Newmarket Future Champions Day 12th October

Jockeys reported the ground to be on the soft side of good, though the times were barely slower than the previous week when the ground was reported fast. The wind was minimal and should not have affected the times of the races. Unusual.

In the Challenge Stakes Trumpet Major looked in great nick. He has had a wind op and had been off for 91 days and also had a 4lb penalty.

Great White Eagle looked the part for the Middle Park but never fired. He is a good mover and should be given a chance to atone. The winner Astaire had done well as had the third – Hot Streak who was well in his coat despite being fresh in the paddock. A couple had gone in their coats including Sudirman and Supplicant.

War Command was the clear choice in a poor renewal for the Dewhurst. He has excellent conformation but might still need a motor to go with it. At the moment I would hold fire for the Guineas and much will depend on the progress he makes in the next 6 months. A lot can happen in that time and there is no point trying to crystal ball the game. I had expected Cable Bay to come on for his Somerville Stakes showing at HQ 16 days before, but he was in a stew and had run up light. He belied his state with a solid run. Stormardal had done well but blew his handicap mark. Outstrip had gone in his coat and looked poor.

Tiger Cliff looked supreme for the Ces but was given a hapless ride by Queally who was in front miles too soon. He should step up to pattern class no problem next term.

I do not know what happened to Lightning Strike but she stayed on having appeared to be tailing off at one stage. Strange! Valonia had a thick winter coat on the way and had been trace clipped and was dull. Forget this run. Al Thakira is a handy well made sort and looked well. She endorsed Dubawi’s fine season as a stallion.

I mentioned in my last Blog that Oklahoma City seemed likely to prove best short of a mile and he was trounced in the last furlong of the 8f Autumn Stakes. Kingston Hill was very backward at Newbury despite winning and had come on a ton for the run. God Willing was still not fully fit last time and he was in good nick for a respectable effort. Truth or Dare was preferred of the Hannon pair and Mount Logan looked tucked up and pulled to post.

Chapter Seven is still going the right way and can improve again.