Newbury Saturday 26^th October 2013

The ground was very heavy and the times confirmed it was some of the worst of the season.

The maiden fillies race has produced Secret Gesture and Shirocco Star in the last couple of years. Cinnilla went off the 4/1 favorite but never showed. She is stoutly bred and should shine next term.

Lady Thyne waltzed away with the second division and a tall workmanlike sort, she should train on. Acclio was not persevered with when she could not win. She only gets a mark of 73 and this lengthy type is one to note in a Nursery.

Piping Rock had cruised in when returning from a lay off at Salisbury and showed the benefit of that run by winning in style here. He has a good action and should not be written off on faster going next spring. Although not as big as the favorite – Galiway, he has a deal of quality and it will be fascinating to report on his progress next April. Galiway has plenty of scope and will improve for this run. He seems a contender and has the breeding to back up his physique. He is a boisterous sort rather than a fractious type and his messing around beforehand is nothing to worry about.

Nicholls Canyon has progressed during the year and was in good nick. The filly Cocktail Queen has done particularly well and was in great shape for her first run in five months. Her dam – Premier Prize raced as a 5 year old and was Pattern class. I expect Cocktail Queen to stay in training and do well.

The Radley Stakes was a modest affair with the 85 rated Aqlaam Vision getting up close home. Ligeia pulled to post and in the race and was never going to get home over seven furlongs, especially on this ground. She could be worth noting dropped back in trip.