Harrow highlight after day one disappointments
ALCOHOL FREE simply didn’t stay in the Juddmonte International. She relaxed great and was very professional and amicable to ride, but it was apparent before I really went for her that the petrol tank was near empty.
It was a pretty uncomplicated race, it was very even, there were no hard luck stories and I hope we can freshen her up now and go to Ascot on Champions Day for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
We all respect Palace Pier and Baaeed, but Alcohol Free will be respected, too. Remember she’s been on the go all season, we trained her for a Guineas, so we’ll see how she comes out of the race and go from there.
IMPERIAL FIGHTER ran well in the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes and there’s more to come from him. We didn’t go quick early but we didn’t hack, then after two furlongs we really took off and it took the sting out of the others.
We were all off the bridle, so fair play to the Mark Johnston horse, Royal Patronage, who kept going all the way to the line for a deserved success.
My horse kept galloping, I knew he wanted a mile before the race but I thought we might get away with it. Unfortunately it didn’t work out like that but he’ll have plenty of options this autumn like the Champagne Stakes, Royal Lodge and the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.
FRIDAY RIDES
STRAWBERRY ROCK – 1.50 York
He’s a really progressive horse on form although he wouldn’t want the ground to get too lively. It’s a competitive race as they all are at York, but he goes there with a decent each-way chance.
BERKSHIRE SHADOW – 3.00 York
We’re very happy with him. He worked well the other day with Robasta and he felt really good. Six furlongs on a fast track like this is his absolute minimum, we know he’s a miler in the making, but it’s the right race for him. He’ll be going up in trip again later in the season but hopefully he can win the Gimcrack on his way to the autumn.
DRAGON SYMBOL – 3.35 York
This could be the race of the week, the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes, and it could set up nicely for DRAGON SYMBOL. I’m delighted with my draw in stall two – we’re over where the bulk of the pace is – and we should get a nice tow into the race. The aim is to jump well and sit wherever he’s comfortable, probably somewhere behind Golden Pal – not besides him that’s for sure! But hopefully he’ll be in front where it matters.
HOO YA MAL – 4.10 York
He worked nicely on the grass the other day with a bunch of horses with a similar sort of profile to him. There should be a bit of upside to him. As a type he’s not the finished article but he should’ve learnt plenty from Sandown and I’d like to think he’ll be there or thereabouts.
ACHELOIS – 4.40 York
Any rain would help her and she’s drawn very well. She won nicely at Goodwood, it was a good bit of placing from Andrew and Rob Hornby gave her the perfect uncomplicated ride – there was no pace on and he just sat handy in second. She won’t be as fortunate to get a trip like that at York on Friday but she’s improving, she’s in good form and hopefully she’ll run well.
DEJAME PASO – 5.10 York
He’s done well to recapture his form, winning his last two races including here last time out. He’s up 7lb so let’s see how he goes, he’s been given good rides the last twice but his confidence is probably sky high now. It’s interesting to see how far he can climb.
SATURDAY RIDES
DEVIL’S ANGEL – 1.00 Sandown
He’s in good form for Jedd O’Keefe. Fifth in the grey horse handicap at Newmarket last time out, the stiff finish at Sandown should suit and he still looks fairly well treated.
STROZZI – 1.30 Sandown
He’s done nothing wrong. He’s a very weak horse to look at but his work at home has always been solid and he’d have an each-way chance.
STAR FROM AFARHH – 2.05 Sandown
She won on debut on the July Course at Newmarket last time out and she takes on the colts here in the Group 3 Betway Solario Stakes. Andrew wanted to have a stab at the race and her owner-breeder wanted to have a go. The form of her maiden is working out okay with the runner-up Kawida winning since.
AURIA – 2.40 Sandown
One of the main reasons I’m going down to Sandown on Saturday, AURIA is a lovely filly who goes for the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes. She’s a half to Beat The Bank and is progressing quickly, she’s improving and I’m looking forward to her. Any rain would help.
PIVOINE – 3.15 Sandown
He’ll be favourite – or he should be – for the Heed Your Hunch At Betway Handicap if it stays Good to Firm. Things didn’t work out for him the last time he went to Sandown but he’d previously rediscovered the winning thread and he’s still in good form at home.
SILENT ESCAPE – 3.45 Sandown
This looks a good bit of placing from Saeed. She’s a lightly-raced filly who just got headed on her handicap debut last-time out at Leicester. Hopefully she’s learnt from that and can improve again.
NEBULOSA – 4.15 Sandown
I’m just a little bit worried about the inside draw. Arabic Charm will probably go forward and I’d just prefer to be drawn out wider even in a small field like this. Nebulosa has the hood on but if she gets a clear run she can win a race like this.