Newmarket Wed 17th April
The weather was mild with a headwind that blew directly down the track and got progressively stronger as the afternoon drew on. The times of the later races are therefore that much better in comparison, especially Hot Snap. The going which had started as Good to Soft was quickly changed to Good.
As is usual the case, many horses wore the full light blanket making viewing difficult. This is unnecessary as all the relevant studies confirm that horses are perfectly comfortable down to an
ambient temperature of 5 degrees standing still as their natural coats offer them a considerable protection against the elements. As the horses are on the move the use of such blankets is futile. If wind chill were to drop the effective temperature below 5 degrees then a warmer half blanket to keep vital organs protected – might be warranted. Otherwise these full covers are just a pathetic fashion.
It should be borne in mind that not all the best horses appear at the Craven and that the Guineas Meeting is probably stronger in talent. But as the man said - you have to start somewhere.
Vodka Time probably did not handle the track at Kempton and put his best foot forward. He is the best of David Evans’ juveniles and talk of Ascot is not fanciful.
Not much in the Tattersalls Million Sprint. Amberley Heights would be interesting back in handicaps.
In the Free Handicap Anna’s Pearl looked well but placing could be an issue.
Hot Snap looked fit and well and fairly bolted up in the Nell Gwyn. Her handicap and speed figures cannot be faulted. A tall lengthy sort she did not knock me over and warrants a second inspection before I form a firm opinion. Richard Hannon had said that Sky Lantern had done really well and I would second the assertion. Backward in her coat and fractious and on her toes she is genuine Group One material. Naturally I want to see her calmer and blooming before I risk a wager but if things go well it would not surprise me if she turned the tables. She might be a price on the day. Nargys and Reyaadah have stepped up but ran below par.
Race and Status looked to have progressed but confirmed his trainers warning that he would need the run. The winner Intello has quality but may lack scope.
The 10 furlong maiden has thrown up some decent sorts down the years and the renewal is up to scratch. Easily the most impressive is Demonic who holds a Dante and could well make the line up if appearance counts. Others to follow include Improvisation who I noted last year and Morpheus – a half brother to Frankel. Samawi tailed off but was backward and worth another look.
I liked Professor last term and he is going the right way.
Newmarket Thursday 18th April
Rizeena was the pick of the maiden 2yo fillies. In need of the run she blew the start and then ran green before finishing well.
Plenty of fair sorts for the Wood Ditton but nothing in particular. The one to take away is Gerrards Cross who wobbled like a Chivers jelly in the prelims but surprisingly raced in contention till the distance before blowing up. The winner Ajraam was still a bit backward and will come on.
Despite negative trainer comments Ghurair was the pick and disappointed. The Gatling Boy needed the run. Off a mark of 82 he might drop a couple and will be worth noting in handicaps. A Star in My Eye can take a maiden up North.
Followers of my Blog will know of my enduring support for Toronado since his first outing. He has made up into a fine sort and looked the proverbial million dollars. More than that his temperament is a joy to behold. While the winds howled and the rains lashed down he took it all in his stride and barely turned a hair. He raced keenly with ears pricked and revealed a real willing to go and take his race. In the winners enclosure he was cool and calm just intelligently taking it all in. He is still the one for me.
Dundonnell was the subject of negative trainer reports. He has trained on though not as fit as the winner. More disconcertingly he was led around the pre parade by a stable hack and then ponied to start early. He will come on but still has some way to go.
Bonfire has had his nuts removed. Apparently both of them had not dropped, hence his discomfort. He still looks a screw. On his toes throughout in the paddock he pulled to post. Never put in the race effectively, he is still a good sort and hopefully he will begin to settle as time goes by but a watching brief is still needed. All of the contestants for the Sefton were geldings including Stipulate who I still like but ridden with far too much use – again!! Will somebody please give him a jockey –Please!!! He was in need of a run, by the way.
In the Fillies Maiden Call Ahead will come on for the run and ran green. Saucy Minx will progress.
In the handicap Glenard was fancied but I thought he was still short of a run.
Newbury Friday 19th April
Before the Bridget Maiden At a Clip was reported to have worked well and was backed. The pick - she ran short. Second in was the winner Pavlovsk. She appeared stuffy and blew hard afterwards.
I liked Contributor a lot last season and he has gone the right way. He will progress. Cap O Rushes has made up but he pulled to post and in the race. He may need gelding.
The 7furlong handicap often throws up some good horses. Ribaat and Baltic Knight should prove worth following. The former ran free and will suit better ground.
Steventon Star was the pick of the 2yo colts.
Banoffee was easily the preferred for the 10f Fillies Maiden but was still short of peak fitness. She will improve again. Just One Kiss and Toast of the Town should not be forgotten.
Newbury Saturday 20th April
Speaking to some of the other paddock lads I think I was the only one who thought Noble Mission short of a gallop. Despite hacking for most of the straight I felt it was only a matter of time till he blew up. Inside the final furlong all the indications started to sprout and he failed to get home.
Everyone said he had spewed it. I feel he blew up and that was that. Noble Mission has done well in the interim and I will rate him accordingly. In no way was the filly Quiz Mistress outshone by the colts.
Es Que Love has won over a mile on the Polytrack but ran short here. Perhaps one of those fat juicy Ascot handicaps over 7f could be a clue. I noted Border Legend last year. He has been gelded and might be worth an interest if showing something. Dream Tune has gone the right way.
I have always been a fan of Rosdhu Queen and she has strengthened again this Spring. Maureen has improved but I prefer Sky Lantern from the yard.
Olympic Glory has made up into a Group One 3yo and carried condition. He will progress. Moohaajim has not grown much but is still ok. He seemed the fittest but blew the hardest as they walked back in. Correspondent has done well.
I think all of Newmarket was on Kyllachy Rise and his defeat engendered groans echoing all the way back to HQ. A quality sort he will prove the best of these. I liked Princes Trust who was not tuned up and Bold Sniper. Otherwise plenty of backward types with scope but I would prefer to have another look once the puppy fat has come off and we can really see what is left.
Excellent Result looked in superb trim but once again dropped away on the soft ground. He should not get more than a mark of 80 and I will form a queue on better going. Feel Like Dancing and Dragon City have plenty of scope for improvement. So too Squire Osbaldeston who was in need of the run and a lay at the price.
After 4 days running up and down stairs trying to catch this lot I felt I deserved a beer. A gallon if Toronado takes the Guineas!!
