Newmarket Autumn Notes

Three days of superb weather and perfect fast racing ground, together with excellent cards ensured British Racing at its best. There seemed to be no discernible bias in the draw with the wind minimal.

Thursday:       

Plenty of future staying types in the 8f maiden. Kings Land and Rainbow Rock were noticeably backward and should come on the most for the run.

Astonishing absolutely floated to post and came back in a similarly impressive fashion. A joy to watch. None of the paddock wallahs liked Phiz but I think she might have a motor. She drifted like a barge in the betting market and ran accordingly. She could prefer more give.

There was money for Championship in the Tattersall Stakes but he needed the run after his lay off.

Sabor A Triunfo failed to get home over 2 miles and the filly had Group One form on the All Weather in Chile. She is with Ed Dunlop who has a superb track record with fillies and mares.

Ladyship ran a career best and is on top of her game. She could be in line for more Black Type.

Friday:

Soft Falling Rain impressed at Newbury and was sharper for the run. He is worth a crack at the Queen Elizabeth.

Rizeena was very much on her toes and did not convince as before. Chriselliam had done well.

Baarez looks a three year old in the making and being by Kentucky Derby second - Hard Spun - will always be worth noting on the All Weather. If he were mine I would point him at the Kentucky Derby. Gothic is a big lengthy sort typically favoured by Highclere. Very much having a kind introduction, he pleased connections no end. Ganges was the most backward and ran well despite. He will improve accordingly.

Morpheus was heavily backed but needed the race.

Saturday:

Berkshire has grown a deal and seemed more like a 4yo never mind a 3yo. He ran green and was ‘climbing’ in the race. He has a ‘wall eye’ and does not look the full shilling. Temperament will always be a factor and I remain to be convinced.

Vorda is a handy well made sort who should handle the tight Breeders Cup track no problem. I would need to see her next Spring before I commit for the Guineas.

Joyeuse looked to be going the right way at Salisbury but pulled here and failed to show. Disappointing.

I put up Sky Lantern for the 1,000 Guineas in the Spring and she has been a joy to follow. She looked great despite going a bit in her coat. Having run so well at Ascot at the Royal Meeting, she must surely go for the Champion Stakes.

The question of horses going in their coat is one open to debate. The inference is that once horses start to get their winter coat in the autumn they must inevitably start to lose their form. Briefly in my view, if they look well I still want to be with them even if they are getting their new coat. If they look dull then no.

Elusive Kate looked great but disappointed again. She has been very much underrated, having won a Group One at 2, 3 and 4 years of age. Apart from Bosra Sham I cannot think of any other fillies to have done so in recent times. One for the Stats Boys. If you can think of any others, please let me know.