Ascot 1^st May 2013

Some better weather for a change.

In the 2yo Condition heat the first two – Anticipated and Justice Day showed a good turn of foot. It will be worth sticking with Montaigne.

I liked Fencing last term and he has been gelded. It has been the making of him and he was a class above these.

Estimate looked a million dollars and justified support. Reported to have worked well she did not distance herself from the placed horses but will improve again.

Ninjago has done well and will come on again for the run. Ahern and Snow King were in prime condition but ran poorly and took the last two places.

Newmarket Saturday 4^th May 2013

A strong tail and ¾ across wind which favoured the front runners.

I did not watch the Jockey Club Stakes but Noble Mission failed to do it. Wigmore Hall gave 5lb to the principals and at 6 years of age has never looked stronger. Not one to write off. Universal and Dandino looked particularly fit and well.

A rainstorm developed before the 2,000 Guineas which made proper viewing impossible.

Toronado and Dawn Approach were available in the pre parade. Toronado was at peak pitch. Dawn Approach is clearly a Group One colt, but then we knew that after the Coventry. Bolger invariably has then trained to the minute but on this day the colt was likely to come on for the run.

I do not know what happened to Toronado but Richard Hughes said on the cover of the Racing Post that he was possibly the best he has ever ridden. Having banged on about the horse since last Summer I felt my judgement fully vindicated.

When the two horses came there travelling three furlongs out I felt we were in for a truly great race. One you remember in the years and decades to come. But just as the contest was starting to develop Toronado just fell way. If he had finished a decent second that would have been it but to finish out of the frame dead on his feet was profoundly disappointing. Nobody died I suppose but it did not stop me from feeling shell shocked.

Centurius must have been really backward when taking his maiden a couple of weeks earlier and still in need of it ran a very promising race. He will suit to stepping up in trip again.

Glean was reported to not have grown at Kempton but although small in stature has definitely trained on to my eye and is up to Listed class. There is a lot of Ravens Pass about him. Red Avenger was still short of a run and will come on again. Discernable is a useful filly for Mark Johnston.

Newmarket Sunday 5^th May 2013

A quality line up for the 12f Handicap. Stencive was noted last term and was in good shape. No Heretic and Silver Lime will improve for the race.

Chigun has done really well and should have a good campaign. She was touched off by Dank who is an impressive type and still to get her summer coat. Thistle Bird and Bana Wu have trained on.

Gabriels Lad will come on for the run and ran a fine race in the circumstances in the sprint handicap.

The 1,000 Guineas was a quality renewal.

Sky Lantern was in great shape and confirmed Blog confidence. What A Name and Just The Judge looked well up to par. Hot Snap had done well since the Nell Gwyn but was not right in her coat. Hopefully she will be back when ready.

The 2yo maiden was a warm heat.

Windfast is as good a 2yo as you are likely to see at this stage of the campaign. He impressed me in the pre parade, main paddock, to post and on the way back. I dare say APOB and JB will send over decent juveniles from Ireland for the Coventry but Windfast must be included in calculations. Richard Hannon’s Anjaal was touted as Ascot material. He is a good sort along with Crowdmania. William Haggas has an obsession for leaving blankets on for as long as possible but Lady Nouf looked good before being touched off by the likeable Talent. Madame Defarge sweated up a deal late on but could be a likely outsider for the Oaks. She has plenty of scope for improvement.

Salutation has been gelded and it should be most helpful this season. Pure Excellence could frame in a Listed event for Fillies.