Horses to Note

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Oddy/RV re that Sword of Honour he looks Awesome with a capital ‘A’ in my opinion. Is bred to win a Derby rather than a bumper being, as you say, by Montjeu. The dam, meanwhile, was My Emma who won both the Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermaille. It wouldn’t surprise me if they had the ‘Champion Bumper’ at the Festival in the back of their minds re this one.
 
A couple from last weekend.

My regular readers will know that ADVANCED is one of my all time faves. But putting sentiment aside for a moment, if I may, it really does look likely that this one is ready to strike once again. Put up a really solid effort in a £40,000+ 7.5 furlong Chester handicap last Saturday to finish 4th beaten just 2 lengths. This was even more creditable as the old boy had a terrible draw (14 of 17). The handicapper has raised Advanced a pound to a perch of 90, following his Chester exertions, but he looks more than capable of defying this. Possibly in a big field 7 furlong handicap when a huge price. Underestimate this one at your peril, people, as he looks destined for a return to the winner’s enclosure in the not to distant future.

The other ‘eye catcher’ I witnessed personally at God’s own racecourse, Newton Abbot, and was somewhat unusual in a 'flat' race. ROMEO AMERICO made his racecourse bow in the concluding bumper on Sunday. Everything was going very nicely for this one until turning into the home straight, for the final time, when unfortunately he veered badly left and unseated his rider. At this point the heat had developed into a 2 beast affair and although Romeo Americo probably wouldn’t have beaten the eventually winner (Johns Spirit of Jonjo O’Neill who won by 21 lengths) he most certainly would have been a very, and I do mean very, clear 2nd. With this experience behind him Romeo Americo should be extremely hard to beat next time.

Have checked the entries re these 2 and Advanced has a couple in the future (at Ripon on Bank Holiday Monday and the old Ayr Gold Cup next month). Romeo Americo is engaged in another bumper at God’s own racecourse next Thursday.
 
Can I add Skilful. This Selkirk colt reappeared in May at Lingfield and absolutely trotted up in an 8f maiden. This came after an impressive debut in November, when he appeared as a weak juvenile who nearly shocked everyone by winning. After May I thought he'd go on to better things and maybe get to Group class, but he disappeared from sight. He is now back on the gallops and often mentioned in dispatches by gallop watchers of Gosden's string. He may have an Autumn campaign. I'll be interested in him (well I've got to have some luck this year!!). Out of a 12f winning Peintre Celebre mare I wouldn't be too worried if Gosden steps him up to 10f.
 
Went to Worcester (which was actually the first racecourse that I ever visited, but hadn’t been for several years) on Friday and saw a very good performance in the bumper from HAZY TOM. He travelled very well in the race before quickening in extremely impressive style to destroy the rest of the field with ease (the form looks very strong as the 2nd was a dual winner). Every promising, fledgling trainer needs a top prospect to propel them to the next level and Charlie Longsdon (Mr Henderson’s former assistant) may have found his in Hazy Tom. A most promising and useful type.

I was very taken with DADDY LONG LEGS' win in the Royal Lodge on Saturday. This gorgeous looking chestnut, with a big white face, strode to an easy win after authoritively making all. He ground his opponents into submission and his display from the front looked Awesome with a capital ‘A’ to this correspondent’s eye. His American pedigree must make the Breeders Cup an option but quite frankly I wouldn't want to be oppose this one wherever he goes next (also in both the Racing Post Trophy and the Dewhurst). Also looks intriguing re next seasons Classics.
 
Backed one of John Dunlop’s on Wednesday (ended up getting withdrawn unfortunately) so watched another one of his, that ran earlier and prior to said defection, with interest a couple of hours before. SPANISH PRIDE was anchored at the back early doors and only started to make a forward move once the runners had levelled up for home. She made gradual progress from this point without ever being asked a question. The phrase ‘tenderly ridden’ certainly springs to mind as the filly crept home in 4th position.

Up until yesterday Spanish Pride had a rating of 70 and had never raced beyond 10 furlongs but being a sister to an Italian St Leger winner you get the impression that a step up in distance may bring about further improvement. But even if kept to 8-10 furlongs the filly could only have come on from yesterday's effort following almost 3 months away from the track. Currently she has no entries but providing she stays fit and well I’ll eat my old hat if Spanish Pride hasn’t won a race by the end of next month!
 
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