Tungsten Strike kept things ticking over for our list to follow with a win at 4/1 in the Group 2 Henry ll Stakes at Sandown on Monday, despite racing on ground softer than ideal.
I was also very impressed with the 2 year old Excellent Art who absolutely hacked up at Sandown. The 3rd, Dressed to Impress had an encouraging debut run and will be interesting next time.
Looking back at some of the action over the last few days I see that Polar Magic won for James Fanshawe at Goodwood in the week. Polar Magic deserved his success after just missing out on some nice prizes last season. For those that follow trends he has now won first time out in 3 of the last 4 seasons.
Borehan completed a hat trick when winning at Newmarket on Saturday. Both the winner, and the second Signor Peltro created favourable impressions last season as juveniles and I will continue to watch their progress with interest.
Haatmey failed to win when I had him on my list to follow last season but he came good at Redcar on Monday at 10/1. He clearly likes the Teeside air as he had been only beaten a short head on his last visit to Redcar.
I have been watching the video of the 6 furlong handicap at Newmarket on Sunday, which featured a few of my old favourites. Greenslades won. He is an entire and this was his 5th success at the age of 7, both the last 2 coming at Newmarket. The second, Idle Power had beaten subsequent winner Exmoor in April. Now an 8 year old, Idle Power has won 11 races. I backed in to win one of those at 9/1 in October 2002. The 3rd was Firenze (Italian for the city of Florence). Firenze finished well and might be worth a close look next time.
There are 5 runners from our list to follow in action on Tuesday.
I will start with Sandown and Percy’s Pearl in the 6.40. This gelding won on his debut at Windsor last season and although he could not build on that start in his next 2 outings he looks the sort that could progress. David Elsworth’s horses have not been in the best of form of late however. Another runner to note in this is Master of the Race for the in form Sir Michael Stoute. This one finished 2nd on all 4 runs last season. Kept in training by Stoute though and that could be a pointer in itself.
Our list runner in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at 7.15 is the progressive Reverence. This is only his 10th start and he may still have scope to improve. Looks to have a fair chance on ground that will suit. I would also expect Eisteddfod to give a good account of himself as he should come on for his 2 runs so far this season and is another that will act on the ground.
There has been plenty of hype about Greek Well who is a full brother to Islington a filly that won 4 Group 1 races. He makes his long awaited debut in the 8.50 at Sandown. Not sure if the ground will suit.
At Leicester Warsaw Pact makes his handicap debut in the 3.20 after having 3 runs as a two year old. Ridden by Seb Sanders he is a fairly typical runner from a stable that specialises in this type of event.
In the 2.10 at Redcar Princess Palatine is one I will be watching carefully. Stable are in good form at the moment although they do not have a great record with first time juveniles.
Lastly, in the 4.40 Hopeful Purchase should be good enough to add to our winners tally.
See you tomorrow.
ahorse 