies.

And so to the curtain-closer on the 2014 season – bar the apprentice finale – the November Handicap. On a déjà-vu day, third in it last year, Open Eagle won by open daylight in a race where half the field were beaten after two furlongs. Some of them only just returned before the light faded!

Sandown: Baron Alco came out best of a collection of French imports in the juvenile hurdle, winning in style. In fact he travelled well throughout although his hurdling of the two flights in the straight left something to be desired. That said the market predicted a bold show and he was clear of Fontwell winner The Wallace Line, who was in turn well clear of the third, Deauville winner Albahar. Won by Kentucky Hyden last year, this normally throws up a decent newcomer and on this evidence Baron Alco looks like he will win more races in this sphere.

Wincanton: Barry Geraghty chooses his rides outside his yard at Seven Barrows with care. He obviously knew what he was doing when electing to ride The Young Master in the Badger Beer. It’s a shame the same cannot be said for the trainer. Although not obviously well-in based on his latest win at Cheltenham, The Young Master maintained a clean sheet over fences [three from three] to win easily from a mark of 130. That first figure is significant as according to the conditions of the race, the winner was not qualified to run. Although a novice was eligible, a minimum of three steeplechase runs were required in order for the horse to take part. Having run only twice, elementary mathematics means The Young Master should never have been entered by his trainer or accepted as a runner by Wetherbys. This opens up a particularly messy can of worms that will carry on wriggling long after the horse blankets have been dried off. What happens if The Young Master is disqualified? Presumably bookmakers will have to pick up the tab and pay twice. Similarly, the horse will face a significant hike in the weights without receiving prize-money for this valuable chase. In answer to that particular question, it seems reasonable to lay the blame at the trainer’s door for entering and running a horse that was not qualified to run. As for the race as it stands: they went off much too fast (courtesy of Creevytennant, who was set alight by his nutcase of a jockey but pulled-up six out once he had strung them out). This made no difference to the winner who, win or lose, was clearly underrated by the handicapper.

If there is one thing Bertimont does it is jump. He pinged his obstacles in better company in the Elite Hurdle but had no answer on the long run to the last when overhauled by surprise winner Purple Bay. He hung on gamely for second in a race marred by the final flight spill of Irving. It was a fall that looked to be of the worse kind but, thankfully, he did a Lazarus and lives to fight another day.

November 1st: Newmarket: At Headquarter’s last fixture for 2014 and against the strained light of approaching winter, Suffused finished off strongly to win the maiden over seven furlongs on her debut. Colour Party made a dash for home but the tenderly-ridden winner always threatened to overhaul her. She did so in pleasing style and we may see more of her next year. She is another juvenile winner from the Roger Charlton stable that clearly will go into 2015 with high hopes.

Rotherwick was a comfortable winner of the nursery from top weight and a mark of 83. This win provided a boost to his Wolverhampton conqueror of last time, the hat-trick winning Black Granite. The handicapper has caught up with Dark Wave who was unable to defy an elevated mark of 80, whilst Goodwood winner Shadow Rock was the first off the bridle and eventually beaten an embarrassingly long way.

Irish Rookie appears to have fooled us all. After winning her maiden in a bunch finish over seven furlongs on this course at 50/1, the temptation was to assume the race was only moderate. That it may have been, in which case something appears to have happened in the interim as she took the Listed over a mile from Lady Of Dubai, who had left a much stronger impression when scoring over course and distance in September. There seemed no fluke about the winner’s performance – she stayed on strongly despite a last furlong thrust from the runner-up. Bitter Lake looked as if she failed to stay this trip.

Taking into account the conditions of the event, it looked as if Air Pilot would struggle to overturn latest form with Mutakayyef in the Listed, but in fact he comfortably beat his three-year-old rival. He goes into winter quarters as a promising and progressive individual that could make his mark next season. Cut seems to suit so, tempting though it may be, Dubai may not be the best of places to start. Sudden Wonder (sure to be in action at Meydan) ran on to deprive Mutakayyef of second. A strong traveller, it has to be said Mutakayyef’s response when asked was disappointing. He finished in front of Air Pilot last time after an absence but failed to capitalise on that run now. With only a maiden win to his credit, he looks a classic example of a horse that works better than he races.

One of Godolphin’s better and more reliable inmates, French Navy, responded to a driving ride from Alan Kirby to defy his penalty and lift the Listed over a mile. Fire Ship was an honest second; Bronze Angel only third in an event that didn’t suit and Linton fourth.

On the jumping front, Sign Of Victory won the handicap at Ascot like a 150-rated horse at least.
Silviniaco Conti fizzled out quickly in the Charlie Hall where Taquin Du Seuil stayed the trip but let himself down with a couple of indifferent leaps. Even so he pegged back several from the last to take second. He needs to sharpen up his fencing in this sort of company but easier ground will help. It is early days to write him off at this level. Menorah maintained his stable’s fine run with a convincing success – conceding 5lbs to the runner-up.

Breeders’ Cup Notes: Despite doubts about the trip, Hootenanny settled perfectly before blasting his rivals in the Juvenile Turf over a mile. Already a winner on these shores, if his trainer is of a mind to send him over he should not be discounted from a tilt at the Guineas in May, particularly if the ground is fast. War Envoy got no run and although he would not have beaten the winner, finished on the bridle and should be marked up.

Main Sequence is a reformed character since arriving in America, winning his fourth Grade 1 on the spin when grabbing the Turf from Arc runner-up Flintshire. A slow early pace meant his finishing kick was decisive. Telescope had every chance in fourth but, lacking a killer kick when it matters, just falls short at this level.

Back to his best trip of a mile, Karakontie was played late from a suicidal gallop to pick up the pieces in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Unlucky in the Foret but a winner of the French Guineas, he spearheaded a French one-two, holding Anodin with Trade Storm in third. Many of these, including Toronado, were burnt out by the straight.

Toast Of New York covered himself and all concerned in glory when finishing second in the Classic. In an all three-year-old finish he had Californian Chrome behind him in third and surely must be a contender for the Dubai World Cup in March.

RACING NOTEBOOK

Based on races viewed, Spy’s analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time:

September 27th: Newmarket: With no rain overnight and a drying wind, the ground was changed to good to firm. If anything, it looked to be riding fast. Rosalie Bonheur put up a game display to win the nursery for fillies, finding plenty when tackled by a perfectly delivered Hawkin. The first two raced from lowly marks (73 and 72), meaning the worth of this form is questionable.

Having changed hands for a sizeable sum, Elm Park vindicated Quatar’s decision to purchase with a beefy performance in the Group 2 Royal Lodge. Up to the final quarter of the race he looked inconvenienced by the firm ground, but he found his stride up the hill to finish nicely on top. By Pheonix Reach he will stay well next year. Nafaqa did little wrong. Probably flattered by his victory over a lazy Toocoolforschool (woken up by cheek pieces in the Mill Reef) at Doncaster, he struggled to break clear of the pack but kept on once headed. He was another that did not look entirely at home on this rapidly quickening surface.

Lining up for one of the big autumn juvenile tests, Tiggy Wiggy faced a slightly different test in the Cheveley Park Stakes, a race in which speed alone was not guaranteed to be enough. Against fillies unlikely to be fazed by her superior early pace, she had them off the bridle at the two but they were lining up to challenge coming out of the dip. She saw them off with an injection of speed before the furlong that was enough to see her last on ground that, judging by her action, was as fast as she wants to encounter. Three pounds better off for their Lowther running, Queen Mary winner Anthem Alexander ran to her best and lost no caste in defeat. In third, High Celebrity looked ungainly on the track and had plenty of ground to recover in the last furlong. She looks more of a long term prospect but her trainer feels Newmarket is not her course, making a reappearance here in May unlikely. The lightly-raced duo that is Terror and Tendu both handled this massive hike in class and have little to find to propel themselves into Guineas reckoning next year. No doubt they will be back here for the Nell Gwyn in April. This was a hot renewal and the right horses filled the first five places. It appears we have seen the last of them until next year; that is with the exception of Tiggy Wiggy, who is likely to take her chance in the Abbaye next Sunday – for which she will have to be supplemented. It’s a big ask after a long season. First seen at Kempton at the end of March, and now winner of six of her eight starts, Longchamp may be a bridge too far and it may be all change next year. But as of now Tiggy Wiggy is little short of incredible!

Fast ground must have played its part in Bronze Angel’s success in the Cambridgeshire. Proven on such a surface, he was able to win this for the second time in his career having been successful in 2012. Velox ran particularly well on ground too lively for a son of Zamindar. He is developing into a serious racehorse and with conditions in his favour is not far short of pattern company. He dead heated with Niceofyoutotellme, another horse that is in bloom at present. Against all expectations, it seemed that Cornrow failed to stay this trip as he faded rapidly after moving through to challenge for the lead.

As a daughter of Raven’s Pass Taqneyya was at home on this fast ground and, with experience to help, responded when her jockey kicked her on three out to land the class 4 maiden. She might struggle to confirm this with the second and third if there is ever a rematch. Pamona did best of the newcomers to finish second, whereas in third, Jazzi Top hung on this fast ground, only stretching out on the climb. By Danehill Dancer and out of a Zafonic mare, she will do better with some give and looks a decent enough prospect.

Lady Correspondent showed plenty of resolve and some ability to collar Alfajer in the second division. It is hard to know what the winner achieved but she has a turn of foot and will stay further.

26th September: Newmarket: A return to a more favourable surface saw Etaab just last in the Listed Nayef Rosemary Stakes in a close finish with Belle D’Or. The pair sprinted close home to edge away from Provenance, who was on and off the bridle but knuckled down to it inside the last furlong and was slightly impeded by the winner.

It’s been a long season for some of the fillies in the listed over a mile and a half. On her sixth outing and apparently in top form, Queen Of Ice successfully carried her 3lbs penalty for winning the Galtres at York. She might have been a touch fortunate as, once she hit stride, Jordan Princess (who seems to have improved for this step up in trip) flew but had left herself with too much to do. Vanity Rules ran above herself in third, whilst Criteria, a filly who tends to stay without finding a turn of foot, could manage no better than fourth. This was her eighth race of the year.

Lucida showed a lot of character to claim the Rockfel. Narrowly beaten by Cursory Glance in the Moyglare less than a fortnight ago, she was crowded from the outset and off the bridle facing the dip. Gathered together, she had to engage overdrive in order to claw back ground and run down Salisbury maiden winner Fadhayyil. This was a race she ought to have won but she was presented with plenty of excuses in running, which she shrugged off. She may not be good enough to win a Guineas either side of the Irish Sea, but she will be in there boxing when some of her rivals might be feeling the pinch. The consistent New Providence was third.

Custom Cut reached the zenith of his career when taking the Group 2 in resolute fashion and notching up a five-timer. He is a credit to all concerned with him. On the other hand, smooth-travelling Captain Cat threw away his chance by hanging once he arrived on the scene. A tricky ride, a wide open place like this is not ideal for one of his persuasion. A winner at Lingfield, Meydan will suit him well and his connections could look forward to a lucrative mid-winter holiday with this son of Dylan Thomas that has more ability than we often see. Hors De Combat is holding his form at this level well and finished third. In fourth, Tullius is surely likely to come on for this, particularly when the ground eases. Outstrip continues to fizzle. He has not grown too much since last year and his best days look to be behind him.

St Leger fourth Windshear was unable to take advantage of a drop in grade in the Listed Godolphin Stakes – crucially possibly undone by the reduction in trip. Unfortunately, after such a bright start to the season, his portfolio is building up to be one of defeats rather than victories. The powerhouse that is Nabucco toughed out a tight and rough finish to withstand a late lunge by Derby fifth Red Galileo and Ayrad, who was greatly assisted by this trip and has run his best race.

The dogs were noisy before the Class 4 maiden, several runners apparently well fancied on debut. In the race, Consort proved the deserved centre of attention. Making pretty much all, from a stable renown for improving their debutants, he quickened impressively from the bushes to clear away. By Lope De Vega, who is having an excellent first season, he looks potentially smart enough but he has a long way to go to reach classic heights. On pedigree, he is not certain to stay beyond ten furlongs. Hathal chased the winner in second, ahead of Spanish Squeeze. Algaith travelled well but found little at the business end, Yamllik came with a run but backed out of things quickly, displaying a high head carriage.

On only his third start of the season, lightly-raced GM Hopkins emphasised what a well handicapped horse he is when easily winning the Silver Cambridgeshire from a mark of 96. Three-year-olds were first and second: Munaaser following the winner, ahead of Muharrer and another progressive sort in Mange All.

September 25th:
Newmarket Results

In sharp contrast to the way he raced on debut, Mohatem, who had caught the eye at Doncaster, bounced out of the stalls today and made just about all finding plenty when pressed. A perfect example of Distorted Humor to look at, he reversed form with Game Pie who badgered him all the way to the line. With an out and out American pedigree and a top of the ground action to match, Mohatem – a decent sort on this evidence – will need this surface to show his best. Lacking the scope of the winner, Game Pie has run up to his debut when fourth to Commemorative – both having endorsed that form. In third the New Approach colt Tawaasheeh should win a race or two. Subject of morning money but much too keen to post and then reluctant to load, he came back a whole lot better to finish a not-knocked-about third. Under the circumstances he has shown a fair degree of ability to finish so close. Providing he settles next time, a maiden is his for the taking. It would not surprise if he turned out to be the best of the bunch. In fourth, Secateur was unable to better his debut by much and does not look in this grade at present.

Black Granite made light of a mark of 74 to land the nursery. With the added bonus of the useful Cam Hardie’s 5lb allowance, the weight concession from a revitalised Prince Gagarin was obviously crucial.

After what was presumably an enforced break of four months, Windsor and Yarmouth winner Der Meister was unable to land a blow at Salisbury last month but was a different proposition in the class 3 handicap. Dominated by three-year-olds, he got up in the shadow of the post to catch long time leader Knife Point.

Delivered from the rear off a fast pace by Richard Hughes, Maftool had the stamina and the speed to dominate the finish of the M’s in the seven furlong Group 3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes. By Hard Spun, the winner stays well and was able to master Markaz inside the last furlong. He is a possible for the Racing Post. York Sales winner Mubtaghaa was third, the three clear of Azraff. Valley Of Fire ran like a non-stayer as he dropped away sharply to finish last of all.

Despite a good deal of paraphernalia beforehand (ponied to start and running black with sweat), Pallasator got the better of Flying Officer in the listed, the pair clear. Andrea Atzeni excelled in the saddle, making the running, then allowing Flying Officer to take a narrow advantage two out before coming back at him up the hill.

Consign beat a couple of unexposed three-year-olds in the Class 3 handicap over a mile. Back after a lengthy break since a Newbury handicap in April, Exchequer went down narrowly and should be hard to beat next time. Lawyer, who is not straightforward, was a close third ahead of Dubai Dynamo. Reluctant to load and carrying his head to one side in running, Master Of The World looked uncooperative.

Secret Hint returned to form to lift the Class 2 handicap for fillies from 4lbs out of the handicap. This means her mark will presumably have to be raised to 90 at least. The interesting participant was surely Aetna. Returning to action after 134 days, in the light of subsequent form from her win at York in May, she remains well-treated from her present mark of 98. A strong finisher on ground too lively (all her best form is on soft, her pedigree is a soft ground one and to cap it all her trainer asserts she is a much better filly when getting her toe in), when the ground turns – as it surely must in the near future – this run will put her in good stead for a crack at a bigger pot. She can win a decent race before the season’s close.

September 20th: Newbury: Experience told in the seven furlong maiden – those that had run filling the first three places. Yeenaan (by Rip Van Winkle) handled ground changed to soft from yesterday and saw it out well. In second Stoked kept on, but, by Fast Company, will surely be capable of better on a quicker surface. Harbour Patrol was third with newcomer Compton Mill finishing best of the rest in fourth.

Hillstar had his day in the Dubai Group 3 Arc Trial, quickening from a slow pace to hold Tasaday in the sprint to the line.

With the defection of Limato and Mubtaghaa, this renewal of the Group 2 Mill Reef lost some of its lustre. Most of these are probably short of this standard but Toocoolforschool, who had finished second to two good sorts in Dutch Connection and Nafaqa in his last two outings, made all in first-time cheek pieces, eventually scooting clear. The way he won –with ears pricked – suggests he may have been dossing previously. No Group 1 contender, he is a decent benchmark even so. After a poor showing in the Acomb (on the back of winning a maiden for newcomers that has failed to work out), Growl presumably ran to his ability in second ahead of Kibaar and a disappointing Strath Burn. Having finished second in the Robert Papin, the good-looking Strath Burn started slowly and was always playing catch-up.

Not seen since finishing second to the useful Farraaj at Epsom on Derby Day, Air Pilot returned to action, making a mockery of a competitive class 2 handicap from a mark of 87. Doubtless this easy ground was in the favour of this son of Zamindar, but he won this like a 100-rated horse at least. First Flight engaged in vain pursuit in second.

Aided by withdrawals, after beating Reckless Abandon at Doncaster ten days ago, Mecca’s Angel took her career to new heights in the Group 3. Justice Day was second, ahead of Ajjaadd.

Some nice juveniles took part in division two of the maiden. Mccreery wound up a good day for the Roger Charlton stable, beating the twice-raced Maraakib. Favourite Puissant failed to hit the gates and was always labouring, although he is surely capable of better. From what can be a problematical family, Purple Rock showed promise in fourth. In remains to be seen whether he builds on this. Sonnolento was one of the less obvious finishers that looks likely to improve.

Ayr: Securing the nearside rail, in a replay of yesterday, Dark Reckoning took the Group 3 for fillies at a big price under a canny Graham Lee ride. With jockeys angling for the coveted strip of ground, once again it was a rough old race, making it an unsatisfactory affair. Parsley was second – the unfortunate and unlucky Ainippe a fast finishing third having been murdered when attempting a run over a furlong out. Fifth to Beacon in the Flying Childers, she saw out this sixth furlong well and, like Squats yesterday, was probably the best horse in the race.

The draw once again played a major part in the Silver Cup – the two with the best of it: Huntsmans Close and Bogart, finishing first and third. As usual Bogart flashed out of the stalls and kept on under pressure but Huntsmans Close, who ran well last week at Doncaster, was always travelling strongly. Those on the far side might just as well have stayed at home.

For a former French Derby third, even allowing for Godolphin’s patchy record with horses bought from high profile yards, Sky Hunter’s win in the Listed Doonside Cup was overdue. Hooded and looking somewhat recalcitrant, he proved too good for Sennockian Star – the likes of which at one time he would only have encountered on the gallops.

Buckingham Palace Stakes winner and last year’s runner-up Louis The Pious grabbed the Gold Cup. Once again it was a case of getting the strip of ground up the stands’ rail. This is all well and good for those professional watchers of racing that spot these things as regularly as others see the change in weather; but surely Ayr racecourse has questions to answer. This situation is unacceptable for the wider picture that is the sport of horse racing, which relies on the goodwill of those with other matters on their minds. Occasional and uninformed punters (whose interest the authorities are going to great lengths to court) should not have to suffer the ignominy of backing horses that have no chance before they start. In a race predictably dominated by high numbers, credit has to go to Minalisa who did best of those on the far side, finishing second overall. This on the back of a listed win at Naas in July – giving her the profile of a much improved filly. Ruwaiyan was another noted to finish strongly on the disadvantaged side of the track.

Newmarket: Toujours L’Amour provided a major shock in the opener, depriving Moonlight Sonata in the very last stride. Keen to be kind on the runner-up, Shane Kelly probably inadvertently threw this away after going half a length up half a furlong out. The winner (stable second string) was yet another juvenile winner for William Haggas. Beaten by the useful Time Test on debut, Sweet Dream should have fared better but failed to act on the undulations of the track and has to be accorded another chance.

The second division of the race won last year by Taghrooda went to the attractive Lady Of Dubai. She had taken the eye on her two efforts previously and appears to be improving. Quite what she beat here is unknown. There was word on course for Sperry, a tall and green filly that moved well on and off but has plenty to learn.

Fourth last week to Agnes Stewart in the May Hill, Supreme Occasion was a laboured third to Lacing in the valuable auction stakes. Clearly this six was inadequate for Supreme Occasion as she was plugging on late, but her run hardly endorses the classic claims of Agnes Stewart.

Only finding Bond’s Girl too good in the sales race at Doncaster last week, Heartbreak Hero was unable to gain compensation in the sales race for colts here. He lost his action in the dip and would not be the first horse that failed to handle the undulations here. Secret Brief – second to White Lake in the Convivial – capitalised on the favourite’s misfortune to hold Bossy Guest and a fast-finishing Prince Of Time.

Billed as a Cesarewitch trial, if the Class 2 handicap over the full trip threw up a possible contender it was surely useful hurdler Big Easy, who only gave best to See And Be Seen.

September 19th: Ayr: Refusing to settle last time at Haydock after looking unlucky at York, Roossey was more tractable in the Class 2 nursery and, aided by a strip of favoured ground on the stands’ rail, made handsome amends. Currently leniently treated from 84, that will of course be addressed before we see him again.

The ludicrous situation of an unknown draw bias springing up without warning at a track that should otherwise provide a fair test, reared its ugly head in the Class 2 Bronze Cup. With a marked advantage on the near side, particularly close to the rail, Expose did just that from his draw of 27. The principals were all drawn high and were well clear of those on the far side, meaning this form has to be considered dubious.

Over the five, only 50/1 shot Red Baron – showing blistering early speed – from his low draw in part reversed a disturbing trend. In finishing third to high-numbered Noble Asset and Ladweb he has apparently run well. Maybe he needs an uncontested lead. A winner at this meeting last year and unfavourably drawn, Boris Grigoriev ran better than it seems and may be ready for six furlongs now. His tricky yard should find a suitable opening.

With the draw uppermost in the mind of the jockeys it was a rough ride for many in the Listed Harry Rosebery Stakes. Prominent throughout Accipiter got the run of the race and lasted from several that were surely unlucky. Mind Of Madness flashed home late for second after having to weave his way through. From the four draw, Squats forfeited valuable ground in pursuit of a golden run in third and should be considered the best horse in the race. He travelled well when on an even keel and deserves another chance at this level. Secret Liaison and, to a greater extent, Fendale, can be marked up in a muddled event.

Newbury: On rain-softened ground, Desert Force proved too strong for Foreign Diplomat in the opening maiden. Coming back to six from seven, although by Oasis Dream, the runner-up was coming back at the winner again in the last hundred yards and this trip may have been too sharp. His day will surely come. The Godolphin filly Beautiful Ending fluffed the start but showed a degree of promise. She ran on to finish fifth in a race that, first two excepted, looked no better than average.

Narrowly beaten in last year’s Cambridgeshire and beaten only half a length by the useful Vencingetorix in Meydan this winter, Code Of Honour won the Class 3 Conditions like a horse that may have more to offer. With proven autumn form and a fresh horse late on in the season, he could be a high profile winner somewhere for Godolphin. God Willing was outstayed by his older rival but this represented a return to the sort of form he promised as a juvenile. If the market is any guide, this improved run came as no surprise.

The prestigious Haynes, Hanson & Clark – a Class 2 with an excellent history – went to Sandown winner Snoano. By Nayef, he showed a likeable attitude to contain a late thrust by Acaster Malbis, who took a narrow advantage close home. The winner is a stayer rather than a quickener, but has a decent cruising speed. The pair was clear of the promising Sir Percy newcomer Perceus, who was representing the Tregoning stable –one with a record of introducing good juveniles in this. He should win his maiden. Bigeon was a big letdown. He is well thought of and the ground may have thwarted his chances.

Marsh Hawk grabbed the Class 2 over seven, quickening nicely on the ground to beat Goodwood winner Timba. By Invincible Spirit, the winner has a turn of foot and handles easy ground. Crystal Zvezda, a well bred daughter of Dubawi, made a satisfactory debut and looks a ready-made maiden winner before long.

Always travelling, Lady Lara, a winner on this day last year and with a pedigree that shouts the need for easy ground, was convincing in the listed over seven. Jallota closed her down without looking likely to pose a problem. Safety Check ran no sort of race; Absolutely So checked out quickly.

September 14th: Curragh: In a day of trials, Cursory Glance scraped home in the Group 1 Moyglare at the Curragh, having looked all set to win emphatically when sent on a furlong out. This was a strong event and it could be she idles when she hits the front. With Lucida, impressive maiden winner Found and Malabar close up, there was nothing wrong with this form – which obviously pays a compliment (as if any were needed) to Lowther winner Tiggy Wiggy.

Gleaneagles had to be shaken up to win the Group 1 National Stakes, but in Toscanini and Acomb winner Dutch Connection he faced exacting opposition. Steadily ascending the ranks (he adds this to a Group 3 and a Group 2), he is likely to win another high profile juvenile event before the season ends. With his experience, he could end up at the Breeders’ Cup.

For once the meticulous plans of Ballydoyle backfired in the Irish St Leger when an astute Richard Kingscote on Brown Panther sat right on the heels of pacemaker Eye Of The Storm before kicking clear early in the straight. Although there to do a job for Leading Light, Eye Of The Storm helped proven stayer Brown Panther steal a march on a top class field. Leading Light finished from out of the pack to head Encke for second with Willing Foe and Pale Mimosa, for whom the ground was probably too firm against such high class opponents, next to finish. This was arguably Brown Panther’s finest hour.

At Longchamp it was all about the Arc. Ectot took the Prix Niel in a fast time, holding on narrowly from Teletext and a fast finishing Adelaide. All three will need to improve a little to figure in the first Sunday in October.

Once again looking below par – both in demeanour and in the race – Treve was only fourth in the Prix Vermeille to shock winner Baltic Baroness and vastly improved Pomology. A repeat win in the Arc is looking very unlikely.

Ruler Of The World made all to thwart the somewhat disappointing Flintshire and Spirit Jim in the Prix Foy. This was his first run since Dubai in March and presumably he will come on for it.

In a tight finish Charm Spirit wriggled up the rail to deprive Toronado in the Prix Du Moulin with Night Of Thunder finishing very strongly in third.

September 13th: Doncaster: Carrying a 3lbs penalty in the Group 2 Champagne, Estidhkaar was impressive. From a slow pace he took time to warm up. A big chunky individual with plenty of scope, he was comprehensively on top at the end and looks a good prospect for next year. War Envoy finished strongly in second. As is often the way with horses from Ballydoyle that are highly tried in their first season, his form is only bordering on top class. It seems reasonable to assume he is not considered to be in the top six at home. Aces made the running and stuck to his task in third; whereas Belardo became another juvenile to run across the track when under pressure. He delivered what looked like a powerful challenge a furlong out but was already apparently feeling the pinch when sacrificing a minor place.

Muthmir turned the ever-competitive Portland Handicap into something of a non-event. The suspicion was he could be a group horses in handicap. This run confirmed it as, despite a slow start when he was almost down on his head and trouble in running, he recovered to win tidily, smashing the course record in the process. A conservative estimate puts his current mark of 100 as being shy by about 18lbs. After hinting he was about to return to form when finishing sixth in a warm handicap at York last time, Bogart kept on doggedly and would have won nine out of ten renewals of this.

Faced with two ‘soft’ opponents who win when the moon is in the right quarter Ansgar made all in the Group 2 over seven, pulling out more inside the last furlong when first Gregorian, then Aljamaaher, tried to peg him back. Now six, the winner was in no mood to concede the lead to his two slightly more complicated rivals.

Kingston Hill laid the ghost of a winnerless season to rest with his Group 1 success in the St Leger. This win, from Romsdall, emphasises Derby form and vindicates the bold decision by connections to run here over this trip. By Mastercraftsman, versatile Kingston Hill had no problem. Ably assisted by a patient Andrea Atzeni, the horse was delivered a furlong out and his superior turn of foot proved crucial. With Snow Sky and Windshear in third and fourth, not dominated by the last man standing, this was a St Leger that made perfect sense.

In the class 2 handicap, from a mark of 96, and on only his fourth race of the season, Mount Logan was another winner for the Luca Cumani stable – a yard that has enjoyed the fruits of autumn. The manner of victory suggests he is likely to progress. Last year’s winner, Forgotten Hero was second – but firmly held. The solid benchmark that is Bold Sniper was third.

By all accounts the win of Dance Of Fire in the nursery was not unexpected. He won a shade cosily from Marshall Jennings and Rotherwick in what looked a decent event.

Championship – so unlucky at Goodwood – stepped up on that and his next run to take the concluding handicap on the card from Bronze Angel and Velox – who might be ready for a step up in trip.

Despite looking green, John F Kennedy won the Group 3 at Leopardstown. He will need to be more focused if tackling better and more experienced company.

Free Eagle – the horse that as a juvenile was tagged as the best Dermot Weld had trained – came back from a series of setbacks to emphatically win the Group 3 from decent opponents on only his third start. Clearly he is talented and he could just be an autumn wild card.

The win of The Grey Gatsby in the Irish Champion over Australia – so imperious over him at York – is a little hard to fathom, but after Epsom, the Curragh and York, maybe the edge was missing from the lightly-framed Australia. Obviously, after winning the French Derby, we know The Grey Gatsby is top class.

Doncaster: 12th September: Heartbreak for everyone connected with Cotai Glory, whose blistering early speed meant he had the Group 2 Flying Childers in the proverbial bag when wandering about inside the last furlong. In a split second of madness, in a combination of a slipping saddle and of a jockey becoming unbalanced (might have been better putting his stick down on a horse that was clear); horse and rider parted company fifty yards short of the winning post. Last at one point, Beacon passed the whole field to pick up the pieces. Unlucky at Goodwood, he was suited by this cutthroat pace and is probably ready for six. In all, with 50/1 shot Astrophysics second and Accepted an honourable and understandable third ahead of Fast Act and an always scrubbed along Ainippe, this was an odd contest.

A step up in trip seems to have brought out the best in Stomachion who to this point has run well in today’s sort of company without getting his head in front. He was convincing in the Class 2 Mallard Handicap from Retirement Plan and Suegioo. Sir Walter Scott still does not appear to stay this far.

Back to a serious test of stamina, Estimate took the Group 2 Doncaster Cup. They came at her like it was High Noon down the straight, but she kept fending them off, eventually winning with her ears pricked. Talk of the Melbourne Cup might be good for the pundits, but is unlikely to suit Estimate, whose style of racing will surely be inconvenienced by the way they go at it Down Under. Whiplash Willie was an honourable second on ground that was borderline for him. He might just win a decent event when it turns soft.

Runner-up in a Group 3 at Leopardstown, the Lawman filly, Agnes Stewart who has plenty of stamina in her pedigree (arguably throwing 1000 Guineas quotes into question) loped along for much of the way in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes before winning readily from Sweet Solera winner Muraaqaba. Shagah and Supreme Occasion in third and fourth put this form in perspective but the winner is likeable and should improve.

There was not much to take from the class 2 sprint over an extended six furlongs. Danzeno had it won at the distance, but the extra hundred yards changed the race’s complexion, allowing one-time classic aspirant Badr Al Badoor to inch ahead.

For those prepared to see them, the signs were that in winning the Convivial, White Lake may not have achieved in practice what on paper had seemed likely. With nothing solid having emerged from the race and most of the fancied runners having underperformed at York, he had something to prove. Always niggled in the listed Flying Scotsman Stakes, he stayed on and was not disgraced, but did not look a horse with classic pretensions. Nafaqa, so unfortunate in the Chesham and a winner of his maiden since, may have a quirk or two but is obviously useful. Always travelling well, he picked up Gimcrack runner-up Toocoolforschool inside the last furlong despite hanging across the track. Peacock made headway to take third ahead of the one-paced (at least in this company) White Lake.

September 11th: Doncaster: A decent juvenile that has been on the shelf this year, in first time cheek pieces Kiyoshi roared back to something like it with a strong late run that lifted a very competitive Group 3 Sceptre Stakes. Faced with much deeper company than she has so far experienced, a heavily-backed Bragging got going too late to snatch second. She looked very well beforehand and in running and was certainly not disgraced. She remains on the upgrade and on this evidence a mile may be her optimum against rivals such as this.

Even connections were surprised by the manner of Silk Sari’s victory in the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes. Not every filly in opposition produced her best but Silk Sari was in the peak of condition. As a horse that has been brought along steadily by her excellent handler she was able to deliver her very best. So well was she travelling, she could be called the winner from some way out. Groovejet battled on in almost a secondary contest for the runner-up spot, ahead of Criteria and Seal Of Approval.

Lurking at the foot of the weights Bond’s Girl – fourth to Tiggy Wiggy in the Newbury Super Sprint – won a massive payday for her stable in the Doncaster equivalent. The defection of Valley Of Fire meant this was lacking in substance for the money on offer. His stable mate, Heartbreak Hero was best of the rest, surely underlining that, but for a respiratory problem, if he had lined up, Valley Of Fire must have gone close and remains of interest. Although looking well-treated by the conditions of the event, Fox Trotter became warm beforehand and was never seen with a chance. A decent run in a conditions race is not always the ideal prep for a cut-and-thrust contest such as this.

The progressive The Corsican continued his current ascendancy with a convincing win in the Class 2 handicap – a race littered with unexposed types. In second and third, Mange All and Arab Dawn made it a clean sweep for the three-year-olds. Not much went right for favourite Long Cross. He lost a shoe at the start and was swung wide at the entrance to the straight. He deserves another chance.

After the success of Silk Sari earlier, Blue Waltz emerged as another progressive filly for the Cumani stable, breezing away with the handicap from a mark of 83. The opposition may not have been particularly strong, but she was a lot better.

Commemorative, a promising if not dazzling fourth on debut to Time Test at Sandown, was always handy in the Class 3 maiden to hold a late challenge from the well fancied Galileo newcomer Decorated Knight. Mohatem ran an eye-catching race, picking up ground late under hands and heels. By Distorted Humour he will need this sort of ground to show his best. Erik The Red ran no more than okay. This means potential supporters of White Lake tomorrow may need to have a rethink, as the Convivial has yet to throw up any significant winners or horses to acquit themselves in better company.

September 6th: Ascot: Cornrow travelled like a decent horse when to the fore for most of the way in the class 2 handicap over seven. Momentarily outpaced a furlong out, he ran on again close home to almost regain the lead. Obviously the extra trip of the Cambridgeshire – a race he remains on course for – will suit. He looks classy and this was good form: Safety Check and last year’s winner, Redvers the two to finish in front of him.

Excuses forwarded for Growl at York have to be tempered after the horse that chased him home on debut, Auspicion, fared little better on his follow-up effort in the class 4 maiden over seven. To be on the safe side, this extra furlong may have been his undoing to a degree. Even so the signs are that the maiden won by Growl was no great shakes. Mutasayyid stuck on in the face of a late lunge from Akeed Champion, for whom this was a promising enough debut.

Good Place took a step forward when winning the Class 2 Conditions Hyperion Stakes – for some reason now restricted to fillies – taking it up a furlong out having looked to be in trouble. Pacesetter and stoutly-bred Montalcino kept battling once headed but found the winner too good. Both need to improve again if stepped up in grade.

Lightly-raced Battersea won his second race (his previous success was also at this course) producing a smooth winning run in the class 2 handicap, and beating a strong field. He looks as if he will stay further and as if he has more to offer.

Squats would have been desperately unlucky had he not got up in the nursery, passing the whole field having been switched for a run. He has plenty of speed and caught Profitable on the line under another miracle ride from Ryan Moore. Rated 88, he can’t be put up much for this so could well follow up. He might progress to something like the Cornwallis here.

Haydock: Unhindered by a proper gallop this time, Captain Cat was always moving smoothly in the Group 3 and was soon in command when asked to pick up his struggling rivals. He is the sort to do well in Dubai next winter.

Nautilus is finding his form late in the season, taking an odd but competitive class 2 handicap. The race started badly when favourite Havana Cooler unseated on exiting the stalls. The pacesetters went too hard and in the last quarter it was left to closers to pick them off. Consequently it is possible that the winner is flattered to a degree and that Communicator – now back over a suitable trip – has not run quite as good a race as it appears to have snatched third from a long way back. Even so this was a step in the right direction for him. Glenard did well to hold his position throughout and looks to be on song at present. Quest For More looked well but soon lost his prominent position. A fast-finishing second over two miles last time, perhaps we should draw a line through this.

Even though this is not his best trip in such company, it failed to work out for Sole Power today in the Betfred Sprint. With Moses otherwise engaged, Richard Hughes was surely pushing his luck a tad too far on this occasion. Back to six furlongs (all his runs this year have been over the minimum), it was G Force who finally achieved the success he always promised to deliver. Gordon Lord Byron once again covered himself in glory in second. Music Master ran as well as he ever has, coping with this elevated company. Connections will have to rethink their strategy with Cougar Mountain, who, after three attempts at sprinting at Group 1 level, deserves a break from the impossible. He wants seven furlongs at least.

Beaten fourteen lengths in the Gimcrack last time, Terentum Star picked up the pieces in the nursery from a mark of 85. Roossey threw away his chance by pulling too hard. He didn’t do that last time and is worth another chance.

Celestial Path, back on track after winning his solitary race at York in July, could be useful if judged on a sweeping victory in the listed event. With a giant stature and stride to match, he took time to lengthen, but when he did was impressive. He would not be out of place in something like the Royal Lodge so long as his temperament holds up. With Hawk Wing on the distaff side, there is a suspicion he harbours a quirk or two.

Kempton: Brave Zolo made all to beat his three opponents in the class 4 stakes. Debutant Strong Chemistry was the last to commit, having moved nicely throughout. He should have no trouble in winning his maiden. Russian Reward was held in third; favourite Power Game has learned nothing from his promising debut and was a disappointing favourite having pulled early.

With his penalty Prince Bishop looked to face a stiff task in the September Stakes. Even so, in a replica of last year, he took control inside the last furlong to withstand Secret Number. Cat O’Mountain (who is better attacking from the rear and was handy throughout) faded down the straight and probably failed to stay. By Street Cry, he is not bred to get this far. All his best form is on this sort of surface.

After a rough passage last time at York behind Felix Leiter, Burnt Sugar regained the winning thread in the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes, destroying a mark of 85 in the process. Maftool looks ready for a step up in trip; Middle Park entrant Home Of The Brave received a bump early, which seemed to unsettle him.

RACING NOTEBOOK

Based on races viewed, Spy’s analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time:

August 22nd: York: Glenard made all to win the Class 2 handicap, finding more for pressure when tackled by Salutation. They finished in a heap. Stomachion stayed on as if further may be required and the well handicapped Lahaag – beaten just over three lengths – closed without ever looking dangerous.

Mares dominated in the Yorkshire Cup, Pale Mimosa, always travelling well, eased to the front two out and holding a sustained challenge from Estimate. Relatively lightly-raced, Pale Mimosa, for whom overnight rain was a bonus, did this nicely. Times Up stayed on for third, ahead of the enigma that is Cavalryman in fourth. He does ration his going days somewhat.

Bunbury Cup runner-up Absolutely So gained adequate compensation in the richly-endowed Duke Of York. Glory Awaits, who was second at a huge price on last year’s Guineas, stuck on for second ahead of Glen Moss. There was not too much to glean from the rest. That Is the Spirit ran up to form, Ertijaal pulls much too hard in his races. The substance between his ears is his biggest problem at present. Mushir might impress at home but looks soft on the track. Highland Colori is being campaigned with an autumn campaign in mind and will be better when the ground turns.

Sole Power consolidated his position as arguably the best sprinter in Europe with his third group success on the spin in the Nunthorpe. Delivered late – part by design, part out of necessity – once in the clear, his finishing kick was decisive. Stepper Point and Extortionist ran big races in second and third. It is not often they get it wrong at Ballydoyle, but they did get Cougar Mountain’s trip wrong here. Outpaced early, but a late finisher, on only his third run this was another eye-catching performance. Back to six, possibly seven – he can gain black type.

They were a good looking bunch for the Class 2 Convivial Maiden. Taking on plenty with experience, it was the unraced Pivotal colt White Lake (one of the best in show) that came out on top. Posted wide from the bend, he powered home down the straight to peg back Secret Brief. Impressive though he was, the problem is that the best of the opposition was nowhere to be seen! After two ordinary efforts, the runner-up has run far above anything so far shown. In third, the unraced Oasis Dream colt, Foreign Diplomat, is well thought of but will strip fitter next time; whilst in fourth, the filly Bright Flash had shown some promise at Goodwood without looking likely to play a part in a race with this much depth. After definite promise at Newbury on debut, well-supported Dissolution was again outpaced early on, putting in his best work when it was all over. On this evidence he wants at least a mile to shine. Mount Tahan and Erik The Red shaped well. Muffarreh (another taking individual) will improve for this outing. After promise on their debuts, Acaster Malbis and Swot should have done better.

Master The World rounded off the day with a head scratching win in the Class 2 handicap despite blowing the start. Runaway Newmarket winner Munaaser did run on but was never able to throw down a serious challenge.

August 21st: York: Beaten eight lengths by Ivawood in the July Stakes and third in the Windsor Castle before that, Mubtaghaa landed the big pot that is the Class 2 Premier Yearling Stakes. New Providence, another with form that looked shy of that required, was second, ahead of Valley Of Fire, who is the one to note. A winner at this track of a modest maiden, he was taken of his feet in the early but picked off his field to finish strongly. He wouldn’t want the ground any faster (they had some rain overnight) and an extra furlong may suit. Considered a group horse at home, this tends to confirm their opinion. The seven pound penalty proved too much for form horse Kool Kompany, who was not beaten far but has had a busy season.

The right three horses rose to the top in a hot Lowther, dominated throughout by the speedball that is Tiggy Wiggy. Quick out of the stalls, she was slick and smooth in front, coasting and lengthening as the challengers came. This extra furlong was no problem and once again she smashed the two-year-old record. A quote of 16/1 for the Guineas is a mickey-take. She will surely not be asked to venture beyond this sort of trip. The more stoutly-bred Cursory Glance was caught out after two furlongs but ran on again in the last quarter to chase her home. She was closing in the last hundred yards or so and, a different sort to the winner remains on course for higher honours. A mile will suit her well next year. She must have fast ground, so a wet spring would prejudice her chances at Newmarket in May. Queen Mary winner Anthem Alexander did have to concede 3lbs to the first two so was far from disgraced, but it is doubtful if she would beat the first two in any rematch.

In the class 2 handicap we saw a great piece of horsemanship from Pat Smullen on Short Squeeze. Switching the horse off and darting through a vital gap inside the last furlong, he put the horse in front on the line without recourse to the whip. Top Notch Tonto upped his game in second from a mark of 108 and on ground still a bit on the fast side for him. Bronze Angel responded to pressure to nab fourth. They were tightly packed in behind. A gelding operation might have improved Parbold who was on the heels of the principals and appears to have run one of his better races.

A major disappointment in the 1000 Guineas back in May, Tapestry, reportedly back to something like her best after finishing second in the Irish Oaks, pounced on Taghrooda to supply one of the shocks of the meeting in the Yorkshire Oaks. A very light filly, Tapestry was beautifully handled by Ryan Moore today. She and the runner-up came clear. As for Taghrooda, she did not look quite as relaxed as she was at Ascot, but no one is making excuses – it wasn’t as if she was beaten by a rag! By all accounts Tapestry’s win was not a complete surprise to her connections.

After the success of the so-called second string in the opener, the Haggas team again pulled a rabbit from the hat with Queen Of Ice in the Galtres, beating the better fancied stable mate, Arabian Comet by a whisker. Andrea Atzeni excelled on the winner, making all and dictating matters at his pace. After running over 1m 6f at Goodwood, Arabian Comet took time to hit full stride, closing the winner down to within a nose. Noble Protector was third.

Despite a desperate draw, Bragging defied a 10lbs hike in the weights to smash the opposition in the class 2 handicap from a mark of 97. Winning with ears pricked, as suggested at Newmarket, she is bound for better things. Presumably this is the last time she will contest a handicap. Poor Wedding Ring was fatally injured – something she did not deserve.

August 20th: York: Kevin Ryan opened the meeting by taking the sprint handicap – not, unfortunately for yours truly with Bogart, but with Blaine, who won the Gimcrack here two seasons ago. He got up in the last stride to deprive Move In Time, who was probably undone by the extra yardage. He is better at a dead five. Bogart ran well, finishing fifth after having been up with the pace throughout. Mass Rally made up a ton of ground and could be winning soon.

As in this last year, we had a turn-up in the Acomb when Dutch Connection – a winner at Goodwood of a maiden that looked so-so – got up close home to beat Ripon winner, Toocoolforschool. Market leaders, Basateen and Jamaica went hard from the gate and may have set this up for the two closers. Basateen needs to settle in his races. He took a strong hold but to his credit kept boxing on when headed. Jamaica was pushed up early in an attempt to negate his wide draw. As a result he could only stay on. No Derby winner, he wants a trip and easier ground to show his best. This ground was firming by the hour and this may have been against several of these in a race in which the two-year-old track record was smashed.

Fast ground meant Kingston Hill was a defector for the Great Voltigeur. It has taken a while, but this was the day when, after a progressive season, Postponed came of age. Always travelling strongly, relishing the fast ground, he was in control over this longer trip, which suits him well. This was a decent performance and one that stamps Postponed as at least the third-best of his generation over this trip. Snow Sky (better behaved today than at Goodwood) is a fair benchmark; in finishing second he gives credence to the race. The front two were clear of pacesetting Odeon, with Marzocco finishing best of the others. Not in the St Leger, Luca Cumani is keen to keep Postponed – a son of Dubawi – to this trip in future, which seems the best course of action.

To win a Group 1, a horse has to do everything right. Australia did just that to win the Juddmonte. Perfectly settled at the rear, he passed the field to cruise to victory, beating his elders in style, despite his trainer describing him as being in need of a blow-out. Australia has handled the best they could chuck at him, so does not have much left to prove. With so much speed, this is his best trip. French Derby winner, The Grey Gatsby, made it a one-two for the classic generation, chasing Australia home. Connections are keen to try their luck at a mile-and-a-half. Telescope hung on for third, but was outpaced down the straight over this shorter trip. Mukhadram spoiled his chances by getting lit up early, but would not have been good enough anyway.

Edge Of Sanity – appropriately one of the outsiders of the entire field – caused a shock in the handicap over two miles. Even with the benefit of hindsight, his winning claims were not obvious. One thing that could have been confidently predicted was that the Tony Martin-trained Spacious Sky, a French import, did not take part to complete the numbers. He only just failed in third. Quest For More ran home as a determined second, looking as if a tilt at the Cesarewitch (where the winner is bound) would be a possibility.

Nine pounds well in as he raced under a penalty, Felix Leiter squeezed home in the nursery. By Monsieur Bond, but out of a Pivotal mare, with his action this ground was plenty quick enough. Despite changing his legs, he stuck out his head bravely to get the better Kibaar and Geordie George. Roosey and Burnt Sugar overcame minor difficulties in running to finish fourth and fifth in a race that contained little in the way of surprise packages.

August 16th: Newbury: Vesnina opened her account at the third time of asking in the class 4 maiden for fillies. With the first three all having run without too much distinction, this did not look the strongest of maidens. On and off the bridle and looking green, promise was shown by Forbidden Love and Tendu, although they may not be obvious candidates next time at a venue such as this.

At sea at Newmarket in the July Stakes behind Ivawood, Belardo finished strongly that day despite getting behind early. Well thought of, he showed why in the Washington Singer, lording it over his three rivals. With a Dewhurst entry, he may run next in the Champagne at Doncaster, in which he should not be overlooked. He has a likeable attitude and is smart. Hawkesbury failed to take this step up in grade successfully. There was no disgrace in his defeat, but he did race awkwardly and as if something was niggling him.

Second to Novellist this time last year, Seismos was given utmost assistance from the saddle to snatch the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer from out of the fire. In a bunch finish, ideally placed throughout off a slow pace, once stamina kicked in he asserted close home. Willing Foe and Seal Of Approval (more amenable here but still looking tricky) filled the places, with Red Cadeaux an honourable fourth. Pethers Moon ran as if he failed to stay this extended trip (although he has won over it); Somewhat definitely gave the impression it was a bridge too far.

Full credit is due to Breton Rock after his hard fought win in a sub-standard Group 2 Hungerford Stakes. In the stretch to the line, he showed more resolution than last year’s winner, Gregorian, who was nutted on the post and arguably should have won. He has not always pulled out as much as expected when the chips are down.

August 9th: Ascot: Shergar Cup Day – one of the eureka moments of that stalwart of the unusual and unlikely: Sheikh Mohammed. Goldream kick-started the day with a narrow but conclusive win in the Dash over the minimum. This was his first success over this trip and he only asserted well inside the last furlong to deprive Move In Time. The ground was freshened and loosened by rain, which helped Ballesteros run one of his best races in a long time in third. Last seen in the Vodafone Dash on Derby Day, Swan Song was close up in fifth and may do better with this run under her belt.
Semeen got back on the winning trail in the class 3 handicap over a mile-and-a-half. Communication finished stoutly over a trip that is shy of his best, whilst Viewpoint faded over a trip that is too far. He is now racing from a winnable mark and should be placed to advantage over ten furlongs soon.
Away from his preferred Goodwood, Magic City almost lifted the class 2 mile handicap. A return to Sussex seems on the cards.
Not having picked up a leg at the Glorious Goodwood meeting last week, taking on older horses, Astronereus was narrowly defied by Our Gabrial in the class 3 over twelve furlongs, in which Trip To Paris was given no chance by his South African rider.

Newmarket: Rain had apparently lashed the track and there was a plethora of non-runners. Marsh Hawk streaked away with the opening maiden for juvenile fillies, but such winning margins are not uncommon when the ground is riding as it was, so caution is required.
Tinghir was the word in the class 2 handicap, but in finishing third of five, he did not exactly advertise his claims for next time.
Englishman had every chance in the class 2 handicap, but he looks an awkward customer – possibly he is not that sound as he has been on and off the track in his time – either way, he does not look one to place any faith in, even though he is arguably attractively weighted.
Stepped up to seven furlongs on this easier ground in the Group 3 Sweet Solera, Muraaqaba showed why she had been such a confident stable selection last time at Ascot. She was able to find her stride up the hill and draw right away from a depleted but smart enough field, headed by Calypso Beat and Winters Moon. As suspected, Sandown listed winner Alonsoa is not in this grade, but Arabian Moon – with her 5lbs penalty – justified her inclusion in the field by finishing a close fifth. Not very big, she makes up for it with a big heart and the right attitude.

Haydock: The decision to run Patience Alexander from a stiff mark in a nine grand nursery was exposed as sheer folly when she trailed home last of the four runners. Squats ran down Profitable in the last furlong with the pair clear.

Elhaame looked all set to win the class 2 handicap when set alight – possibly too soon – two out. These handicaps are hard to win, meaning, unfortunately, this may have been his chance. If we could rely on Rye House not to bleed next time, he has run with promise in fifth. There was also a semblance of encouragement from Lahaag.
True Story can surely be struck from any future list after a mulish performance in the Group 3. This is his fourth defeat since setting the Derby betting alight at Newmarket at the Craven meeting, and, frankly, we are none the wiser about his trip, or the extent of his ability. Serves him right if he ends up with Tony McCoy on board him at Cheltenham! Amralah provided something of a shock when withstanding a late lunge from Hillstar.

Token Of love skipped away with the listed event for fillies. Lightning Thunder is still chasing her first win of the season and is beginning to look a shadow of her former self. Only small, she lacks scope and this drop in class brought about no improvement.

Despite looking tricky, Provenance is not without ability and once again Ryan Moore proved to be the right man to unlock the door that holds her secrets in the class 3 handicap. She is ascending the ranks and looks the sort her trainer and jockey will encourage more from as the season progresses.

August 2nd: Goodwood: And one of those days when it seemed the inmates had gained control of the asylum. With three massive field sprint handicaps on its card, a grumpy-looking Group 1 Nassau, a tough handicap for three-year-olds, a competitive nursery and even a maiden that looked knotty, bookmakers were anticipating a bonanza on the final day at the Sussex track. If it’s any consolation to beleaguered punters, bombarded by mostly useless information regarding the Stewards’ Cup, it did not quite turn out that way:
Having run with promise in the Dash at Epsom, a well-backed Barnet Fair finally got his head in front in the opening Class 2, squeezing home by the minimum margin from Mission Approved.

Kings Fete was a beaten favourite in the Class 2 Jaguar Handicap, but old Mark Johnston, the punters’ friend at Goodwood, supplied a popular winner in Double Bluff. Kings Fete looks a work in progress but is the sort his trainer excels with. Settled at the rear, Kings Fete made enough ground to confirm his undoubted ability and there will surely be other days for him.

Sultanina was produced late to win the Nassau by William Buick, who continued the fine run of both himself and his trainer. The filly pounced on Narniyn, who had probably been in front too long on ground and on a track that was not ideal. Venus De Milo plugged on in third.

And so to the main event – at least in the eyes of those that purport to sell the game to an unsuspecting public. The favourite might have been turned over in the Stewards’ Cup, but second favourite Intrinsic proved an able deputy for punters. Muthmir did not help his cause as he appeared to be too keen early and eventually had just a bit too much to do from his wide draw. He was an honourable fifth and looks like a sprinter destined to make his mark later on in his career. In an attempt to foil the handicapper, this was his second run in a high profile event within a week. A rest seems in order. Progressive Discussiontofollow was closing fast when hampered inside the last furlong. A close sixth, he would have been placed at least with an uninterrupted run.

Dutch Connection won the maiden with some authority. Rotherwick was second with Fieldsman a promising third and looking as if he will better this next time. After having his form endorsed, Lethal Legacy disappointed and may be worth another chance.

Mark Johnston struck again in the nursery – this time with Grigolo, who prevented a couple of outsiders, in Special Venture and Grand Proposal, from filling the bookmakers’ satchels. Favourite, When Will It End was fourth.

Prompted by earlier success, the Johnston representative, Peterkin was sent off favourite in the concluding sprint handicap. In finishing third, it was a decent effort. Online Alexander ran on strongly to score at single figure odds. Although the results were hard to predict, one would assume bookmakers were hardly rubbing their hands in glee before starting the ignitions in their BMWs.

August 1st: Goodwood: Pether’s Moon made the most of the opportunity in the Group 3, although it was not straightforward. This track did not appear to suit him ideally but, having become unbalanced, he was back on the bridle when switched to the inner. Despite having to be shaken up, he eventually asserted. His stable is likely to look at targets abroad – Richard Hughes nominated Australia and the Caulfield Cup as the most likely. Absent for twenty-three months, disgraced 2012 St Leger winner Encke looked well and was going best of all two out. Understandably, tiredness meant he lacked a finishing fizz, but he stayed on well enough. It remains to be seen what he will do next time. Cafe Society made a mockery of his rating in third and is progressing well, although he will be hard to place next time. Quest For peace blew up after his absence but shaped with promise; in contrast Songcraft was in an uncooperative mood. Battle Of Marengo does not look right.

After three runs at Group 1 level when far from disgraced, dropped in grade to a Group 3, Shifting Power chose the occasion of what should have been his best chance of victory since the Free Handicap to misfire. Travelling strongly up to two out, once let down he hung his head and was beaten in a stride. Producing a smart turn of foot, the improving Wannabe Yours grabbed the useful Hors De Combat close home, prompting several ebullient quotes from the winning jockey who claims he is on the road to Group 1 glory. Hors De Combat was defeated from a mark of 99, ahead of Bow Creek and Windfast, who has troublesome feet and is difficult to train.

Blinkered first time, Red Avenger lunged late to grab the Class 2 Betfred Mile. In a close finish, Heavy Metal, Magic City, Steeler and Belgian Bill made up a tight bunch. Hot on their heels were two worthy of note: Derby also-ran Our Channel – who had finished second in a nine-and-half furlong Group 3 at Arlington since and might have been closer here if he had not been sent on as if trying to escape a bushfire – and Bronze Angel – who in an attempt to negate his wide draw sacrificed valuable ground at the start but picked up strongly. It was a big ask for Velox from a stone higher mark than when winning at Sandown (including his rider’s allowance that day) but he headed the chasers. It was not just the weight that beat him; this ground looked too fast and it is not out of the question he can win again later in the year carrying a few pounds less and on an easier surface.

After his York win last time, aged seven and by Singspiel, Take Cover peaked to hit new heights in the Group 2 King George Stakes. Bouncing off quick ground, he held Extortionist, who made up a lot of ground after a breakneck early pace and could be called unlucky. There will be no shortage of punters prepared to back him to reverse placings with the winner in the Nunthorpe at York. Last year’s winner Moviesta was third. Stepper Point was a narrow fourth with G Force a no-excuses fifth.

Guilty of having his mind on other things in the paddock (mostly on those of the female persuasion) Son Of Africa was a great deal more focused on the way back in the nursery, making all and finding plenty when challenged. There were a couple of hard luck stories in behind: Markaz was slow to start and had to lug to the outside. Then he had to pass virtually every runner to lay down a strong late challenge that understandably petered out in the last hundred yards. Outpaced early, Sunset Sail was another late finisher that would have been vying for the lead with extra yardage. By Arcano, seven furlongs will suit him better than this cut-throat six.

One-time Guineas aspirant and winner of the Fred Darling in the spring, J Wonder used her undoubted class and speed to claim the Group 3 under a fine ride from Jimmy Fortune, who knows her well. Patient on a filly with one strong run, Fortune angled out and launched her hard and late inside the last furlong. As usual Muteela made the running but her winning run was halted on this occasion. Indignant was third; Queen Catrine was again found wanting and her overall record suggests caution.

July 31st: Goodwood: Something of an in-and-out performer with bits of form, Lyn Valley won the opening Class 2 handicap over ten furlongs from his stable companion Rainbow Rock, who may have been a little unfortunate. Madeed did not further his prospects when pulling too hard so under the circumstances has probably done well to finish third. Braidley was always prominent – Roseburg was probably beaten by a combination of the ground and a stiff revised mark.

Ivawood was expected to win the Group 2 Richmond Stakes but did so in the best manner possible. A superb example of Zebedee that is all strength, quality and speed, he travelled within himself throughout before drawing away to leave the rest to scrap it out for places. He made light of a 3lbs penalty and is now likely to step up to Group 1 company – possibly in the Morny and later in the year in the Dewhurst. A fluent mover, he is favourite for next year’s Guineas; but, without stating the obvious, there is a long way to go. Louie De Palma came out best of the rest with Jungle Cat, who was second to Ivawood in the July Stakes, again playing a supporting part in third. Fox Trotter was inches away in fourth.

It is not often these days that we see an all Godolphin finish for any Group race, let alone a high-profile Group 2 such as the Goodwood Cup. In producing Cavalryman and Ahzeemah, the man responsible – Saeed Bin Suroor – the best man in the Dubai operation – deserves plenty of credit. Now eight and arguably enjoying the best season he has had for some time, Cavalryman battled on from two out to hold his consistent stable companion. Brown Panther was a game third, but beaten on merit. Last turning in and apparently going nowhere, Brass Ring picked up for fourth. Disappointment was obviously Estimate who, ridden differently today and wearing a noseband, went out like a snuffed candle.

Suited by a breakneck pace, Ascot Gold Cup third, Missunited took up the running over two out in the Group 3 Lillie Langtry and fended off challenge after challenge. The last to lay a claim was the improving Arabian Comet, who has reached the peak of her ability – at least for now. Missunited kept sticking out her neck and, tough as old boots, she lasted to win what was subsequently announced as being her swansong. On ground that was firmer than ideal, she finished slightly lame. Waila was third and Talent, having had every chance, was only fourth.

Beaten by the promising Winter’s Moon at Newmarket last time, Shagah went one better in the Class 2 New Ham. Always travelling strongly, once let down on this quick ground, she jinked right and changed legs as if it was not entirely to her liking. She had shown knee action last time and would not want to encounter this sort of surface again. Newcomer Kodiva ran with plenty of promise in second, closing rapidly in the last furlong. She ought to break her duck next time. Runner Runner was third with Hoorahforhollywood doing all her best work in the closing stages, taking fourth and, now that she is qualified for nurseries, looking like a future winner in that sphere.

Getting the run that mattered, Safety Check made the best of it to snatch the Class 2 handicap. To an extent this was a typical seven furlong handicap round here, in that many were never seen with a chance, finding the race lost in the first furlong. This applies to a shuffled back Championship who had to come wide and flew for a backhander when it was all but over. Hughes was quick to accept his fate, but there should be another day. This is the second time Championship has shown he is no back number. He will be interesting next time in a similar race.

July 30th: Goodwood: It is always easy with hindsight! Having won as she liked last week over two miles, the step up in trip by a further five furlongs proved to be the undoing of Maid In Rio in the Class 2 handicap. Plainly she failed to stay as her carburettor pinked in the last quarter of a mile. By Captain Rio, it would have been somewhat surprising had she got home over such a marathon trip; equally surprising is that her trainer was so cavalier about her prospects. It was left to Teak to slog it out from Ray Ward and Long Shadow.

Despite displaying some undesirable characteristics in the paddock (sweaty, edgy and coltish) Snow Sky settled down on the way to the start of the Gordon Stakes and, wandering about inside the last furlong, lasted from a fast-finishing Windshear – who has paid a compliment to Elite Army. Eclipse third Somewhat, unable to dominate in the same manner as he did at Sandown, was third. It was a bunch finish in behind with Cloudscape (might be better on a galloping track) and Scotland close up. There was a break to Observational, who may have needed this after his enforced break. Even so he did not move that well. Red Galileo finished a long way in arrears as if something was amiss.

The firework that is Kingman streaked to victory in the Sussex, setting the course alight in the process. After a slow early pace he took a few strides to quicken on ground that was as quick as he wants and on a track that momentarily caught him out. Once on an even keel the race was over. He was given a cool and professional ride by Doyle. In second, on Toronado, Hughes did the best he could given the way the cards were dealt. For a moment it looked as if he might have Kingman in trouble on the run to the last furlong but such hopes were soon dashed. It would seem there is little point in the Toronado camp trying their luck again against the monster that is Kingman. Darwin ran the race of his life to be a close up third on ground that apparently cannot be too fast for him. If his sights are lowered a race awaits; although he is unlikely to ever get as close to the front two again.

Following in historic footsteps, Highland Reel became the first high-profile Irish-trained winner of a decent juvenile event in England this year when lifting the Group 2 Vintage Stakes, despite looking highly-strung beforehand. Skittish in the paddock and warm at the start, once asked to stretch, he produced a useful turn of foot. Described by his trainer as all speed for a Galileo; if his temperament holds up we should see more of him. Tupi improved on his initial run at Sandown to take second ahead of Room Key, who, having been confined to Salisbury thus far, handled the downhill track. As usual Spencer rode into trouble on Ahlan Emerati, who had to squeeze through a gap late on. He may be better with more give in the ground.

The class 2 event for fillies looked moderate at best. Experience told as Royal Razalma won at the third time of asking from Hundi – who still looks green and should improve again – and a disappointing Shahah, who as a Motivator surely needs further but is only ordinary in any case. Tipped-up Touchline looks the part but showed little.

Absent from the winner’s enclosure for most of the season, Jeremy Noseda and his followers will be heartened by the success of Magique in the class 3 fillies’ handicap. At 25/1 they are likely to be a dwindling band!
July 29th: Goodwood: Fifth in the Magnet Cup, Sennockian Star swooped late to claim the Class 2 handicap. With three in the race, it was a case of immediately getting on the score sheet for Mark Johnston, though not with the horse many envisaged. Throughout the last furlong it looked as if Ajman Bridge had arrived at the right time, but he was unable to contain the sprint of the winner. Salutation was prominent throughout, endorsing the Duke Of Edinburgh form in third. Magic Hurricane arrived on the scene travelling well but hung fire and was soon beaten. Stomachion was never seen with a chance and Sea Shanty – who was probably flattered by his latest two runs – looked as if he failed to stay.

The first of what is likely to be many hard-luck stories during the week surfaced with the defeat of Beacon in the Molecomb. Failing to negotiate the hill and then having to be pulled wide for a workable gap, by the time he found his stride the race was over. He is better than this – possibly a sixth furlong and a more conventional track will see him recovering the spell of form that saw him start as an odds-on chance today. Cotai Glory – second to the useful Limato at Newbury – flashed out of the gate, lasting to shade it from Super Sprint third Fast Act with Beacon a close third. Run on fast ground, they broke the juvenile five furlong course record.

Despite facing a depleted and sub-standard field in the Group 2 Lennox, Toormore, who has not been the same horse this season as when a juvenile, was beaten by the tough Es Que Love, who used his sprint finish to great effect inside the last furlong. Toormore was coming back at the winner inside the last hundred yards, but Es Que Love was always in control once he hit the front. Having won last season’s July Stakes, Anjaal was a late finisher to put a couple of disappointing runs behind him this year.

Given no chance from his draw last time at Newcastle – again posted wide – Van Percy, better than ever this season over this extended trip, out-battled Havana Cooler inside the last furlong in the Class 2 handicap. The two quality horses rose to the top, with Noble Silk taking third. Kelinni, an import from Australia who finished fourth in the 2012 Melbourne Cup, looks an uncooperative beast.

The class 2 maiden for two-year-olds may not have been over-strong, but the well-entered Misleading made a pleasing enough introduction. Clearly he knew his job and was able to handle the vagaries of the track and respond once shaken up. He will need to improve again to justify his entries, although his trainer is less than keen to go for the Gimcrack, feeling seven will suit him better and that the backend would be the time to test deeper water. Aussie Ruler and Dark Profit – both of whom look no better than average judging on their runs to date – filled the places.

Two knotty handicaps followed: Extremity and Inxile took the prizes. We should have known better!

July 26th: Ascot: Five nice colts lined up for the listed race for two-year-olds that was probably up to Group standard. Fifth in the Coventry, Kodi Bear, a strong representative of Kodiac, hit the front at halfway, putting his head down and racing to the line. Disengo continued an upward trend to finish second, ahead of Muhaarar, who looked as if seven furlongs stretched him to the limit. Diaz and Peacock were not beaten far, although Ustinov back-pedalled rapidly from two out.

Returning to the scene of her best run – at the Royal Meeting in the Albany (a race that is working out) – a patiently-ridden Osaila pounced a furlong out to win the Group 3 Princess Margaret, going away in the style of a filly that will stay further. They were in a bunch behind; headed by Pastoral Girl (ran better than places indicate in the Queen Mary) with Explosive Lady following her. In fourth, the heavily backed and much-vaunted Muraaqaba was always hunted along by her jockey and was unable to deliver a blow. By Dubawi, she ran as if six furlongs was an absolute minimum and deserves another crack at this level over further. This did not look anywhere as good a contest as the opener.

Sixth in the Britannia from the unfavoured side of the track, American Hope looked all set to gain compensation when striding on in the class 2 handicap. Saddled with top weight, but on the same mark as last time, after racing too keenly, he was caught close home by Mange All who, following a disappointing effort at Newmarket, was more tractable here over this trip of a mile. Moohaarib got very warm at the start and may have fretted his chance away. That said he settled in the race and finished strongly to snatch third.

Cooler than Audrey Hepburn beforehand and in the race, Taghrooda retained her unbeaten record with a decisive performance in the King George and Queen Elizabeth. Improving in the straight, the Oaks winner cut down the older colts to clear away in the last furlong. By Sea The Stars, she is a great example of her sire’s stock. Like her sire, this fast ground suits her so a tilt at the Arc may be scuppered by Parisian weather come the autumn. Telescope ran the race of his life in second. Mukhadram was another to cover himself in glory in third. As at the Royal Meeting, Eagle Top launched his attack from the rear. Considering this was only his fourth run, he has performed with utmost credit and it could be he will return for this as a different proposition next year. Trading Leather and a disappointing Magician were next to finish.

First Flight finally put it all together when winning the class 3 handicap at Newmarket over ten furlongs from Ajmany. His win is another positive for the Britannia form.
Returned to fast ground, Bragging dotted up in the class 2 handicap for fillies, looking like a most progressive sort. Judging by the style in which she won, there is plenty more to come from her. The Gold Cheongsham stayed on for second, ahead of the consistent Wedding Ring.

July 25th: Ascot: What should have been a straightforward assignment for Malabar turned out to be anything but in the Class 4 maiden fillies over seven furlongs. The clear form pick on either of her two runs (in particular a fourth in the Albany), Malabar took her time to assert from newcomer Mistrusting and Sister Of Mercy – who stepped up considerably on debut – and What Say You. In recording a fast time, this was Malabar’s day; but it could be that, as a smallish filly that lacks a degree of scope, she may not beat these opponents if they meet again.

In advance of what is so often a benefit week for her stable at Goodwood next week, Maid In Rio bolted up in the Brown Jack Stakes over two miles. By Captain Rio, so not an obvious stayer on pedigree (plenty of stout blood on the distaff side though), she lobbed home from a mark of 93. In her current form she will be hard to beat in any grade, although a step up in trip may not be advisable.

The tough and classy Euro Charline worried Kiyoshi out of the listed event. After credible performances in the 1000 Guineas and the Coronation, the winner has held her form and gained well deserved compensation.

24th July: Sandown: Renaissant was always fighting something of a losing battle against odds-on chance Profitable in the Class 5 maiden. However, despite rocking and rolling on ground that looked much too fast for comfort (changed her legs several times) she kept on doggedly and was only narrowly inched out of second place. By Dutch Art, this is the second time she has raced on firm ground. She is better than this; a remark she can justify on easier ground. She looks the sort to win a nursery.
The listed event won by Alonsoa did not look of the highest quality, meaning the winner will need to improve in spades to justify the lofty ambitions held for her. Although by Raven’s Pass, today’s ground was quick enough so she may be more of an autumn filly. Talk of the Guineas seems way off beam at present. It is arguable the second, Pack Together – in contrast to the winner, a rangy filly by Paco Boy – was unlucky not to win. Slow to stride and then requiring encouragement to face the bridle, she was still last two out with the winner already in control. Pack Together found her stride from then on but Hughes accepted that the race was lost and did not persevere. She has a good action and although finding the right race may not be straightforward matter, is worthy of consideration next time.

Not seen since running in the Wood Ditton, despite having been gelded in the interim, Tercel showed a likeable attitude to take the maiden from Hesbaan. He is one the jumping boys may be interested in but he could still poach a handicap on the Flat. As for the favourite, Conquerant, he looks an intractable beast that is best avoided.

July 19th: Newbury: Dante sixth Saab Almanal won a somewhat confusing Class 4 maiden over ten furlongs. Not only did he subsequently disappoint after York, but the same remark applied to runner-up Smiling Stranger, who had been second over this course behind the useful Connecticut. Both may have failed to stay twelve furlongs last time – who knows? As it is they fought this out with Deuce Again and debutant Long Cross – who showed some promise – next to finish.

In a race run to suit, Koshika set her rivals a merry dance in the Class 2 handicap for fillies over a mile, making just about all. Token Of Love chased her in vain, ahead of stable mate Oxsana and Enraptured – who was not knocked about on her first run of season and should come on for the experience. Having looked as if she were about to drift through the field and finish well beaten, Jordan Princess ran on again inside the final furlong to finish fifth. After promise at Newmarket on her first outing of the season, this was the first time she had given any encouragement. Perhaps a return to form is imminent and maybe she wants stepping up to ten furlongs.

After an abortive spell at stud, the listed formerly known at the Steventon Stakes was the chosen event for the return of Al Kazeem. Less his Group 1 penalty but apparently in need of the outing to an extent, he looked well despite carrying condition. This was his race to lose – and without being disgraced, lose it he did! Although he had a troubled passage (posted wide and saw too much daylight) his finishing position of fourth – against rivals he would have dismissed a year ago – suggests he faces an uphill struggle from here on. That said it was a messy affair so, to an extent, the jury has to be out. Second to Windhoek last time, Amralah made the running, then was steadied, then found more down the straight. Vancouverite was a closing second with the penalised Nabucco the moral winner in third. On an easier surface a payday awaits. Judging by the promise shown, Luca Cumani has something to work on with the lightly raced Sir Walter Scott, who, weaving his way through the field, was ridden with some sympathy after an absence of nine months. He may be about to make up for lost time.

In a slowly run sprint, Music Master quickened when it mattered to lift the Group 3, thereby demonstrating the run in the Diamond Jubilee was no fluke. He is improving all the time and has reached a genuine level. He should be marked up for this win. Heeraat and Es Que Love were with the pace throughout but were swamped by the winner’s superior turn of foot. Naadirr put in another honest effort in fourth, whilst That Is The Spirit made the running until headed, keeping on willingly for fifth. Held up and racing with only one other on the stand side, Rocky Ground had no chance given the way the race unfolded and, although the winner has surely accelerated past him now, should not be judged too harshly.

All speed and a filly that has held her form throughout the season (never been out of the first two), Tiggy Wiggy put her rivals to the sword in the Super Sprint, spread-eagling them from two out. She is a credit to the Hannon stable. She has been entered in the Nunthorpe; whilst she could not be discounted from that, against older sprinters, it represents a stiff test but one the speed figures suggest she should attempt. Haxby led the chasers. Using him as a benchmark, Tiggy Wiggy comes out as at least the same horse as Windsor Castle winner Hootenanny. Behind the runner-up, they weren’t the best. Fast Act, Bond’s Girl and Parsley are decent; in particular the last two were favoured by the terms of the race. Realtra was another that had a comparative featherweight and picked off several rivals in the last furlong. A sixth furlong will help.

Roger Charlton is not adverse to baptising unraced two-year-olds in decent races at this track. Getting weight from twice-placed Lwah and from Haydock winner Stec, that albeit was negated by the claim of Stec’s rider, he chose to introduce Time Test in the Class 3 Conditions Stakes. By Dubawi out of Passage Of Time, he is another excellent example of the quality stock produced by Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms. Green early but travelling strongly throughout, James Doyle on Time Test sealed the envelope and put the stamp on a letter he could not deliver. In the last furlong, Time Test loomed large but an under pressure Stec kept finding more and even a crack with the stick failed to help Time Test get the message. We ought to be forgiving. Time Test plainly looked the best horse in the race and should know a lot more next time. It is to be hoped his failure on this occasion was not down to attitude.

Newmarket: The Class 2 handicap over a mile concerned the three racing on the far side. It was a messy affair, with the field depleted by degrees as it progressed. In the end Balty Boys beat Johnno with the progressive Llanarmon Lad in third. The monkey that is Fury eventually consented to have a pop and came home in fourth. Prince Of Johanne refused to load; looking in a mood, Music Theory took a fierce tug on the way down and predictably dropped away in the race. He is poorly handicapped in any case. After running well last time at Sandown, Tanseeb (went to post well enough but got warm at the start) never went a yard. He was beaten after three furlongs.
Noble Protector scooted clear on the rise to the line to win the Listed for fillies, depriving Criteria, who travelled well for most of the way. She does lack a turn of foot. These two were clear in a race that not many got into. Groovejet and Queen Of Ice were the next two picked up in the telescope. At present there is no obvious sign that Astonishing is about to recover last season’s form.

The win of Arethusa in the maiden auction for fillies did no harm to the future prospects of Panda Spirit (beat her four lengths at Kempton), but the race only looked moderate. Thunder In My Heart did best of the rest in second.

Athenian’s Class 3 handicap win for fillies told us little, save to emphasise the ability of Sir Mark Prescott. She may run best fresh but still has to be produced, which, after 234 days, her trainer managed.

On a day when most winners had asserted by a wide margin, it was Winter Thunder that skittled the opposition in the concluding Class 2 handicap. A maiden winner on this track last time, Winter Thunder made light of a mark of 89. Life will be harder for him from now on. The opposition was not particularly strong; it says something that these days it takes this sort of event for Godolphin to dominate. They also had the second with Gold Trail.

July 18th: Newbury: Only those recently arrived from Mars would be unaware of the flagged-up promise of Nafaqa in the Chesham, when after a slow start he finished an eye-catching fourth. Connections had been patient, waiting until now to give the son of Sir Percy his chance. Taking on largely unraced opponents he was a warm favourite for the Class 4 maiden over seven. Smartly away this time, he was never worse than second, towed along early by Sandown runner-up Marshall Jennings. Shaken up, he asserted inside the last furlong. Prince Gagarin and Lethal Legacy did best of the debutants but it was the fine-looking New Approach newcomer, Dissolution that took the eye. Outpaced and green early, he stayed on through the field to finish fifth, looking a ready-made winner next time. A Derby entrant, more will be heard of him.

The class 4 for fillies over six once again featured those with experience. Leicester third Taaqah got the best of it inside the last furlong to hold a never-nearer Zifena. In third, Back Cherry shaped as if an extra furlong might be called for. Outpaced in the middle of the race, she stayed on again for encouragement, arguably finishing best of all.
Third over this trip of 1m 2f at Windsor last time to subsequent Newmarket winner Torchlighter, Cay Dancer lobbed on the heels of the leaders and struck to win the fillies’ handicap comfortably from a mark of 84. She is maintaining her form and seems better than ever.

Returning to the scene of his debut win when impressing, Adaay looks like a horse standing still after failing to find much in the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes. Although he moved up at halfway, he was soon floundering. Dual Kempton winner Limato was given a confident ride by James Doyle, nudged to the front half a furlong out to win in a fast time. This represented a step up on anything he has so far encountered. The Gimcrack is his next likely engagement.
Somehow or another Border Legend held on in a desperate scrap for Class 3 handicap. His rider kicked on at the right time and a machine gun finish from Ajman Bridge just failed.

July 12th: Newmarket: Gelding and a first-time visor did the trick on this occasion for the oft-wayward Golden Town in the Class 2 handicap for three-year-olds. There is no guarantee he will follow up on this though.

After the win of Ivawood in the Group 2 July Stakes on Thursday, the Hannon yard consolidated their current run with the juveniles when Estidhkaar lengthened away in the Group 2 Superlative to win with authority. This did not look a particularly strong Group 2, but the winner is progressing, has a likable attitude and a touch of class. By Dark Angel out of a Danetime mare, he saw out this seven furlongs well but it is unlikely he will get further than a mile. He may be in action at Goodwood – his long term objective being the Royal Lodge. Newcastle winner Aktabantay was second ahead of Cock Of The North. Neither of these two appeal as a genuine black type horse.
Heaven’s Guest came back to his best with a narrow win in the Bunbury Cup. Absolutely So showed his Wokingham run to be all wrong when finishing second; Hoodna was third. Fort Bastion was close up in a race that featured those familiar with big-field handicaps. In first-time blinkers Ertijaal took them along at a fierce pace before predictably tiring a furlong out. That said he did not drop away completely. He always gave the impression sprinting was his game and this confirms it. Dropped back to six and allowed to blitz, he may collect. Abseil would not have appreciated this ground but is looking a like a horse we may have seen the best of for now.

Slade Power followed up his Diamond Jubilee success with another incisive victory in the July Cup, thus retaining an unbeaten record for the season. Tropics squeezed into second at a huge price, ahead of Gregorian who thrusted late for third. American challenger Undrafted was another to put in some good work late, as did once-raced and maiden winner Cougar Mountain, who was a staying-on fifth. His future appears bright and will stay further. Noozhoh Canarias, Astaire and Hot Streak were three-year-olds that were soon burned off. Aljamaaheer surely needs to revert to further.

Winters Moon emerged best of three fighting out the maiden fillies’ event. Shagah and Stroll Patrol were her nearest pursuers in a race that may not translate that well.
York: Coaxed into the race on fast ground he likes, Bronze Angel struck inside the last furlong of the Class 2 handicap over a mile to record his first success since winning the Cambridgeshire two years hence. Well backed Dusky Queen has yet to win beyond seven furlongs.

Continuum came back to form in first time cheekpieces when outpointing Waila close home in the listed handicap. Waila was too keen, often fly-jumping in running. She may appreciate some juice in the ground.

There has to be a question mark over the Class 2 Magnet Cup, devoid this time round of any obviously well handicapped and progressive contenders. That is if you exclude unbeaten Clever Cookie (fast ground a worry to everyone but his trainer it appeared). Never worse than second in the race, revelling in the fast ground, Epsom winner Farraaj cut down Zain Eagle with Bold Sniper running as well as could be expected in third. Educate stepped up on his latest run at Sandown in fourth.
Once again conditions conspired against G Force in the listed event. Slowly away (something you cannot afford at this level) and looking like even he was feeling the ground, he came there to win when it looked as if he took a swipe across the head with Atzeni’s whip on the eventual winner, Take Cover. Making excuses for horses is costly but G Force cannot be abandoned just yet. On this evidence, five is fine, but, as a big unit, he wants some forgiveness from the surface underfoot. His trainer will need to tread softly.

By first season sire – the French Guineas and Derby winner Lope De Vega – Flaming Spear justified all the hype when asserting in the Class 3 median auction event. A fine specimen, he wore down Lady Gemini with a raking stride. It is early days to be thinking about Gimcracks and the like.

Ascot: Savoy Showgirl was a welcome winner for the Michael Bell stable in the nursery for fillies. The manner of her victory suggests she may be worth a try at something better and also consolidated the form of Malabar who had run with such promise in the Albany at Royal Ascot.

Predictably the five furlong sprint handicap worth £100,000 attracted plenty of runners. It went to lightly-raced Discussiontofollow, who had done his winning to date over six furlongs. By Elusive City, the quick ground helped and he got up late. Riskit Fora Biskit was doing her best work in the closing stages and is one to keep an eye on now her stable appear to be firing again.

Guest Of Honour won a sub-standard Group 2 (a race he was only placed in last year) from Mull Of Killough. In third, Long John – impressive in victory at Meydan in February then behind Toast Of New York in the Derby there – stayed on promisingly to take third. Expected to improve for the run (his first since March), although his yard tempers enthusiasm, he is worth considering next time.

July 11th: Newmarket: There was not much to draw from the Class 2 handicap for fillies. With the ground changed to soft, five of the intended twelve were withdrawn. The race went to Nakuti, who is holding her form well. In second was Gown (might win next time) then came the consistent Wedding Ring, who as usual did her best from top weight and a mark of 94.

The point of maintaining established race titles is that by doing so their place in the calendar means form in such is instantly recognised in form and stud books as well as sales catalogues. Does everything have to be explained to those that administer racing? So what used to be known as the Cherry Hinton and is now the Duchess Of Cambridge was won by Queen Mary sixth Arabian Queen. That does not tell the full story. The very attractive High Celebrity (winner of a newcomers’ event at Chantilly) was the paddock pick but slow to stride and then had to race on the outside when gathered up. She looked green still and lacked the strength to pull back Arabian Queen, on whom Ryan Moore had already poached a winning lead. High Celebrity (Storm Cat on the distaff side but no signs of temperament as yet) left the impression she was the best filly in the race, something she has the chance to prove in time.

It was a great day for connections of Integral, who continued her ascent to win the Falmouth Stakes – her first Group 1 – from Coronation winner Rizeena. Peace Burg – six lengths behind Thistle Bird over ten furlongs in the Pretty Polly at the Curragh last time – was a staying on third, ahead of Purr Along. Integral has done nothing but improve and has been campaigned with great aplomb by Sir Michael Stoute. Here Integral reversed Sun Chariot form in a major way with Sky Lantern, who was not at home on the ground, but was nevertheless a tame disappointment.

The Class 2 six furlong handicap was not the best advert for this track. They immediately split and it was a helter-skelter dash with the runners strung out like washing. Mention ought to be made of Suzi’s Connoisseur, who lost at least ten lengths with a ragged start and then picked up, finishing on the heels of the leaders. This return to six seemed to suit. On the contrary, dropping down a furlong from last Saturday’s win at Sandown, Royal Seal could never go the pace. Deeds Not Words – at 33/1 – won a race that should have pleased the bookmakers.

After a promising debut over course and distance two weeks ago when second to Zephuros – to whom he conceded first run – Lexington Times was the order for the Class 4 maiden. Smartly away in the seven furlong event, he was always in the van, racing near the stand rail and lengthened away up the hill. Good Contact and Basateen (very attractive son of Teofilo and stable mate of the winner) were second and third.

Second to York winner Kings Fete last time at Sandown after promise at Newbury, Obsidian has to an extent run out of excuses after failing to find anything at all on his third attempt to break his maiden. To be fair this was not his ground but he surely should have done better than he did. Astronereus toughed it out to draw clear of Razor Wind, another that served a warning notice about backing him in the future – a future that probably lies over eight flights.

York: Second to Snap Shots – a horse that looks to have peaked – Maljaa won the opening maiden in reasonable style but the eye was taken by newcomer Teruntum Star. He was closing inside the last furlong. Being by Dutch Art he will prefer easier ground and a step up to six. He holds a Gimcrack entry and will surely win next time.
Six-year-old mare Ladies Are Forever won the Group 3 for fillies for the third time. Getting first run she struck at a crucial time and just lasted. This fast ground was in her favour. In contrast Joyeuse – a fast-finishing second – was less comfortable and took time to pick up. Her best form is with juice in the ground.

Ventura Shadow’s win in the nursery suggests the race was only moderate. Second in a Musselburgh seller last time, the speedily-bred daughter of Equiano collared form horse Pres Rapide (ground may have been too quick) close home.

Once again the Stoute stable presented us with could be a Group horse in a handicap when Kings Fete, impressive in victory at Sandown, faced older rivals from a mark of 90 in the Class 2. To an extent a recent Great Voltigeur entry gives the game away. Although keen on the way to post and in the race, Kings Fete held on. He does need to settle better but the ability is clearly there. Once he had passed the post, a still tanking Kings Fete carted his jockey back to the start. Mighty Yar returned to his best form when a closing second (down on his knees at the start) and gives plenty of substance to this as a race.

Line Of Reason appears to have come of age since being gelded. He won his third on the bounce when collecting the Class 3 handicap over five furlongs. An extra furlong will not pose a problem. Borderlescott did his best as usual. Now twelve, he is no back number although it is asking a lot from his current mark and against those with younger legs at this sort of level. However, a return to six furlongs will help.

Ascot: Those with experience came to the fore in the Class 3 maiden. Markaz won at the third time of asking (did not have the best of runs last time when fourth at Salisbury last time) with Fingal’s Cave and Rotherwick second and third. After a slow start, the well-supported Emirates Airline only picked up a few places under a vigorous ride when it was all over.

Louie De Palma maintained a hundred per cent record in the nursery, although Bronze Maquette did not have her caused aided when taking a false step well inside the last furlong. These two were clear of Squats.

Three edged clear in the Class 3 over 1m 6f. Hassle eventually got up on the line, although Alcaeus was launched late with his jockey doing an imitation of Pat Taafe in second. This was Alcaeus’s first run since September and it is reasonable to expect some improvement. Glenard was the other to feature in a rough finish of heads and necks.

The class 3 fillies’ handicap went to Arabian Comet who was nicely on top at the end. Having finished third to the improving Connecticut last time, this win gives substance to that one’s future chances. In second, last year’s winner Kikonga gave the race plenty of body. Swan Lakes stayed on again at the finish but her pedigree suggests easy ground will suit her better.

Lightly raced Sea Defence was the morning rage in the Class 3 handicap, although this son of Mizzen Mast drifted on track before the Class 3 handicap. Those that availed themselves of fancy prices knew what they were doing as in a slowly run race, Sea Defence always had his rivals covered and won comfortably. He looks useful.

July 10th: Newmarket: Run in ground softened by steady rain, Queen’s Vase winner Hartnell made all in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy. These conditions played to his strengths and this trip (1m 5f) was ideal. The St Leger is one of his targets. Niggled for a long way, Windshear took a while to pick up and did stay on for second. Forever Now faced a big step up in class and, although improving on his latest facile Doncaster maiden win, was not good enough on this occasion. The ground probably did not help.

The impressive-looking Ivawood consolidated an appealing debut at Sandown when spanning the bridge between a maiden at Sandown and a Group 2 in the July Stakes. Despite the rain, this lengthy son of Zebedee floated over the ground. Already mature in stature, he is described by his able trainer as being a good a two-year-old as they house. He beat some established types along with several that had shown plenty of promise and only the foolhardy would be out to oppose him next time. Coventry runner-up Jungle Cat was second, replicating his Ascot form with Angelic Lord to the pound. Doncaster maiden winner, Muhaarar – who won that day in soft – finished strongly to deprive local tip Belardo of third. Belardo may be better on a firmer surface, but there was nothing wrong with this run in any case. In this hotter contest, The Great War did better than at Ascot, battling on against the odds up the hill; but on balance, left the impression this is as good as he is.

Aged eight, Cavalryman made all to land the Group 2 Princess Of Wales. His stamina came into play from three out and with everything being pumped along in behind, he stayed on strongly. Hillstar and Pether’s Moon were next to finish in what was a sub-standard race of its type. The big disappointment was Arab Spring who seemed to struggle in the ground. Certainly better was expected and he deserves another chance on a faster surface.

After a keen early gallop set by Mange All, it became a procession in the Class 2 handicap won by Torchlighter. Basically he outstayed his rivals, winning an event that contained poorly handicapped horses. Ventura Quest held second, ahead of Mount Logan who had been put up 10lbs for winning at Goodwood. By New Approach, this ground would not have been ideal for him.

By now rain had worked its way into the ground. As a result several defected in the maiden for juvenile fillies. Of the unraced, it was the Dubawi filly Lady Of Dubai that attracted most attention in the market. Not disgraced, she left the impression it all happened too quickly for her. In a mish-mash of a race where they raced in three groups, it appeared that the rider of East Coast Lady picked right when ploughing a lone furrow on the far side. Lacing was second, with the Lawman filly (out of a Pivotal mare so bred to handle soft), Jillanar – who was slow to stride – staying on through beaten horses for third. On the face of it she has run with a degree of promise but this did not look a strong race.

By New Approach and with a definite fast ground action, it was surprising to see Pretzel a solid favourite for the listed event over a mile. By Dutch Art out of a Pivotal mare, Britannia fifth Zarwaan was the obvious pedigree contender on the softened surface. Pretzel was sent on two out and to the surprise of many was edged out in the final stride by Table Rock. There is a decent race waiting for Pretzel on better ground. Table Rock looked less than keen but his mind was in part managed by that man Mr Moore. Parbold was a never dangerous third with Zarwaan looking on the one-paced side in fourth.

July 5th: Sandown: Outpaced over the minimum last time when sixth behind Extortionist and dropped by a pound as a result, a return to seven suited Royal Seal in the Class 3 handicap. Likely to be rated in the low nineties from here on, she may struggle to better this win. Those in behind were on the ordinary side. Mutawathea finished strongly, taking second ahead of Extremity and Captain Bob, both of whom are beginning to look in the grip of the handicapper.

In grabbing the Group 3 from Kingsgate Native and Dinkum Diamond, last year’s Windsor Castle winner Extortionist seems back to his best form. The King George at Goodwood – where fast ground is essential – is his next intended target. Although genuine enough, Steps continues to make life difficult for himself with his crazy habit of starting slowly in sprints. Once again, it was asking the impossible to win from where he raced.

Unlucky not to have been placed at least at Epsom behind Abseil last time, Velox gained compensation in a strongly run Class 2 handicap. Aided by his rider’s 5lb claim, this sizeable son of Zamindar was also helped by a freshening spell of rain and won with ears pricked, blowing apart a competitive event from a mark of 88. His rider was most effective here (certainly worth his claim) so unless he partners Velox, with the inevitable hike in the ratings, the horse will be set to carry the equivalent of about 12lbs more next time.

The John Gosden winner-making-machine churned out yet another winner in the shape of Belle D’Or, who successfully stepped up to listed company in the Coral Distaff. She got the better of Sandringham third Wee Jean in the final strides. Runner-up from that event at Royal Ascot, Queen Catrine was a desperate disappointment for her supporters. Although she has good form in defeat, the fact remains she has only ever won once. If she underperformed, after a three-length defeat in the Coronation Stakes, Radiator was even worse, finishing last of all. She was gone in a stride and maybe it is time to give up the ghost with her.

Drizzle on the track meant it was a last minute decision for connections of The Fugue and Kingston Hill in the Coral Eclipse. Neither probably had ideal conditions but at least the ground was not extreme. In what promised to be one of the most competitive renewals of the race, we were presented with more than one surprise. Often a nearly horse, Mukhadram – beaten in this by Al Kazeem last year – grabbed the opportunity presented when sitting handy off a strong pace to take it up two out. Mukhadram is a good horse that has always been carried out on his sword. A thoroughly genuine performer with an impressive CV, it would be churlish to denigrate his big day. Trading Leather – another decent Group 1 contender that has so far come up short in the highest company – was an always prominent second. Next came the 100/1 chance Somewhat, who was responsible for the blistering pace. Kingston Hill took time to find his stride and stayed on in fourth, looking as if this trip was too sharp. There is a decent race out there with his name on it. He wants a mile-and-a-half and softer ground. He was only just ahead of True Story, who has obviously left a desperate Derby run in his wake. Apparently he was too switched off at Epsom and a first time visor today woke him up here. He may not be a Group 1 horse but can win a decent race, again possibly over further. In behind, Night Of Thunder looked a non stayer. Even so his 2000 Guineas win at Newmarket remains one of the mysteries of the season. Conditions conspired against The Fugue, who really wants to race on a road and to feel the sun on her back. Held up, she was too far away from the pace to pick up those in front. Verrazano checked out quickly – something he has apparently done in America on occasion. The trip may have been his undoing but to an extent he is looking an expensive purchase that is unlikely to win at this level.

The story of the listed Esher Stakes is simply told. Only four stood their ground. After a run last week that suggested he might just be in the mood, serial monkey that is Repeater sulked in the stalls, lost ten lengths and then was coaxed into it by Moore, who all but stole the show. Reluctant to the end, Repeater was mugged by Ascot Gold Cup also-ran Havana Beat on the line. Having to make the running did not suit Ascot Stakes winner Domination.

Five defected (including favourite Prince Of Stars) in the final event, leaving six in the Class 4 handicap for three-year-olds. In the absence of possibly better rivals than those left, Raise Your Gaze was not winning out of turn after some reasonable efforts.

Haydock: Once described as the best juvenile in the Hannon yard, War Spirit has taken a time to make his mark. The minimum trip seems to be the key – no wonder he was fooling them at home. He recorded his hat-trick from a useful field in the Class 4 handicap from a mark of 77 and will presumably tackle something better next time.

Pomology – unbeaten as a three-year-old in France where she had shown she handled soft ground – retained her record with a ready win in the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks. Now with John Gosden, it was a one-two for the stable as Sultanina continued her upward curve. Talent stayed on strongly to nab second, looking as if a step up in trip will suit this St Leger runner-up. Although somewhat uncooperative today, the same can be said of Seal Of Approval, who only consented to pass a couple of rivals when it was as good as over.

The Old Newton Cup looked a strong enough event although most of the participants held few secrets from the handicapper. After an excellent third to Arab Spring at Royal Ascot on his only start this season, Havana Cooler looked as close as there was to a well handicapped contender. He did not run badly, but was a bit flat early in straight, eventually staying on without getting to grips with the principals. It could be he hit a false patch of ground. Recent Newmarket winner De Rigueur emerged best from Cesarewitch fifth Pallasator, who has run a stormer over this inadequate trip. Apparently the Ebor is on the agenda. Progressive Magic Hurricane ran his best race in third and is one to respect in future events of this type.

July 4th: Sandown: Beacon, arguably the least equipped form-wise of the four runners in the Listed Dragon Stakes, was a comfortable winner. Stalking Snap Shots and Mukhmal – both of whom pulled too hard – it was easy for the Bath winner once Hughes let out some rein. Royal Ascot form has taken something of a knock here (they can’t all have underperformed). Mukhmal (early season form that is now looking shaky) and Snap Shots (small and lacking scope) were representing the Norfolk form; a never-in-contention Union Rose (equipped with cheek pieces) that of the Windsor Castle.

After promise in two attempts at Newbury, culminating in a clear-cut second last time to Estidhkaar when the pair was clear, Mustadeem made the most of a comparatively simple task in the Class 5 maiden. He is a horse his stable like and who may be on his way to the Champagne at Goodwood. This was always Mustadeem’s race to lose; consequently nothing in behind was bullied, most notably Darshini (by Sir Percy) who was second, posting some encouragement for next time. A late postscript is that he returned with blood on his nose. This does not mean he has burst – he may have banged himself on the stalls. Tom Hark has run to about the same level as on debut when fourth to Disengo at Kempton. His future probably lies in handicaps.

Five runs down the line, it has been a hard season for Windhoek, who has been on the go since winning a handicap at Meydan in January. Desperately unlucky in the Winter Derby and then asked to race on unsuitably soft ground at Goodwood, he did not act too well at Epsom last time but found everything in his favour in the listed event over ten furlongs. Always handy, Fallon kept it simple and Windhoek – one of the better flag bearers from his stable – was soon clear. In truth, with Educate looking as if the run would bring him on, and Tha’ir on a non-day, this proved a soft target.

After withdrawals they were a motley crew in the Class 3 handicap. Delivered late, Presburg cleared away to win with ears pricked from Vital Evidence (ran in snatches) and Rydan. Long-standing maiden Karraar, who was expected to perform better by his stable, looks like a horse that is running on the spot.

Alwilda wore down her rivals in the closing stages of the Class 4 handicap. Lightly-raced Economy – by Dalakhani out of a Sadler’s Wells mare – as his pedigree suggested was not entirely at home on this fast ground. The trip suited and we can expect better when the ground eases. His current mark of 83 should give him plenty of chances.

June 28th: Newmarket: Firm ground conditions prevailed overnight and into the afternoon. In the maiden won by Kingman last year, this time it was Godolphin’s Zephuros that took the spoils from the Hannon-duo Lexington Times and the apparently better fancied Holland Park. Always adrift, he was given the easier introduction. The runner-up made up a lot of ground quickly and with first run it would have been closer. He should win an average maiden – the time suggesting they were nothing out of the ordinary.

A thunderstorm before the listed fillies’ race meant the authorities, understandably reluctant to load the nine runners in an iron contraption, left them milling at the start as time ticked away and the programme got behind schedule. A busy Saturday and the risk of a clash on Channel 4 ensued whilst the runners got a soaking. Anyone think of using a flag start? Once again, without the application of common sense, racing managed to shoot itself in the foot. When they did race it was clear the ground had been eased by the downpour. Recent Leicester winner and 25/1 shot Calypso Beat came out best from Parsley. Littlemissblakeney, fifth in the Queen Mary, did little to uphold that form when dropping away quickly – something the market anticipated.

By the start of the Listed Fred Archer the ground had been revised to good to soft. Not an obvious beneficiary of the changed conditions, Sheikhzayedroad came from last to first to deny penalised Gatewood, for whom the rain arrived in time. They finished at long intervals.

The ground was soft by the Group 3 Criterion Stakes – coming to the rescue of most of the field, although firm ground winner Indignant was a late absentee. Gregorian, disappointing at Epsom but better by the rain, emerged best on the climb to the hill, his class telling in the closing stages. In first time blinkers, in second Garswood again ran in snatches; but to be fair he is not good enough to beat the useful Gregorian on a going day. Eton Forever was third. Top Notch Tonto continues to disappoint, checking out quickly on ground that had come right for him.

Fourth in the German Guineas, Evita Peron – by Pivotal so the ground had swung in her favour – won the listed over seven furlongs from Penny Drops and Swift Campaign – on only her second start after lifting a maiden over this course last month. Money-spinner Wedding Ring was fourth.

Again the ground was a massive help to the Selkirk filly, Melrose Abbey in the handicap for fillies. Off only 82, she cleared away from Seagull (not as suited by the ground) to win with plenty in hand. On this surface, the lightly-raced winner – who has plenty of substance and scope – looks capable of winning something better. An autumn target might be on the cards.

Newcastle: After a bad experience at the stalls last time at York, Danzeno came back to form, taking his biggest prize in the Group 3 over six furlongs. A big gelding, he outstayed Saayerr in the last furlong, who forfeited second late on to Ruwaiyan. Body And Soul shapes as if a drop back to five will suit her better.

Chester Cup runner-up Angel Gabrial was always handy in the Northumberland Plate and made no mistake this time. It was a tough old race. Repeater was the only one to finish from the rear (last at one stage) and a late rattle that took him into third place suggests, tricky though he might be, something could be in the offing. The draw beat Van Percy, who did pick up ground late and should not be overlooked in something similar.

Curragh: And here’s an idea: run the Irish Derby a third of the way through the knife edge World Cup match that was Brazil v Chile. Have a 1/8 favourite and then wonder why viewing figures were low. Over to the Irish authorities… In the race, Australia cruised up to Kingfisher and Orchestra and won without turning a hair. Unfortunately, after the justifiable defection of Kingston Hill on account of the ground, this turned out to be a weak event. That said Australia could only beat what was put before him.

June 21st: Royal Ascot: With form that represented around the best on offer in Ireland (close with Coventry runner-up Cappella Sansevero), Dick Whittington was entitled to start favourite for the Chesham. Unraced Cordero (by Giant’s Causeway) and Toscanini (not far behind Dick Whittington at Naas and improved run next time) were seen as the main dangers in what is often a serious pointer to the months ahead. As it was, after a moderate fourth at Newmarket on debut, Richard Pankhurst punched a hole in all the form lines. Tracking a strong-travelling Toscanini, he quickened away inside the last furlong, showing a killer turn of foot. By Raven’s Pass this drying ground would have been ideal. With no excuses, Toscanini was second and both he and the third, Dick Whittington, set the standard. Nafaqa is worth a mention. By Sir Percy – who is having some success with his juveniles – he flopped out of the stalls, giving the pack at least eight lengths. The fact he finished fourth augers well for his future and you would think he should win next time. Cordero (chopped in his stride two out but already looking held) ran satisfactorily in staying on at the end to finish sixth without giving cause for excitement at this stage of his career.

Up 8lbs for winning at York last time, the immensely likeable Arab Spring made a mockery of the Duke Of Edinburgh from a mark of 104. A superb example of Monsun (not always the easiest family to train), he is the epitome of a perfect racehorse in terms of confirmation. He is not a bad performer either. It has taken four runs to elevate himself to the present level (Group 2 at least); with entries in the Arc and a big home reputation (said to have finished in front of Telescope on his latest piece of work), he is not finished yet. In behind they were decent handicappers. Elhaame (suited by this fast ground) shaped as if he should be winning in the near future. A fancied Hamelin was never travelling on ground that was clearly too fast.

With the ground and trip in his favour, after two runs over ten furlongs this year on soft, aforementioned Telescope had his chance at a Hardwicke. As Group 2s go this was not as strong as it could be, even so Telescope was impressive. So well was he travelling that Ryan Moore (one of his strengths is that he does not make mistakes) let him go two out. From then on Telescope lengthened away from the opposition. Surely the King George is next on the agenda. Hillstar (another that needs this sort of ground as opposed to the soft he has been running on) made it a one-two for his trainer, inching out Pether’s Moon on the line.

Despite sweating beforehand and on ground that was thought to be quick enough, Slade Power blitzed clear in the Diamond Jubilee from off a fast pace. Due Diligence did the better of the two three-year-olds (Astaire went off too quickly), with Aljamaaheer once again finding his stride when it was too late. On the evidence of his two attempts at this trip, it seems too sharp for him. Music Master was a surprising fourth in a race where all the action – for the first time this week – took place on the far side. Considering records have been broken on the round course, there can’t be anything wrong with the track.

Once again it was the stand side that had it in the Wokingham Stakes. Baccarat – no stranger to big sprint handicaps – came out on top. Professor – versatile as regards trip – finished strongly in second. Rivellino, Alben Star and Boomerang Bob were next. It’s a struggle to make too much of it.

And so to the last race of what has been a glorious five days: Last man standing: the Queen Alexandra Stakes over just shy of two-and-a-three-quarters of a mile. Pique Sous – winner of two hurdle races and NH Flat events outstayed his rivals. Keen, he was brilliantly handled by Ryan Moore to make it win number six for the meeting and his third on the day. Races like this do not tend to provide too many pointers for the future. Brass Ring appeared to have stayed this marathon trip, meaning something like the Northumberland Plate may be on the horizon. Poor Tiger Cliff finished distressed.

June 20th: Royal Ascot: Kempton winner Cursory Glance beat some higher-profiled rivals with better form and credentials going into the Albany Stakes, pouncing late and stretching away in the sixth furlong. A strong type that seemed suited by the way the race was run, she is no more than attractive, but effective. It is early days to start talking in terms of 1000 Guineas. A powerful and big filly, Sunset Glow, bursting with Californian sunshine, could have been mistaken for a three-year-old. She trapped quickly; perhaps five would suit better at this sort of level. Form filly, Patience Alexander (beat Queen Mary runner-up Tiggy Wiggy at York) matched strides with Sunset Glow, both succumbing inside the final furlong. Like the runner-up she has seen out the extra furlong although it has not improved her. Malabar ran through beaten horses to finish strongly in fourth and will be even better over seven. By Raven’s Pass, this fast ground will have suited her but this was a major step up from her debut second at Haydock. This was a strong betting heat. Osaila outran her market price in fifth. Bitter Lake was not disgraced in seventh; neither were Sexy Legs in ninth (by Dutch Art, easier ground will probably suit better), or Appleberry (not this class but capable of winning something decent) in tenth. Like many of these the frenetic pace set by Sunset Glow burned them off.

Contributer had his payday in the Wolferton Handicap, possibly signifying that the Ed Dunlop stable is back in business. Enjoying this better ground (never able to get to grips with Noble Mission on the heavy last time), he came from last to first to deny a major gamble on Bold Sniper and a strong-finishing Cafe Society. Several proved to be the architect of their own misfortunes. Hall of Mirrors (fifth) was awash with sweat beforehand. Energizer was one that did show some promise in sixth, but Dick Doughtywylie and Saxo Jack (another intractable Godolphin beast) pulled their way out of contention.

They were an interesting, if slightly sub-standard lot, for the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes. Bunker and Odeon were more fizzy than ideal. Money horse Adelaide is only small but looked well, as did Miner’s Lamp, Eagle Top and Scotland. Snow Sky was warm but has got heated before. Despite having been beaten from a mark of 92 at Leicester (blood was wrong) in a handicap in April, Eagle Top – described as a Group horse in the making at Newbury when winning his maiden – vindicated that opinion with a classy display. Hunting down the leaders travelling well, he was soon in command, proving too powerful for Adelaide. Scotland ran his best race of the season in third, ahead of a slightly one-paced Snow Sky.

Radiator (always a paddock stand out), Lesstalk In Paris and the well proportioned My Titania (got progressively warmer though) were the Coronation picks beforehand. Tapestry is a sparsely made filly, Lightning Thunder is not big but powerful; Lucky Kristale looked well. With two handlers and on her toes, Rizeena was a coiled spring in the paddock but more settled at the start. As feared, after her absence, My Titania was too free early and has probably done well to finish fourth. A slow pace meant it developed into something of a sprint, Rizeena never worse than third nudged on under Ryan Moore and avenging her Guineas defeat. Lesstalk In Paris – another filly to return to her best form – was a late closer on the wide outside to steal second from Euro Charline. After finishing second in the English and Irish Guineas, Lightning Thunder ran like a tired filly, although she was not beaten that far. Radiator is not far from this class – she may improve for a step up in trip and surprise in the Nassau at Goodwood – a track where she has form. Lucky Kristale does not stay.

Courtesy of Gold Approach, no prisoners were taken in the Queen’s Vase. Not bred to stay, Gold Approach set a silly pace he had no chance of sustaining. Not many actually got home. Hartnell managed to hold on, despite wandering off a true line on ground that was almost firm enough. He did stay well, as did Century, who went the scenic route and looked all set to get up until impeded by Hartnell, who arguably cost him victory. Joseph O’Brien stated as much in the inquiry. His persuasive argument was not enough to overturn the result. Marzocco was close in third – he may not have seen it out as well as the first two – Big Orange was fourth with the rest coming home at long intervals.

Once again the stands’ side had the best of the big handicap – this time the Buckingham Palace over seven furlongs. Louis The Pious created something of a shock, although his overall form (Ayr Gold Cup second) entitled him to be thereabouts on a good day. Horsted Keynes was a late finisher that may have been an unfortunate loser.

19th June:

Royal Ascot Results

A strong and compact million dollar yearling by War Front, The Great War carried maximum stable confidence in the Norfolk Stakes. In contrast to his demeanour in his two races leading up to this he was fractious and warm getting warmer beforehand during the preliminaries, requiring two handlers. He was running with sweat at the start, meaning he may have left the race behind in the pre-parade ring. Shaken up two out after a blistering early pace, the whip was soon out and The Great War could find no more. This was a bitter disappointment from a colt that came here in preference to the Coventry. Woodcote winner Baitha Alga picked up the pieces from off the pace to win going away. A son of Fast Company and now a black-type winner over five and six, he is speedy and versatile. Mind Of Madness, unsighted in the Windsor Castle on Tuesday, ran on through a skittled field for second. This was a race of two halves. Bath winner, Ahlan Emarati was third. A winner at lowly Bath, his showing emphasises how dangerous it is to dismiss horses plunged into the deep end by Peter Chapple-Hyam. Snap Shots, who helped to force a suicidal early pace, hung on for fourth. Mukhmal could not sustain the crazy speed and dropped away.

Cannock Chase continued his upward curve with a win in the Group 3 Tercentenary Stakes. A likeable and substantial son of Lemon Drop Kid that won a good handicap from a mark of 89 last time, he must now be considered in the region of a 110 rated horse. His trainer feels he may scale the heights to Group 1 given time. Although fancied today there was a stable niggle over the ground being on the firm side. By a dirt stallion that is understandable. His strength and willingness won the day. In a close run scrap for the places, Mutakayyef was second. He has reversed Newmarket places with Barley Mow and is going the right way. Postponed travelled best of all for most of the journey but the finishing spark was absent. He did stay on well enough for third and despite his pedigree might be worth trying over a mile-and-a-half. Cloudscape, Barley Mow (slightly hampered) and Spark Plug (ran on from the rear and worth considering in lesser company) were next to finish in a hot contest.

Not for the first time we got something of a surprise in the Ribblesdale. Bracelet, a winner of a Guineas trial in the spring but a flop in the classic itself, appreciated this step up in trip and the fast pace set by her stable companion, Terrific. Lustrous emerged from the pack to chase her home ahead of Criteria. In reality the best fillies (at least considered the best going into this) were well beaten for a variety of reasons. Top of these was Vazira. She looks to have a hint of temperament. She was certainly no help to her jockey at the start where she lost several lengths but saw out her race well enough without ever threatening to trouble the principals. Italian Oaks winner Final Score was fifth under a 3lbs penalty, ahead of Wonderstruck. Bright Approach ran deplorably and was unaccountably last of those to finish. Inchila was pulled up sharply after going wrong on her off hind.

The Gold Cup was a fitting spectacle. Despite looking beaten at the turn, Leading Light dug into the locker to see it out. Described as “tough as nails” by young Joseph, he looked out on his feet at the end and was blowing very hard. A fine son of Montjeu, he gave his all.
Estimate also covered herself in glory. Travelling as well as anything as the race progressed, she was checked in her run but thrusted all the way to the line against a better adversary than any she met in this race last year. Another mare, Missunited, having made the running, was a gallant third with Brown Panther fourth. As Gold Cups go, this was a vintage renewal.

The first five in the Class 2 Britannia Handicap came from the stand side. Born In Bombay and Hors De Combat, who had fought out a Newmarket handicap in May, were first and third. Born In Bombay was only having his fourth outing, winning this from a mark of 87. Bow Creek turned in a big performance under top weight to finish second. Blimbi and Zarwaan were fourth and fifth. American Hope did best of those on the far side to take sixth from a mark of 99. First Flight was also prominent on the far side. A trap-and-run race suited such a free-pulling sort.

Elite Army, a brutish son of Authorized, scythed down Windshear to claim the closing King George V Stakes. Up 8lbs for winning a Sandown handicap last time when he pulled too hard he was better suited by this faster pace (still a bit keen) and won with something in hand. Windshear, second to Cannock Chase at Newbury, was another to almost deny the handicapper – he certainly defied a poor draw in second. Captain Morley stayed on strongly in third, as did the maiden Venezia, who still looks green, forfeited a good position early, but finished with plenty of enthusiasm.

June 18th: Royal Ascot: Once again Muwaary proved his own worst enemy in the Jersey as he refused to settle (better than last time in France) but kept on battling once headed. He has more ability than we have seen so far but will always struggle unless he learns to settle. Having finished fourth in the French Guineas he was entitled to take high rank in this Group 3 and only gave best to Mustajeeb – who was seven lengths behind Kingman in the Irish Guineas, appreciated the better ground and gave 3lbs to the runner-up now. The finish concerned the sort of horses this race is designed to attract. In third, Giovanni Boldini served notice a return to form is imminent. Upped in grade, Windfast ran a big race in fourth.

England, Ireland and America met at the crossroads for the Queen Mary. It was Ireland that won the day, although three good fillies fought it out. Impressive at Tipperary, Anthem Alexander, another winner for Starspangledbanner, was not the quickest into stride, but arrived on the scene going strongly to take it up and withstand a rally from Tiggy Wiggy, who looked beaten a furlong out but came back for more. Newsletter (by Sir Percy and not the first speedy two-year-old he has sired!) was a surprise in third. The American filly, Spanish Pipedream is not just a speedball. Flopping out of the stalls she sliced through the field to take it up but refused to go away when headed, putting in a giant effort in fourth. Once-raced Pastoral Girl (fifth at Thirsk) was flying late on and should win her maiden without any bother. Essentially, once again, the right horses dominated, making this look like a good renewal.

Whereas Treve had to defy a couple of negatives to win the Prince Of Wales, for The Fugue it was a case of revelling in everything she wanted. Over a mile-and-a-quarter on fast ground, she is close to the finest around. Certainly, in victory today, achieved in a record time and against the best they could assemble, she put up a personal best. Cruising to the front over a furlong out, she kept on to avenge that Breeders’ Cup defeat by Magician, who broke for home at the turn and kept battling when headed. Treve was only third. Looking magnificent – this is the second time she has been beaten this year and her trainer must take some of the blame for that. Treve is a mile-and-a-half filly and, more importantly, at least from this viewpoint (trainer denies it), she wants to get her toe in. It could be she will return to her best form in the autumn, but it is always possible, although the rightful winner of the Arc, the winning distance flattered her. Mukhadram ran another of his honest races in defeat to finish fourth.

Little Integral – so narrowly touched off in the Sun Chariot last year – gained her most important success in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes. Perfectly delivered by Ryan Moore, she was soon in command once she hit the front. Balanchine winner L’Amour De Ma Vie was second with much improved Purr Along in third. What Spencer was doing on her remains a mystery. On fast ground he was too far adrift and then challenged on the wrong part of the course. He was not on a maiden at Ripon with a stone in hand. This was a group race! Patience with his style of riding is wearing thin.
Looking big after her absence and carrying a 5lbs penalty, Sky Lantern ran a huge race to take fifth. Presumably she will have a tilt at the Falmouth again this year. Whatever her next target she will surely line up as a different proposition.

On a day when everything appeared to conspire against them, bookmakers got some respite with the win of Field Of Dream in the Hunt Cup. High numbers had the call. Chil The Kite and Steeler were in the money for second and third. With his 5lbs penalty from winning at Sandown on Saturday, Sea Shanty rattled off the fast surface to finish fourth. Victoria Cup fourth Ayaar was fifth this time. Tales Of Grimm, who has built a career out of being a rogue, was close up. Unfortunately, having slipped to a reasonable mark, he cannot be relied upon to reproduce this. Allowed to coast home on the heels of the leaders without his jockey giving him any sort of encouragement, Belgian Bill was given a curious ride. Abseil is probably better than his finishing position. This was a tough assignment for one so inexperienced and he remains a decent prospect.

Muteela, a tough terrier of a filly that refuses to go down without a fight, kept finding to win the Sandringham Handicap. Once again Spencer launched a late attack from out of the clouds on Queen Catrine that meant she was probably the moral winner.

June 17th Royal Ascot: A giant of a performer on his day but capable of disappointing when not, Toronado was strongly fancied to lift the Queen Anne. With a proven record first time out and looking in bullish shape (not any bigger but much fuller than when last seen), despite getting warm beforehand, he cruised off a sharp pace to bust down the door on the race over a furlong out. Apparently he did blow up in the closing stages so better may be forthcoming if he stays on track. In second, a sticky-with-sweat Verrazano bettered his Lockinge effort and one gets the feeling he is teeing himself up for a big prize. Fast ground is essential for him and something in the height of summer may be ideal. Dwarfed by the two in front of him, Anodin justified his supplementation for the event when taking it up over a furlong out. This is as good as he is. In front of Verrazano at Newbury, Tullius once again ran well in this elevated company to finish fourth.

A winner of a modest Ayr maiden in soft ground, The Wow Signal – a good-sized, strong son of Starspangledbanner – was always prominent in the Coventry before opening up for an important win. In a race that favoured those that raced in the firing line, in second, Capella Sansevero travelled strongly throughout, attacking from off the pace and closing stride by stride without quite getting to the winner. On this evidence he will stay further and remains a decent colt capable of winning more races. Jungle Cat confirmed his Goodwood win was no fluke when taking third. Three-time winner Justice Good was fourth, ahead of a tightly knit bunch. Adaay was beaten about three lengths in eighth, half a length in front of War Envoy. He looked unbalanced and awkward but reversed Naas form with Kool Kompany and will be better over further and on an easier surface.

Last year’s King’s Stand winner Sole Power repeated the dose under a cool ride from Richard Hughes. Slicing through the field, Sole Power (proven on fast ground so we have to assume it is quickening all the time) played his turn of foot late to deprive Stepper Point and Hot Streak. The third may have found this ground quick enough: there will be other days. It’s a long way down the line but the Haydock autumn sprint could have his name on it. Medicean Man, another to frank Meydan form, Jack Dexter and Steps (again not helping himself by starting slowly) all closed to run up to their best. Shea Shea went to post in awkward fashion, using up a lot of energy in the process. It has to be said he is developing some odd traits in his old age.

Kingman righted the wrong of the Guineas with an electrifying turn of foot to cut down Night Of Thunder in the St James’s Palace Stakes. Pottery on the way to post but awesome on the way back, he coasted throughout, quickening on the wide outside in the straight to settle the issue in a few strides. This ground was probably as quick as he wants. Apparently, having achieved all he needed to here, he will be given a short rest before possible tilts at the Prix Maurois and the QEII in the autumn. Night Of Thunder made the running but had no answer to the winner’s burst. He left the impression he might be effective over ten furlongs. The same could be said for Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Outstrip, who returned to something like his best in third. War Command and Yuften were next with a hard-pulling Toormore burning himself out at the wrong end of the race.

The two-and-a-half mile slog that is the Ascot Stakes was won by Domination, who, well back at one stage, picked up his rivals one-by-one. They went hard from the start and predictably those responsible were back-pedalling in the closing stages. Another Cocktail and Sizzler were next to finish.

On a day when bookmakers’ jaws were close to the floor, Hootenanny compounded their sorrow when as the best backed horse in the Windsor Castle he bolted up. Bogged down on the Pimlico dirt last time, on turf, cleverly conserved by his American jockey, he blitzed it. All speed, his time was close to that recorded by Sole Power in the King’s Stand.

June 14th: Sandown: After winning a maiden at Bath, from a mark of 84 Agent Murphy took the Class 3 handicap from Torchlighter and Lingfield maiden winner Shafrah. Not ideally placed in a slowly run race, on this occasion Gothic could never land a blow.

On a day of big field handicaps the Class 2 over a mile was no exception. Despite worries over the rain-softened ground for Sea Shanty, Richard Hughes delivered the son of Elusive Quality to perfection to inch out Tanseeb. With a 5lbs penalty, this win means Sea Shanty squeezes under the bar in the Hunt Cup, an engagement he is likely to take up. Not for the first time Enobled ran well enough to suggest his turn is not far away.

It was a rough house of a race for the Listed Scurry Stakes, for which badly drawn G Force was squeezed out early and had to run two races in one to make a challenge. He made headway quickly then, switched, never quite got to grips with the front two. Over five furlongs in this sort of company it is not possible to sacrifice ground and G Force, described as a Group 1 horse by connections, is worth another chance. He does have an electric turn of foot. Reverting to his best trip, Wind Fire, who was always handily placed, was able to last from Hay Chewed. Perfect Blessings was on the heels of the leaders in fifth.

In no mood to be denied and given a powerhouse ride by William Buick, Captain Bob stuck bravely to his guns to hold Silent Bullet, who came with what looked like a winning run in the Class 3 handicap.

Despite a rough passage in running in the maiden, Obsidian (eye catching fifth to Connecticut at Newbury) could not land a blow against the best looking colt in the field, KINGS FETE. The winner has made giant strides since finishing a moderate fourth at Newbury and can continue to improve. A mark in the low eighties will give him a real chance in a decent handicap. New Story, another to reappear from the same event as Obsidian, had every chance but there were no excuses.

York: Beaten five lengths by Abseil at Epsom last week and down to a winning mark, the ever-reliable Spirit Of The Law made just about all in the Class 2 handicap, fighting back inside the last furlong when momentarily headed by the runner-up Busatto. Roserrow was another to recover form in third. Well backed favourite Flow was in the mix in a race very few got into.

United with Frankie Dettori, the frustrating Fencing was tanking throughout in the listed contest, arriving on the scene apparently full of running but getting run out of it by Guest Of Honour. Even all Dettori’s guile and strength failed to galvanise Fencing, who remains a figure horse rather than a winning one.

See The Sun made all to win the Class 2 sprint handicap over six furlongs. Only beaten a head by Jersey-bound Musical Comedy at Newbury last time, Naadirr threw down a big challenge inside the last furlong from a mark of 102. He put in some serious work to go so close and deserves decent consolation. Kickboxer and Gamesome were next to finish. Most of the action took place in the centre of the track, meaning this may not be over reliable form.

The class 4 handicap over ten furlongs went to Eurystheus in a tight finish with Artful Prince and Toga Tiger. If there is a horse to take from this it could be Bishop’s Castle. He started slowly and made up plenty of ground to finish on the heels of the leaders. Not straightforward and with a high head carriage (softer ground might play to his strengths), with a clean break he would have nearly won. Not one to back at a grade 1 track, his trainer might find a soft opening at somewhere like Ayr.

June 13th: Sandown: The market spoke volumes for the chances of unraced Ivawood in the opening juvenile maiden. Perfectly settled and confidently ridden by Richard Hughes, the Zebedee colt asserted once shaken up to beat a couple with experience in Magical Memory and Kinematic. They are no great shakes but the winner had plenty in hand.

Tupi supplied a quick double for the Hannon/Hughes combination in the first seven furlong contest of the current campaign. An early foal [February] by Tamayuz, Tupi may not have beaten too much, but once again was confidently handled and value for more than the official margin. Stable companion Marshall Jennings posted promise in second, although with Red Rubles, Diaz and The Paco Kid all close up, it was a bunch finish.

On a day when the Hannon camp were flying, they landed a treble here in the Class 4 fillies’ handicap with Cay Dancer, who had finished a promising and staying-on fourth at Newbury last time. Again apprentice-ridden, she wore down Lady Tiana close home with Token Of Love in third and looking as if a step up in trip will help.

Seven lengths fourth to the progressive Abseil when last seen at Yarmouth in April, Twin Point was apparently handed an easy opportunity in the Class 5 handicap from a mark of 75. Although flattered by the proximity to the current Hunt Cup favourite, Twin Point was good enough to hold Hoon in what was a weak event.

York: Beforehand, the Class 3 handicap threatened to be all about the potentially reasonably treated Connecticut – so it proved. Accorded a mark of 84 after a decent Newmarket debut followed by a workmanlike Newbury victory, it seemed connections were prepared to forego any temptation to plot a Royal Ascot course in favour of this easier opportunity. Looking a shade bothered by the heat of the day and taking a keener hold early than ideal, Connecticut soon settled and proved a willing accomplice to his excellent rider’s urgings. Patient under fire, Andrea Atzeni gave his mount every chance to respond and, despite being involved in a close scrap, only resorted to a couple of half-hearted taps with his stick in the closing stages. His body language suggested he knew he was on the best horse in the race. By New Approach out of a Slip Anchor mare, Connecticut has a willing attitude and looks as if he will continue to progress. Clearly his stable likes him.

June 12th: Newbury: The class 4 maiden over an extended six furlongs was all about those with experience: Estidhkaar and Mustadeem dominating the closing stages. Having posted promise at Goodwood on debut, Estidhkaar looked more clued up here and more at home on a galloping track. A good-sized and well-proportioned son of Dark Angel, he was always in front and kept on too strongly for Mustadeem, winning with something in hand. The runner-up tried hard without ever threatening to overhaul the winner. Laidback Romeo (by Kodiac) stayed on for third without being knocked about. It was six lengths back to Ascot fourth St Bredales Bay.

Hoop Of Colour stepped up on a promising Windsor debut to land the fillies’ maiden from Oh Star and Pleasant Valley. Having her first run of the season – and her qualifying third run for a handicap – an easy to back BY JUPITER [a daughter of Sea The Stars] shaped as if she can do better and might be of interest if accorded a reasonable mark when trying her luck in handicaps.

The second division of the maiden looked inferior to that won by Hoop Of Colour. Carnevale made it third time lucky at the expense of Cape Mystery without quickening the pulse.

After finishing second three times and third on the other occasion in various affairs at two and this year, Eastern Belle, who is a model of consistency, got off the mark in the Listed Ballymacoll Stakes. Second to Marsh Daisy in the Height Of Fashion at Goodwood, she confirmed placings with Jordan Princess on this better ground. The late rattle of Pelerin meant Eastern Belle may have had more on her plate had the runner-up got out in time. Pelerin will probably be better over 1m 4f. Although she made the running, Queen Of Ice settled this time and kept on for third once headed. Jordan Princess has yet to reproduce her second to Taghrooda in the Pretty Polly. On the small side, she does lack scope.

The class 5 handicap won by the exposed Know Your Name looked of limited value. It is possible THE THIRD MAN, who is stoutly bred for a contest over a mile, will improve for further. By Dalakhani out of Group 1 winner Spinning World and a half-brother to Trade Commissioner, this was his first run since winning a maiden at Lingfield in December of last year. He has a high action indicating cut will help him. It is tempting to think he may do better.

7th June: Epsom: After scooting away with a Sandown handicap on soft ground, What About Carlo flopped at Haydock next time but returned to his best in the Class 2 handicap. With the ground freshened by several showers and over 1m 2f, he played his cards late to take it up inside the last furlong. Black Shadow upped his game from maiden company to finish second from a mark of 93 – which might be a high enough rating for now; although, a winner over 1m 3f with a stout pedigree, twelve furlongs may improve him. Hymenaios was another to put a poor soft ground run behind him. He stayed on from the rear to poach third from Yenhaab. Often a pointer to horses destined for better things, this year’s race looked to contain decent handicappers only.

The Listed Woodcote Stakes for two-year-olds over six furlongs went to the speedy Baitha Alga, who has improved again from last week’s Chester win. By Fast Company, he has the speed to win over five if required. As at Chester last time, Ballymore Castle made things tough for himself – this time being unable to claw back the leader. Untidy at the stalls and sprawly on the track, he was last and going nowhere at the turn but motored in the final furlong and a half to take second. He looks a handful but may shine on a more conventional course, where there might be a big race (a sales event for example) to be won.

Some horses defy description. Try the eight-year-old gelding Cirrus Des Aigles. Even over a trip that is further than his best, he was always travelling supremely well in the Coronation Stakes. Once he overtook the pacesetting Ambivalent the result was never in doubt. He did pull up slightly lame (seemed to walk it off) and his jockey – who was quick to dismount after passing the post – reported he felt something was wrong halfway up the straight. It is testament to Cirrus Des Aigles and all associated with him that he still added yet another Group 1 to an already expanded portfolio. Flintshire made a challenge from over a furlong out without ever looking likely to pass the Cirrus Des Aigles, playing his part in a French one-two. The Grand Prix du Paris winner is better on a sounder surface but even so it is hard to see him winning a King George. Ambivalent kept on doggedly but these rivals were just a little too good.

It was agony for backers of Steps in the Dash after he fluffed the start, was plum last and then flashed home for fourth, finishing in front two strides after the line. He really is in the form of his life at present. Caspian Prince won in a photo with Seeking Magic, Addictive Dream was third. Swan Song recovered her Chester form to finish fifth. The frustrating Smoothtalkinrascal once again cast himself adrift and then finished late. An about-to-peak Barnet Fair should be taken seriously next time on a faster surface in less exacting company. New Fforest put in a satisfactory reappearance.

Aidan O’Brien maintained his recent stranglehold on the Derby, unveiling yet another true star in Australia who fulfilled his destiny in the race he was bred to win. It was no walk in the park, but it looked a strong field. Considering the rain beforehand, Australia recorded a fast time and with his speed could easily win a Group 1 over 1m 2f. The world would appear to be his oyster. The Guineas form was franked yet again with Kingston Hill following Australia home. His immediate target is the Irish Derby. On a similar surface he should be hard to beat. Romsdal has run out of his skin in third and will be aimed at the St Leger. Arod ran on for fourth, upholding the Dante form and confirming his superiority over a never travelling True Story. Fascinating Rock failed to stay, as in all probability did Ebanoran. The Beresford form was further devalued by the abysmal run of Geoffrey Chaucer – who finished last and has to be better than that. After a rough passage, Western Hymn recovered to finish sixth, whilst Our Channel and Red Galileo both performed better than might have been expected.

Given a peach of a ride by Oisin Murphy, Miss Marjurie – effectively 2lbs wrong as he could only claim 1lbs – seized the moment to run away with the Class 2 handicap at the expense of Stomachion.

6th June: Epsom: Thistle Bird repeated her win of last year in the Group 3, showing that her run at York last time was needed. Odeliz continues to perform well at this level, whilst Spencer and Just The Judge looked at odds with each other. The combination allowed the first two the vital drop halfway up the straight before finishing best of the rest. Although she seems to have developed a quirk or two, it could be Just The Judge wants further than an extended mile now and that this drying ground may not have helped.

Assisted by a fast gallop set by Salutation and Soviet Rock, Farraaj and Air Pilot dominated in the Group 2 handicap over 1m 2f. Always travelling strongly, Farraaj tanked throughout and was in front with two furlongs to race. Considering he is so lightly raced, Air Pilot did well to stick with the more experienced winner. A last-gasp winner over 1m 4f last time, this trip is more suitable. Not much delivered a blow in behind – Clon Brulee eventually taking third.

Dropping back to this extended mile in the Group 3, French Navy confirmed Goodwood form on this much quicker surface (drying out all the time) with Windhoek. Whereas French Navy had the acceleration to pick off the leaders, Windhoek did not look entirely happy over this sharper trip. He stayed on but surely needs a return to 1m 2f. In between the two came the improved Graphic, who may have been better served by easier ground. With his penalty and on this surface Penitent was wasting his time. Gregorian (looked as if he was racing on hot coals) was another apparently inconvenienced by a drying wind and a warm sun.

Still raw and inexperienced, the ground firmed in time for the American-bred Abseil in the Class 2 handicap, who travelled beautifully for the last half of the race having started off a little too keen. This is not the easiest of tracks for those that lack experience. Winning from a mark of 92, Abseil should be capable of better yet. Llanarmon Lad closed to emerge best of the bunch in behind for second. Red Avenger and the dastardly Fury were next. Poor Velox got not run on the rail. He is worth bearing in mind for a decent event. By Zamindar out of a Peintre Celebre mare, he may come into his own on easier ground.

With a pedigree to die for – by Sea The Stars out of Ezima – Taghrooda maintained an unbeaten record when winning the Oaks on only her third racecourse experience. The form from Taghrooda’s Pretty Polly win had been devalued but the filly was oblivious, arriving on the scene two out travelling strongly. Once in front she strode clear of a classy field. Tarfasha got the better of a tight tussle for second ahead of Volume, who has improved since Newbury and was given a first rate chance by Richard Hughes. Inchila ran the Newbury form to an ounce with Volume in fourth, but to be fair she did not have much room to move forward throughout the last furlong or so. Ihtimal came with a wide run in the closing stages but probably ran out of petrol in the last furlong.

That Is The Spirit took the leap from handicap company pretty much in his stride in the Listed Surrey Stakes over seven furlongs. Making all with ears pricked, he had an easy lead that was almost whittled away at the death by a determined Ryan Moore on Parbold. This track combined with drying ground was not ideal for the winner, on whom his jockey attempted to take it easy in the closing stages meaning he was almost caught. He is worth more than the distance he won by, particularly on easier ground. Parbold cannot really be decried for this effort but it took all of Moore’s cajoling to get him rolling. Penny Drops was third.

The concluding handicap went to Almargo who benefitted from an aggressive front-running ride, putting his rivals to the sword in the process. After an all-weather hat-trick, it appeared he had lost his way on turf but he was suited by today’s conditions. Kafeel kept plugging away but was hanging on the camber and looks as if an extra furlong will not go amiss.

June 1st: Chantilly: The win of The Grey Gatsby in the Prix du Jockey Club [French Derby] has some bearing on the Epsom Derby considering prior to winning the Dante, he had finished behind Australia and Kingston Hill when six lengths tenth in the 2000 Guineas. For all he has been beaten at the highest level in this country, he was never far behind the best and seems to be peaking as a three-year-old and over this extended trip. Australia’s claims for Epsom do not need expanded upon but this win will have given fresh hope for supporters of Kingston Hill – who is apparently working with much more zest now than on the approach to the 2000 Guineas. In typical style of an Aga Khan homebred, Shamkiyr stepped up drastically on a maiden win last time to finish second at Chantilly. Many thought Gerald Mosse gave Prince Gibraltar too much to do. The favourite picked up from the rear of the field to dash home late but Ryan Moore had made the winning move and he and The Grey Gatsby were already clear, winning on merit. Prince Gibraltar will apparently be stepped up in trip next time as his immediate target is the Grand Prix de Paris. As many feared, Guineas winner Karakontie appear not to stay.

May 31st: Newmarket: Peacock, a well-grown son of Paco Boy, made a winning debut in the first division of the Class 4 maiden for two-year-olds, beating the experienced Commander Patten. Epithet showed promise when picking up ground inside the final furlong to take third.

Justice Well overhauled Brown Sugar in the second division that was run in a slower time than the first. The Fastnet Rock colt, DISENGO took the eye in third, getting the hang of things late and apparently finishing with a full tank of petrol. The well-backed Heartbreak Hero forfeited his chance at the start and might do better next time.

Both looking ahead of the assessor, Mighty Yar and Rye House dominated the market in the Class 2 handicap over 1m 4f. The best laid plans and all that … De Rigueur claimed Duke Of Clarence in a bunch finish with the two high profile market leaders failing to fire. On the positive side, there was promise from Plutocracy on his first outing of the season. Looking as if he blew up in the last furlong, he should be sharper next time.

Muteela won the Class 3 handicap in typical Mark Johnston style. Making all and ultimately challenged by the much larger colt Pretzel, she kept battling from a mark of 87. This was the zenith of her achievements to date and there may be more to come.

It was a wretched day for backers here. A tailed-off Perfect Summer compounded it in the Class 4 handicap won by Poyle Thomas.

Haydock: The Group 3 for fillies saw the eclipse of those with established form as Sultanina – winner of a Salisbury maiden last time that looked ordinary and rated 85 – got up in the final stride to deprive her stable mate Freedom’s Light. Silk Sari – winner of an apprentice handicap last time – was third, ahead of Quiz Mistress and Special Meaning. Astonishing and Cubanita were the two that bombed, both travelling well up to two out and then dropping away.

Something of a revelation in his aging years, eight-year-old Penitent pounced late to spring a surprise in the Group 3 John Of Gaunt. On his favoured easy ground he is always a player in this sort of grade. Without downgrading his performance, he did beat handicappers. The improving Breton Rock was second, ahead of Eton Forever and Garswood, who ran in snatches. After such a lack-lustre run last time, he looks to have fallen out of love with the game at present. Here Comes When was a never nearer fifth, but this represented a step in the right direction after winning a handicap at Chester on his return. His excellent effort here is a pointer to Sandown withdrawal from this week, ABSEIL. Not for the first time, Tawhid burst through looking like a serious contender only to backtrack just as suddenly.

Given a fine ride from Keiren Fallon, reunited with headgear, over his optimum trip and on drying ground with just enough juice, Steps landed the Listed from Eton Rifles and Da’Quonde. Swan Song was burnt off when up with a strong pace, whilst York Glory, who is probably better over six and was having his first run of the season, stayed on without landing a blow. Presumably he will be aimed at the Wokingham once again at Royal Ascot.

Given no chance from the wrong part of the track at Newmarket last time, Aeolus, unlucky in the Free Handicap, got his chance in the listed and showed what he is capable of, producing a fine turn of foot. No Leaf Clover stayed on strongly for second. Parbold probably wants further than six as he lacked a change of gear in this company, whilst it has to be said Shamson is a better horse over five and on quicker ground.

York: BERTIEWHITTLE got no sort of run in the Class 2 handicap won by Dutch Rose from Sirius Prospect and Brae Hill. With the breaks he might have figured; as it was he freewheeled on the heels of the principals at the finish. Rated 102 he has crept back to a winning mark and could be of interest in the near future.

After an impressive handicap win over this course at the Dante meeting, a confidently-ridden Clever Cookie maintained an unbeaten record when dead-heating with Ralston Road in the Listed event over 1m 6f. A step up to this trip was a doubt for many, but clearly that was no problem for the son of Primo Valentino. All set to win when delivered with perfect timing, he had to battle as Ralston Road – a good fifth in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan – rallied near the finish. Shwaiman, who could never get a decent position in the Chester Cup, was third ahead of Rawaki.

Wadi Al Hattawi was always travelling strongly in the Class 3 handicap over 1m 4f. His jockey possibly sent him into the lead plenty soon enough, driving him clear half-way up the straight. The son of Dalakhani, who should stay further, appeared to get lonely in front and his margin was diminishing at the finish. At this moment, with his mark likely to rise to 95, he remains another open question from Godolphin.

Mister Universe, narrowly beaten by Bossy Guest in the season’s first juvenile event over six furlongs at this course at the Dante meeting, made the most of a soft opportunity in the Class 3 median auction. The form of the York maiden has been let down by the third Silver Ranger, who was possibly unable to cope with a bog at Leicester. Although successful here, Mister Universe may not have beaten too much. Newcomer Home Cummins was the only one to make any impact; the rest looked moderate.

May 30th: Newmarket: Summer is apparently here, with the first of the 2014 meetings scheduled to be run on the July course. Bitter Lake took the first race – a Class 4 for juvenile fillies over six furlongs. A good-sized daughter of Halling, despite having to be angled out to the centre of the course, once she hit her stride, even on holding ground, she showed an impressive turn of foot. Visually she was impressive, although it remains to be seen what she beat. She could be decent and has the scope to progress. Apparently her immediate target is the Albany. In second, Kinematic stepped up markedly on her debut at Ascot when she was only ninth of eleven. It was a similar story with the third, Looking Good, who had finished fifth of six in an ordinary event at Sandown last time. In fourth, if realistically campaigned, Hound Music – who was carried wide by the winner – finished nicely, making her perhaps the most interesting betting proposition next time if turning up at Kempton or Wolverhampton.

Paying two-and-half million for a yearling is asking for trouble. However, Qatar Racing took the chance with the Galileo colt Hydrogen who made his belated appearance in the Class 5 maiden over 1m 4f. Unfortunately his price tag will be a permanent millstone round his neck after what was only a moderate debut. Those of a charitable nature could point to the ground and to the fact he was not beaten far by the horse that finished sixth in the Dante. But clutching at straws is expensive. On the face of it, his failure to make an impact in this sort of maiden does not augur well. Wonderstruck, the only filly in the field, will probably improve plenty for this, only her second outing. By Sea The Stars, she is very well related and her debut at Ascot when behind Marsh Daisy has already been advertised by the winner’s success at Goodwood. The Ribblesdale is next on the agenda, where she will not be out of place. Forever Now and Karraar (third to Connecticut at Newbury) will surely win in turn. Saab Almanal may not have stayed this trip but was probably flattered by his proximity to The Grey Gatsby at York in any case.

So disappointing last time, Cloudscape ran better in the Class 3 handicap, but he does have an awkward action and pulled too hard early on. He looked all set to win when striking the front over a furlong out but was worn down by the giant Top Tug – who was behind Cloudscape at Newmarket and looks well-treated from a mark of 84. Even a rise in the weights should not prevent Top Tug from following up. His action suggests this ground, or at least easy ground, will always suit. The pair was clear.

May 29th:

Sandown Results:
The Listed National Stakes, so often a dress rehearsal for Royal Ascot and won last year by Rizeena, went to another filly this time round when Tiggy Wiggy pounced a furlong out. Beaten in a decent listed event at York last time that should throw up winners, she was patiently ridden and quickened strongly in soft ground. The Queen Mary is an obvious target. There was money for Brocklesby winner Cock Of The North who was fizzy at the start, reluctant to load and started slowly. He did stay on but without looking likely to trouble the winner. Chester runner-up Roudee made most of the running and finished third.

Brown Panther shrugged off his 2lbs penalty to clear away in the Henry II Stakes. He is a powerful galloper that stays well and was suited by these conditions. High Jinx ran up to his best in second, ahead of Whiplash Willie who, after his comeback win at Salisbury has now put two good runs back-to-back. Of the rest, Girolamo was fourth and Tiger Cliff a never-nearer fifth. Connections of Tac De Boistron will presumably be pleased with the showing of stable mate Seismos, who was beaten just over five lengths in sixth.

With only three runners the Brigadier Gerard was always going to be a tactical affair. Run in driving rain, Sharestan – a horse with a good record fresh – just lasted. Fallon was excellent on the winner, as was Martin Lane on the runner-up Sheikhzayedroad. In throwing down a last furlong challenge, Lane risked a whip ban on a mulish individual, all but pulling the prize out of the fire. The combination was in front a stride after the line. With a 3lbs penalty, Top Notch Tonto was not disgraced in last place and it could not be said he failed to stay, although the time on the soft ground was understandably slow. The withdrawals of Hillstar and Remote greatly devalued the event.

Not for the first time Ryan Moore excelled in the Listed Heron Stakes. Winning for the first time since twelve months ago, this success knocked off the brick dust Master Carpenter had accumulated on his head after banging it on a wall. Beaten by the likes of Kingman and Western Hymn this year, this ground, a return to a mile and a tactically aware ride from Moore all contrived to make it his night. Indy was beaten a respectable distance in second whilst End Of Line, who was only seven lengths adrift in the French Guineas, carried his head awkwardly and was a laboured third.

Proven soft ground performer Ishikawa won the concluding handicap with something to spare despite a late lunge from Dream Walker, who was third to Chil The Kite at Newbury last time.

May 22nd: Goodwood Results: Plenty of rain softened the track from good to soft. Stepped up to six from his debut Portamento made light of the Class 4 maiden. As the only one with experience it is hard to know what he actually achieved in drawing away from Estidhkaar – for whom there was market support. By Dark Angel, the runner-up took a while to grasp the message.

Solo Hunter caused an upset in the Class 4 handicap. By Sleeping Indian, this step up in trip was not guaranteed to suit as he was beaten twelve lengths only four days ago at Ripon over a mile. But in a slog on soft ground (they clocked ten seconds slow), it seemed to do the trick – at least on this occasion. Gothic did not get an opening when needed down the straight but Ryan Moore stuck to his guns on the inner and eventually found room. This ground was not ideal for Gothic who has still improved on his run at Sandown last time. Thrice-maiden Loving Home was close up in third and should be opening his account before long. Fast Delivery was once again intractable in that he pulled too hard. He looks a lost cause.

In a race that was sixteen seconds slow, Story Writer got off the mark on turf in the Class 4 handicap over two miles. He had a duel with Kashgar over the final two furlongs, the pair clear of Lion Beacon, who will improve on a faster surface. Where that puts him though is questionable.

Possible Hunt Cup contender Russian Realm won the Class 2 handicap, showing he has benefitted from his latest run at Ascot. He made short work of last year’s runner-up George Guru and So Beloved, who, with his awkward action is not one to bank on. For the money on offer this was not a strong handicap.

The Pretty Polly form, on which current Oaks favourite Tagrooda claims are largely based, is beginning to look shaky. Neither the second nor fourth (Jordan Princess and Uchenna) made any impression in the Height Of Fashion where the Pivotal filly Marsh Daisy who – like many of the progeny – relishes easy ground. To be fair she looks an improving filly. The ground probably scuppered the chances of Jordan Princess, who is probably better than this; however, it is likely – as suggested at the time – that this year’s Pretty Polly was only a moderate renewal. Taking a line through the runner-up Eastern Belle, last week’s Newbury winner Volume is a much better prospect than the well-beaten Jordan Princess. Psychometry was another inconvenienced by the easy surface but at least she put up a show of sorts in third.

Black Shadow lost his maiden tag in an ordinary class 5. However, although entitled to win, he did so with something in hand, suggesting a handicap from a reasonable mark may not be out of the question.

Sandown Results: Dame Liberty, a lengthy filly by Tamayuz, made all for a tidy success in the Class 5 maiden for fillies. Hemmed in on the rails at one point, Russian Heroine was always going to have to play her experience card to mow down the winner but, once extracted for a run she only kept on at one pace to nab second. A sixth furlong will help. The expensive Invincible Spirit debutant, Blue Aegean, looked green but showed ability in third.

The ground may have been responsible for the defeat of Provenance in the Class 4 handicap. The early gallop was slow causing her to fight for her head until she settled after a couple of furlongs. Her mark of 84 is not harsh, but she had to concede weight to Reedcutter and Cape Icon, who were both just too strong. Ryan Moore looked after Provenance who may repay his kindness.

Despite pulling hard early, Elite Army, representing the strong form of Windshear from the last meeting, found plenty when presented with a gap, eventually running out an easy winner. If his antics can be curbed he is capable of progressing further. By Authorized, he has plenty of substance. It was a Godolphin one-two with Gold Trail, who looked the winner early in the straight, running out of puff on this testing ground but hanging on for second.

Mutakayyef, second to Barley Mow in a listed Newmarket event last time when stepping up to ten furlongs, told us little when winning his maiden by a wide margin. As suggested by his pedigree, soft ground is no problem. There could be more to come over a mile-and-a-half.

May 17th: Newbury Results: On firming ground, the competitive Class 4 maiden went to Connecticut, for whom everything went right. Despite a wide draw, his rider got him out and across and, after promise at Newmarket when third to Munjaz, Connecticut showed a willing attitude down the straight. He eventually collared Smiling Stranger (third to Criteria at Kempton) with a hard-pulling Mange All third. This was a step in the right direction for the winner, who has a King Edward entry at Royal Ascot but may not be quite up to that standard. Obsidian ran on promisingly in a race that appeared to favour those that raced prominently.

Now seven and with plenty of gruelling miles on the clock, Mount Athos, ridden closer to the pace than usual, picked up the pieces to grab the Listed Aston Park. With Battalion curling up tamely and Sky Hunter (should have been suited by this step up in trip but wasn’t) not proving a threat, it was left to Forgotten Voice to chase him home.

The class 2 handicap featured several that were down to winning marks. Back to his Cambridgeshire-winning mark of 2012, Bronze Angel was the most popular. He hit the front over a furlong out but was eventually run out of a place. Chil The Kite, fourth in the Lockinge on this day last year, pounced inside the final furlong and cleared away. Only four but with his fourth trainer, Fort Knox flashed home late for second. This trip of seven may be a minimum. Dream Walker was third in what looked like a who’s-turn-is-it-today handicap.

Stepped up in grade, Cannock Chase, beautifully settled by Ryan Moore, won the Class 2 London Gold Cup from a mark of 89 like a horse going places. Like most Lemon Drop Kid’s he is a real looker. With a sparkling turn of foot, it may be this trip of ten furlongs is his optimum. Raised 11lbs for his Sandown success, Windshear chased him home valiantly but could not get on terms. This was a strong handicap. After the win of Volume yesterday and this effort from Windshear, the run of Cloudscape last time (beat them both) is all the more perplexing. Satellite went into premature orbit when pulling hard early but Frankie Dettori kept something in reserve. Not surprisingly, it was not enough. The son of Danehill Dancer needs to settle down if he is to take up some lofty engagements.

Despite doubts, Olympic Glory, settled to perfection by Frankie Dettori, rewarded a bold policy by the Hannon camp when winning the season’s first Group 1 – the Lockinge. The ground was not ideal but, although firming, there was still juice left. Travelling well throughout, he maintained a fine record of first-time out successes for three seasons. Tullius stepped up to the challenge in much better company to finish second, emphasising once again the strength of this year’s Lincoln. The eye was drawn to the monster that is Verrazano. On his first run for new connections and looking as if it would bring him on, he finished third, serving up a warning that he is likely to transfer Grade 1 American form to this country before long. A great mover that was nudged home once the winner had committed, he is all quality. In time he could turn out to be the best in show.

The Class 4 maiden over seven furlongs looked of questionable quality. Recent form rose to the top but it was moderate form at best. Skaters Waltz emerged best from debutant Telefono and Between Wickets. Bon Voyage – a serial maiden was fourth – next came the unraced gelding Polybius, who has an action more suited to a Lipizzaner than a racehorse. He hits the ground like a pneumatic drill and will surely be more effective in the soft; or, possibly on the all-weather. Be warned though; this race was poor by Newbury standards and anything stepping outside a modest parameter is being set up for a reversal.

Covered up, Aertex took the fillies’ handicap. It is a hard race to make too much of, but apprentice-ridden Cay Dancer (a stable mate of the winner) did finish strongly and a step up in trip may bring about improvement next time.

Newmarket Results:
Always travelling well, a step in trip to 1m 6f seemed to improve an already upward Van Percy who won the Class 2 handicap with ears pricked. They may not have been the best in behind.

Coulsty came out of nowhere to land the listed event, narrowly beating Toofi who had run so well in one of the sales races at the Craven meeting. It was a bunch finish. Windfast was a close third, ahead of Parbold who, after a rough passage, only got going when it was all over. Complicit was next, ahead of a disappointing Aeolus who, after looking unlucky in the Free Handicap – a race that is throwing out mixed messages at present – was never travelling. His best form is with cut in the ground and this surface may have been responsible. He is worth another chance. Gamesome has an action that needs to be seen to be believed (races on three legs); it was therefore no surprise he was well beaten.

Following some speculation by jockeys, it seemed after the running of the Class 2 sprint trophy that, on this occasion, racing on the stands’ side presented a definite advantage. At least those in the centre seemed disadvantaged. Why this sort of situation should exist at a course like Newmarket is something of a mystery. Be that as it may, Eastern Impact scooted up the nearside to grab this from Fear Or Favour and a closing Stomp. Roger Charlton, responsible for the latter, also fielded Stars Above Me, who, although coming with a challenge, was soon out with the washing from her position. Apparently the trainer’s justification in running two was that there were no other suitable races to be found. Really?

Hugging the rail, Pinzolo, although not looking entirely in love with his task, appeared to battle on once headed to win the Listed. As already stated he may have benefitted from the strip of ground he raced on. In second, out in the middle of the ocean, Master Carpenter did no harm to the form of Western Hymn.

Although apparently disappointing on his second run, that was put into perspective by the end of the season so Yuften was entitled to win an ordinary maiden without too much fuss. This he achieved in the Class 4, endorsing his debut second to Barley Mow at Newbury. Racing up the favoured strip of ground, he came right away. Fourth to Dante runner-up Arod at Windsor, Kinshasa ploughed a furrow on the unfavoured middle of the track and having lost his pitch, kept on again up the hill to finish fourth. He should be marked up for this. A step up in trip may suit. He will be qualified for handicaps after his next run.

Built to carry big weights if necessary, stepping up in trip to a mile-and-a-half, Miner’s Lamp settled better than when we last saw him to make all in the concluding Class 3 handicap. Alex My Boy staged a last furlong challenge that only narrowly failed.

May 16th: Newbury: The class 4 maiden over six furlongs for two-year-olds has a decent record. The market was on the money, centring on Adaay and Aledaid. Once he got the hang of it, Adaay quickened like a decent horse, showing a good turn of foot and winning with something to spare. The most expensive Kodiac to have gone through the ring, he looks as good a two-year-old as we have seen so far this year. Aledaid finished only fifth having travelled nicely. Out on the wing for most of the journey, the way the race was played out did not help. A good-looking son of Acclamation, he should win next time.

The Listed Swettenham Stud for fillies looked a quality event. Volume, third to Cloudscape and subsequent Sandown winner Windshear at Newmarket, made all under a confident ride from Richard Hughes, who saved plenty up his sleeve. Lahinch Classics for Ireland was her nearest pursuer. Newmarket maiden winner Hadaatha travelled into the race but lugged left when it mattered, forfeiting her chance. You could put it down to greenness, but, notably weak in the market, it could be she is not straightforward. Inchila was a close fourth. Only small, she lacks scope.

Clouds Rest flashed out of the gates to make all in the Class 3 conditions stakes. A Beverley winner, she was too sharp for her rivals. The Sir Percy debutant, Persun finished best of a tight bunch for second. Spirit Of Xian was inches away, ahead of Expensive Date who took an age to load but came back in promising style. This was not the strongest event of its type.

Arab Dawn took the eye at when winning at Goodwood last time and continued his progression in a strong Class 4 three-year-old handicap. Personal Opinion did not get the run of the race in second but the winner had a little left in the locker. Notarised and Raven Ridge added substance in third and fourth.

On a day that belonged to Richard Hughes, Musical Comedy made it four when nursed home in the listed. He was always in the right place and struck inside the last furlong to hold Naadirr. No excuses are forwarded for Mushir who was a strong second in the Free Handicap. He was always struggling from two lengths off the pace. It could be he wants to return to seven or maybe, considering he had a 3lbs penalty, this is pretty much as good as he is.

York: Speedy two-year-old fillies lined up for the listed race that opened the card. Patience Alexander, a nine-length winner at Wolverhampton, eventually wore down dual-winner Tiggy Wiggy. The winner is a natural for the Queen Mary. Kodiac was responsible for the first two. Eventual favourite Zuhoor Baynoona stepped up on her Yarmouth debut in third. In fourth and fifth, Appleberry and Don’t Tell Annie want noting. Both won their maidens on stiff tracks and, although not slow, were unable to go the early pace here. They stayed on strongly doing their best work in the closing stages and can be expected to recover the winning thread in the right event over six furlongs.

With a Hardwicke entry, the course whisper was that the Monsun colt Arab Spring was a Group horse in a handicap in the Class 2. Rated 96 after winning his maiden at Kempton and a handicap at Doncaster this year, he represented Sir Michael Stoute who won the event last year with Sir John Hawkwood. Although racing from a high enough mark (up eleven pounds from last time), Arab Spring was taking on decent but exposed opponents. To be fair beating handicappers of their nature is never easy for horses with limited experience (this was only his fourth racecourse experience). A fluent mover that travelled strongly throughout, Arab Spring found plenty once he hit the front. Athletic and neat, he is very likeable and can continue to progress, although life will get harder for him from here on. Reading between the lines it would appear his non-committal trainer favours one of the big Royal Ascot handicaps.

Gospel Choir emphasised what a versatile campaigner he is when winning the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup. Having shown speed over nine furlongs on debut before claiming a couple of notable scalps in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket over twelve furlongs, he took a further step up in trip of two furlongs in his stride, although he was helped by a slow pace and drying ground. A mile-and-a-half may be his best trip. A splendid example of Galileo but out of a Pivotal mare, he is not bred to stay this far but, eased into the lead over a furlong out, he found plenty when challenged – and challenge him they did! Ryan Moore gave him the perfect ride. One of his many attributes is that he gives horses time to respond without immediate recourse to the whip. He had a very willing partner here. With a 4lbs penalty, Tac De Boistron has run a mighty race in second and his advance towards the Ascot Gold Cup continues. Tiger Cliff was close up in third. After a slow early gallop, in behind plenty took the eye. Ahzeemah, Camborne and Seal Of Approval were the chief protagonists to give connections encouragement for the future.

Lustrous made all to land the listed event although she may have been fortunate to an extent as the runner-up, Radiator, failed to advance her claims when tanking early. She has done well physically since last season and if this was a one-off should make amends.

The Class 3 handicap over five furlongs was all about Newcastle winner, G Force who won in impressive fashion. Well backed, they knew what they were doing as he found a change of gear from some way back to make up a lot of ground, not easy to do over the sudden death distance. A mark of 87 was fair enough beforehand but he made a mockery of it. He will stay six no problem (it might improve him judging by the way he was powering clear in the closing stages) and looks destined for better things.

Newmarket: Juventas put her experience to good use when winning the juvenile Class 4 maiden for fillies. By Sixties Icon, this sixth furlong was of benefit. Dutch Party was an always prominent second ahead of Rose Of Kiev. In fourth, Ski Slope made up a lot of ground in the last furlong on her debut and should know more next time.

Outlaw Country put up a fine debut against experienced rivals after missing the break in the novice stakes. Honours were shared between Dougal and Justice Good.

Groundbreaking might be all right although his win in the Class 3 handicap should not be taken too literally. He looks a sulky sort and did win first time last year before failing to progress. There was a ground excuse in October but he will need to defy a hefty hike in the handicap to win again.

May 15th:

Salisbury Results
There were no real stars on show in the opening Class 5 maiden for juveniles. That is to say with the exception of Richard Hughes, who timed his run to perfection on Beacon to claim Windsor runner-up Fine Prince close home. With 66/1 shot Amber Crystal (who had showed nothing at Kempton on only outing) in third, one has to question the worth of the race. Beacon did win cosily but will need to be significantly better than the bare form to make an impact at a better level.

The Class 4 handicap, confined to three-year-old fillies over ten furlongs, placed an emphasis on stamina as several participants were not stoutly bred. Richard Hughes struck once again when delivering the Rock Of Gibraltar filly Crystal Nymph late from a slow pace. The filly was breaking her maiden from a mark of 72, mugging Melrose Abbey close home. The runner-up will stay further but not in a hurry. She has a rounded action and will always need cut. Pace-setter Rosehill Artist kept on for third, although it is far from certain she will stay this trip in a truly run event. For those with a forgiving nature, Surcingle did race on three shoes so can possibly be accorded another chance.

There was a time when some in the Hannon camp would have nominated War Spirit as their possible Guineas candidate. Water and bridge have seen plenty of each other since; War Spirit has been gelded and, from a mark of 70 was unable to make the most of a perfect pitch in the Class 5 handicap. He travels well but did not give his rider a lot of help. Brighton winner Issemist and Suitsus were the two to beat him.

The well-bred Hidden Gold got off the mark at the first time of asking in her maiden. With another high-profile newcomer in Too The Stars unplaced, this average to moderate event looked better on paper than it did in real time.
The second division featured more of the same with debutants Sultanina and Desert Snow finishing first and second. They will be worth more at the paddocks than on the racecourse.

York Results
On a day when all eyes were on the three-year-old colts in the Dante, older fillies and mares got their chance in the Group 2 Middleton Stakes over the same trip.
Second to Dalkala in this last year, Ambivalent, third to Gentildonna in the Sheema Classic in March, made the running until headed by Secret Gesture over a furlong out. There was a time when that would have been her cue to withdraw, but she resolutely fought back to finish nicely on top. She has turned into a pretty good mare.

Odeliz upheld the Newmarket form of Esoterique (beaten six lengths in the Dahlia) in third. Mango Diva was always in rear until making some headway for fourth, ahead of the penalised The Lark, who appeared to blow up in the last furlong. Thistle Bird faded tamely under a tender ride.

The Grey Gatsby’s Dante win has boosted even further the claims of Australia for the Derby. Beaten six lengths in the Guineas, his win here says it all. It is hard to nominate anything that finished behind him as having any sort of chance in the Derby. Despite a tendency to drift right (there was an inquiry) The Grey Gatsby is an honest sort who always runs with credit in this company, having finished second in the Craven this year and the Champagne at two. This is as far as he wants to go. He may take up an engagement in the French Derby over this trip. Easy Windsor maiden winner Arod was second and is expected to improve considerably for this, only his third run. Like the winner (although it is not as cut and dried) there has to be a slight stamina doubt. Impressive at Newmarket, True Story was uneasy beforehand and never travelled that well. There was a point down the straight when it appeared as if he would take a hand, but essentially he lacks a turn of foot. Putting a brave face on this reversal, connections consider the Derby trip will bring out the best in him. Excuses at this level are expensive; a place is the best they can dream of.

Last year’s winner Navajo Chief, benefitting from a masterly Fallon ride, repeated the dose in the Listed Hambleton Handicap. Fort Bastion looked to have the race in the bag inside the last furlong but the winner and his jockey were determined. Prince Of Johanne scraped into third ahead of one of a clutch of monkeys in Tales Of Grimm, who wanted no part in proceedings until running on late. Biggest villain of the piece was Fury. Even from such a tempting mark, his backers knew what they were getting into. Handily placed and given every chance, when the going got tough he backed off pretty quickly.

Shamshon carried his penalty to a cosy success in the conditions stakes. It is tempting to consider five is his trip although Dettori seems to feel six is his optimum. Time will tell. Either way he joins a growing band of decent second-season sprinters. One Chance and Eccleston were next. Third in the Middle Park last year – form that Astaire flagged up as strong to such an extent yesterday – Justice Day should have done better than finishing a remote fourth.

The first juvenile six furlong event of the season was the Class 3 maiden – yes, it’s that time of year already; it will soon be the Coventry! The extra furlong made all the difference to the result – a result that may not play any part in Royal Ascot proceedings. Bossy Guest edged ahead near the finish from Mister Universe, who should be winning soon. Silver Ranger covers a lot of ground with his stride and stuck on in third. Again, he is a winner waiting to happen. Gaudy ran with promise in fourth. It is tempting to conclude this was a nice collection and that those remaining maidens should rectify that if not asked to fly too high too soon.

May 14th: York: On drying ground (the time was at variance with the official description of soft with good patches), bumper/hurdles and Flat maiden winner Clever Cookie won the competitive Class 2 handicap from a mark of 88. He came from a good way back to negate a wide draw. Last week’s Chester winner was second, ahead of Awake My Soul and Pasaka Boy. Being honest not many of these held secrets from the handicapper. That said Rye House may be capable of improvement. Looking ring-rusty he was angled for a run over a furlong out that shut in his face. A big unit, he picked up again without looking likely to recover. Silvery Moon and Lahaag are others that have run better than their places suggest.

Money for Aetna, from the ultra-sharp Mick Easterby stable, was not misplaced in the Class 2 handicap. She finished strongly, denying the in-form Baccarat who travelled well for most of the trip. Apparently easy ground brings out the best in her. According to her ebullient trainer she will always be hard to beat at this level when conditions are in her favour so there may be another handicap in her. After a tame second season, Blaine, now gelded and with a good record at York, was the last to challenge and was close up in third. Fast Shot was fourth. Despite the numbers this was a race that went pretty much as expected. Not for the first time Yeeoow checked out quickly. He does seem to find it difficult to get his head in front and rarely runs two races alike.

Once-raced Madame Chiang – a winner at Yarmouth in October last year – battled on under a determined ride to land the Group 3 Musidora. A big filly by Archipenko that handles ease in the ground, she has done well since last season but it is questionable whether this represents Oaks form. However, she is scopey enough to come on again but ground could be the key to her. Lily Rules chased her home in second, ahead of Regardez and maiden Nancy From Nairobi. A keen and reluctant-looking Queen Of Ice (ran as if in season) was fifth. Of the rest, Shama made the running but would not have been suited by the ground. Cambridge is not there yet. A fine big filly, she needs more time. The impression left was that as a field, these could all beat each other in turn.

Four came clear in the Group 2 Duke Of York, ultimately dominated by the penalised Group 1 winners, Maarek and Astaire. Time and again, the Prix l’abbaye winner Maarek will take advantage of any chinks in his opponents’ armour. On this sort of ground he is always a serious player. His strength was decisive in the closing stages as he mowed down the three-year-old Astaire who has run a stormer returned to sprinting. Statistically this was almost mission impossible for Astaire but, prominent throughout, he almost pulled it off. This augurs well for the remainder of the season. Unlike the winner, he is not ground dependent and he should grab a major prize. Es Que Love and Mass Rally were next of the bunch of four that broke away. There was a surprisingly long break back to Hawkeyethenoo in fifth. Nothing else deserves a mention, although, in particular, Jack Dexter was a major disappointment.

They have bided their time with That Is The Spirit who was an impressive winner at Doncaster in March. Once again, on ground with cut, he was prominent throughout in the Class 3 handicap and was soon in control, smashing a mark of 90 in the process. He travels nicely and is smart enough to keep himself out of trouble in these sorts of events. Shot In The Sun was a decent second. Idea took the eye in behind. Tenderly-ridden on only his second actual race in public (unseated rider on debut), he can do better and should not be pressed to win from his present mark of 79. Provident Spirit (second to the winner at Doncaster) was all over the place from his disadvantageous low draw.

Only five turned up for the Class 3 novice stakes, which did not look a strong event. Inexperienced on debut at Newcastle, Mignolino knew more today, getting the better of disappointing favourite Captain Colby a furlong out and then holding Abscent Friends. Outpaced early, Winstanley made good headway to take third. A step up to six furlongs should suit and help him get off the mark.

10th May: Lingfield: A big day for the track with the running of the Derby and Oaks trials. Fillies first, and Windsor winner Honor Bound beat many better fancied opponents to cause something of a surprise. By Authorized, she has handled easy ground well to nut an unfortunate Criteria virtually on the line. This was Criteria’s best effort. Clearly the trip was no problem – the ground was probably not ideal for her but she battled willingly. Momentus was third, ahead of Sandown winner and stable mate of the winner, Kallisha. Trying to land a Listed event with an established maiden filly is never that straightforward, and despite the figures, Casual Smile (in front of Criteria at Newmarket last season) was squeezed out down the straight but was already giving out negative signals. Queen’s Prize pulled much too hard early and predictably paid the penalty.

Snow Sky (second to Western Hymn at Newbury) won the colts’ trial, looking as if this step up to just short of a mile-and-a-half brought about improvement. It would be a surprise if Snow Sky is good enough to enter the Derby picture after this but the win clearly provides a boost for his Newbury conqueror. Distressed after Epsom when behind Our Channel last time, Hartnell returned to something like his best in second. He did not handle the track that well and was staying on at the finish. On a similar surface he could make his mark later in the season in distance events. In third, Sudden Wonder probably stayed this trip but may be better at shorter. Blue Hussar picked up ground from a long way back in fourth. On only his second start, this has to go down as a promising effort. Red Galileo is looking either slow or disinterested, or possibly both. Munjaz took an early tug and was well beaten. Mekong River also failed to fire.

Ascot: We got a master class from Frankie Dettori in the Listed Buckhounds Stakes. He squeezed and cajoled home Gatewood, who was winning for the first time since returning from Australia where he so often battled against unsuitably firm ground. There were no such worries here on a rain-softened surface. Gatewood has been labelled an under-achiever and a confident-inducing ride brought his best to the fore. The penalty beat Pether’s Moon, who had run so well at Newmarket last week behind Gospel Choir. Elidor ran above himself in third. Harris Tweed is not firing on all cylinders as yet.

Amulet, a filly with a proven record on soft ground, made all to win the fillies’ handicap from a mark of 84. Behind Be My Gal at Goodwood last time; although not to be taken literally, her win has paid the winner from that day a compliment. Ribbons stalked the winner but despite coming there strongly, only got going too late. By Manduro, it is stating the obvious to say ten furlongs should suit her better.

Despite finishing second, in what was probably only an ordinary contest, Mubtaghaa just about came out best in the two-year-old event won by Moonraker. The winner had the perfect run and was clear a furlong out, but his stride shortened in the final 100 yards allowing the runner-up and Winslow to cut back his lead.

Having travelled like the winner for a long way, Chatez was narrowly foiled at Haydock by the shock winner Red Stargazer in the Class 3 handicap. They should find something for Showpiece before long, although the jury is out as to his trip. Having looked a seven furlong horse, he did finish strongly over this mile. Newbury winner Matalleb can be forgiven this run. Not beaten that far, his pedigree and action suggests he will always be more effective on a better surface.

May 9th:

Chester Results
Two years ago as a two-year-old, Here Comes When was touted as a horse with classic pretensions. Plenty has happened since. Gelded after his last outing in the Jersey at Royal Ascot; a course winner here, he scooted away with the Class 2 handicap from a mark of 95. Visually attractive in success; although he carries his head at an angle and may not be straightforward, he emphasised the current form of his yard and now faces a hike in the weights. On only his third outing, and on ground probably too soft, Abseil kept on for second and of the two may be the better prospect next time.

Having already demonstrated an ability to handle soft ground, Kingfisher finished off strongly to grab the Dee Stakes. This is not his ideal surface but he does cope with it. He outstayed the penalised Bow Creek to finish nicely on top. Somewhat, also with a penalty, and Century, stable mate of the winner, both stayed on. Century will appreciate a faster surface and could pop up in something at Royal Ascot.

Only four turned up for the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes. Four became two from some way out, when it was a long way home for highest rated Hillstar on ground he doesn’t like. Hard though he and Ryan Moore tried, they could not get to the powerhouse that is Brown Panther. Hillstar probably stayed the trip but he will always be more effective on good (not firm) ground. The winner will now be aimed at the Ascot Gold Cup.

May 8th: Chester: The Group 3 went to Noble Mission, who put back-to-back wins on his score card, once again making all the running. As at Sandown, he kept galloping despite a challenge from Telescope, who was the only credible danger from some way out. All we can conclude is that soft ground and front-running tactics seem to suit Noble Mission, who kept on resolutely. As for Telescope, this tight track and trip was not guaranteed to suit. He has bettered his Sandown run, but not by much and those banking on him realising hopes once held will be hoping a step up in trip will bring about improvement. Last year’s winner Dandana was a distant third in this better field. Ektihaam, already a horse with a chequered career, pulled hard and was soon a spent force. The market told its story and he looks like one to be wary of.

Orchestra claimed the Chester Vase in similar fashion to Ruler Of The World last year. A real eye-catcher by Galileo, he won despite looking slightly awkward on the track. Although pressed to the line by Romsdal – who very nearly stole the race – Orchestra left the impression he was the best in show. He has done well since last year and there is more to come. Scotland ran slightly better than at Newbury but was a remote third. Seagull Star headed the rest in a fair renewal.

Ryan Moore was brilliant on a reluctant Ballymore Castle in the two-year-old event that was run in a rainstorm. Close proximity with a filly accounted for the horse becoming stirred up in the paddock. In the race it appeared he was outpaced and going nowhere until Moore plotted a course one off the outside and drove him up, eventually winning with something in hand. He was entitled to beat London Life and Hell Of A Lord on form so has hardly set the form book alight. The win was all about the jockey.

May 7th: Chester: Despite a 9lbs weight disadvantage with a disappointing Cheerio Sweetie and a wide draw, Mukhmal shrugged off such adversity to defy the market in the Lily Agnes. Fast away, he was too strong for Roudee and Charlie’s Star, who ran better than at Newbury and looks ready for six.

Rain got in pretty quickly and stamina was very much the order in the Cheshire Oaks. Anipa made just about all from Secret Pursuit. In third Bright Approach (whose form was franked on Saturday by Be My Gal), stayed on, leaving the impression she could be the best filly in the field. This was only her second race and she did well considering this represented a rise in class from her Newbury maiden and crucially was found to be coming into season after the event. The Ribblesdale is her next objective. Psychometry was a never nearer fourth, but hers was a satisfactory return. Terrific is probably better than her finishing position but it is stretching the imagination to perceive her as an Oaks contender. Brown Diamond probably failed to stay but her habit of starting slowly and then giving her jockey no assistance makes her an undesirable proposition.

Suegioo won a drama-filled Chester Cup at his first attempt over an extreme trip. Dashed to the front from right out the back, Angel Gabrial threatened to take out the winner when veering right a furlong out when clear. Communicator stayed on for third, ahead of Mubaraza, who, not for the first time, travelled strongly without finding too much.

The best we could have said for Sir Maximilian before the class 2 sprint handicap was that he runs well fresh and handles cut. He picked up the trailblazing duo of Caspian Prince and Ballista.

A babyish and staying-on fifth in the Wood Ditton, Prince Of Stars looked as if the penny is dropping when running out an easy winner of his maiden. His opponents were moderate but he is potentially much better.

Swan Song, Masamah and Trinityelitedotcom, the front three throughout, took the sprint condition event by the throat from the start and dominated. Swan Song picked up Masamah inside the last furlong. Lucky Beggar could never go the pace but was free on his way to the start in any case.

Storm Force Ten continued the good run of the Andrew Balding yard with a narrow win in the Class 3 handicap from a mark of 79. Captain Morley and Swivel filled the places in an ordinary handicap.

May 4th: Newmarket: A tough looking Class 2 handicap ended up being all about Mighty Yar, who had lost his unbeaten record in the listed Further Flight at Nottingham in the soft over 1m 6f last time. According to his jockey (the admirable Ryan Moore) he was struggling to an extent on the quickening ground today, but found his stride up the hill. Confidently handled he got up close home. A mark of 89 will be revised to something in the low-to-middle nineties, which should not preclude further success. By Teofilo, 1m 4f may be his trip for now, although something like the Ebor could be on the agenda. He also holds an engagement in the Hardwicke but plenty of improvement is required before he could be seriously considered for that. Miss Marjurie and Amrullah were next to finish ahead of Rosebery winner Salutation.

In a close scrap for the Group 3 Dahlia Stakes, Integral went down with all guns blazing to Esoterique. To an extent Integral compromised her chances by getting fretful and warm beforehand. Once launched, she finished very strongly. Fancied to open her account for the season, this was a fair enough reappearance and one that suggests she will make her mark in similar events later in the year.

Last year’s Oh So Sharp Stakes supplied all the answers to the 1000 Guineas. But for a dubious reappearance at Maisons-Lafitte in the Imprudence, Miss France, winter favourite for this, would have been a warmer order but her attitude that day did not please everyone when she pulled too hard and looked recalcitrant. She was a different filly today, roaring up a hill she is familiar with to withstand Lightning Thunder. A strong daughter of Dansili that was always prominent, her trainer is adamant she will stay further and the Prix Diane is likely to be her next assignment. Lightning Thunder had gone over the edge on her last run of the 2013 season but returned with renewed vigour here. Best fresh, a filly with plenty of depth, she almost stole the race and should be primed for a lucrative season; although, of course, she will be contesting all the best races. Dual Meydan winner, Ihtimal put up her best performance in third. Allowing for the fact she was match-fit it could be we should not expect any further improvement. Pace-setting Manderley (fifth in the Fred Darling) proved a revelation in holding on for fourth. Euro Charline reversed Nell Gwyn form with Sandiva in fifth ahead of Majeyda, another to figure prominently from the same event. Rizeena looked very well but could not confirm juvenile form with Ihtimal in seventh. Vorda proved she stayed but, although ahead of Miss France at Maisons-Lafitte, was unable to beat her today. Joyeuse was not ideally placed at the rear considering the early pace was not fierce, but she did finish to a degree, running out of puff in the last furlong. It could be she has not quite seen out the trip. Tapestry lost her action at halfway and appears to have sustained some sort of setback.

As the only filly, Elite Gardens deserves credit for holding the colts in the juvenile event. She became Godolphin’s first two-year-old winner of the season, responding to Fallon’s urgings as Aktabantay staged a late lunge. Symbolic Star was third in a race that should throw up the odd winner.

It’s been a tough weekend for the message men. Taghrooda redressed the precarious balance to a degree when winning the Pretty Polly. By Sea The Stars (who could be one of the stallions of the year) out of Ezima, on ground considered by her trainer to be firming up to the tune it could be against her, Taghrooda eased clear of only fair opposition to win impressively. She is now favourite for the Oaks have skittled Jordan Princess and Sound Reflection.

Zee Zeely may have been fortunate to win the Class 2 handicap, although he is currently fairly treated from a mark of 79. The articulated truck that is Miner’s Lamp did particularly well to stage a last furlong challenge considering he pulled much too hard early and refused to settle. Despite a steadier of 95, he has plenty of scope if only he can learn to pull himself together.

May 3rd:

Newmarket Results
Niceofyoutotellme kicked off the Guineas meeting with victory in the Class 2 handicap. Best when fresh, a horse with dodgy feet but that likes Newmarket, he held on in the face of a late challenge from Ajmany. Always well thought of but lightly raced, Ajmany should win something decent before long if standing training. Bold Sniper was coming back in trip and made up a lot of ground to challenge inside the last furlong. Trumpet Major travelled like the winner from the dip; either his weight (rated 106) or the trip found him out as he failed to find what was expected in the last hundred yards. To give him the benefit of the doubt maybe nine furlongs was too far, but he has disappointed in the past and is not one to plan a holiday over. Farraaj was another to carry a big weight with distinction in a handicap worthy of its status.

On drying ground, after two spins at Meydan, tough warhorse Sole Power claimed the Group 3 Palace House – a race he won last year. Once hitting the rising ground his finishing kick was decisive. Kingsgate Native was a narrow second, ahead of pacesetting Hot Streak, who has performed well for a three-year-old against such experienced rivals. Pearl Secret never looked happy on this ground – he needs cut.

After a run that oozed promise over nine furlongs at the Craven meeting, returned to a more suitable trip in the Group 2 Jockey Club, we saw Gospel Choir at his best. This was a canny piece of training and his handler can conjure yet more from this highly likeable son of Galileo who may be Group 1 bound. In second, Pether’s Moon was another to produce a personal best. 10lbs clear in the ratings, Trading Leather was a warm order but failed to relax and consequently found little at the business end. Yet to win first time out, he may do better next time but his reputation is built on his three-year-old career. He now faces opposition that threatens to be much better than those he battled with last season. It could be a long year for him. In fifth, hindsight suggests they were plenty quick enough to contest such a level with Brass Ring. His was a decent enough run but unfortunately a mark of 98 will surely be sacrificed now, thus precluding high-profile handicaps.

Night Of Thunder, the horse that burnt fingers at Newbury when comprehensively beaten by Kingman, gained spectacular revenge in the 2000 Guineas. Despite swerving across the track he was too good for Kingman today, who may not have been quite so effective over a mile. Take out the winner and the right horses all filled the places in this first classic of the season. Night Of Thunder, unbeaten before Newbury, may be a very good horse; there seems no logical reason to crab his win – it was merely a surprise! Australia came out best of those on the stands’ side, producing a mighty effort in third considering his relative inexperience. Obviously the Derby looks a credible target. Free Handicap winner Shifting Power ran a big race in fourth. Charm Spirit, Toormore (jockey claims the horse ran flat but that remains to be seen – he was only beaten four lengths), War Command and The Grey Gatsby all appear to have run well enough from this viewpoint. Those that are in a rush to extract Australia from the race for Epsom might like to have a look at the run of Kingston Hill. Outpaced early he was staying on strongly over the last furlong. The fact he has yet to find his feet at home has been well documented and there is every chance this run will pull him together.

The handicap won by Nova Champ did not look that strong. He made all in first time cheek pieces, but will not be allowed so much rope next time and off a revised mark.

A very good looking field lined up for the Listed event, ultimately dominated by one-time classic prospect Barley Mow. Making all, this son of Zamindar seemed to thrive over this trip of ten furlongs. After a couple of indifferent efforts this season, perhaps this trip is the making of him. He is a fine-looking specimen. Beaten in a decent maiden at Newbury, Mutakayyef almost snatched victory and was not helped by receiving two bumps at the business end. Again, this trip has brought out the best in this son of Sea The Stars. Although he looks a handful, Pinzolo held on to third ahead of Postponed. After such a promising run in the Craven it was disappointing Postponed could only manage fourth. This trip was in his favour but, to be frank, he looked a trifle one-paced. On the back of a strong handicap here last time, Cloudscape was put in his place in this better company. It would appear after an early season rampage the Gosden yard is now finding a more realistic level.

Hors De Combat was a ready winner of the concluding handicap. Tackling a mile for the first time seemed to suit. He travelled strongly and produced a decent turn of foot. This looked a decent race. Born In Bombay, who has fancy entries, looks like a well handicapped horse that can win something decent before too long. Not for the first time Golden Town proved to be his own worst enemy. He again failed to keep a straight course and needs to sort out his attitude if he is to realise his potential.

A massive £1,392.00.

From: Mr J E P, North Yorkshire,

Dear Bob,

Over the last weeks, since joining you and betting “Level Stakes” have not made the amounts as outlined in your weekly report. This is basically due to the small betting bank I have as a 79 year old pensioner.

However, Saturday results proved to be the best returns I have ever had. I decided to try a “lucky 15” and as all four came good my £2.00 x 15 = £30.00 returned a massive £1,392.00.

The odds of 9/2, 9/2, 3/1 and evens obtained with William Hills did the business.

Can we have some more please!!!

Kindest Regards

P.s Just think what £150 would have done?

Results: What Clients Say …

“…the best thing I have ever been involved in…” (G.U Dorset)

Making money from our tipping service is possible with only a small investment – the numbers speak for themselves, and lots of people are making good money from following my advice.

This is your chance to make some real money from what is a simple service. And the best part is, you have absolutely nothing to risk by responding to my invitation today, as you’re fully covered by my no-risk money-back guarantee.

Still not sure? Look at what my clients say and imagine how you would feel if you won more than £300 from your very first investment in our service.

Saturday Dec 6th

A stunning day … a couple of text mesages just in! ….

Hi Bob,

Fabulous day. Even though I missed the each way double on Fabula and Three Ducks I cleared £2069 for the day using your recommendations and also putting several in each way cross doubles (my favourite bookie buster)

I only use £20 each way cross doubles so there is no real damage if they dont work but they pay handsomely when they do!

Regards

Richard

---

A grand each way between 11/2 and 9/2 then price collapsed.

A £12,000 day, pays for our holiday!

Laurie

---

What  a day! well done

Laurie

---

Hi Bob

Got the first leg, made £3,000 then decided not to blow 4 grand on the second leg and settled for a £1,500 win bet. Happy with that! Top Tipping!

Laurie

---

U da man!

thxx

Moens

---

I just had to put up this wonderful letter I received from Mat … You can imagine how it made me smile because I love to hear any story about my clients winning money off the greedy bookies! Like all my letters it’s 100% genuine and a copy is kept on file which can be inspected by appointment.

Yes it’s true he joined me on a good week  (halfway through week 25) and it always helps when you start with a flyer and have the bookies money in your pocket from the word go. Maybe he wouldn’t have been so delighted if he’d started during one of our occasional bad weeks so I’m pleased he got off to a good start.

Obviously I always want us to have a winning week but we have to be realistic and appreciate that we don’t always win. But we’ve had more good weeks than bad weeks and clients who stayed with me for the long term have had the opportunity to enjoy some spectacular profits. Over the first 25 weeks we’ve had 20 winning weeks and 5 losing weeks. But every month has shown a profit and to date we are up over £200,000 to £100 per point stakes!

And although Mat hasn’t bet before he’s certainly not inexperienced in the business of life. I discovered after asking him for permission to use his letter that he’s already a successful businessman looking for an extra edge (you can see from his letter he has pretty good marketing skills) so I imagine he can spot a good deal when he sees one!

I hope you enjoy reading his letter as much as I did, sadly  the limitations of the text formatting of this website doesn’t do it justice and it looks even better in its orginal format!

Regards Bob

---

30th Nov

Bob,

Thanks for reply.

Of course you can use my comments in marketing your service – would expect you to.

I own a couple of small supermarkets and so work the usual 70 hour week – a bit like you by the looks of things.

Always looking for an ‘entreprenerial opportunity’ and this has to be it!!!

Thanks for the info re: stakes – I do have available 1000 points at £20 pt but trying to keep feet on ground is difficult!!

Impatiently want to get to the next tier asap but will probably wait until bank can last a few weeks of losses

You dont know next weeks lotto numbers do you????

Best wishes

Matt

---

I have over £2000 in the pot now AFTER PLAYING WITH SOMEONE ELSES MONEY FOR A WEEK!!!!!

28th Nov 08

Dear Bob,

I am writing to congratulate you on what has been an amazing first week with your company – and all on a free trial!!

I joined your membership last Thursday with a small bank – only a few hundred pounds in the pot – ‘Just in case’!!!!!

I have never bet before and didn’t even really understand the betting exchanges but after joining a few got the hand of them quite quickly.

I had previously tried two other ‘foolproof’ systems – one that wasn’t worth the money it was printed on, and the other a trial with a computer program that ‘calculates winners’ 50% of the time.  – Of course they do!.

I rang your office on Wed 19th Nov and was met with a confident, clear and well spoken lady called Kerri who explained everything – I was sold by the end of the conversation and so using my FREE TRIAL I joined asap.

BY FRIDAY I WAS IN PROFIT!!!

I have been in profit almost everyday and I only started betting £5 a point.

By Monday 24th Nov I had increased my stake to £10 a point as I had become so confident in your system – I have over £2000 in the pot now AFTER PLAYING WITH SOMEONE ELSES MONEY FOR A WEEK!!!!!

Today Friday 28th Nov has been another cracker, your first tip won easily, so did the second, the third was in a winning position but lost and the fourth won!

ALL ON A FREE TRIAL!!!

Two of my best returns were ISSAQUAH which won a clear £625 and DOCTOR DAVID today cleared £350.

Such is my luck that I even backed SNOOPY LOOPY last sat AGAINST KAUTO STAR and it won at 40-1 although this was pure luck and not a sensible bet!

I like your system for many reasons:

• It is clear and simple
• It follows a clear staking plan that anyone can follow and is fully proven over 6 months – the results prove that
• You certainly have some seriously accurate background on each runner as even the losers ONLY JUST LOSE!!
• You seem just as excited to win as we are
• I like the £1 point scheme as it shows confidence in your own service

To summarise:

In depth weekly reports

Super service and support

Spectacular resultsAmazing win/loss ratio

Quietly confident bets placed

Unusually high return

A very pleasing trial run

Happy happy happy

Bob one final comment    NO BRAINER

PS Please don’t retire just yet!!!!

Best Wishes

Mat

---

Letter from a Founder Member

Another wonderful letter received from another  delighted client. Alan is one of the founder members of this Service and by contrast to Mat above the day he joined we didn’t have any winners, ouch!  (we had two placed horses which we bet each way)  … and the next day not a single winner again! double ouch!  (although 4 of the 5 bets were placed and we showed a tiny profit after betting them each way)

Alan was clearly a man with an abundance of stamina and vision and was able to see that the selections were sound … and I’m delighted he’s been a member of the team ever since. The accumulated profit to £100 per point has climbed from £14,862.50 at the end of that week to an astonishing £200,000+ today!

A you read Alans colourful narrative you’ll appreciate that betting Professionally isn’t easy! And when he talks about being in awkward places as a plumber I know exactly what he means having had to crawl under floorboards when helping out my uncle (a builder) whilst  refurbishing this house! It isn’t easy to get back out or answer your phone in a hurry I can tell you! You have to be on call at a moment’s notice and the hardest part of the “job” is often getting on at the best prices!

Sadly todays bookmakers are not lihe bookie of old when men like the original Willam Hill founded the bookmaking firm in 1934  and they would stand bets of £50,000.  I have no idea what the equivalent bet would be today but it’s a huge amnount of money,  probably more like £500,000! … shameful when you discover how hard it can be to get a few thousand on today. Even bets in hundreds can get knocked back when the bookies discover you are shrewd and taking them to the cleaners!

---

your service …

 far exceeds any other tipping service I’ve used

November 28th 2008

Dear Bob

My comments on your excellent service.

I have been with you since Friday June 13th.  I run your service like a business and probably spend around an hour and a half in the evenings typing all the information of that days racing onto my computer.  I just have four betting accounts at the moment, although I plan to open another one when funds allow and, when my wife whinges about the amount of time I spend in my study, I pacify her with one of those crisp £50 notes the bookies have so generously donated!

I have lost in the region of £20.000 in the last 3 years by joining tipsters and betting and had given up betting for 6 months before your missive arrived in the post and with two weeks free trial and a very reasonable subscription decided to give it a go, as they say.

I work as a plumber and very often find myself grovelling around in a confined space covered in the unmentionable when the phone starts bleeping (I have two phones – one is exclusive for your texts) and I then have to extricate myself as quickly as possible, run down to the van, check the meeting and the time together with the horses number (cos in your haste sometimes all is not as it seems!) and phone the bookies while an astonished home owner is staring at me mesmerised.

One aspect of your service I particularly like is a text after the race saying the horse won or in your parlance – bolted up.  As I am working and not prepared to use a mobile to access the results it brings a smile to my face and makes the day a whole lot more enjoyable.

As to winnings: my wife and I were staying with her brother and his wife down in Cornwall in September.  On the day we drove down, Thursday 11th September you gave out 5 bets, 2 wins and a 2nd and for the 5 days we were there you gave out a further 8 winners, needless to say we were all pretty amazed.  If that wasn’t fortunate enough on Friday 22nd August we drove up to Canterbury for my sister’s wedding.  As far as I was concerned I had taken the weekend off so on that Friday and the day of the wedding Saturday I ignored all texts.  On Sunday when we got home I then checked all the bets I’d ignored – second sight or what?

Best bets?  On Friday 1st August my wife and I were sitting outside a café in the Lanes in Brighton.  I had just been to the scrap metal merchants in Brighton to get rid of all my old scrap copper, brass and copper cylinders (scrap copper on that day was £2500 a ton) I trousered £250.00 and was well pleased.  2 hours later outside the café in warm sunshine drinking a coffee, I was playing with my mobile phone wondering whether it still worked because there had been no bets the previous day.  Suddenly you sent a text through for a 50 point win on War Native.  I jumped out of the seat and ran as fast as I could to the William Hill shop in Duke Street and put the whole lot on at Evens.  I wasn’t so lucky when I phoned Ladbrokes, they had already cut the price.  Later on we visited my stepmother and were deciding on who would go for the fish and chips when you sent a text through saying War Native had won.  PRICELESS.

Brighton again.  1st Sunday in November – The London to Brighton veteran car run.  Driven down in the E-Type (12 MPG!) standing outside a shop while the dear girl was inside (I hate shopping) text message comes through from you Shoreacres @11/4.  Ladbrokes shop was 40 yards away.  £60 e/w came out, phoned Bet 365 and Ladbrokes and had a splendid day.  Checked results at home – SPLENDID day.  It’s moments like this that I remember.  Priceless.

Apart from visiting bookmakers when I’m able and not working all my betting is done over the phone to increase my bank.  I’m not at this stage taking anything out, I just want to increase my betting bank so that every now and again as funds grow, I can increase my stakes.

As far as your service is concerned it far exceeds any other tipping service I’ve used including *****  where the long losing runs are demoralizing.  And therein lies the problem – I have to keep reminding myself that you are a professional gambler NOT a tipster.

I would rate your service 10 out of 10 and my only concern is that the monthly subscription will rise.

Criticism:  Out of your hands – mobile phone masts.  My service provider  for my mobile for the last 7/8 years has been 02.  On joining your service I missed an awful lot of bets so I kept 02 as I’m on contract and obtained a Vodafone sim card.  Unfortunately I work in some pretty obscure locations and often can’t get a signal.  I phoned your office to swap the number from 02 to Vodafone so that I had a dedicated phone for your texts but because of poor coverage in some areas the messages sometimes come through an hour AFTER the race has been run.  Any chance you could send the text to both phones?  I realise that someone would immediately think there’s a dodge and two people are getting the texts for one subscription.  They would be sooooooo wrong.  I’m honest.  Vodafone – the one you send the texts to 07*** ****50

02 – the previous number registered with you 07*** ****12

Well there we have it.  I hope this has answered some if not all of your questions.

Regards

Alan S******

*(note from Bob, I’ve deleted references to other tipping organisations because I don’t think it would be fair  for me to bad mouth my competition, though I appreciate Alan’s comments and know where he’s coming from)

Wednesday 26th Nov 11.04 pm

One of the best parts of my “job” is the feedback I get from clients. Here’s an email I opened this evening from Gary, and thought I’d share with you ( and with Gary’s permission).

It  was completely out of the blue as you’ll realise when reading and simply prompted by his first visit to this site. (Most of my clients joined me years ago after receiving a letter in the post and so never had need to visit the site. In fact this website only went live in June 2008 when we launched the new text betting service.

If you ever wondered whether this is a genuine site then perhaps heres’ your answer. Straight from the “horse ‘s mouth” … it’s from a  regular client who’s been with me since the start of the text service and therefore experienced all the downs as well as the ups!

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. It’s a short but totally genuine email from a genuine client. All of my clients are very important to me and I am delighted when the advice I pass on from our team brings pleasure and profit to your life.

---

Hi Bob
I have been reading your letters Week 24/25.I realize it’s a lot
more work for you, but I personally thoroughly enjoy reading your
weekly reports in exactly the format that they come in now.

By the way this is the first time I have been on your website and
it makes fascinating reading,it almost seems to be too good to be
true,but as I came on board as one of your founder members I know
it’s all perfectly Genuine.

I am not very confident with my computer skills,but I am getting
there slowly.I can’t find the secure areas where I would need to
use the password yet,or the list of various bookmakers I could
use, but I will keep trying.

By the Way I finally got my bottle of Champagne THANK YOU so
much. I haven’t opened it yet I am waiting for a very special
Family occasion before I do.

Anyway Bob keep up the good work. Thank you for all the hours you
put in, and Thank You for All the horses you have put my way, You
have made a real difference to my Life.

Gary *****

---

£1,504 Today

Monday 10th Nov 5.04pm

Yes great day.   Made £1504.00 today to £10 per point

regards

Richard

---

Overall Result £2377.00!

Thursday 23rd Oct  8.35pm. Received this text tonight which made me smile. I love it when clients give the bookies a pasting!

Hi Bob, great result today!

I backed all your recommendations plus one of my own(Gangerman 3.45 at Carlisle) to £10/pt and did 6 £20 cross doubles on 4 horses (First Point, Rublevka Star, The Gangerman, and Dareh)

Overall result £2,377. Thrilled!

Keep up the good work!

Richard

it is possible to win money by betting on horses

Testimonial received Oct 16th

Dear Bob

I agree with your other client who says he now believes it is possible to win money by betting on horses so keep your service going Bob.

I enclose your winnings for week 19,  £149.00

Thanks again Bob

I remain a satisfied client

Phyliss

Testimonial Received October 16th

Totesport weren’t happy with that .. win!

Bob

Thank you for some great winners last week

Totesport weren’t happy with That Dazzling Bergum win!

The next racing bet I tried to put on with them, Magicalmysterytour they limited me to £50 each way!

I managed to sting them later in the day on one of those £500 football singles (Kettering at 7/4!)

Ladbrokes weren’t happy with that last minute winner Bold King – next racing bet on Captain raimus they “referred to the Traders”, although they did take the whole bet.

I got them on Saturday with one of those £150 draw doubles (Bournemouth v Rotherham and Gromsby v Wycombe at 5/2 and 5/2) – returned £1,837!

Glad I did Recession Proof with our friends at Paddy Power as I got paid out at 4/1!

By the way agree with you on the strength of each way betting

regards

Howard

PS Great week on the darts too! £600 on Phil Taylor outright at evens – never in danger!

Golden Saturday

From: Stewart P

Received: Tuesday 11th August

And what a golden day it was indeed, dreams do come true!

Overall winnings of £3,856 (I thought I would put that down early as I do so love looking at that number) proved that my fairy godmother is still alive bless her!

To show just how the fates were looking after me I have to tell you the story of this special Saturday and how luck looked after me. Saturdays have not normally been lucky betting days for me, so much that if it wasn’t for bad luck I wouldn’t have any luck at all!

On this Saturday I had arranged to go with a friend to see a friendly pre season soccer match at Fulham. However, I got up late, was suffering the pathetic affects of a pensioners night out, fell over the cat and took one look at the rain teeming down and decided an afternoon watching the racing might prove expensive but less taxing on one’s patience. As I went to pick up the phone to ring my friend, it rang and it was he to say that he had decided against going to football and he was very sorry to let me down. I of course told him just how unreasonable he was to let me down at this late stage and he replied that all he could do was to pass on a tip to me for a horse running called Multidimensional. A subsequent winner at 2-1 and how I came to include it with our 4 winners to put the icing on the cake later on.

So I switched on Oddschecker, duly followed all Bob’s advices and as I usually do, combined them all in small combinations and a £3 each way accumulator on our 4 and then further combinations on all 5. Sat back and watched the drama unfold without once looking to see how the winnings were accumulating but realising that I could probably afford chips with the fish later that evening. Life was of course so good when I saw the number in my balance box on Bet365 that I had mushy peas as well!

Not only that but it was 2 pints of Courages Best on the way to the chippy! How you must envy the life of a successful pensioner!

Mention of the fact that I am a pensioner, although I don’t tell the ladies that, leads me to tell you just how I made that oh so lucky decision to come in with Bob in the first place. I have been a racing person since my father took me racing (at my Mother’s instructions) in the 1950s. I have had a Tote credit account for over 40 years (often suspended) and a third share in 2 horses, one named Heir of Excitement (which it was) and the other Breaking Hearts (which it did). I have been a member of Cheltenham, Towcester and Windsor and Cartmel where the lovely lady secretary rang me to enquire whether I knew where Cartmel was as it was a long way from Oxford – at the time I was member no. 36! So racing runs in the blood and I have been involved -if that is the word-with many ‘tipsters’ over the years stating off in the 60s with one called Juniorator (his dad having been Seniorator). I also must have funded Raceform over the years as I have been subscribing to their daily handicap sheet for over 30 years. And so Bob’s letter arrives and I must have read it at least 5 times and the sensible person in the house is telling me to bin it. I actually live on my own these days but there are 2 people inside me, the sensible retired accountant who says don’t waste time on betting – put it in a safer investment entities like Northern Rock shares – and the inveterate risk taker who loves the thrill of the chase and has gone through 2 marriages, one lost company and a called mortgage. So it was a Friday and I was kicking myself for missing the first week anyway, off goes the application to Bob. Now I am at the lower end of the £s for points as you might well imagine and Mr Sensible in me has been having kittens when a 25 or even God forbid a 50 point text message comes through and 2 weeks pension goes on a horse. Oh the relief and joy (in that order) when they win! Of course Mr Sensible is a total hypocrite and wants to come with me to celebrate at the pub as well. He has to make do with the third pint.

The first 2 weeks of July I was on holiday in Madeira but joys of joys the text came though and William Hill obliged me every time. There was even a cheque from them on my return. Can’t say the lady I was holiday with was that impressed with my inability to escape the texts on holiday, until that is the champagne started to appear at dinner. She got the point then!

Anyway, enough of this as we have now gone full circle as that lovely number mentioned much earlier conjures up just one word, well 2 actually – another holiday!

So thank you Bob – and not forgetting the hard working staff – for some joyous and financially rewarding few weeks so far culminating in the golden Saturday. Sorry but I have to put that number down again £3,856. Oh joy!

All the best, may the winning weeks continue and ad infinitum (they won’t!) but how great it is to be happy enough to buy a few gallons of petrol with a smile!

Sincerely

The Happy Pensioner

a huge thank you for the great tips, total won to date £1,890

From: Sarah B, Leatherhead

Received: Tuesday 12th August

Hi Bob,

As requested I thought I would update you on my experiences so far.

I started off with very low bets as I have lost money in the past on tips that didn’t live up to their promises. I set myself a budget and gradually increased so I am now up to £5 a point. Still nowhere near your level but I would prefer to stay within my comfort zone and build up gradually, than lose the lot and have to give up.

I work full time so unfortunately I have missed a few bets and often struggle to get the odds you quote, so my winning % has been a bit lower than yours. I also made the big mistake of altering the amount per point or not going EW at the beginning – but the last couple of weeks have followed your tips as closely as I can and it works – slowly but surely building up the profit.

Then came Saturday!! I was at home in the morning so was able to act as soon as I got your texts and managed to get all the odds you quoted! I then had to take my 10 yr old son shopping to get him some clothes for his holiday. We were in a shop trying to negotiate how I was going to match my limited budget to his expensive taste, when I got your text saying Perks had won!!! Problem solved in the bleep of a phone.

By the time your next text came through U had just got home and was desperately trying to get online to check how much I had won. £1,005.40!!! Even taking into account the bulging shopping bags, a very decent days profit – just don’t tell my son how much as he would have spent the lot by the end of the evening!!

So firstly a huge thank you for the great tips, total won to date £1,890. Second thank you for the update text, it certainly made for a less stressful shopping trip

Kind Regards

Sarah

A massive £1,392.00.

From: Mr J E P, North Yorkshire,

Received: Tuesday 11th August

Dear Bob,

Over the last weeks, since joining you and betting “Level Stakes” have not made the amounts as outlined in your weekly report. This is basically due to the small betting bank I have as a 79 year old pensioner.

However, Saturday results proved to be the best returns I have ever had. I decided to try a “lucky 15” and as all four came good my £2.00 x 15 = £30.00 returned a massive £1,392.00.

The odds of 9/2, 9/2, 3/1 and evens obtained with William Hills did the business.

Can we have some more please!!!

Kindest Regards

P.s Just think what £150 would have done?

I GOT MARRIED

From: Mr Robin W, Oxon

Received: Wednesday 13th August

Wonderful Stories

I am sitting a little on the side lines trying to fit a staking plan into my means. But I must say I had a wonderful day on Saturday at the age of 73.

I GOT MARRIED

How about that. So I do just love it when you have a day like Saturday. So will now need to sort out this staking plan, so as to keep my new bride in the manor to which she became accustomed with you advices.

All the best

Hope this makes you smile

Robin

I still made a profit on the day

From: Jacqueline E, Petersfield

Received: Wednesday 13th August

Hi Bob,

You wanted feedback from Saturday:-

As you know I am a small player at present. I got my bet on Perks nice one, missed the other as I was at a gay wedding. Well I couldn’t miss that one, to me it was “Priceless” And I still made a profit on the day. Am I your unluckiest punter?

Best Regards

Jacqueline

A recent poll of customers who have signed up to our new Tips By Text service

11th August

Richard F (by text) Hi Bob just a line to say thanks for yesterday’s four winners. I use £10/point at present and made £1,800 yesterday, Thought you would like to know

Phill S            I’m on holiday in Portugal with my daughter and the £2,000 I won on Saturday is exactly what it cost to come here. And I won the spending money on Friday on Battle of Hastings!

Stuart P         Golden Saturday! I’m a pensioner and people disapproved when I joined. I did a Super Yankee and accumulator with 10p bets and won £3,856. It was very exciting and I’m treating myself to a holiday. I dream of winning money like this.

Mr M N           I won £2,100 for £400 and bought my wife a diamond ring. Really really pleased and got money left over.

Rajesh B       Bet £4 a point and was at a wedding so only got 2 bets on but won £200, am increasing to £6 a point

David B         I made £1,300 over the weekend, Very happy trying to build up  my savings every little helps. I bet £10 a point butt couldn’t get the prices though

Chris M          I won £1,200, 6 winners 6 bets, If I’d done an accumulator I’d have won £220,000!

Carl F Really good week. I’m with many tipsters but Bob is No 1. I won £1675 and have been with Bob for years. I did have a break for 2 years then rejoined, am getting on really, really well with it.

5th July

“I have certainly enjoyed the service and find it fascinating. You obviously have a depth of contacts and knowledge. I always have been sceptical of such services, but your service is obviously a bit different”

(K.A. London)

3rd July

“This is only my 3rd week but I have to say that the service works very well and is certainly very profitable. I was a bit sceptical about receiving texts but you have won me over and I am pleased with the results”

( C.C. Essex)

2nd July

“Thank you for keeping in touch so often!!! Very impressed …!!! Also, I think that your new service of Text Message is absolutely  brilliant as sometimes it is difficult to ring, if maybe we are at work or worst in a shop or whatever… and we HAVE to ring otherwise we just miss the bet … So, yes, I appreciate that service very much!!!!”

(N. S. East Sussex)

30thJune

“So far it has been the best betting service I have used. You get the bets early which allows you to get most of the prices available.”

(B.M. Dorset)

“Having signed up 2 weeks ago, I have remained in profit”

(M.P. Surrey)

“I think the text service is a great idea. Apart from the text service the big plus for me is that the points system indicates the strength of your information. My overall view is that this is a good, honest service, warts and all, which is a rarity these days!”

( T.W. Leicestershire)

” I have to tell you that this new text service is the best thing I have ever been involved in; mind you it has caused me a bit of grief with my wife! In the first week there were so many text messages coming through my phone, that my wife thought that I might be having an affair (If only I had the time and energy!!). Then I had to tell her about our new venture.

(G.U Dorset)

28th June

“Firstly, can I thank you for inviting me to join your new Text service which at the moment I am just monitoring. However if you give out just one bet a month like FARAWAY FLOWER then I, and all of your members, will be extremely ecstatic. The weekly newsletter is brilliant and now I’ve seen two weeks results I shall start betting in earnest on 1st July.”

( A.S. Surrey)

27th June

“Having just started putting money on your advises on Friday (what  a start) I am thrilled to bits with it – I hope you have many more like this. I must admit having the bets sent to my phone make it so much easier to place the bets and too get better prices too.”

(D.B. Glasgow)

” Just to let you know this new system is the best I have come across.”

(B.P. Kent)

LATEST NEWS:

Best start to Cheltenham EVER… Two winners! and a 29/1 winning double!!!

“Unbelievably fantastic Bob! already my best Cheltenham ever”!

Yet another win!

“Yet another win!  What can I say but thanks for the tip! Enclosed are the winnings for ‘CORONET’ which came in at 3/1 so you should have £150. For myself, I walked away with over £300 profit. As you can imagine I was more than happy. Here’s to

the next winner! All the best” M.B

Thank you so much for keeping your word

“Thank you so much for keeping your word. Never seen so much money! Helps the pension go round and keep up the good work. You are a true gentleman.” R.B.

Stunning beginning to our partnership

“Just a short note to congratulate you on the stunning beginning to our ‘partnership’ in the making. I began your service on Saturday and already I have seen my bank account swell considerably. Thanks again for the fantastic information and all I can say is keep up the good work!” M.M.

Very pleasing to start with a winner

“Many thanks for your information regarding Monday’s easy winner Flashtalkin’ Flood. It was my first recommendation from you, so naturally very pleasing to start with a winner. I placed a £100 bet at 2/1, but I am more than happy to enclose £120 as there is no way I would have normally placed a bet in a race of this type. Clearly your information came from the horses connections.” R.E.

My winnings have zoomed up from over one thousand pounds to nearly five thousand pounds

“What a fantastic three days. My winnings have zoomed up from over

one thousand pounds to nearly five thousand pounds. Your predictions

are first class.” A.M

Seven tips of which six have been winners

“After just several weeks of betting with your selections I have had seven tips of which six have been winners. Needless to say I am absolutely delighted with your service (which is without doubt the best in the world.) Enclosed is forty pounds for Polydamus (Yet another win.)” R.P.

 

I’ve backed more winners so far this year than in the last 12 months

“I’ve backed more winners so far this year than in the last 12 months. I’ve treated my wife to some new clothes and a couple of good nights out. Keep up the good information. Thanks again.” N.T.

 

£2,000 profit yesterday, £2,500 profit Tuesday

“What a great week!! £2,000 profit yesterday, £2,500 profit Tuesday. You may get tired of hearing this but, many, many thanks.” P.W.

 

An effortless winner

“Please find enclosed £125 for Alezal. An effortless winner. I only wish I had more money on it.” L.R

 

You’re doing a great job

“Thank you for a great week, some excellent information and so much of it as well, absolutely fabulous. Keep it coming the more the merrier. You’re doing a great job. Please find enclosed the commission payments for Inchtina, 7/4 and Zomaradah, 5/6. I look forward to getting more info soon. P.S. I have had to change my regular bookie before he gets a bit upset about all the money he

is giving me.” J.Y.

Yet another winner – the sixth in a row!

“Thank you for yet another winner – the sixth in a row! Carry on the great work. Please find enclosed £40. I look forward to calling you again on Thursday 12th.” C.H.

Here are some of the letters I’ve received from unhappy bookmakers…

Some of the 25 account cancellation letters I received from the bookies who banned me – from Hills to Mecca and (this year) BetFred –  because I made too much money from them . Download the actual letters…

• BetFred
• Mecca
• Hills
• Bob Menzies
• City Index

Originals of all 25 letters are on file at our offices, available for inspection