Saturday 25 July Summaries: Ascot, Newmarket, Newcastle, York, Lingfield and Salisbury

Ascot 1.30 – 7F Winkfield Stakes (Listed) Soft

All four colts declared to run contested this Listed race.  They were all previous winners and two of the runners had been given official ratings.

Favourite: SIXTH SENSE 7/4

1st – SIXTH SENSE OR 97 (Mark Johnston) Made all but had to be driven out to win.  Holds entries in five Group 2 and one Group 1 race before the end of September.  Previously third in the Chesham Stakes over course and distance.  Finished seventh in the 6F July Stakes (Group 2) on his most recent start.

2nd – PLATITUDE (Sir Michael Stoute) Previously a winner at Doncaster of his only race, a Class 5 maiden.

3rd – MANAAFIDH (Richard Hannon) Won at Newmarket on debut in a Class 4 maiden.

4th – ESSENAITCH OR 80 (David Evans) A winner of a Class 5 maiden at Windsor on his most recent start.

Distances: 1¼ lengths, 1¼ lengths, ½ length

Mark Johnston: ‘He deserves a decent win.  You can see from that similar run in the Chesham that coming back in trip last time out was a mistake.  The Chesham form is working out well. He has come back to Listed class and won and the next stage would be to step him back up again.  I would have thought, long term, he would be one for the Royal Lodge but I have not really thought much beyond this.’

Ascot 2.05 – 6F Princess Margaret Stakes (Fillies Group 3) Soft

CHIRINGUITA was a non runner (going) leaving six fillies to contest this Group 3 race.  All were previous winners and all, apart from SALVO had been given an official rating, the highest being BESHARAH at 107.

Favourite: BESHARAH 15/8 (from 2/1)

Market Movers: RAH RAH OR 102 (5/1 to 4/1), GREAT PAGE OR 104 (6/1 to 5/1)

1st –  BESHARAH (William Haggas) Tracked leaders and took over a furlong out and soon clear.  Last time out, she had finished second, beaten a nose, in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes 6F (Group 2) at Newmarket.  Two runs previously, she had beaten WHATDOIWANTTHATFOR by two lengths, conceding 7lbs (the latter was making her debut in that race).

2nd – GREAT PAGE (Richard Hannon) A previous Listed race winner in Ireland and later fourth in a Group 3, also in Ireland.

3rd – WHATDOIWANTTHATFOR OR 87 (Richard Hannon) Won a Class 5 maiden and a Class 2 Race at Windsor, since her earlier defeat by BESHARAH

RAH RAH finished in fourth place.

Distances: 3 lengths, ½ length.

Quotes on BESHARAH:

Pat Cosgrave: ‘She’s done it well as it was a bit of an unknown on this ground.  She’s relaxing more in her races, which is good.’

Maureen Haggas: ‘She’s a real two-year-old.  She’s strong and she loves racing.  She’s done nothing but improve. There’s nothing better than having a good two-year-old – they seem to just sail through.  She’s not going to be a big, scopey three-year-old – this is probably her year.’

Bruce Raymond, racing manager for Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum: ‘We were obviously a bit concerned about the ground because she had never raced on it before and we didn’t know if she would go through it.  I imagine we will go to York for the Lowther then on to the Cheveley Park.’

Richard Hannon: ‘Great Page ran very well and she looks like she wants further, so we’ll go seven furlongs with her next.  Whatdoiwantthatfor might go back to five furlongs.  Something like the Roses Stakes at York could be for her.’

Newmarket 1.55 – 7F Maiden Stakes (Class 4) Soft

Eight colts contested this maiden after JUSTICE LAW was declared a non runner (going). There were five newcomers in the field and the three runners with experience had raced once each.

Favourite: MUNTAZAH 11/8 (from 13/8).

1st – RECORDER (William Haggas) Always prominent, challenged and driven a furlong out and kept on well. Previously had finished third in a Class 4 maiden at Newbury

2nd – CULTURATI (Charlie Appleby) Godolphin newcomer who holds Group 2 entries in September.  From a mare who won a Group 3 in Italy at 8F and a Listed race at 7F.  She has produced winning foals between 8F and 10F (highest winning OR 86); also place in a Listed race in France at 11F.

3rd – VENTURA STORM (Richard Hannon) Purchased for 50000 euros as a yearling and was then resold at a Breeze Up sale for 110000 guineas.  He is from a mare who remained a maiden after four starts (half sister to a Listed race winner at 12F).  She has produced one winning foal at 12F (OR of 65).

Distances: Neck, 1½ lengths.

MUNTAZAH finished in fifth place.

Stevie Donohoe, the rider of DOLLAR REWARD, unplaced, reported that the colt ran green.

William Haggas ‘RECORDER has done it nicely and will have learned a lot. We’ll now look to stepping up a grade and may consider the Acomb Stakes at York next month.’

Newmarket 4.15 – 7F Conditions Stakes (Class 4) Soft

All four declared colts contested this conditions race.  All four were previous winners but only ORVAR had been given an official rating (OR 101).

Favourite: ORVAR 11/8 (from 15/8)

Market Movers: RAUCOUS 9/2 from 5/1, ACADEMY HOUSE 7/1 from 5/1

ORVAR made the running and looked the likeliest winner but having initially drifted left towards the centre of the track in the final furlong and then veered sharply right.  In running, ORVAR and EQLEEM traded at lows of 1.10 and 1.50 and RAUCOUS traded at a high of 640.

1st – RAUCOUS (William Haggas) A winner of a two horse race at Sandown on his only previous start.  His rival on that day won a Class 5 maiden next time out.

2nd – ORVAR (Richard Hannon)  A winner of a Class 4 maiden at 5F before finishing sixth in a Listed race and then fifth in the 6F July Stakes (Group 2) here.

3rd – EQLEEM (Mark Johnston) A winner of a Class 5 maiden at Haydock on debut.

Distances: Neck, ¾ length.

The Stewards held an enquiry under Rule (B)11.6 into possible interference on the run to the line. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that ORVAR (IRE), ridden by Sean Levey, had drifted right for several strides without correction causing interference to EQLEEM, ridden by Dane O’Neill, which had to take a check.  They considered the interference had not improved ORVAR’s placing as he appeared to be always maintaining his advantage to the line.  They ordered the placings to remain unaltered.  The Stewards found Levey in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he had allowed his horse to drift right-handed without sufficient correction.  They suspended him for 2 days as follows: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2015.

William Haggas: ‘RAUCOUS is a very nice colt, but is still a bit raw.  He´s got some fancy entries, including the Gimcrack, but I wouldn’t want to overdo him this year, so we’ll have to see.’

Newcastle 2.10 – 7F Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 4) Good to Firm

Six colts and two geldings contested this maiden stakes and there were two newcomers in the field.  None of the runners had achieved an official rating.  LORD MCGUFFY was wearing cheekpieces for the first time.

Favourite: STREET DUEL 9/4 (from 5/2)

STYLISH BOY led until two furlongs out when STREET DUEL took over. He idled in front which allowed GOOD INTENT to lead close home and he held on well to win.

1st –  GOOD INTENT (Kevin Ryan)  Newcomer; he was still several lengths down at the furlong pole and it was reported that his rider dropped his whip a furlong out.  He cost 37000 dollars as a yearling and is from a mare who won at between 5F and 7F in USA and has previously produced a 7F winner, also in USA.

2nd – STREET DUEL (Mark Johnston) Last time out, he was sent off as the 1/4 favourite in a Class 5 maiden at Brighton but could only finish in second.

3rd – STYLISH BOY (Richard Fahey) Second at Ayr on his most recent start.  On debut he had been beaten three lengths by a horse who has since been given an OR of 92.

Distances: Short head, ½ length

The Stewards noted that approximately one and a half furlongs out, Paul Mulrennan, the rider of STYLISH BOY, had struck BE KOOL, unplaced, ridden by Dale Swift, once with his whip, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it was accidental and neither involved a riding offence nor improved STYLISH BOY’s placing.

Royston Ffrench, the rider of LORD MCGUFFY, unplaced, reported that the gelding was never travelling.

Brian Ellison, the trainer of BE KOOL, reported that the colt was unsuited by the going which was good to firm.

Shane Gray: ‘GOOD INTENT got upset in the stalls, he was in a long time, and he missed the break, but his class got him through today.  There is loads of improvement in him, he is a big horse.’

York 4.05 – 6F  Median Auction Maiden Stakes (Class 4) Good to Firm

MISTER MISCHIEF was declared a non runner (going) leaving eight runners, seven colts and one gelding.  Two of the runners were having their first race and of those with experience, only BACK TO BOND had achieved an official rating (OR 71).

Favourite: POINT OF WOODS 15/8 (from 2/1)

POINT OF WOODS and REPUTATION had met previously over course and distance finishing fourth and sixth respectively, three lengths separating the pair. That was the debut run for REPUTATION and the second run for POINT OF WOODS.  They met on the same terms today.  POINT OF WOODS was prominent throughout, leading with a furlong to go but REPUTATION stayed on well to grab the victory on the line.

1st – REPUTATION (John Quinn) Cost £70000 as a yearling and is from an unraced mare who has produced winning foals between 6F and 10F (highest winning OR of 83) and a place in a Group 3 race at 7F.

2nd – POINT OF WOODS (Ralph Beckett) Cost 110000 guineas as a yearling and is from a mare who won at 5F, including a Group 3 race.  She has produced winning foals including between 5F and 8F (highest winning OR of 75).

3rd – BACK TO BOND (Richard Fahey) Finished down the field in the 5F Super Sprint (Class 2) but before that, had finished third at Thirsk in a 6F Class 5 maiden.

Distances: Head, 1¼ lengths.

John Quinn: ‘REPUTATION is still a bit ‘goony’ and he’ll improve again on that.  He´s in the sales races so he’ll probably go for one of those, maybe the Doncaster one here next month.’

York 5.10 – 5F Nursery (Class 3) Good to Firm

All nine declared runners stood their ground for this nursery handicap.  There were five previous winners in the field and top weight was carried by RAVENHOE (OR 85), who was sent off the 5/2 favourite.  ASTLEY HALL appears to have been gelded since his last run.

AYRESOME ANGEL (OR 79)  had led on three of her four previous starts and did so again today until inside the final furlong.  She has now traded lower in running in all of her runs to date.  ASTLEY HALL took over in front but was collared on the line by BINT ALDAR, who had been at least three lengths down as they entered the final furlong.  ROSINA also finished fast in third place.

1st – BINT ALDAR OR 71 (Kevin Ryan) Had won her maiden over 6F and last time out finished fourth in a 6F nursery here.  She finished a length behind the third horse (she was in receipt of 8lb) who has since been put up to an OR of 90.

2nd – ASTLEY HALL OR 77 (Richard Fahey) Had won his maiden at Pontefract on debut over 5F.

3rd – ROSINA OR 73 (Ann Duffield) A winner of a Class 3 maiden here on her only previous start.  Has been entered in the 5F Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) at Goodwood on Wednesday.

Distances: Nose, ¾ length

Lingfield 5.30 – 5F Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 5) Good to Soft

Seven runners: contested this maiden.  The field included three fillies and there was one newcomer among the runners.  Three of the runners had been given official ratings, the highest of which was ARAGON KNIGHT (OR 87).  He appears to have been gelded since his last run and was sent off the 6/4 favourite (opened at 13/8).

Market Movers: FLORENCIO, William Muir’s newcomer 7/1 to 6/1.

1st – JAKABY JADE (Jim Boyle) Slowly away but settled in behind the leaders on the stands side rail.  Challenged a furlong out and quickly went clear for an easy win.  Seventh at Windsor on debut; the fifth horse has since won a Class 5 maiden.  Her dam won in Sweden, including at 6F, and she has produced winning foals between 5F and 16F (highest winning OR of 73) and over hurdles.

2nd – BALLYLARE (John Best) Third last time out here over 6F.

Distances: 4 lengths

FLORENCIO finished in fourth place and ARAGON KNIGHT was sixth, eased when beaten.

The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference one and a half furlongs out.  Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that HEPWORTH MARBLE, placed third, ridden by Shane Kelly, had manoeuvred left briefly hampering DEER SONG, unplaced, ridden by William Carson.  The Stewards found Kelly in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he had switched left when not sufficiently clear.  They cautioned him as to his future conduct in races.

They further noted that at around a furlong out HEPWORTH MARBLE had edged quickly left taking BALLYLARE off its intended line but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence

Salisbury 6.45 – 6F Maiden Stakes (Class 4) Good

There were ten runners for this maiden, including two fillies and six newcomers.  None of the runners had an official rating.

Favourite: JAYJINSKI (Richard Hannon) 8/13 from 4/5

1st – STEEL OF MADRID (Richard Hannon) Newcomer.  Stable second string, got up on the line to win.  Cost 120000 guineas as a yearling and is the first foal to race from a mare who won a 7F maiden in Ireland.

2nd – VIBRANT CHORDS (Henry Candy) Another newcomer, led two furlongs out and caught close home.  Cost £75000 as a yearling and is from a mare who won at 6F and 7F (highest winning OR of 75) and was placed in a Listed race at 6F.  She has produced one winning foal at 5F (highest winning OR of 96).

3rd – POETS BEAUTY (Ismail Mohammed) Came from a fair way back to finish well.  Was still in the final pair with two furlongs to run, at least four lengths back, but ran on well.  Fifth on debut, just over three lengths behind a horse who now has an OR of 79.  Presumably something was amiss when last of twelve next time out as he had been given a six week break since.  His dam won at 6F and 7F (highest winning OR of 85) and she has produced winning foals between 6F and 8F (highest winning OR of 76).

Distances: Short head, ¾ length.

JAYJINSKI finished fourth, losing two places close to home.

The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference approximately 2 furlongs out.  Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that POET’S BEAUTY, ridden by Thomas Brown, had hung left-handed despite the rider’s best efforts to correct it, taking DREAM OF SUMMER, unplaced, ridden by David Probert, off its intended line.  They found that the interference was accidental.

Wednesday 22 July Review: Catterick, Lingfield, Bath and Sandown

Reviews for Catterick and Bath have been added to the previously published Race Notes.

Lingfield 2.20 – 7F Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 6) Standard

DESTINY BAY and WINDOW SHOPPING, both trained by Mark Usher, were non runners (temperatures) and LEITRIM TRAVELLER was withdrawn before the start to leave a field of eleven to contest this maiden.   Three of the runners were fillies and there were three newcomers in the field.

FASTER COMPANY and RIPOLL were sent off the joint 7/2 favourites.  There was some support for ICE AGE (10/1 to 8/1) and BEAUCHAMP MONARK, who was visored for the first time, (33/1 to 25/1).

BEAUCHAMP MONARK (Paul Fitzsimons) set out to try and make all.  Turning for home he was joined by Richard Hannon’s SAKADA  who took over in front and, with the long time leader weakening quickly, he went on to record an easy victory by eight lengths.

SAKADA had finished ninth at Newmarket on debut when it was reported that the colt had no more to give.  The fourth and eighth horses from that race went on to win maidens on their next starts and the winner subsequently finished third in the July Stakes (Group 2).  Purchased for 4000 guineas as a foal, he was then resold for £26000 as a yearling.   His dam won at 8F in France and she had previously produced a winning foal in Italy at 5F and 6F.

ICE AGE, for Eve Johnson Houghton came out of the pack to stay on to finish in second place.  He had finished in ninth place in a 6f Class 5 maiden at Salisbury on debut.  Four of the horses who finished in front of him in that race have gone on to be placed in maidens and the winner followed up in a Class 4 novices race next time out.  He cost 21000 guineas as a yearling and is from a mare who was a winner in Italy.  She has produced many winning foals between 5F and 10F, the best of which won a Group 2 at 6F and a Group 3 at 5F.

BEAUCHAMP MONARK finished in third place, a further two lengths away. He had finished seventh at Wolverhampton on debut, when he was over seven lengths behind RIPOLL.

FASTER COMPANY finished seventh and RIPOLL was tenth.

John Fahy, the rider of I’M JUST SAYING, placed fourth, reported that the filly ran green.

The Starter reported that LEITRIM TRAVELLER, trained by Jamie Osborne, refused to enter the stalls.  The trainer’s attention was drawn to the restriction incurred under Rule (B)44 and informed that the gelding could not run until the day after passing a stalls test

Pat Dobbs: ‘SAKADA stretched well in the straight but I’d say they probably weren’t very good behind him.  It feels like it’s riding slow today.’

Lingfield 2.50 – 6F Claimer (Class 6) Standard

Six fillies lined up for this claimer, three of whom were debutantes.  Stan Moore, who won this race last year, was responsible for half of the field.  Two of the runners with experience had official ratings, with DAVID’S BEAUTY (David Evans) being the highest at 69.

DAVID’S BEAUTY was sent off the 10/11 favourite.  She had already had six starts and on the most recent of these, she had finished third on the turf here in a Class 5 nursery.  Three horses were supported in the market; MARY PARMENTER (7/1 to 7/2), LILLY BONBON (14/1 to 8/1) and ROMANCINGTHESTONE (16/1 to 12/1).

DAVID’S BEAUTY had led on her last start and went straight to the front today, with ROMANCINGTHESTONE in close attendance.  These two dominated the race and the favourite went a couple of lengths up in the home straight but ROMANCINGTHESTONE battled back close home and only went down by a short head.

ROMANCINGTHESTONE (Stan Moore) had been well beaten on all three previous starts, including a seller.  Owner bred, she is from a mare who remained a maiden after six starts.  She has produced one winning foal between 5F and 8F (highest winning OR of 53).

LILLY BONBON was third and MARY PARMENTER finished last of the six.

Paul Pickard, the rider of LILLY BONBON, reported that the filly hung right on the final bend. LILLY BONBON was claimed by Mr G L Moore for £6000

Sandown 7.10 – 7F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

OCEAN JIVE was declared a non runner (sore shins), leaving eight colts and one gelding to contest this maiden.  Four of the runners were newcomers and of those with experience, they all had had just one start each.

There were joint favourites for the race at 5/2.  CYMRIC had opened at 15/8 and drifted out to that price.  He had made his debut in the Chesham Stakes (Listed) at Royal Ascot, finishing tenth of twelve.  He had been due to run at Haydock on Saturday but was a non runner on account of the going (Good to Firm).  UNDER ATTACK (Sir Michael Stoute) was the other joint favourite.  He had finished fourth at Newmarket on debut; the third horse won a Class 4 maiden on his next start.  There was support for Barry Hills’ newcomer, MASSAAT, who was backed from 5/1 to 3/1.

UNDER ATTACK unseated Stevie Donohoe before the start

CYMRIC got to the front not long after the start and made all of the running thereafter.  He was comfortable in front but had to ward off a strong challenge from MASSAAT in the final furlong and managed to hold on to win by a head.  He cost 300000 dollars as a yearling and is from an unraced mare (half sister to a Group 3 winner at 8F and and a Group 2 winner at 9F in USA). She has produced one previous foal who has been placed in a Group 3 at 8F in USA).

MASSAAT was certainly the eyecatcher in the race.  He had been well behind early and was still last with three furlongs to go.  Despite running green, he only just failed to get up.  Shadwell bred, he is the first foal from a mare who won at 6F (highest winning OR of 81).

ET TOI (Brian Meehan finished a further 2¾ lengths back in third.  He had previously finished sixth, nearly three lengths behind UNDER ATTACK at Newmarket.  He cost 100000 guineas as a yearling and is from a mare who won a 12F maiden in Ireland.

Richard Hughes, the rider of BLACKOUT, unplaced, reported that the colt hung left in the home straight.  Dougie Costello, the rider of POWERED, unplaced, reported that the gelding jumped left on leaving the stalls.

William Buick: ‘CYMRIC is a push-button horse – you can ride him any way.  He got a bit lonely in front and I was trying to fill him up when the second came quickly at him on the outside but he went again.  He is a nice improving horse.’

News update

Further to the preview for the Star Stakes at Sandown on Thursday, Ralph Beckett has given his thoughts on FLYING EMPRESS:

‘She was entered for the Princess Margaret at Ascot on Saturday, but we decided to run her at Sandown instead.  She was a good winner first time out and I think the step up to seven furlongs will suit her.  Hopefully she’ll run a good race.’

James Bethell has also commented on CHIRINGUITA:

‘I am a little bit concerned about the ground.  I wouldn’t want it to get too quick.  We could re-route to Ascot if it was too quick, but the plan is to head to Sandown at the moment.  I’m very happy with her and she’s a smart filly.  You are rather tied as to where you can go after winning a maiden, so we thought we’d have a crack at something like this.’

Charlie Fellowes has been speaking about his filly SALVO, a winner at Newmarket, and her probable appearance in the 6F Princess Margaret Stakes (Group 3) at Ascot on Saturday:

‘We always thought she was nice, but I’d never trained a first-time-out winner until she ran so there was a degree of trepidation beforehand, but her work was nice and I thought she’d run into a place.  I didn’t think she’d go and do that as easily as she did just because mine tend to come on for the run.  For her to win first time out was exciting.  Her rider [at home] is delighted with her and she’s come out of the race unbelievably well, and hasn’t left an oat.  She did a little bit of work yesterday – a little tune up – and I couldn’t be happier.  It looks a hot race.  You’ve got LUMIERE who was impressive when winning at Newmarket, the second and third from the Duchess of Cambridge [BESHARAH and BLUE BAYOU], who are both nice fillies.  Then Kevin Ryan’s filly [ASHADIHAN] and Henry Candy’s [LA RIOJA], who was very impressive in a maiden.’  

Charlie Johnston on BURATINO and LUMIERE:

‘For BURATINO the obvious end of season aim is the Middle Park Stakes.  The plan is still to go for the Phoenix at the Curragh where he’ll be competing at the top level for the first time.  If all goes to plan then he’ll head to Newmarket.  Buratino is a Coventry winner and has proved he is one of the top two-year-olds around already, but has to step up again.’

Regarding LUMIERE: ‘At the moment the Shadwell Rockfel is a backup option just in case she needs to go up to seven furlongs.  She goes to Ascot this weekend for a Group Three (Princess Margaret Stakes) so we’ll see where we are at after that.  Her main aim would be the Cheveley Park Stakes at the back end of the season.  We’re still in dreamland knowing how good she could be.  William [Buick] loved her at Newmarket and thinks she could be anything.’

Saturday 18 July Review: Chester, Ripon, Newmarket, Newbury, Lingfield, Haydock and The Curragh

Chester 1.50 – 5F Nursery (Class 4) – Good

All four declared runners went to post for this nursery handicap.  Two of the runners were previous winners.  Top weight was carried by Mark Johnston’s MUHADATHAT, with an OR of 89.

MUHADATHAT was sent off the favourite at 4/9.  A previous winner of a Class 4 maiden at Musselburgh, she finished second at Lingfield in a Class 5 nursery on her most recent appearance,.  She finished just over two lengths ahead of WILLSY in that race and today she was 1lb better off (taking into account the previous apprentice allowance).

Turning into the home straight, three of the runners were still in contention; the exception being WILLSY who was slowly away and would have been detached by eight or so lengths early on. However, MUHADATHAT was then shaken up and went on to win comfortably by 1½ lengths.

EL ASTRONAUTE finished in second place.  John Quinn’s colt had been purchased for 19000 euros as a yearling and was then resold for £38000 at a Breeze Up sale.  His dam remained a maiden after ten races and she has yet to produce a winner.

WILLSY made up ground to finish a further four lengths away and will surely need to be returned to 6F in the future.

It was reported that STRANDS OF SILK bolted on the way to the start.

Charlie Johnston: ‘MUHADATHAT was entitled to win that, it was not a very deep race.  She ran well in defeat last time at Lingfield, where she missed the break slightly.  She was very professional today but her class got her through.  I think six furlongs is inevitable.’

Chester 3.35 – 7F Conditions Stakes (Class 2) – Good

Six runners went to post for this stakes.  There was one filly in the field and one newcomer. Four of the runners had won races and these had all received official ratings between 91 (PALAWAN) and 80 (WELFORD).

As could be expected, the highest rated horse was made favourite, at 5/4.  Last time out, PALAWAN had won a Class 4 maiden at Salisbury, having previously finished fourth in the Chesham Stakes (Listed).

Only two of the runners actually got involved at the front as WELFORD led from the start and made all to win by 1½ lengths.  On his most recent appearance, Mark Johnston’s colt had won a 7F Class 4 maiden at Musselburgh.  Previously he had finished ¾ length behind SPONGY, who today finished five lengths back in fourth (same weights).

GERRARD’S QUEST chased the winner throughout to finish second, two lengths in front of PALAWAN in third.  He had previously won his maiden at Chelmsford and last time out finished runner up in a nursery at Ascot.  He was stepping up to 7F for the first time today.

Charlie Johnston:  ‘WELFORD had a little bit to find but again Franny gave him a masterful ride, he went to the front early on and was never really in any danger.  If he is in a nursery this week he would look well in off just 86.’

Tom Marquand, the rider of GERRARD’S QUEST, reported that the colt hung right-handed.

Ripon 2.10 – 6F Seller (Class 6) – Good

There were two non runners, PONY (in season) and TURPINTINA (withdrawn before the start) leaving nine runners.  There was one debutante in the race and one of the runners was a previous winner.  IT GURU was declared with a tongue tie for the first time and GRIFFIN STREET was hooded, also for the first time.

IT GURU (OR 64) was sent off the 3/1 favourite.  The gelding was having his first run for Noel Wilson, having been claimed when finishing second in a seller at Lingfield on his most recent appearance.  There was support on course for GRIFFIN STREET (OR 56) from 13/2 to 5/1; he had been supported last time out in a Class 5 maiden at Hamilton.  Also, SCARLET PURSUITS was backed from 8/1 to 6/1.  Similarly, Richard Fahey’s filly had been supported from 16/1 to 10/1 on her most reappearance in a Class 5 maiden at Nottingham.

At the furlong pole, WHISPERING WOLF and IT GURU looked set to fight out the finish.  They had both been prominent throughout and went a couple of lengths up on the rest of the field. WHISPERING WOLF got the upper hand to win the race by ½ length.  However, SCARLET PURSUITS came from a fair way back to snatch second place from IT GURU, who was a further neck back in third.

WHISPERING WOLF (OR 51) had run on three previous occasions and on the most recent of these finished third, beaten two lengths, in a 5F claimer at Beverley.  The race was won by another of today’s runners, LOLAMOTION.  Today, WHISPERING WOLF was 2lb better off for that two length beating.  After the Beverley race, Ollie Pears had said: ‘The filly, WHISPERING WOLF, ran well in the first, and she will win races.  She did well considering she was stuck on the outer throughout.’   She cost 3000 guineas as a yearling and is from a mare who won over 5F and 6F (highest winning OR of 61).  She has produced winning foals here and abroad, including from 5F to 8F (highest winning OR of 68).

SCARLET PURSUITS cost 6000 guineas as a yearling and is from a mare who won a maiden at 7½F.  She has produced winning foals between 7F and 12F (highest winning OR of 80).

GRIFFIN STREET finished sixth after pulling hard in the first time hood.  LOLAMOTION was seventh, after getting upset in the stalls.

There was no bid for the winner.

Bill Turner, the trainer of FRED’S FILLY, unplaced, reported that the filly was unsuited by the track.

The Starter reported that TURPINTINA, trained by Michael Easterby, was unruly behind the stalls and withdrawn.  The trainer’s attention was drawn to the restriction incurred under Rule (B)44 and informed that the filly could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.

Ollie Pears: ‘We knew the longer trip would suit WHISPERING WOLF.  I think she ideally wants a bit of give in the ground but she’s clearly handled these conditions.  Robert [Dodsworth] has given her a good ride.’

Ripon 2.45 – 5F Maiden (Class 4) – Good

All thirteen declared runners stood their ground for this maiden.  There were five fillies in the field and three of the runners were newcomers.  TONTITO (OR 48) was visored for the first time and CROMBAY (OR 67) was wearing a hood for the first time.

ORNATE (William Haggas) was sent off the 4/6 favourite.  He had made his debut at Windsor when he made most of the running the near side rail and led until inside the final furlong (traded at a low of 1.04) but faded to finish in fourth place.

The short price was fully justified as ORNATE tracked the leaders on the near side rail.  He led two furlongs out and then quickened clear at the furlong pole to win by five lengths.

CROMBAY (Tim Easterby) finished in second place.  He had previously run four times and his best placing was on debut when he finished a nose behind a horse who has since been given an OR of 83.  Last time out, he finished last of eight in a Class 3 nursery at York.

SIGN OF THE KODIAC (OR 78) finished a further 3¼ lengths away in third place.  He had finished in the same position at Haydock on his most recent appearance.

Sam James, the rider of SELINA KYLE, unplaced, reported that the filly hung left handed. Nigel Tinkler, the trainer of TONTITO (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding was unsuited by the track and the going, which was good, good to firm in places, which he considered to be too fast for the gelding on this occasion.

Newmarket 2.50 – 7F Maiden Auction Fillies Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

With LAJATICO a late withdrawal, this left nine fillies to contest this maiden.  There were five debutantes amongst the runners.

SHARAAKAH was sent off the 7/2 favourite.  Before the race Ed Dunlop had said of his filly: ‘SHARAAKAH won’t mind the drying surface at Newmarket and she shaped a little better than the bare result on debut at Lingfield.  She missed a beat at the start and then ran green throughout, although the penny was beginning to drop in the closing stages and she ran on without being knocked about.  That experience won’t be lost on her here and this looks no more than an ok maiden auction on paper.’’  Although the form book will she she finished fourth at Lingfield, she was beaten about eighteen lengths.

In the final furlong, both SHARAAKAH and PUZZLED LOOK, a newcomer for Ralph Beckett, pulled clear of the field and it was the more experienced filly who went on to win by ½ length.

Another debutante, LEIA ORGANA finished a further four lengths back in third place.

SHARAAKAH cost 22000 euros as a yearling and is from a mare who remained a maiden after three runs (half sister to a Listed race winner at 10F).  She has produced winning foals between 6F and 9F in Britain (also wins in USA and placed in a Listed race in Italy).

PUZZLED LOOK cost 20000 guineas as a yearling and is the first foal from a mare who remained a maiden after three starts (half sister to Listed race winners at 6F and 8F).

LEIA ORGANA (Richard Fahey) cost £12500 as a yearling and is from a mare who was placed at 8F from two starts.  She has yet to produce a winning foal.

Harry Bentley, the rider of LITTLE KIPLING, unplaced, reported that the filly hung left.

Ed Dunlop: ‘We were a bit disappointed with how SHARAAKAH ran at Lingfield first time but that was more like it.  The race didn’t look particularly strong on paper, but our filly turned in quite an impressive performance with Joe Fanning only giving her one smack and the front two pulling clear.  We’ll look at nurseries.’

Newbury 3.45 – Weatherbys Super Sprint (Class 2) Good to Firm

There were three non runners QUICK N QUIRKY (runny nose), PHANTOM FLIPPER (sore) and MERMAID (lame).  This left a field of twenty two runners to contest this sales race for which prize money was paid down to tenth place.  There were fifteen previous winners in the field.

EXCESSABLE was sent off the 2/1 favourite.  Tim Easterby had suggested that this race was the target prior to Royal Ascot.  Having won on debut at Ripon, he was given a warm up race at Beverley where he finished second, beaten a neck.  He conceded 13lb to the winner of that race, who followed up in a Class 3 nursery next time out.

The runners were spread across the track and most of the pace came towards the far side. EXCESSABLE (drawn in stall 1) took over in front over a furlong out and went a couple of lengths up.  However, he weakened well inside the final furlong (traded at a low of 1.29 in running) and eventually finished fifth.  The first three home all came out of the pack and had run in the centre or more towards the stands side (drawn 15, 23 and 13).

LATHOM, one of eight runners supplied by Richard Fahey, won the race by a neck.  He had raced three times before, winning on debut before finishing as runner up in the Brian Yeardley Stakes (Class 2) at Beverley on his next start.  He then finished nineteenth in the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed). He was entered in the Tattersalls July sale but was unsold at 85000 guineas.

It was a good day for Fahey as he completed a 1-2-4 in the race.  MR LUPTON finished in second place, trading at a low of 1.04 in running.  He had won his maiden at Haydock before finishing third in a Class 2 nursery at York.

FIELD OF VISION finished in third, a further nose away.  Joe Tuite’s colt remains a maiden, having finished second on three previous occasions and third on his other start.  His most recent outing saw him finish runner up at Nottingham.

DAVID’S DUCHESS finished in fourth place.

Paul Pickard, the rider of POWERALLIED (IRE), unplaced, reported that the colt hung left.

Tony Hamilton: ‘LATHOM loved that fast ground.  He was electric out the gate so I was able to sit where I wanted.  We were always going to get a lead and he travelled well, then I was just looking for room and when I found it he picked up well.  I ride a lot for David and Emma Armstrong [owners], so I was always going to ride this horse.  I have had a couple of Group race winners but in terms of prize-money, this is the biggest race I have ever won.  He always travelled well, it was just a case of getting a bit of room.  had to switch around John Egan on Field Of Vision but he picked up well.  I knew I was going to get a good tow into it as these races are like a cavalry charge – it was just a case of getting there as late as possible.  I blame myself for his run at Ascot as I chased the American horse and paid the price but this time he switched off and loved that fast ground.’

Joe Tuite: ‘I was over the moon with him. It was better than we’d hoped and then I was gutted we weren’t second.  He was the only one always in the van who was still there at the end.  I was very happy.  It wasn’t a bad day’s work.  He’s done well and hopefully he may improve a bit.  I’ve a few ideas for him now.  There’s a maiden next week at Windsor, there’s the Molecomb at Goodwood and there’s the Roses Stakes, a Listed race at York.  If there’s some juice in the ground that would make some difference to him.’

Lingfield 6.10 – 7F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

No non runners meant eleven runners contested this maiden.  The field included one filly and there were five newcomers.

ROCKLEY was sent off the 5/4 favourite, having opened on course at 6/4.  The Godolphin newcomer, trained by Charlie Appleby had cost 300000 dollars as a yearling and os from a mare who won a Group 3 race at 6F.  Her only previous foal to race won a Listed race at 6F.

There was support for David Evans’ FASTNET PRINCE (25/1 to 16/1) but CHIEF ENTERTAINER drifted from 9/2 to 7/1.  Stuart Williams’ colt had finished fifth at Beverley over 5F on his debut in May, just over four lengths behind the winner, LATHOM (see Newbury above).

Inside the final furlong, three of the runners pulled clear of the remainder (eventually finishing over ten lengths clear).

NUCKY THOMPSON had led or disputed the lead on the near side rail throughout and had to be driven inside the final furlong but held on to win by a neck.  This was an improvement from his debut when he finished tenth of eleven at Newmarket.  Dave Morris’ colt had cost 37000 euros as a yearling and is from a mare who remained a maiden after two starts (half sister to a multiple Group 1 winner in Hong Kong between 8F and 10F).  She has produced winning foals between 6F and 13F, including a multiple Grade 2 winner in the USA.

FEED THE GOATER, a newcomer for Richard Hannon, finished second.  He cost 80000 euros as a yearling and is from a mare who won at 12F and was placed in a Listed race at the same distance, both in France.  She has produced one winning foal in France at 13½F.

ROCKLEY finished in third, a further ½ length away.

CHIEF ENTERTAINER finished in fourth place after having raced alone towards the centre of the track.

Shane Kelly, the rider of MAMOO, unplaced, reported that the colt was slowly away.  Kieren Fox, the rider of LINKS BAR MARBELLA, unplaced, reported that the gelding became unbalanced in the closing stages.  George Baker, the rider of GLOBAL AVENGER, unplaced, reported that the colt ran green.

Lingfield 6.40 – 6F Nursery (Class 5) Good to Firm

All six fillies stood their ground for this nursery handicap.  All of the runners were still maidens and top weight was carried by Davis Evans’ DAVID’S BEAUTY with an OR of 69.

NIDNOD (OR 67) was sent off the 13/8 favourite.  Hugo Palmer had given his thoughts on the race yesterday and was more hopeful than enthusiastic.  She had finished third at Chelmsford on her last appearance just over a length behind the winner who was conceding 10lb.  That horse was given an OR of 86 this week.

DAVID’S BEAUTY was smartly away and managed to get across to lead on the near side rail. THE BURNHAM MARE tracked the leader one off the rail and NIDNOD travelled behind the leading pair.  However, just over a furlong out, Harry Bentley squeezed through the narrowest of gaps between the leading pair and ran on well to win by 1¾ lengths.

THE BURNHAM MARE had already raced on five occasions and her best placing had been second in a Class 3 seller at York.  Her most recent appearance was at Ascot where she finished fourth in a Class 4 nursery.

DAVID’S BEAUTY finished a further ½ length away in third.

The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference inside the final furlong.  Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that the winner, NIDNOD, ridden by Harry Bentley, had interfered with DAVID’S BEAUTY, ridden by George Baker. They found the interference was accidental in that NIDNOD edged right despite the rider’s best efforts.

The Veterinary Officer reported that THE BURNHAM MARE, trained by J S Moore, lost a right hind shoe.

Haydock 7.25 – 7F Maiden Stakes (Class 4) Good to Firm

There was a spate on non runners at Haydock this evening and this race was no exception with six absentees, all because of the going.  The six were ALBERT BOY, BOTH SIDES, CYMRIC, DEFIANT CHOICE, DEMPSEY ROLL and HAIRDRYER.  This left just four colts to contest this maiden, one of whom was making his debut.

JOHN SPLENDID was sent off the 2/7 favourite.  Brian Meehan’s colt had been placed on both his starts to date, most recently at Newmarket where he finished in third place.

Leading from the start, JOHN SPLENDID made all to win in an effortless manner by 3½ lengths.

News Update

ROGUE’S GALLERY, a somewhat unfortunate second at Chester on his most recent appearance travelled to The Curragh to contest a Group 3 over 6F.   Having led until about a furlong out, he eventually finished fourth of five, beaten just over four lengths.

Wednesday 15 July Review: Lingfield, Catterick and Sandown

Lingfield 1.40 – 5F Fillies Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

Eleven fillies contested Division 1 of this maiden and there were three debutantes in the field.

There were joint favourites for the race, both having opened at 4/1 on course and returned at 3/1.  WORLD’S GREATEST had finished sixth at Newmarket on debut; the fourth horse in that race won a Class 5 maiden next time out.  REBEL SURGE (OR 79) had three races under her belt.  Most recently, she had finished ninth in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) and prior to that had finished runner up at Nottingham in a Class 5 maiden.  There was also support for STROKE OF MIDNIGHT (7/1 to 6/1) and CROWNING GLORY (10/1 to 8/1).

REBEL SURGE sat behind the leaders and when a gap appeared a furlong out, she went clear of the field with STROKE OF MIDNIGHT and stayed on the better to win by a neck.

STROKE OF MIDNIGHT (OR 70) had finished runner up on her last two stars, most recently at Bath and Richard Hannon’s filly had to be content with the same finishing position today.

PRYING PANDORA (Richard Fahey) had been last with two furlongs to go and she made good late headway on the outside to finish in third place, 2¼ lengths away.  She had cost 85000 euros as a yearling and is from an unraced mare (half sister to a Group 1 winner at 7F and 8F and a Group 3 winner at 5F).  She has produced one winning foal at 10F (OR of 70).

WORLD’S GREATEST finished in sixth place.

William Buick, the rider of SACRED HARP, unplaced, reported that the filly hung right throughout.

The Veterinary Officer reported that WORLD’S GREATEST, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, bled from the nose.

Dave Morris on REBEL SURGE: ‘She’s a bit tricky to ride but has paid me back now.  We’ve got mostly two-year-olds and they are all okay, they are just taking their time a bit.  We might try to get some black type with her, I always felt she could be a Listed filly.’

Martin Harley added: ‘She was a bit free but was the most experienced in the race and knew her job.  She ran in the Queen Mary but this trip was always going to suit her better.  I wanted a lead, but in the end she had to knuckle down and she really stretched out.I said to Phil [Cunningham] she’ll win a nursery as long as the handicapper doesn’t go mad.’

Lingfield 2.10 – 5F Fillies Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

There were ten fillies in Division 2, including two newcomers.

NOVANTAE was sent off the 2/1 favourite.  Charlie Appleby’s filly had finished sixth at Doncaster on debut.  There was support for THE SPECIAL ONE (Clive Cox, 10/1 to 6/1), SUNNY SPIRIT (Jonathan Portman, 16/1 to 12/1) and ROSECOMB (Michael Bell, 33/1 to 25/1).

EDIYE had finished fifth at Newcastle on debut.  In his assessment after the race, Hugo Palmer had said ‘She’ll come on a tonne for it and I expect her to be winning sooner rather than later.’ His prediction was correct as she was successful today.  Always prominent, she went clear over a furlong out and, despite running green, went on to record a comfortable victory by 2¼ lengths.  Purchased as a foal for 32000 euros, she was then resold for £29000 as a yearling. Her dam remained a maiden after six runs (half sister to a Group 1 winner at 8F and to a Grade 1 winning hurdler).  She had previously produced winning foals from 5F to 16F (and hurdles), including a Listed race winner at 16F.

CARA’S MUSE put in an improved performance in finishing second.  Eve Johnson Houghton’s filly had finished seventh on both of her starts to date.  She had cost 26000 euros as a yearling and is from a mare who remained a maiden after four runs.  She has produced winning foals from 5F to 8F (highest winning OR of 81), including a place in a Listed race over 7F.

NOVANTAE finished a further neck away in third.  Darley bred, she is the first foal from a mare who won at 7F (a Listed race in Germany) and at 8F in France.

THE SPECIAL ONE finished sixth , SUNNY SPIRIT fourth and ROSECOMB eighth.

Tom Queally, the rider of ROSECOMB, reported that the filly was denied a clear run in the closing stages.

Martin Harley completed a double by winning on EDIYE.  Afterwards, he said: ‘She was just getting a bit lonely out in front and hit a few of the ridges.  She travelled nicely and did it well – she might get further.  She’s genuine, she tries hard and it all went well.’

Catterick 2.00 – 5F Fillies Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good

QUIET REFLECTION was a non runner (going) leaving ten fillies to contest this maiden.  Half of the field were debutantes.

BABY BALLERINA (OR 69) was sent off the 9/4 favourite, having opened up on course at 4/1. She had not been out since finishing third at Newcastle over a month ago.  Prior to that, she had finished eighth (beaten four lengths) in a Listed race.  LADY CLAIR was also supported from 11/2 to 9/2 but DANCING YEARS (Richard Fahey) and AL ZUBARAH (John Quinn) were significant drifters.

LADY CLAIR made her debut a winning one as she tracked the leader, found a gap through on the far rail over a furlong out and went on to win by 2½ lengths.  David Barron’s filly holds an entry in the Lowther Stakes (Group 2) next month.  Purchased for 13000 euros as a yearling, she was then resold at a Breeze Up sale for 55000 euros.  She is the first foal from an unraced dam.

COPACOBANA (OR 65) had led for most of the race but while keeping on inside the final furlong, she was no match for the winner.  This was her best placing after four previous races, the most recent being in a 6F nursery at Haydock.

BABY BALLERINA finished a further 1¾ lengths back in third.

DANCING YEARS was green but stayed on to finish in fourth place and AL ZUBARAH was sixth.

The Stewards noted that approaching the four furlong marker, DANCING YEARS (IRE) hung right and BABY BALLERINA, hung left, both interfering with FAST CAT, unplaced, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved either horse’s placing.

David Barron: ‘LADY CLAIR has worked well at home, she’s quick, but they’ve got to come here and do it, and she’s done that now.  She´s a nice filly.’

Sandown 7.10 – 7F Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 5) Good

DARKSITEOFTHEMOON was a non runner (lame) which left eleven runners.  Two of the field were fillies and there were four newcomers.

ZODIAKOS, a newcomer for Hugo Palmer, was a well supported favourite (11/4 to 2/1). Palmer had been upbeat on the chances of his colt: ‘He’s going to be very much more of a three-year-old but he’s ready to make his debut and I’d definitely hold him in the first stream of my two-year-olds.  If I had to split them into classes, he’s one of the ones I’d like more and so I hope he’ll run a nice race first time out.’  Jonathan Portman’s debutante, DESERT TANGO, also received some support from 16/1 to 12/1.

Again, Palmer’s optimism was repaid as ZODIAKOS completed an across the card double. Tracking the leader, he made his challenge two furlongs out and went on to lead at the furlong pole to run out a 4½ length winner.  Purchased for 13500 euros as a foal, he was resold as a yearling for 15000 guineas.  His dam remained a maiden after eight races and she has produced one previous winning foal here, a 5F maiden, and a winner in Hong Kong.

Both HENRY THE EXPLORER and FLEETING VISIT made late progress to finish second and third.

HENRY THE EXPLORER had finished sixth at Wetherby on debut. Jo Hughes’ colt. Purchased for 5000 dollars as a yearling, he remained unsold for £17000 at a Breeze Up sale.  His dam raced in USA and she has produced two previous winners abroad.

FLEETING VISIT, a newcomer for Eve Johnson Houghton was a further neck back in third. He was sent off at 15/2, having been available at double figure prices earlier in the day.  Purchased for 12000 guineas as yearling, he is from a mare who won between 7F and 10F (highest winning OR of 89) and was placed in a Group 3 race in Italy at 8F.  Her only other foal to have raced was placed in Italy.

David Probert, the rider of MONTAGUE WAY, unplaced, reported that the colt ran too free. Oisin Murphy, the rider of DESERT TANGO, unplaced, reported that the filly was slowly away.

News Update

Mark Usher after Q TEN GIRL’s second at Lingfield yesterday:

‘Q TEN GIRL ran a solid race to finish second at Lingfield yesterday evening. I think she will certainly win in this grade. Today we run MISS FORTUNE in the 7:10 at Sandown. She did not enjoy her first start on the all weather at Lingfield but she is a filly that I like and once she has learnt her trade I am sure she can win races.  [finished sixth].

Charlie Fellowes on SALVO, last week’s winner at Newmarket:

‘SALVO’s performance to win the 6 furlong maiden on Thursday was scintillating as she came from last to first to win going away, earning herself a cheeky pat from her jockey Frankie Dettori.  I wouldn’t say I was surprised because I did expect her to run well, but I didn’t think she would win.  She seems to have come out of her race exceptionally well and there a couple of options for her in the near future, with the Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot a very obvious possibility.  Ideally I would have liked to find a little Listed race with her, but there are not a huge amount of options and I am not sure she wants stepping up to seven furlongs yet.’

Gay Kelleway on plans to run ZEBSTAR in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on 9 August:

‘He’s in the Group One over in Ireland, that’s the plan.  I backed off him for three weeks because he had a very bad sore shin the day he won at Newmarket and he’s a very good horse.  He was going to go for the Norfolk but there was no sign of rain, so we scratched him.  I didn’t want to run him again on fast ground as he’d resent it.  We were thinking of going for the July Stakes but it was the same scenario – too firm – so we sat down together, the owners and myself.  We thought we’d like to have a crack in Ireland.  It’s a Group One and we might get better ground.  He has two other entries at Deauville – a Group Three on August 2 (Prix de Cabourg) and the Morny (August 23).  I know it’s a big step, but he is a very good horse and a lot of winners have come out of the race he won. We’re looking forward to seeing him out again.’

Luca Cumani update on his 2yos:

‘We were happy with the performances of our first two year old runners of the season with the fillies running very much as expected and the colts shaping as though they needed the race.  For all that, AL KHAFJI ran promisingly in what looked a warm maiden on the Friday of the July Festival meeting, while SHARJA QUEEN fared better of the fillies and will be unlucky to run into another one as good as Lumiere in a maiden next time out.  We shall be introducing some more two year olds in the next week or so, but as always in the week following a spate of good meetings, things will be quiet for a few days.’

Tuesday 14 July Review: Bath, Beverley and Lingfield

Bath 2.00 – 5F Nursery (Class 5) Firm

A preview of this race can be read here.  All six declared runners contested this nursery handicap.

SING SOMETHING was an uneasy favourite on course and was returned at 11/8, having opened up at even money (had been available at 9/4 last night).  There was support for SHOWMETHEWAYAVRILO (7/2 to 5/2)) and POWERFUL DREAM (20/1 to 12/1).

SING SOMETHING was slowly away and lost several lengths to his rivals but was back with the field by halfway.  However, he managed to find trouble in running and although he got into the clear with a furlong to go, it was too late.

The race was won by POWERFUL DREAM who chased the leaders until taking over a furlong from home and was then driven out to win by 1½ lengths.  She cost 22000 euros as a yearling and is from a mare who remained a maiden after nine starts but is a half sister to a Group 1 winner at 8F in France.  She had previously produced winning foals from 6F to 8F, including a Listed race winner at 6F.

SING SOMETHING stayed on to get second close home and WICKED WOO was a head further back in third place.

Cathy Gannon, the rider of SHOWMETHEWAYAVRILO, placed fourth, reported that the colt hung right at the elbow.

Ron Harris:  ‘It was not a great race by any means and POWERFUL DREAM is strengthening up all the time so she had to have a chance.  We will have to look for something for quite quickly under a penalty before she is reassessed.’

Beverley 2.15 – 5F Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

There were no non runners so twelve runners went to post, including eight fillies.  Half of the field were making their debuts.

ANAGALLIS was sent off the 2/1 favourite.  Alan McCabe’s filly had finished second at Nottingham on debut, running on well without getting to the eventual winner.  There was strong support for SANDRA’S SECRET (10/1 to 6/1).  Les Eyre’s filly had finished seventh over course and distance, when starting slowly but keeping on towards the end.  Two of the newcomers were also backed on course; ROCK OF MONACO (Antony Brittain) 20/1 to 14/1 and JON H THE LAWMAN (Ronald Thompson) 33/1 to 20/1.

SANDRA’S SECRET jumped out smartly to lead and soon had the field strung out behind her. At the furlong pole she went further clear and went on to win by 3¼ lengths.  Purchased for 22000 euros as a yearling, she was then resold at a Breeze Up sale for 20000 guineas.  Her dam remained a maiden after five starts but she had previously produced one winning foal at 6F (highest winning OR of 57).

ANAGALLIS chased the winner throughout but never looked like challenging.  However she finished four lengths clear of the remainder.

PONTY ROYALE (Tim Easterby) kept on to finish third.  She had run twice previously at Ripon, both over 6F, finishing fourth on the most recent of these.  She is the first foal from a mare who remained a maiden after ten races (half sister to a 5F Group 3 winner).

Graham Lee, the rider of TWENTYSVNTHLANCERS, unplaced, reported that the gelding was denied a clear run.

Lingfield 5.50 – 7F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Standard

FASTER COMPANY was a non runner (not eaten up) leaving a field of twelve to contest this maiden.  This included four fillies and seven runners were making their debuts.

HAWKBILL (Charlie Appleby) was sent off the 11/10 favourite.  He had finished third at Kempton on his second and most recent appearance.  The winner of that race finished fourth in the Superlative Stakes (Group 2) next time out.  There was some support for OYSTER PEARL (David Evans) from 14/1 to 12/1.

Turning into the home straight, the first three in the betting headed the field and the market got the result spot on.  Inside the final furlong, MIDHMAAR (Barry Hills) was the first to weaken and HAWKBILL just got the better of LAZZAM to win by a neck.

LAZZAM (Marco Botti) had finished third on debut and earned a recommendation from the Racing Post’s Juvenile Judge.  He is the first foal from a mare who won a 7F Listed race in South Africa.

MIDHMAAR had finished fourth at Haydock on his second and most recent outing.  Shadwell bred, he is from a mare who won a maiden at 14F.  She has produced winning foals from 8F to 15F, including a Group 3 at 12F.

William Buick: ‘HAWKBILL is a horse that gets quite warm before the race, but that´s him.  He dug deep when the second horse came to give us a good race.  He’s found a bit more and is a horse that will benefit for going a mile.’

Lingfield 6.20 – 7F Selling Nursery (Class 6) Standard

A preview of this race can be read here.  All six declared runners contested this selling nursery handicap.

TAHITI ONE was sent off the 2/1 favourite.  There was strong support for Q TEN GIRL who opened up on course at 9/2 (available at 8/1 last night) and was returned at 11/4.

As predicted DYLAN ALEXANDER tried to make all and on this occasion, she was successful.  She stayed on well to win by 1¼ lengths.

Q TEN GIRL had followed the leader but was under pressure as they turned for home.  She kept on to finish second, with CLIODHNA in third place.

TAHITI ONE finished in fifth place.

The winner was bought in for 7400 guineas.

News Update

Following ENCANTAR’s win at Wolverhampton last week, Ann Duffield has made the following comments on her website:

What better way to say ‘goodbye’ to last month’s snotty noses, than with a winner? Encantar duly obliged at Wolverhampton last week having caught the eye on her penultimate start where she demonstrated a very good attitude, finishing strongly to be second beaten only 1/4 length on that occasion.  Going one better this time, this likeable 2 year old filly perhaps found herself in front a little sooner than ideal, as once she got there she almost thought she’d done enough!  Encantar will surely have learnt an awful lot and being half-sister to a listed winner, we look forward to seeing her continue to progress. The boss managed to find the ideal race to get her off the mark and may now look to nurseries for future endeavors.  George tells me that she could well be seen to greater effect, against a better class of horse – we will have to wait and see, but I think we can agree that he might know a thing or two about judging horses and assessing races!

Juvenile Update from the BHA

The second two-year-old handicap of the year was run last Tuesday and this Tuesday we have published the ratings, writes Matthew Tester. It is those first few nurseries which give me the chance to firm up the numbers.

The figures this year are holding together pretty well. Each week I produce distribution graphs of the handicap ratings. There are stats on average ratings and average performance figures plus a few other indicators. All of those are well within expected parameters although there will, of course, still be plenty of horses that turn out to be too low or too high.

I was on duty at Newmarket’s July meeting which features three Group races for two-year-olds. The QIPCO Duchess of Cambridge produced a thrilling three-way finish, but it gave no reason to change the 108 rating earned by Illuminate at Royal Ascot.

Birchwood put his disappointing run on easy ground in Ireland behind him when landing the Bet 365 Superlative Stakes. He is now on 108, up 9lb from his previous form. I was particularly taken with the third horse, Tony Curtis. He has come on plenty from his debut win in a maiden, and there are good reasons to think he’ll improve again. He’s pencilled in at 105 but appeals to me as a future 110+ performer.

And I think that Shalaa was an above-average winner of the July Stakes at 113. Although he won by a length, he was further clear when he started to hang. Because he was clear, Rab Havlin wisely sat still and decided not to force him to go straight. Therefore the horse must be considered to be value for more than the bare margin.

The jockeys reported the ground as being pretty fast and Areen, in particular, did not seem happy on it. Fast ground running uphill at Ascot is a different matter from fast ground downhill into the dip here.

The other two-year-old to take out of the July meeting was definitely the filly Lumiere. She quickened clear in a heartbeat to win her maiden by six lengths eased down. Her mum won a Redcar maiden by 11 lengths on her debut, although that turned out to be her only start.

Previews: Tuesday 14 July Bath 2.00 and Lingfield 6.20

Bath 2.00 – 5F Nursery (Class 5) Firm

Six runners are due to contest this nursery handicap and only one of the runners has won previously.  Both POWERFUL DREAM and WICKED WOO are out of the handicap and are set to carry 3lb and 10lb extra respectively.

THEE AND ME (Bill Turner) – The most experienced runner in the field and the only winner, that success coming in a Class 5 maiden at Wolverhampton on his second start.  After that win, Ryan While said: ‘THEE AND ME wants an easy 5F and he’ll be alright on grass, but we could keep him on the AW.  He galloped to the line well.’  He drops back to Class 5 today and reverts to 5F.

SING SOMETHING (David Brown) – Given a break after three maiden runs and returned in the first nursery of the season at Haydock over 6F on softish ground.  He challenged a furlong out but was one paced thereafter and finished third.  Drops back to 5F today.

SILVER SPRINGS (David Evans) – The best of her three runs to date came in a seller at Windsor when she finished ½ length behind stable companion KUMANAVSUMFUN (who finished 2¼ lengths in front of SING SOMETHING at Haydock).

SHOWMETHEWAYAVRILO (Malcolm Saunders) – Nursery debut after three maiden runs, the last two at 6F.  When finishing  fifth at Salisbury on his penultimate start, it was in a Class 3 maiden and both the winner and second horse have won in Class 2 and Class 3 company since.  His dam won three races at 5F (highest winning OR of 61).

POWERFUL DREAM (Ron Harris) – She has only beaten one rival on her last two starts (hung right throughout at Brighton on her latest outing).  On debut she finished fourth at Goodwood, six lengths behind the third placed horse, PASS THE MOON.  That horse, conceding 5lb, finished ¾ length behind SING SOMETHING at Haydock.

WICKED WOO (Jo Hughes) – Last ran two months ago and has only beaten four rivals in three starts.

Summary

Having dismissed the chances of the two runners from out of the handicap, I think that SING SOMETHING will be the likeliest winner.  The break suggests that a campaign in nurseries was the plan after his three maiden runs.  The return at Haydock may well have put him right for today.

SILVER SPRINGS whilst weighted to finish in front of SING SOMETHING on a line through KUMANAVSUMFUN, is now being apprentice ridden for the first time.  Also, the act that Cathy Gannon sticks with SHOWMETHEWAYAVRILO could be seen as a negative for the Evans runner.

A case could possibly be made for SHOWMETHEWAYAVRILO on that Salisbury race but his last run was not particularly encouraging.

The return to 5F for THEE AND ME should be a positive but he will be conceding weight all round.  However, if you look at the names of the winners of the races he has been beaten in, there are some decent 2yos included.

Lingfield 6.20 – 7F Nursery/Seller (Class 6) – Standard

Five fillies and one gelding have been declared for the first nursery/seller of the season and only one of the runners has won previously.  Both SKY FERRY and LADY KATHERINE are out of the handicap and are set to carry 2lb and 3lb extra respectively.

Three of these runners met in a 7F seller at Thirsk on 1 July.  DYLAN ALEXANDER was sent off the 8/15 favourite and tried to make all leading until the final strides, going down by a neck (trading at 1.01 in the process).  CLIODHNA finished in third, four lengths away but is 18lb better off today (13lb taking into account the Tom Marquand’s claim).  SKY FERRY finished last of the six runners but and was eased before the finish and afterwards, it was reported that the gelding hung left handed throughout.  He had been backed from 22/1 to 14/1 and was wearing a hood for the first time.  That hood is left off today.

Q TEN GIRL, CLIODHNA and SKY FERRY had previously met in a 6F seller at Windsor in June.  On that occasion, Q TEN GIRL had finished sixth, CLIODHNA seventh (1½ lengths back) and SKY FERRY eighth (a further 2¼ lengths back).  Including allowances for apprentices, CLIODHNA  is 4lb worse off with Q TEN GIRL but SKY FERRY is 18lb better off. Josephine Gordon, who is booked to ride SKY FERRY, is set to carry 7-7 but it should be noted that her lowest riding weight in the last twelve months is 7-10 (which she achieved last week). In the report of that race, the Stewards looked at instances of interference which affected both CLIODHNA and SKY FERRY but it should be noted that Q TEN GIRL was also stopped in her run.

Before her run at Windsor, Q TEN GIRL had finished sixth in a Class 5 maiden at Leicester. The fifth in that race finished fourth in the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) on his next and then won a Class 4 maiden.  Mark Usher said of his filly after that race ‘she will improve for running on a flatter track and in a lesser grade.’

Of the other runners, TAHITI ONE won a seller here over 6F last time out.  Her task was helped when the leader ran wide on the final turn, giving her the perfect run through on the inside rail and she went on to win by ¾ length.  She was staying on at the finish, so she will probably not be inconvenienced by today’s extra furlong.   I T GURU finished second, having run wide.  That horse had previously finished fourth in the Windsor seller detailed above.

LADY KATHERINE steps up to 7F having raced in three maidens at 6F in which she was beaten in total over sixty lengths and has only beaten four rivals in those three starts.  In the most recent of those, she wore blinkers but they are dispensed with today.

Summary  

I would expect DYLAN ALEXANDER to try and make all again and, if so, there must be the possibility that she will trade at a short price in running.  With the support for SKY FERRY last time out, and the hood being left off today, I would expect there to be improvement from him. However the selection will be Q TEN GIRL who, on a line through I T GURU, is closely weighted with TAHITI ONE.  Hopefully she can improve on her run at Windsor and win at a fair price.

Wednesday 8 July: Lingfield, Wolverhampton, Catterick and Kempton

Lingfield 2.10 – 5F Nursery (Class 5) Good To Firm

MUHADATHAT – Won a Class 4 maiden at Musselburgh before being sent off the odds on favourite at Chester in a novice stakes.  She finished second to what could turn out to be a decent newcomer.  On two of her three races, she has led.

OWER FLY – Made all when winning at Bath on his second start before trying the same tactics at Windsor, when finishing third in a novice stakes.  The winner of that race was third in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) and the runner up has won twice since.  On his next outing at Chepstow he was stepped up to 6F but could only finish seventh – it was reported that he ran flat.

RAJ TO RICHES – Still a maiden after seven starts and has front run on most of these.  He has traded shorter in running on all of these (including at odds on four times).  His last outing, at Brighton, is best ignored as it was his second run in twenty four hours.  On two occasions he has either been fractious beforehand or had to be led down to the start.

LIL´S JOY – Has not been seen out since May, although it seems it was proposed to run her in a Class 2 race at Windsor at the end of June.  Giles Bravery had said: ‘We were disappointed with her last time, we think it came a bit quick after her hard run in the Listed race at York .  Her last race at at Catterick has ended up being a little bit better than we first thought, as the first and the second finished 4th and 5th in the Albany and the 3rd won a nice race at Ripon next time out.’

WILLSY – Unplaced in three runs to date, all at 6F and on the most recent of these, Windsor, was backed from 11/1 to 8/1.  Drops to 5F today and also has a 7lb claimer on board for the first time.  Owner bred, his dam remained a maiden.  However, siblings have won at both 5F and 6F (highest winning OR of 89).

SIR THEODORE – Last time out he was outclassed in the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed). On his previous run, he had finished second in a Class 5 maiden at Nottingham, beaten 1¾ lengths.  There have been no subsequent winners from this race.

TEVERSHAM – Unplaced in the Brocklesby Stakes and later at Lingfield before finishing second in a poor three runner 6F novice stakes at Wolverhampton.  Drops back to 5F today.

Pre-race comments

There are plenty of pace options and of the three possible leaders, MUHADATHAT has the least to prove and is the likeliest winner of the race.  However, if they go too fast up front, it may pay to take a chance with WILLSY.  The drop in trip suggests that he may stay on towards the end and with a 7lb claimer who is already in double figures for the season, this could be a Mick Channon handicap plot.  Any money for him would obviously make him more interesting.

Summary

There was one non runner, TEVERSHAM (not eaten up) and MUHADATHAT was sent off the 13/8 favourite.

RAJ TO RICHES led from the start and held this position until over a furlong out when he was passed by LIL’S JOY.  She then stayed on under pressure to win by a neck from MUHADATHAT who came to challenge a furlong out but was always held.

WILLSY finished 2¼ lengths away in third, having got up close home to finish in front of RAJ TO RICHES.

Cam Hardie, the rider of SIR THEODORE, placed fifth, reported that the colt hung right throughout.

Pat Dobb: ‘LIL’S JOY is very quick and was actually doing too much all the way.  She was left in front when John Egan´s [Raj To Riches] dropped away, but then Joe [Fanning on Muhadathat] came along and helped me out.’

Lingfield 2.40 – 6F Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 5) Good To Firm  

LET THERE BE LIGHT – Cost £19000 as a yearling and is from a mare who remained a maiden after eleven starts.  She has produced winning foals at 5F and 6F (highest winning OR of 79).

MAGIC STRIKE – Fourth at Salisbury on debut but beaten just over ten lengths.

PHARAOH – Finished fifth (just over five lengths behind STAR JEANIE – see below).

BALLYLARE – Sixth of seven at Deauville over 6½F on debut.  His dam was a winner in USA and she has produced winning foals between 7F and 10F (highest winning OR of 74)

CANFORD BELLE – Eighth at Windsor on debut, beaten just over nine lengths.

DAVID´S BEAUTY – The most experienced runner in the field.  Finished runner up on her last two races, most recently at Bath, beaten six lengths on both of these occasions.

SOPHISTICA – Steps up to 6F having finished unplaced on both starts to date.  Wears a hood for the first time.

STAR JEANIE – Jumped right on leaving the stalls and lost several lengths but finished second at Goodwood, beaten 1¾ lengths.  The winner of that race finished fifth in a Listed race next time out.

KIDMENEVER – Fifth at Salisbury, beaten 4½ lengths in a Class 3 stakes race.  A 10000 euros purchase at a Breeze Up sale.

BECCA CAMPBELL – Fourth on debut here over 5F, beaten nearly ten lengths.

PACIFICA – Failed to beat a rival in both of her starts to date.

Summary

DAVID’S BEAUTY was a non runner (girth gall) leaving a field of ten, equally divided between colts and fillies.

STAR JEANIE was sent off the 11/8 favourite and there was support for CANFORD BELLE who opened up at 12/1 before being returned at 8/1.

CANFORD BELLE made the early running but she was passed over a furlong out and eventually finished in eighth place.  

STAR JEANIE  had been close to the lead throughout and was ridden to take the lead over a furlong out and went on to win by 1¼ lengths.   

KIDMENEVER stayed on to finish in second and BALLYLARE finished a further 1¼ lengths back in third place.

Liam Jones, the rider of KIDMENEVER, reported that the colt lost its action shortly after the start.  

Richard Hughes, the rider of PHARAOH, unplaced, reported that the colt moved poorly.

Henry Candy on STAR JEANIE: ‘She was a little bit green at Goodwood, where I thought she might win but she was just outstayed by a typically tough and genuine one of Mark Johnston’s. She wasn´t doing a lot in front today and it might not be too bad a race judging from what Stan [Moore, trainer of KIDMENEVER] was telling me.  She’s tiny, but she’s a sweet filly, and as tough as can be.  She could have done with a bit more ease, and I think there´s a bit more to come.’

Wolverhampton 2.20 – 5F Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 6) Standard

RAMPERS – Four runs before the end of May and has been off since then (appears to have been gelded in the meantime).  Runner up at Southwell when looking the more likely winner a furlong out (traded as low as 1.71 in the run) but could not quicken close to home.  He then started favourite at Lingfield (6F) but could only finish sixth.  The Stewards noted that the trainer’s representative could offer no explanation for the colt’s performance.

WESTBOURNE GROVE – Last of six at Windsor on debut.

FIELD OF VISION – Runner up on three of his four starts and has led on three of these. Traded at shorter in running on all starts, including three at odds on including (one at 1.01). On his penultimate start when he finished third at Chester, the winner went on to finish second in a Listed race.

INTIMATELY – Well beaten on both starts, including behind FIELD OF VISION on the most recent of these.

ENCANTAR – Ann Duffield had been considering a Royal Ascot entry for her after her second in a Class 2 race at Musselburgh.  Since that time she has been a non runner twice (sore shins and bad scope).  On the most recent occasion, the trainer thought she had found the ‘perfect’ race, a 5F Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 5) at Carlisle.

OJAI – Unplaced on both starts and has not been out since early April.  At Lingfield on her last start, she was backed from 12/1 to 5/1.

LILVANITA – Seventh of nine at Carlisle on debut in the race targeted by Ann Duffield.  The hood worn on debut is dispensed with today.

Pre-race comments

This should be between ENCANTAR and FIELD OF VISION.  If the latter runs from the front, there is a possibility for a Back to Lay strategy.

Summary

Two non runners, WESTBOURNE GROVE (blood analysis not normal) and FIELD OF VISION (coughing) meant there were five runners and ENCANTAR was made favourite at 4/6.

LILVANITA and OJAI took the lead but turning into the home straight, they drifted away from the far rail creating a gap for the favourite to take advantage of.

OJAI dropped away over a furlong out and although ENCANTAR also drifted towards the centre of the track, she was ridden to lead and went on to win by ½ length.

LILVANITA kept on to finish in second place and RAMPERS kept to the inside rail, running on to finish third, a further 1½ lengths away.  

Silvestre De Sousa, the rider of LILVANITA, reported that the filly hung right in the home straight.

PJ McDonald: ‘ENCANTAR is a better filly than she showed there.  It took her a little time to adjust and the the bridle came loose at the furlong marker and came over her ear.  I thought I was going to lose the lot for a second or two and I had to re-adjust it before I cantered her back. She’s a nice filly.’

Catterick 2.30 – 6F Nursery (Class 4) Good to Soft

STAR FOCUS – Off the mark in a Class 6 maiden over 7½F at Beverley.  On her previous start at Thirsk, she had finished as runner up over 6F, a length behind DUTCH MIST.  They meet again today but STAR FOCUS is 1lb worse off.

DUTCH MIST – See STAR FOCUS

HALSALL – Drops back to a more suitable grade today having finished down the field in two Listed races.  His one victory to date had come at Redcar in a 5F Class 5 maiden.

FLYING PURSUIT – Did well to finish in second, although beaten nine lengths, having raced alone at Ripon on his penultimate start.  The winner of that race went on to finish fifth in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2).  Most recently he finished sixth in a Class 3 maiden at York, beaten just over five lengths, in a race won by SANDAHL.  That horse runs at Pontefract on Tuesday; second to fifth have all won on their next appearances.

Pre-race comments

This is a tough race to call.  It could be expected that DUTCH MIST should confirm the previous running with STAR FOCUS but the other two runners could not be discounted.

Summary

With the change in going to Good to Soft (from Good), HALSALL was declared a non runner, leaving just three runners.  DUTCH MIST was made the 6/5 favourite.  

FLYING PURSUIT tried to make all and was tracked by STAR FOCUS and DUTCH MIST. When it became apparent that the leader was sticking to the far rail, Jamie Spencer was forced to pull DUTCH MIST wide to challenge but the filly got up close home to win by ½ length from FLYING PURSUIT.

Kevin Ryan: ‘We knew she’d like the ground. She’s improving and is a nice filly.  If Jamie had got a gap on the rail she’d have won much easier, but he was going so well there was no point taking a chance so he pulled out and went wide.  I’ve no race in mind, she’s hasn’t done much there so we’ll just have a look and see what is about for her.  We know she handles cut now, like most Dutch Arts do.’

Catterick 3.00 – 5F Claimer (Class 6) Good to Soft

TOTAL POWER – Came from a long way back to finish second by a nose in a seller at Musselburgh, having been beaten over twenty lengths in each of his previous two starts.  RIO DEVA finished in third and is 7lb better off today for that neck defeat.

ROARING RORY – Three starts, the best of these being at Redcar in his second race, when he finished third 1¾ lengths behind HALSALL (see 2.30 race).

FREEZE A CROWD – Drops in class and distance after finishing unplaced in two Class 5 maidens.

RIO DEVA – See TOTAL POWER.

MISTAKEN LADY – Blinkered for the first time when fifth of six in a seller at Lingfield on 2 July.  It was reported that she ran too free.  She was then a non runner in another seller two days later (infected foot). Blinkers are being replaced by a first time visor today.

TUTILL – Has beaten just two rivals in three starts, including a Class 3 seller.

Summary

FREEZE A CROWD was a non runner (going) leaving five runners to contest this claimer.  RIO DEVA was the favourite, opening up on course at 7/4 and being sent off at 5/4.  There was some support for TOTAL POWER (5/1 to 4/1) and MISTAKEN LADY (22/1 to 14/1).  ROARING RORY was uneasy in the market having opened as 6/5 favourite, he drifted to 7/4.

TUTILL (40/1) went straight into the lead on the far rail and stayed there until a furlong out when ROARING RORY took over in front.  However TOTAL POWER, who was about four lengths off the lead two furlongs out, came with another late run to win by 1¼ lengths.  ROARING RORY traded as low as 1.17 in running.

The first two finished three lengths in front of TUTILL in third.

The representative of Keith Dalgleish, the trainer of RIO DEVA, placed fourth, reported that the filly was unsuited by the track.

TOTAL POWER’s victory gave Iain Jardine his first 2yo winner.  ‘We came here hopeful after his last run and I thought Keith Dalgleish’s horse was the one to beat.  I wasn’t really worried when the rain came, I thought it might be an advantage to TOTAL POWER, and hopefully he can build on that. He’s a nice little horse and I’m chuffed to bits.

After the race, TOTAL POWER was claimed by D. Gilbert for £15000.

Kempton 7.50 – 6F Fillies Maiden (Class 5) Standard

ABERLADY – Was Sir Michael Stoute’s first 2yo runner of the season at Newmarket when finishing third, beaten nearly two lengths.  The runner up won a Class 4 maiden next time out. Received an entry for the Albany Stakes (Group 3) but was not declared to run.

CROARA – 35000 guineas purchase at a Breeze Up sale from a mare who won at 14F and 15F (highest winning OR of 80).

DALALAH – Ninth of twelve at Haydock on debut (finished in front of QUINA BROOK).  The fourth from that race won a Class 5 maiden next time out.

GAELIC ANGEL – 27000 guineas purchase at a Breeze Up sale; her dam was unraced.

HELLS BABE – Owner bred from a mare that won a 12F maiden in Ireland.

JUSTICE ANGEL – Finished sixth at Sandown on debut and was then third over course and distance, staying on but never a danger.  Her dam was a winner over 5F and 6F in France and she has produced a winning foal in Ireland between 7F and 10F, including two Group 3 wins at 10F.

MYSTERIOUS LOOK – Seventh at Nottingham on debut, just over four lengths behind DUTCH MIST (see Catterick 2.30).

NOVEMBER – 7000 guineas purchase as a foal from a mare who remained a maiden after racing in France.

QUINA BROOK – See DALALAH.  Purchased for 6000 euros as a yearling, she was then resold for 82000 euros at a Breeze Up sale.  Her dam was unraced but has produced winning foals between 6F and 9F (highest winning OR of 70).

ROSE ZAFONIC – 32000 guineas purchase as a yearling from a mare who remained a maiden after seven races.  She has produced winning foals from 5F to 8F, including a Listed winner at 7F.

VALIANT FAITH – Seventh at Bath on debut (the eighth placed horse finished runner up in a Class 5 maiden next time out).

ZAHRAT NARJIS – Not been seen out since finishing fifth at Ascot when favourite for a Class 4 maiden.  There have been six subsequent winners from that race, including the third placed horse in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2).  Prior to that, on debut at Wolverhampton, she had finished nearly three lengths behind a subsequent Listed race winner.

Summary

GAELIC ANGEL was a non runner (cut leg) leaving eleven fillies to contest this maiden.

ABERLADY was made the 4/9 favourite and in fact the three market leaders filled the places but not in the prescribed order.

QUINA BROOK was reported to have been taken down early and she made the running until two furlongs out (eventually finished in fourth).

JUSTICE ANGEL had raced fairly wide throughout and took the lead two furlongs out.  She stayed on well to win by ¾ length.

ABERLADY tracked the leader on the inside but seemed to be caught out when the eventual winner made her move.  Once in the clear, she chased home JUSTICE ANGEL but never looked like getting there.

There was a further gap of 1¼ lengths to NAHRAT ZARJIS, who took third place close home.

OIsin Murphy, the rider of VALIANT FAITH, unplaced, reported that the filly hung left.

Paul Holley (assistant trainer): ‘We have always thought a bit of JUSTICE ANGEL and she has just taken time to come to herself.  She is a half-sister to the owner’s Success Days, who ran in the Derby after winning the Ballysax and Derby Trial at Leopardstown.’

Thursday 2 July Afternoon Review: Lingfield and Haydock

Thursday 2 July

Lingfield 2.10 – 6F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Standard

Seven runners for this maiden.. The six colts had all previously run but the only filly was making her debut.

The market couldn’t split TIME WARP (Sir Mark Prescott) and BOCHART (Charlie Appleby) and they were sent off the joint 7/4 favourites.  TIME WARP had finished as runner up at Chelmsford on his second and most recent run.  BOCHART had been available to back at 11/4 last night and had traded as low as 1.26 when finishing third at Leicester on his second start.

A MOMENTOFMADNESS had taken part in a match at Sandown on his debut where he was beaten by 3¾ lengths.  Today he led from the start and although challenged a furlong out, he battled on well to hold on by a short head.  Charlie Hills’ colt cost £72000 and is the first foal from a mare who won a 6F maiden.

BOCHART came to challenge but couldn’t get past the eventual winner.  He is Darley bred from a mare who won two races at 6F.  She has produced a full sister who won a maiden at 7F.  Other siblings have won between 5F and 8F (highest winning OR of 100).

TIME WARP ran on towards the end and finished a further ½ length back in third.

Lingfield 2.40 – 6F Seller (Class 6) Standard

There were two non runners for this race, FRED’S FILLY (lame) and Q TEN GIRL (coughing). This left a field of six; all had race experience and there was one previous winner.

TAHITI ONE was held up in the rear but when the leader went wide on the final turn, Tony Carroll’s filly had the perfect run through on the inside rail.  She led at the furlong pole and went on to win by ¾ length.  She had finished fifth of six here (but on turf) for her debut in a Class 6 maiden.  The winner of that race finished second in a Class 2 Stakes race next time out. Owner bred, she is the first foal from a mare who won a maiden over 6½F.

I T GURU (Richard Hannon) was sent off the 6/4 favourite and led from the start but by hanging right into the straight, he greatly diminished his chance of winning.  However he did keep on close home but couldn’t get back to the eventual winner.  He had finished fourth in a seller on the most recent of his two starts.  Purchased for 11500 guineas as a foal, he was resold as a yearling for £36000.  He is from a mare who remained a maiden after sixteen starts.  She has produced a full brother who remained a maiden after six starts; a half brother has won over 6F (highest winning OR of 74).

Richard Hughes, the rider of I T GURU, reported that the colt hung right off the bend.  Cathy Gannon, the rider of MISTAKEN LADY, unplaced, reported that the filly ran too free.

I T GURU was claimed by Mr N. Wilson for £6000.  PRIORY (the previous winner in the field) was claimed by Mr Martin Smith £6,000.

Haydock 2.50 – 6F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Soft

Before racing the going was officially Good to Firm but this was changed to Good to Soft after this race (and later went to Soft).

All ten runners stood their ground and the field included one filly making her debut.  Of the nine other runners, five were also having their first races.

EQLEEM started as the favourite having opened up course at 5/2 and was backed in to 13/8. Mark Johnston’s colt cost 75000 guineas as a foal and is from an unraced mare (a half sister to Listed race winners).  She has produced one previous winning foal, a 6F maiden who was also placed in a 7F Listed race.

Always close up, EQLEEM took the lead a furlong out and kept on well to win by ¾ length.

PHANTOM FLIPPER had finished third over course and distance on debut but then disappointed at Windsor when it was reported that the colt was slowly away and was never travelling.  Today, he was following the leader and kept on to finish in second place.

SIGN OF THE KODIAC made the early running but was one paced in the final furlong, finishing a further length away.  Previously, he had finished as runner up at Chelmsford on his second start and then took his chance in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes, where he finished eleventh.

FATHERLY FRIEND, on debut for Karl Burke, finished fourth and was a notable eyecatcher, coming from a long way back.

William Buick, the rider of FATHERLY FRIEND, reported that the colt was denied a clear run. The Stewards ordered the colt to be routine tested.

Haydock 3.20 – 6F Nursery Handicap (Class 5) Good to Soft

Details of the runners and a preview can be seen here.

https://twitter.com/MatthewDTester/status/616504716256743424

There were two declared non runners, MUSTN’T GRUMBLE (lame)  and RISK ADJUSTED (not eaten up).  BINT ALDAR, who had been made the favourite when the books were formulated last night, was withdrawn late on.

With the absence of BINT ALDAR, WEDGE was sent off as the 3/1 favourite.  He tracked the leaders, came to challenge over a furlong out and was ridden clear to win by 3½ lengths.

KUMANAVSUMFUN made most of the early running and kept on to finish in second place.

SING SOMETHING also challenged a furlong out but was one paced thereafter and finished a further 2¼ lengths back in third.

B A Curtis, the rider of BUKLE, placed fifth, reported that the colt hung right throughout.

Haydock 3.50 – 7F Novice Stakes (Class 4) Soft

Six runners for this novice stakes race.  All six colts had won on their most recent starts.

HAYADH for John Gosden had been reported as coltish and bolted on the way to the start when winning last month, over course and distance.

HERALDIC (Mark Johnston) had finished second at Musselburgh in a race won by the subsequent Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) runner up and next time out, made all to win a 6F Class 5 maiden by six lengths.

HORNSBY (Charlie Appleby) had won a 7F Class 4 maiden at Newmarket on his second start.

GALILEO GOLD had finished second at York in a Class 3 maiden at York before winning a 6F Class 5 maiden at Salisbury.  After his win, Hugo Palmer had given his thoughts on the colt’s future, full text here, but he did say ‘he’ll improve for being stepped up to seven furlongs.’

KELLY’S DINO (Karl Burke) was another reported as green on debut at Carlisle where he was ten lengths behind the leaders after a furlong but got back in the race to win by a head.

TURN TIDE for David Brown, had been well supported when winning a 7F Class 6 maiden at Lingfield by 3¾ lengths.

HAYADH was sent into the lead early on and with just over two furlongs to go, apart from KELLY’S DINO, all of the runners appeared to still be in with a chance.  However,at this stage, GALILEO GOLD was ridden into the lead and went on to score by 1¼ lengths.  HAYADH kept on to finish second, with HORNSBY a further 2¼ lengths back in third.

News Update

Further to my preview of the Dragon Stakes tomorrow, here are some quotes from connections:

Clive Cox (SOAPY AITKEN) ‘He came out of Ascot well and I was very pleased with how he ran there as the ground was just a bit quicker than ideal.  I’d be hoping, if the forecast is right and Sandown do get a thunderstorm or two, conditions will be more suitable for him. I’ve been longing to get him on a more suitable surface and I think we’ll see an improved performance when he gets it.’

Karl Burke (BARBAROUS RELIC) ‘It’s a step up in class for him and there are a couple of very nice horses in there.  We have a reasonable draw (stall three) and we think he’ll step up to a degree.  Whether that will be enough to win, we’ll have to wait and see.  He’s a tough little horse and has done nothing but improve.  He ran a respectable race first time at Catterick, improve to win at Ayr and we think he’s improve against since.  Any rain probably wouldn’t help us.  He handles top of the ground well.’

Roger Varian: ‘MAJDOOL ran out an easy winner of the seven furlong maiden at Wolverhampton on Monday The son of Acclamation has improved with each start to date and had little trouble shedding his maiden tag under Paul Hanagan.  He was always to the fore, travelling well before Paul asked him for an effort two furlongs out.  He soon scooted clear and coasted home to win by six lengths. Roger said: Majdool is a straightforward colt who is going the right way. He looks a nice type for nurseries.’

Ed de Giles: ‘We have run four 2 year olds so far.  We should have another batch of 2 year olds out in a few weeks time.’

BELLA IMPERATRIX was incredibly green first time out and ran better on her second run albeit not firing on all four cylinders.   After an MOT we know the problem, and the way she is at home hopefully we are rectifying it.  She should be out in three weeks time.

OPERATIVE is a cracking horse who has run with great credit in above average maidens – being second and third respectively.  I am sure he is capable of losing his maiden tag soon.  He is a lovely rangy colt who will only get better with time.

SWANTON BLUE ran well first time out on unsuitable ground and took a huge step forward coming second at Salisbury on his next run.  He has an attitude to die for and plenty of ability and I am sure will be winning his maiden before long.

JINKO’S APPROVAL took a huge step forward after his first run and again ran a lovely race third time out. He will keep on improving and will surely pick up a maiden.

The latest recommendations from the Racing Post’s Juvenile Judge are:

Glenrowan Rose, fifth, Ascot, June 19

Did not enjoy the easiest of passages in the Albany, having to switch around rivals a couple of times, but she still massively outran her odds and took a big step forward from her Catterick maiden win.  Trainer Keith Dalgleish thinks she might appreciate a little cut so she may not be seen again that soon, but when she is she could do well in novice company or better.

Lazzam, third, Leicester, June 23

On breeding, six furlongs was always likely to prove inadequate for this colt, and having travelled well, he was outpaced by the front pair in the final furlong.  However it was still an appealing debut, and once given an extra furlong or further, he can make more of an impact.

Dragon Mall, fifth, Kempton, June 24

Having completely blown the start, this colt was then always up against it, and only had a couple behind him turning in.  However when switched out wide and given some space he really finished off well, taking an eased-down fifth. He should be a lot wiser for the experience.

Hawksmoor, first, Kempton, July 1

Not all that much went right for this filly on debut, but she still proved to be in a different league to her rivals, winning going away by three and a half lengths.  Having been bumped at the start, jockey Harry Bentley also dropped his reins when challenging from off the pace, in a race where it paid to be handy.  She holds a Group 1 entry in the Moyglare, and is one to be interested in when tackling better company.

 

Saturday 27 June Review: Newcastle, Windsor, Newmarket, Chester, Lingfield and Doncaster

Saturday 27 June

Newcastle 1.25 – 5F Maiden Stakes (Class 4) Good

All nine declared runners stood their ground for this maiden.  The field consisted of six colts and three fillies, two of whom were making their debuts.

GENO (Kevin Ryan) had finished second on debut at York and was sent off the 11/8 favourite.

Mark Johnston’s debutante, PLAGIARISM, was held up in the early stages but made smooth headway to take the lead over a furlong out.  It looked as though she would go on to win comfortably but PADDY POWER made her battle all the way to the line.  In the end she ended up winning by ½ length.  PLAGIARISM is Darley bred and is out of a mare who won a 6F maiden on debut and was later placed in a Group 3 at the same distance.  She has produced winners from 7F to 10F (and hurdles), including places in Listed races at 6F and 8F.

Richard Fahey’s PADDY POWER had been fancied on his debut at Ascot and was again made favourite when finishing fifth at Haydock.

The front pair finished four lengths in front of WOLOWITZ in third.  David Barron’s colt had finished just over a length behind GENO on his debut and today he reversed that form, finishing four lengths in front of the favourite.  He cost 20000 euros as as yearling and is from a mare who won at 6F and 7F (highest winning OR of 82).  She has produced winning foals between 5F and 10F (highest winning OR of 92).

The Stewards held an enquiry under Rule (B)11.6 into possible interference inside the final furlong.  Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that the winner, PLAGIARISM ridden by Paul Mulrennan had interfered with PADDY POWER placed second, ridden by Samantha Bell and that the interference had not improved PLAGIARISM’s placing. They ordered the placings to remain unaltered as they were satisfied that the margin of half a length at the line was more than the ground lost by PADDY POWER.  The Stewards found Mulrennan in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that although his mount initially shifted quickly left he had failed to take sufficient steps to prevent his horse drifting further left, thereby carrying PADDY POWER off its intended line.  They suspended Mulrennan for 2 days as follows: Monday 13 July and Tuesday 14 July 2015.

Andrew Mullen, the rider of SECRET CLAUSE, unplaced, reported that the colt ran too free.  Renato Souza, the rider of NAME THAT TOON, unplaced, reported that the filly hung left throughout.

Reacting to the Stewards decision, Johnston said: ‘I’d say it probably cost her more than the runner-up.  She’s shown plenty at home and was going to be one of my early ones, but she had a little setback.  I had a few by Lonhro [sire of winner].  One won but unfortunately died, and the others, including her, have shown more speed than I expected, like RAH RAH, but they should stay further.’

Windsor 1.35 – 6F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

DUBAI MISSION was declared a non runner (lame) which left a field of eleven to contest this maiden.  There was one filly in the field and four of the runners had previous race experience.

HUMAN NATURE (Saeed Bin Suroor) had finished third on debut at Windsor and was sent off the 7/4 favourite.   There was support on course for JOULES, (11/4 to 15/8).  Charlie Hills newcomer had cost 215000 guineas as a yearling and is out of a mare who won a 6F maiden on debut.  She has produced a full brother who won between 5F and 8F, including the Irish 2000 Guineas.  Other foals have won from 7F to 12F, including a Group 2 race.

HUMAN NATURE was away smartly from the stalls and was never headed, running out a comfortable winner.

SURBETT had finished seventh on debut in the same Windsor race as HUMAN NATURE.  On that occasion, he was just over a length behind the Godolphin colt and today he finished 3¼ lengths away in second place.  Marco Botti’s colt cost 85000 euros as a yearling and is from an unraced mare (a half sister to a 10F Group 3 winner).  The only other foal she has produced remains a maiden, after nine starts.

SHAKA ZULU was another newcomer and had unseated Seb Sanders before the start but finished third in the race, a further 1¾ lengths away.  Owner bred, he is the first foal from a mare who won at 11F and 12F (highest winning OR of 78).

JOULES finished in fifth place.

William Twiston-Davies, the rider of PROJECTION, reported that the colt fly leaped leaving the starting stalls.  Ted Durcan, the rider of BLACKDOWN WARRIOR, reported that he eased down in the last furlong because the colt had lost its action.  The Veterinary Officer confirmed that BLACKDOWN WARRIOR had been struck into on its left fore.  Kieren Fox, the rider of LINKS BAR MARBELLA, reported that the gelding was slowly away.  Steve Drowne, the rider of INVIGORATE, reported that the colt was slowly away.

Newmarket 1.45 – 7F Maiden Stakes (Class 4) Good to Firm

Twelve colts contested this maiden after MIDDLEMAN was withdrawn by the Stewards prior to the start due to the colt bolting to post.  There were nine newcomers in the field.

JOHN SPLENDID had finished second by a nose on debut at Newbury after trading at a low of 1.27 in the run.  The winner of that race has since won a Class 3 Conditions race.  Brian Meehan’s colt started as the 6/4 favourite today.  There was support on course for newcomers HIGHLY PRIZED (6/1 to 7/2), SNAN (12/1 to 9/1), MASARZAIN (12/1 to 10/1), and IBN MALIK (16/1 to 11/1).

It was IBN MALIK (Charlie Hills) who made all to win the race by ¾ length.  Shadwell bred, he is from an unraced mare (a full sister to a 5F Listed race runner up in France).  She has produced winning foals from at all distances (highest winning OR of 79).  He holds an entry for the 2016 Derby.

COMICAS had finished fifth on his debut here a week ago.  Today the Godolphin / Charlie Appleby colt had every chance a furlong out but found no extra close home.  Darley bred, he is from a mare who won at 8F in USA.  She has produced a full brother and sister who have won at 6F and 8F in USA.

JOHN SPLENDID finished a further length back in third place. HIGHLY PRIZED finished eleventh, SNAN was seventh and MASARZAIN was fifth.

Lady Cecil, the trainer of HIGHLY PRIZED, reported that the colt was unsuited by the ground which was Good to Firm.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager for winning owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: ‘He is a very nice horse.  He has been showing plenty at home – he has always shown natural ability.  Seven furlongs is his trip at this point.’

Chester 1.55 – 5F Novice Stakes (Class 4) Good to Firm

LYDIA’S PLACE was a non runner (cut leg) leaving five runners to contest this Novice Stakes, consisting of four colts and one filly.  There were two previous winners and one newcomer in the field.

MUHADATHAT had won at Musselburgh on her second start and was sent off the 10/11 favourite.

Tom Dascombe had won this race last season and today, KACHY, provided the local trainer with his first 2yo winner of the season.  The newcomer travelled in behind the leader and was brought to challenge over a furlong out and went on to win by 2¼ lengths.  He cost £52000 as a yearling and is the first foal from a mare who won at 8F and 12F, including on debut, (highest winning OR of 77).

MUHADATHAT set out to make all but was unable to quicken when passed.  She finished over four lengths clear of the remainder of the field.

Newmarket 2.50 – 6F Empress Stakes (Fillies Listed Race) Good to Firm

A preview of this race can be read here.

As reported by Sporting Life, here are some pre-race comments from connections:

Richard Hannon ‘Bournemouth Belle is a lovely filly who won well over six furlongs at Goodwood on her last start.  We missed purposely missed Royal Ascot for this race and hopefully she will run well.’ Charlie Johnston ‘I don’t think it was the strongest maiden that Lido Lady won at Goodwood, but she could do no more than win.  It was very professional and never really in doubt.  This is a step up in level and we will find out on Saturday if she is up to it, but hopefully she is.’

Karl Burke ‘Katie’s Diamond is a very exciting filly, who has a lot of potential.  Obviously it is a big step up from the maiden at Redcar and I think she can make that step up as it is not usually the strongest of black-type races.  This race has been on my mind since that win as I never wanted to take her to Ascot as she needs a bit of time between races and this fitted the bill quite well.  She won very easily at Redcar and never really had a race.  This will be another learning stage for her.’

Giles Bravery ‘It looks a very open little race, we would like a little bit of rain but we will have to go without it if it doesn’t come.  She has come out of her last race absolutely fine and we are happy with her.  We did think about going to the Queen Mary, but that would have been very tough – she could have run a brilliant race in defeat but run herself ragged.’

BOURNEMOUTH BELLE set out to make the running and led until inside the final furlong but was one paced after she was overtaken, finishing third.

KATIE’S DIAMOND was the winner of the race.  She raced in midfield until being driven a furlong out and she ran on well to score by a neck.

WHITE BULLET finished in second place.  She was held up in the early part of the race but when brought to challenge, she veered left towards the far rail.  The extra distance she covered effectively cost her the race.

Afterwards, Burke reacted to the victory and gave an indication of future plans: ‘We’ve always thought an awful lot of this filly – she has a lot of ability, a lot of raw talent.  But there is still a long way to go with what we hope she can achieve.  She is either crying out for a bit more distance or a bit more cut – or both.  She definitely wants a bit slower ground.  We will talk to connections.  My plan, if we hadn’t sold her, was the Six Perfections, a Listed race over seven furlongs in Deauville as a stepping strong to the Group Three Prix du Calvados.’

Lingfield 5.45 – 5F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

There were no non runners for this maiden and there was a field of nine which included four fillies.  All of the runners had raced before.

ADHAM and JUST GLAMOROUS were sent off the 5/2 joint favourites.  James Tate’s ADHAM had finished fifth at Nottingham on debut.  Both the winner and the fourth horse from that race won next time out, a Class 4 Novice Stakes and a Class 3 Maiden respectively.  JUST GLAMOROUS (Ron Harris) had been backed from 10/1 to 7/1 when finishing second on his debut at Chepstow (the fourth horse in that race won a Class 5 maiden next time out).  He then took his chance in the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed), finishing eighteenth.  Today, he opened up on course at 4/1 and was supported again.

ADHAM broke well from the stalls and got to the stands side rail where he proceeded to make all.  Given a couple of reminders a furlong out, he went further clear to win by 2¾ lengths.  He cost 75000 euros as a yearling and is from a mare who remained a maiden after thirteen races.  She has produced winners in Greece and Britain, the best of which won a Group 3 here at 5F.

Roger Varian’s ALIZOOM had been backed on both of his starts to date when he had finished sixth of seven on debut at Salisbury and then at Kempton where he finished fifth.  Today he opened up at 9/2 and started at the same price.  He tracked the leader during the race but he never had the pace to challenge.  Purchased for 120000 guineas as a yearling, he was then resold for 75000 guineas at a Breeze Up sale.  He is the first foal from a mare who two Group 3 races in Ireland.

MERMAID (Richard Hannon) had finished third on debut at Leicester, the ninth won a Class 5 maiden next time out.  She was then stepped up in distance to 6½F but weakened before the final furlong.  Back to 5F today, she tracked the leaders on the outside and was keeping on to finish in third place, a further ¾ length away.

The representative of Ronald Harris, JUST GLAMOROUS, reported that the colt had a breathing problem.  Adam Beschizza, the rider of COMEDY NIGHT, placed fourth, reported that the colt was unbalanced in the early stages.

Doncaster 7.10 – 7F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

With RUPERT BOY being declared a non runner (colic), nine runners went to post.  The field included one filly and there were four newcomers.

JIMINEZ was sent off the 10/11 favourite (opened at 11/10).  Brian Meehan’s colt had finished fourth on debut in a Class 4 maiden at Newmarket.  There was support on course for DUNCAN OF SCOTLAND (Lee Smyth) from 10/1 to 7/1.  He had finished fourth on debut at Ayr and the third horse won a Class 6 maiden next time out.

PLATITUDE was only the third 2yo runner from Sir Michael Stoute this season and he turned out to be the first winner in an impressive style.  He tracked the leaders on the stands side rail and two furlongs out, he looked as though he may have got slightly outpaced.  However, he was switched to the outside and when pushed out, quickened clear to win by 1¾ lengths.  Juddmonte bred, he is out of a mare who won a maiden at 11F and a Listed race at 14F.  She has produced a full brother who won at 7F and 8F (highest winning OR of 85).  Other foals have won up to 12F.

VALKO (Godolphin / Charlie Appleby) had finished fifth on debut at Haydock.  Always prominent, he led over a furlong out but couldn’t respond to the winner’s challenge.  Darley bred, he is from a mare who won a Listed race at 7F in France and a Group 3 over 8F in Germany.  A full sister remained a maiden after five starts.

JIMINEZ finished a short head away in third.  Having tracked the leaders, he was keeping on in the final furlong.   Purchased as a foal for 70000 euros, he was then resold as a yearling for 47000 guineas.  He is from a mare who was placed in France and she has produced a full brother who has won at 7F, including a Listed race in Hong Kong.  Other siblings have won between 5F and 7F.

Graham Lee, the rider of DUNCAN OF SCOTLAND, unplaced, reported that the colt moved poorly throughout.  The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the colt failed to reveal any abnormalities.

News Update

Richard Hannon’s LOG OUT ISLAND, the runner up in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot contested the 6F Railway Stakes (Group 2) at The Curragh today.  Despite leading on the rail, he was passed over a furlong out and eventually finished in third place, beaten four lengths.  PAINTED CLIFF won the race providing the first stakes winner for first-season sire Canford Cliffs.

Following PRINCE HELLVELYN’s win at Newcastle on Thursday, Brian Ellison said:  ‘Tom [Eaves] said they didn´t go very quick.  When they quickened it caught Prince Hellvelyn out and then he stayed on.  He wants seven furlongs.  He is a horse with a lot of ability but he is still a baby and we won´t rush him.’

Reviews: Saturday (Evening) 20 June and Sunday 21 June, Lingfield, Haydock and Pontefract

Saturday 20 June (Evening)

Lingfield 6.00 – 7F Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 6) Good to Firm

Twelve runners contested this maiden; LINKS BAR MARBELLA was a non runner (coughing) and MIRSAALAH was withdrawn.  There were three fillies in the field and six of the runners were making their debuts.

David Brown’s newcomer, TURN TIDE, opened up on course at 5/2 as second favourite but was backed in to start as the 5/4 favourite.  POLDARK had been put in as the original favourite and was sent off at 9/4.  Richard Hannon’s colt had been unplaced on his two starts to date.

The gamble was landed with few worries.  POLDARK had led until joined by TURN TIDE about two furlongs out but the newcomer took the lead with a furlong to go and went on to win by 3¾ lengths.  TURN TIDE is from an unraced mare but she has produced a full sister who has won between 5F and 6F in Italy and was also placed in a 5F Listed race.

POLDARK cost £11000 as a yearling and is from a mare who won between 7F and 10F (highest winning OR of 66).  She has produced one winner abroad.

There was a further seven lengths back to THE MAJOR (Michael Bell) who finished third on his debut.  He cost 4500 guineas as a yearling and is from a mare who won a maiden at 8F.  She has produced one previous winning foal between 10F and 13F (highest winning OR of 61).

The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference inside the final furlong.  Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that TURN TIDE, ridden by Pat Cosgrave, had drifted right taking POLDARK,ridden by Kieran O’Neill, off its intended line.  The Stewards found Cosgrave in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he had allowed TURN TIDE to edge towards the rail without sufficient correction.  They cautioned him as to his future conduct in races.

Good first run from our @VENTESOSARUS purchased 2yo Linguist looking forward to bringing him back to France to pick up some owner premiums

— Harry Dunlop (@HarryDunlop3) June 20, 2015

Haydock 6.15 – 5F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

VINNIES VIXEN was declared a non runner (travel) leaving a field of ten.  Four of the runners were fillies and there were four newcomers.

LOVE ON THE ROCKS had finished fourth on her debut at Nottingham and had been included in the Racing Post’s Juvenile Judge feature.  Charlie Hills’ filly was sent off the 5/4 favourite. CHICAGO SCHOOL (Mark Johnston) opened up on course at 8/1 and was backed in to 5/1. He had finished second at Carlisle on debut before suffering interference next time out at the same course.  However, neither of the market leaders featured in the finish.  CHICAGO SCHOOL led until headed two furlongs out, eventually finishing ninth and the favourite could only finish fifth.

The race was won by MR LUPTON, a gelding from Richard Fahey’s stable.  Having finished second on debut at Thirsk at 5F, he then ran unplaced at the same course over 6F.  That race can be ignored after he was carried wide and out of contention when the saddle slipped on another horse.  Today he chased the leaders and stayed on to lead close home and win by a neck.

It was a 1-2 for Fahey as MAYFAIR LADY, third at Catterick on debut, went one place better this evening.  She had led two furlongs out but couldn’t find anything extra close home. Owner bred, she is the first foal from a mare who won at 9F and 10F (highest winning OR of 75).  Before the race, Fahey had said of his two runners: ‘MR LUPTON was unlucky when a beaten favourite at Thirsk the other day as he got carried right across the track so you can put a line through that run.  MAYFAIR LADY ran okay first time up at Catterick but she’ll need to improve to figure here.’

HEAD EAST had also finished third on debut at Catterick.  The winner of that race next time out finished fifth in the Albany Stakes (Group 3) and the fourth horse home had won a Class 4 maiden this afternoon.  Ivan Furtado’s colt finished well but had to settle for the same place today, a further neck away.  He cost 22000 euros as a yearling and was then resold at a Breeze Up sale for 52000 guineas.  He is from a mare who won twice at 6F (highest winning OR of 77).  She has had one previous foal to race but is a maiden after three runs.

The first three finished over three lengths clear of the remainder.

Kieren Fox, the rider of BELLEDESERT, reported that the filly was slowly away.  Patrick Vaughan, the rider of IDEAL RECRUIT, reported that the colt was slowly away.

Sunday 21 June

Pontefract 2.10 – 6F Fillies Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good

Nine runners contested this maiden, TWEETHEART was the non runner (cast in box).  There were three debutantes.

DAAWA was sent off the 15/8 favourite.  Mark Johnston’s filly had finished fourth on debut and then was second at Newcastle, having been hampered mid-race.  The winner of the Newcastle race went on to finish seventh in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.  There was early support for CHIRINGUITA, a newcomer from James Bethell.  She had been available at 14/1 last night  and was returned at 7/1.  SUNNUA (Richard Fahey) opened up on course at 9/2 and was supported in to 7/2.  She had finished third on her debut at Hamilton.

It was CHIRINGUITA who won the race by a comfortable 2¾ lengths.  Not the best away, she was settled in midfield on the inside rail and on entering the straight, was brought to challenge leading before the final furlong.  She is the first foal from a mare who won at 7F and 8F (highest winning OR of 83).

SUNNUA had been up with the lead throughout but, once passed, could only finish one paced but was still seven lengths clear of the third horse.  She cost 35000 euros as a yearling and is from a mare who won between 7F and 10F (highest winning OR of 87).  Her only other foal to race was placed in Italy.

DAAWA reared in the stalls and had to race widest of all and finished in third.

David Allan, the rider of MIDNIGHT MALIBU, reported that the filly ran too freely.

Dane O’Neill, the rider of DAWAA, reported that the filly reared leaving the stalls and was slowly away.