Newcastle - Ladies Day Card

NEWCASTLE – Saturday July 27^th

 

Going- Good To Firm

Newcastle had so far missed the rain which we had in Scotland.The ground remained on the fast for this card and the later races in particular suffered a few non-runners.

1.55 7f Collingwood Insurance Maiden Auction Stakes 2yo (Class 4)

XANTHOS built on an encouraging Windsor debut, quickening away in the final furlong to win in decent style.  The stiffer test did him no harm and he should build on this given a similar trip or perhaps even up at a mile.

MISS ACCLAIMED travelled well and kept on to finish a clear second. This was significantly better than her first effort at Wolverhampton, though that outing over a sharp five furlongs on Polytrack was distinctly different from this stiff seven.  She looks capable of picking up a minor event in the north.

EL BEAU stayed on steadily in the last two furlongs. Green on his debut over five, this longer trip allowed him time to get into the race. He will be an interesting sort once gaining a handicap mark.

MAXIE T travelled well for a long way but was outpaced in the final furlong or so. An easing in the going may assist her.

2.30 6f Collingwood Fleet Insurance 3yo Handicap (80-88)

A gelding racing against three fillies, NOBLE DEED had to be rousted from two out but gradually asserted from his main challenger in the closing stages. He failed in this class over seven furlongs last time but the drop back to six will have helped.

NARDIN laid it down to the winner from two out but was held in the final half furlong. She’s been running consistently and could be a sound bet if her trainer finds a similar contest for fillies only.

Dropped in class having contested Group 3 and Listed events, DREAM MAKER didn’t settle early and was held from over a furlong out. Her previous outings looked optimistic, perhaps chasing black type. On this evidence, given that conditions suited, she looks a bit high in the handicap on a mark of 88.

BONDESIRE led early but was put in her place from two out. She may just be suited by a little cut in the ground.

3.05 7f Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance Beeswing Handicap (78-95)

The Beeswing Stakes used to be a pattern race, and one that was one of the better contests in Newcastle’s flat calendar. It’s not a bad handicap, the top rated here being 95, but it’s sad that the race is not what it was.

PACIFIC HEIGHTS has been a consistent performer this season and added to earlier his Carlisle victory, pulling clear in the final furlong. He stays a mile very well but the drop back to seven was well within his compass. He dealt with a step up in class here and is a progressive sort.

ABLE MASTER set the pace and responded well enough once challenged if unable to hold the winner.  He ran well behind the progressive Sennockian Star (a winner at Ascot on the Friday) and remains very much competitive in decent seven furlong and mile handicaps.

LAFFAN was outpaced two out but stayed on again in the latter stages to take third. A bit of rain would help as he seems to find himself stretched for pace on fast ground, though this effort does offer encouragement should the promised precipitation arrive.

ORTAC ROCK ran creditably, raised in class after winning an Epsom claimer, keeping on in the final furlong if just pipped for third close home.

VICTOIRE DE LYPHAR couldn’t follow up his Doncaster effort and folded disappointingly once asked for extra two out.

3.40 2m 19yds Collingwood Annual Learner Driver Handicap (58-75)

A field full of exposed plodders here, with MAJOR DOMO just outstaying PETELLA in a battle to the line. Both can get competitive in similar events but wouldn’t necessarily appeal as future betting material.

Stepped up significantly in trip, MOHEEBB kept on into third without ever getting to the leaders. He was kidded into the race by Jack Garrity and didn’t look totally co-operative when asked for an effort though gaining at the line. He’s got a lot of miles on the clock but has never won beyond ten furlongs.

KEEP IT COOL raced prominently but weakened a furlong out.

4.15 Collingwood Taxi Insurance EBF Fillies’ Handicap (51-82)

LIVIA’S DREAM stretched on over two out having tracked the leader. She was in no danger afterwards but won’t find many easier opportunities at this level.

BYGONES FOR COINS set the pace and kept on honestly enough for second. She had a tough task here from 13lbs out of the handicap and her presence in second sums up the lack of quality.

MAYBEAGREY made and effort three out but never got near the winner and was comfortably held for second in the final furlong.

ACT YOUR SHOE SIZE looked to have a decent opportunity based on class here but she was beaten two out and very disappointing. However, her wins have been up to 1m 1f and it’s likely she didn’t see out thee trip.

4.50 5f Collingwood Short Term Learner Driver Insurance Handicap (Division 1) (46-62)

This was arguably the weaker of the two heats of this contest.

CAPTAIN ROYALE, a win in his turn eight-year-old, did enough to hold last itme out winner INGENTI who is running most consistently. The latter might take another contest despite having been bumped up a few pounds.

BUSY BIMBO is a maiden after thirty-odd starts but has at least started getting the hang of things recently. She stayed on in the closing stages and might find a poor contest before long.

ARCH WALKER is a frustrating sort who is more than capable but wins seldom. It was intimated to me last season that he’d be laid out for a gamble, but I wouldn’t risk more than loose change on this one who regularly finds ways of getting beaten. More fool me for including him in my tipping competition selections… The more I learn the more I forget apparently!

There’s a sprinkling of past wins amongst the remainder, but I suspect most of them resulted from ‘someone has to win’ syndrome.

5.25 Collingwood Short Term Learner Driver Insurance Handicap (Division 2) (28-60)

A novelty at this level on first analysis here that a couple of these might be progressive. Unfortunately analysis proved wrong as NICEONEMYSON and GRAND CANARIA QUEEN were held in the closing stages.

TUIBAMA  ( 2 from 23 previously) challenged from two out and got his head in front close home. 

SEE VERMONT, still a maiden though less previous than some, stuck to his guns to finish second and isn’t a total lost cause at this stage. He’s been in the mix in four out of five efforts this season and seems committed enough to suggest a race will fall his way.

WICKED WILMA had every chance inside the final furlong but was held close home. She runs some good races but it’s August 2011 since she won and there have been a large number of races since.

NICEONEMYSON west the pace until inside the final furlong but could find no more once driven.

GRAN CANARIA QUEEN missed the break and was struggling early she stayed on late and might conceivably do better if breaking with the rest. Her current mark doesn’t look over harsh if she puts her best hoof forward.

6.00 1m 2f 32yds Collingwood.gi Apprentice Handicap (46-60)

OUTLAW TORN is a fair performer at this level on his day. He stretched no in front entering the straight and nothing got near him after that. It should be noted that he had a class edge on the ratings and was allowed to dictate.

DEAN IARRACHT chased vainly in the final two furlongs, staying on after the winner. He was dropped down in trip here, though recent form hasn’t been inspiring.

MADAME BLAVATSKY is a maiden from 14 starts and was never looking like dropping the tag. She was held from three out if well clear of the remaining three runners MA KELLYS, JOE LUKE and MANY LEVELS who have mustered but one place between them in a total of 23 attempts.

Ayr - Monday July 22

AYR 

Going – Good To Firm

Still bright and sunny in Scotland, but with a potential break in the weather for fast ground performers  this could be a last chance to shine for a while. Field sizes are diminishing and from that point of view some rain would be welcomed.

2.00 7f EBF 2yo Maiden (Class 4)

LONGTON stretched on from the start but found STARS OVER THE SEA too good in the latter stages. The result was pretty much as expected if you ignore the winner’s misfortune at the start at Haydock.

Newcomer BEAUTIFUL STRANGER was tapped for pace in the straight but should learn from the experience.

2.30 7f Racing UK App Handicap (Class 5)

Even at the age of 10 BARNEY McGREW is perfectly capable in this class. He showed real determination to hold off the in-form WEST LEAKE HARE as the pair came went from off the pace but clear in the final furlong. A solid enough effort from both.

CHOOKIE AVON ran on but was well held while old campaigner BECKEERMET led three out but was held in the final two furlongs and beaten into fourth. Like Triskaidekaphobia mentioned from Hamilton, I saw Beckermet run at Newbury in 2005 when he won the Hackwood Stakes. He’s lost that sharpness but still tries hard enough.

And a chance to be frivolous on two fronts:

It wasn’t that long ago that ‘App’ in a race title meant it was for apprentices, a sure measure of my entry into old fogey-dom.

Did you know that the Trumpton Fire Station role call was complete in all but one episode, that being when Cuthbert was omitted as it was his day off?  Remember when it comes up in quizzes that there were seven firemen, Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grubb and the one easily forgotten, and calling the role, Captain Flack! I think Barney McGrew was the be-whiskered driver, but don’t take my word for it.

3.05 1m 5f Watch Racing UK on Sky 432 Handicap (Class 5)

A decent pace set by FORREST FLYER suited the other pair here as they are both hold up horses.

GRAND DIAMOND had more to give than SCHMOOZE once the leader gave way and the second is better in a bigger field with more cover, though she does need the race to fall for her.

3.40 5f Racing UK Handicap (Class 4)

FITZ FLYER pulled hard early under restraint from Joe Fanning. However, he took it up a furlong out and was able to win quite decisively. This was the easiest opportunity he has had for some while and he proved it even though wasting some of his energy. He runs consistently in big fields where it’s easier to keep him covered up.

ECONOMIC CRISIS runs regularly, and often passably well without being a prolific winner. She ran well enough in second but remains one to avoid for win betting purposes.

DIMAN WATERS was bandaged and didn’t appear at ease on the ground. He has won on good to firm, so perhaps that’s not the whole story, but I’m not sure he was happy here.

MIDNIGHT DYNAMO had every chance and wasn’t quick enough in the final furlong.

BRTONZE BEAU was the first to give way and well held.

4.15 6f Racing Replay Sky 432 Fillies’ Handicap (Class 4)

A cracking battle between two determined fillies drawing clear in the final furlong. SOMEONE’s DARLING, who has proved before that she is a tenacious sort, battled hard to lead in the last 50 yards having been pegged back after leading over one out. She did enough to win and might still have some more improvement in her.

DANCHEUR  battled back determinedly and only gave way close home. A decent effort and provided the ground remains on the quick side then she can score again.

SUNNY SIDE UP was readily cast aside over a furlong out and PERFECT BLOSSOM couldn’t match the leaders from the furlong pole. Both act in the conditions and it seems they just weren’t good enough here.

4.45 1m Luke Currie Memorial Handicap (Class 3)

BOLD PREDICTION and AERONWYN BRYN battled neck and neck from three out. The former just held sway though tightening up the second a couple of times Bold Prediction asserted in the final hundred yards and looked the winner on merit, though I didn’t get a chance to see the head-on shot of this contest.

PARTY ROYAL was quickly outpaced over two out.

5.15 6f Racing UK App Handicap (Class 6)

Not a strong contest, but DARTRIX is lightly raced for a four-year-old sprinter and could prove a bit better than a Class 6 animal. He made headway from halfway, led a furlong out and gradually forged away from that point.

SAXONETTE is in decent form, is currently a good yardstick and lost nothing in taking second. SCRIPT looks just a little high in the weights, but he’s running consistently and probably won’t get any respite. He led over one out and kept on once headed.

mid-Fair Friday at Hamilton

HAMILTON PARK – Friday July 19^th

Going – Good to Firm 

Hamilton’s big meeting of the season and very well attended as ever with the glorious summer weather continuing.

6.10 1m Book Now For Ladies Night (Hamilton Park Apprentice Series) Handicap (43-57)

IDYLLIC STAR got off the mark with a comfortable victory from some very moderate opposition. She’s dropped steadily in the handicap and stayed on far too well for the others off a mark of 57. Now she’s got the winning bug she may well be capable of kicking on from here.

Eight years ago this weekend I was on course at Newbury to see TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA come sixteenth in the Weatherby’s supper sprint. Four employers and four houses later for me, and 79 runs and 10 wins for the gelding, he is now with Wilf Storey and at least competitive even if at a lowly level. He helped set the pace, tried to match the winner but ran out of puff in the final furlong. He did though deservedly hold on to second place.

REMEMBER ROCKY stayed on late but was probably flattered by third.

LIL SOPHELLA chased the first two vainly from three out until weakening in the final furlong.

6.40 6f British Stallion Studs EBF 2yo Maiden (Class 5)

A determined winner in the most experienced runner of the contest DISCLOSURE. He made all the running and kept responding to his rider’s urgings when challenged in the final furlong. He didn’t have all that much to spare, but he certainly shows the right attitude. He may well win again.

OMANOME came clear with the winner, pushing him all the way.  She lost her place at the bottom of the hill, but rallied past two others to challenge and looked to have stepped up on previous efforts.

EMAAD was held from two out and didn’t appear to achieve much more than on debut.

CHOOKIE’S LASS went well until weakening a furlong out on her debut. She can step up on this form.

TOOGOODTOBEGOOD was outpaced from halfway.

7.15 6f John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap (67-48)

SALVATORE FURY probably isn’t the easiest ride, but he found a straight forward opportunity here. He was held up behind others and squeezed for room two furlongs out, but I suspect the problems helped him and meant his run could be timed conveniently. Once in the clear he picked up nicely and was going away at the post.

TONGALOOMA is well exposed but ran her best race for some while in second.

SAXONETTE won a poor seller here last time, but proved competitive before giving way in the final furlong.

DANCING COSMOS, well held here the previous day, DARK LANE and CARRIE’s MAGIC didn’t provide much encouragement for the near future.

7.45 6f John Smith’s Scottish Stewards’ Cup  Handicap (78-93)

This year’s renewal of the feature handicap didn’t have the same strength as previous years, but it was a cracking contest with four short heads separating four runners with the fifth not far away.

RODRIGO DE TORRES set the pace on the near side and kept find more as he was challenged in the final two furlongs. He’s not quite been good enough at the top level of handicaps, but this one rung down seems to suit him nicely. He had been campaigned mainly at seven furlongs of late, but his last two races have resulted in fine efforts dropped back to six furlongs.

FAST SHOT gave it his best in the final two furlongs between the winner and Mississippi but was just held.

RASAMAN didn’t look an obvious choice for me toward the bottom of the handicap, but he came with every chance inside the final furlong and just failed. A good effort from one of the senior campaigners in the contest.

AL’S MEMORY raced down the centre and was arguably unlucky since he wouldn’t have seen much of his main opponents. He has been hitting form as the ground has firmed up and may prove one to take forward from this contest given that his placing doesn’t really tell the story.

MISSISSIPPI was run out of it close home having looked sure to be in the first three 50 yards out. He ran a sound race and can gain compensation.

Ten-year-old JOHANNES filled sixth place, held from the furlong pole, while another experienced campaigner MISPLACED FORTUNE was just behind in seventh.

SCOTLAND FOREVER set the early pace on the far side, but weaved about all over the place once the pressure was applied and dropped out form the two furlong pole.

8.15 1m 3f EBF Glasgow Stakes 3yo (Listed)

A rather disappointing turn out of five here from what looked a decent original entry.

MAPUTO justified long odds o by, wearing down stable companion Alta Lilea in the final furlong, the pair clear. An impressive winner of a handicap at Newmarket last week, he is a progressive sort who seems to have enough about him to step up to Group 3. The step up to eleven furlongs was no problem and it wouldn’t surprise me if could make his mark in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.

ALTA LILEA set a sensible pace and wound things up in the straight. She responded well once challenged, not going down without a fight. She was second best on the evening but has a likeable attitude and will surely gain compensation. Much depends how the handicapper looks at this race, but she should be capable of winning a decent middle distance handicap in the near future.

MISTER IMPATIENCE, the third of Mark Johnston’s runners, was outpointed from the two furlong marker but kept on well enough to complete the 1-2-3. He’s been knocking on the door in Group 3 and listed events, but might be suited by having a go at a handicap. If it rains in the coming weeks note that his wins have come on soft ground.

CRUCK REALTA was a 20/1 winner of a Listed fillies’ race at Newbury a while back, then outclassed in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh. She was comfortably held here in the final two furlongs and on the face of it was below her best.

HOLD THE LINE made some progress three out but couldn’t get in a blow and faded to fifth. He had a tough task here and may be better aimed at handicaps.

8.45 1m 3f John Smith’s 3yo Handicap (30-63)

BEE JAY KAY got the best of a duel in the final two furlongs, with the pair well clear of the remainder. This race didn’t have any great strength in depth but he came away in decent style and might step up to the plate in the next grade up.

RED CHARMER made a fair attempt to follow up the previous day’s win. I thought at first that he may have slightly ducked the issue once challenged, but he was well clear of the third and in retrospect that might be a fairer measure of the form. He’s a nice type and going the right way at his current modest level.

WHITEFALL was readily outpaced in the final two furlongs.

SPATS COLOMBO seemed all at sea on the track down the straight and may be given another chance after this disappointing effort.

9.15 1m 1f Download The Free Racing UK App Handicap (57-72)

WELLINGROVE won this in typical front running Johnston-Fanning style. It’s taken this one a long time to win a race, but put in the right place at the right pace he proved up to the job.  He may win again but I’m not sure he will be much value in future as this race was spot on for him.

JANNA’S JINGLE was held up and denied in clear run for some way. Once in the clear two out she picked up nicely but didn’t get to the winner.  One of a string brought to the meeting by John Patrick Shanahan; one would think the Irish based trainer should be able to find a race for this one.

TECTONIC chased the winner from three out but was held in the final furlong. He has been steadily progressive this season and should find other opportunities.

EUSTON SQUARE couldn’t make any impact on the leaders in the closing stages.  This was his best effort for some time though and he is slipping down the ratings. He may have a chance if dropped to the bottom grade.

Hamilton Park... and some public speaking!

HAMILTON PARK – Thursday July 18^th

Going – Good to Firm, Good in places

The weather remained warm and sunny, with Hamilton Park looking in magnificent condition.  The North sun hat once again got an outing, having seen more action this season than the previous five years put together.  The public speaking also got an outing on the day, but more of that later.

2.00 6f Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden (Class 5)

With Foxy Clarets pulled out on a vet’s certificate this looked a straight forward job for BOOGANGOO, the filly obliging with a degree of comfort. She showed decent speed early on and, once given the signal, pulled clear in the final furlong. She will presumably now go on to nurseries.

SOUL INSTINCT is a strong looking animal who should make his mark in time. He broke well and shared the lead for three furlongs. He couldn’t match the winner once she took over, but kept on honestly enough. He may struggle to win a maiden but there will be chances in nursery handicaps.

IBECKE didn’t step up on her debut run and was firmly put in her place from two out, while UNDER APPROVAL was readily left behind, appearing one of the lesser lights from an O’Meara stable that has been sweeping all before them recently.

2.30 6f Robert McKellar – A Lifetime in Racing Claiming Stakes (Class 6)

HOPES N DREAMS made it four course and distances wins with a very comfortable victory. She set the pace, racing keenly at first, and then turned up the heat once the runners hit the rising ground. Course and the small field play to her strengths.

SUNRAIDER was comfortably second best but had no chance with the winner. He’s on a high mark in handicaps but may find opportunities in similar contests to this.

OOR JOCK has been highly tried in Ireland but has disappointed of late and a drop in level brought no improvement. His one win was at Naas back in 2010, race from which 6 runners raised only one subsequent win between them.

SPREAD BOY was totally outclassed and there was no fourth prize here to make turning up worthwhile.

There is a point about the disparity between prize money and claiming prices in this contest. The take home owner’s prize money was £1,686, yet the claiming price of the main three contenders ranged from £20,000 to £13,000. On that basis Oor Jock would have to win about twelve contests to recover his ‘value’.

3.00 1m 3f Neilsland and Earnock Maiden Stakes (Class 5)

This ended up as a match between the two principal contenders.

STATUTORY tracked the pace and then stretched on nicely from three out. He looked to have the race in safe keeping entering the final furlong but the runner-up was closing fast at the line. Not that Statutory did much wrong and he is progressing.

BOMBER THORN looked an awkward ride for much of the race. He was niggled early and hung in behind the winner down the straight. One the runners hit the last furlong he really picked up and would have won within another 50 yards. It could be that the course didn’t suit, but I wonder if he might just prove a decent stayer who is best when allowed to do his own thing. A step up in trip will certainly do no harm.

WEE WILLY WILFORDS field an expected third place without having a prayer of matching the first two. He will need to be handicapped before he becomes competitive.

YOURHOLIDAYISOVER has the build of a jumper, and was seen out in a Clonmel bumper last year. For whatever reason he’s been aimed at the flat since, but was left behind from three out.

EILA WHEELER is an elongated mare who has achieved very little in contesting a bumper and four flat races. Tongue-tied here, she shows no sign of making a racehorse.

I’d chatted to course MC of the day Lee McKenzie before racing. I’d been introduced to him a couple of years back and was interested to hear his thoughts on the Olympics, in which he had a very enjoyable time covering the Equestrian events.

Since stepping back from commentary duties Lee has been concentrating on presentation duties and on this occasion that included a discussion with Racing UK presenter Gordon Brown on ‘Hamilton Equine Heroes’. Asked for our own Hamilton Heroes I volunteered Tangerine Trees, four times a winner at Hamilton before going on to win the Group 1 Prix de L’Abbaye De Longchamp. I was then asked to do an interview over the PA discussing Tangerines Trees and my own interest in Scottish Racing. I’m not a public speaker by any means, but working on the basis of ‘just talk racing’ I think I got away with it!

3.30 1m 1f totepool.com  61-76 Handicap

A competitive little contest with a few competitors who have progressed or are progressing, though it was a more exposed types that prevailed.

One of a team brought over by Irish trainer John Patrick Shanahan, PRINCE JOCK scored at Wexford last year though has struggled to make a mark since. His wins have come conceding weight to inferiors and he was doing that here. Racing handily, he took the lead three furlongs out and stayed on well under driving to hold challenges. He gives the impression that he hasn’t got a huge amount in hand off his current rating and might struggle if forced up a few pounds.

ARGAKI put in another solid performance to follow up a succession of decent runs. He kept on but couldn’t make an impact on the winner close home. He continues in decent form.

The eleven-year-old DHAULAR DAR has slipped well down the ratings now but showed there is still life left. Running off a career low mark of 61 he stayed on through the last two furlongs and showed enough to suggest there’s one last hurrah left before retirement.

LORD FRANKLIN was held from the furlong pole and the handicapper might just have covered now.

CORTON LAD couldn’t raise his game in the last two furlongs. He looked well enough but it’s possible this came a shade too soon after his last race here.

HIGH RESOLUTION is in need on softer ground while RALPHY BOY doesn’t look to have retained the ability he showed as a two-year-old.

4.00 1m 5f Racing UK This way That Way Handicap 66-82

HAWDYERWHEESHT is in fine form, and I suspect the peculiarly Scottish name pointed a fair few course punters in this one’s direction. Sent about his work from two out, he gradually picked off those in front and got on top in the last hundred yards. He’s in good form and defied a 6lb penalty here, though the handicapper will presumably let him know that he has noticed.

The one to take from this contest is INTERIOR MINISTER who made a determined effort to lead all the way. He quickened off the front four out but was worn down in the final furlong. This was a darned good effort form a relatively lightly raced colt from whom I would imagine there is better to come. He didn’t fire on softer ground at Chester and it seems likely he needs the fast ground.

TENHOO is well exposed but ran a sound race in third, keeping on to the line having been held up early. His five wins have all come a grade below this in Class 5.

SCHMOOZE ran into all sorts of problems between the two pole and the furlong marker and was finishing as fast as anything. The problem is that she is always held up and at the mercy of any scrimmaging that might go on as she works her way through the field.  She regularly gives her running though and is not often beaten very far.

TETBURY was re-fitted with a hood but it didn’t work as it had at Ripon two outings ago. He had conditions right so there would appear no excuses.

Hat-trick seeker CHANT couldn’t get in a blow raised in class.

STREET ARTIST, blinkered on this occasion, is a strong sort but gives the impression he may still benefit from another winter behind him. He chased the leader but dropped away quickly in the final furlong.

QUEEN OF ALBA was the first to come under pressure and was not dangerous in the last two furlongs.  She was a winner in Abu Dhabi but has cut no ice on two outings for her Irish based trainer.

4.30 5f Download The Free Racing UK App Handicap 47-60

A typical ‘whose turn is it today ‘ sprint in which the North money went west on Tuesday’s Beverley scorer CHOC’A’MOCA. He was run off his feet going downhill and could not get into the race.  Fifty lines for North, ‘I should not bet in Class 6 sprints’. On the face of it, Choc’A’Moca is probably just a fair win in his turn low-class sprinter.

INGENTI had been knocking on the door of late and got a break on the others over a furlong out to win with a bit to spare. She generally runs her race and was well ridden by apprentice Kevin Stott, freed for this one after the trainer’s Niceonemyson was declared a non-runner.

CHLOE’S DREAM has form 01323 at tracks with a stiff finish. She kept on for second and looks worth keeping in mind at stiff tracks on a sound surface. Her attitude looks good and there should be a race for her soon.

SCRIPT ran a decent race in third. He was shunted up after winning here and may be just a pound or two too high now.

AMENABLE finished fastest of all in fourth but has gone a long time since winning. He should be capable of victory of his current mark but I’m not sure he’s one to rely on.

There was a gap of nearly three lengths to the rest who were all well held. CAYMAN FOX showed customary early pace but she hasn’t won for ages and generally folds once headed. Now if they held Class 6 four  furlong contests…

5.00 1m 65yds Racing UK Sky Channel 432 Handicap 45-61

RED CHARMER is a strong sort who rather took the eye in the paddock. He hadn’t shown much before this race but might just be coming to himself, forging on from two out and taking the  race going away. He looks as if he will be suited by further, and indeed his previous best effort was over Beverley stiff ten furlongs. A follow up wouldn’t be a surprise.

MINOT STREET was a clear second. He doesn’t look the most straight forward sort, particularly since he was equipped with blinkers, tongue-tie and a cross-noseband none of which are positives for me.

He chased the leader honestly enough but in vain from two out.

The one to take from this for future is definitely DIDDY ERIC. He was ridden along early in rear, and only picked up seriously one the runners hit the hill. His jockey Tom Eaves reported that he was on the stretch for much of the way. In Eaves’s opinion he needs cut in the ground and ideally ten furlongs. Keep this one in mind once the rains come.

HELLO GORGEOUS is inconsistent and was held here, LEXINGTON BLUE’s good run looks in the past and POLAR FOREST led but was put in his place once taken on.