Newbury Notes

Friday 17^th May

Buick seemed intent on giving GM Hopkins an easy intro but he ran well to finish beaten a length. A strong stocky type, he carried condition.

A fair field for the Listed Swettenham Stud Stakes. The Lark looked in need of the run despite going off @ 5/2 . She will thrive stepping up in trip.

They were screaming Oriel as Hannon’s Albany filly and a well made sort she was the pick. Hughes got no run and she is a deal better.

Ninjago looked ok but was a crazy priced favourite. I have seen Zanetto twice and enough to form a firm view but he seemed to have come on a ton in the intervening fortnight and there was heavy support for him in the markets. Unlike the fav he was in the perfect position on a day where it paid to be prominent on the rail. The two fillies - City Girl and Sound of Guns have trained on. Heavy Metal like so many Mark Johnston’s looked in fine trim but tailed off.

In the 11f handicap most were in good nick but a few finished well beat – a surprising feature in a number of races over the two days.

Saturday 18^th May

A very strong field for the 10f maiden. Remote was well touted for his Pontefract maiden. Turned out in prime nick he fairly flew away. I liked Dare To Achieve last term and he has developed into a Group contender. There were many to like and the Ed Dunlop filly Bantam could be one to go through the ranks.

Willing Foe was turned out very fit and well despite getting a little warm. Saeed Bin Suroor was obviously keen to get the Godolphin machine on the road. Saint Hillary is a filly to note if the Muir stable hits form.

Kitten On The Run is an imposing workmanlike colt from Italy and Luca should be able to map a programme – including overseas, for this likeable sort. Hillstar is a handy close coupled sort who should continue to thrive. Tarikhi tailed off despite looking a million dollars. Hopefully he will return. Spillway is another good sort who should go the right way.

Declaration Of War was made a short priced favourite and is a top class colt on looks though a bit dull in his coat. Farhh returned fit and well and confirmed his well being. Cityscape looked dreadful. Aljamaaheer has done well. Fencing was light and Gosden will always struggle to keep condition on him.

The two divisions of the 7f Maidens were modest. Tawtheeq, Czech It Out and Glanely looked good and will improve again.