3 minute read
Joe Rendall reviews the weekend’s action on both sides of the Irish Sea.
After the significant re-scheduling of the autumn Flat programme it’s fair to say the weekend’s action makes for a rather underwhelming filling in an otherwise spectacular sandwich.
With fireworks at Longchamp last weekend and the inaugural British Champions ‘weekend’ kicking off on Friday, the fare wasn’t quite of the same standard. There were some noteworthy performances nonetheless, though.
It was a case of job well done as Big Easy (100) landed Philip Hobbs and Terry Warner their second Cesarewitch following in the footsteps of Detroit City in 2006.
The fine race he ran in the Cesarewitch trial three weeks earlier, his handy draw in stall 2 and the application of cheekpieces meant everything was in place for him to run a career best effort on the flat, which he duly did.
However, in terms of the bare form it wasn’t a huge step up on the aforementioned previous run, but if connections choose to keep him in the headgear he’ll be of interest when he inevitably returns jumping.
Elsewhere on the card Commemorative (109p) took the rise in class in his stride to land the Autumn Stakes despite showing signs of greenness.
Whether he will go on to match the exploits of last year’s winner Kingston Hill is up for debate but he looks the type to improve at three and is one to watch out for, even if he’s just below the top bracket of this season’s two-year-olds.
Albasharah (114) looked capable of stepping up to Group company after an authoritative win in the Pride Stakes and with just the eight starts to her name looks capable of improving further. However, it’s a reflection of the scant season Godolphin have suffered this year that she rates amongst their most noteworthy performers.
Mattmu (106) won the listed Rockingham Stakes at York, paying a fine compliment to his Redcar conqueror and Timeform’s joint Top-Rated juvenile Limato (121p) in the process. Mattmu took another significant step forward to post a career-best on Timeform figures, and has improved some 31 lb since his debut at Doncaster back in May. It’s likely he’ll prove a likeable type in time as his dam Katie Boo was for all that there’s a suspicion he’ll never be one to knock your socks off.
In the feature contest on the Knavesmire Spinatrix (118) gave Michael Dods his second consecutive win in the Coral Sprint Trophy, and although she was seen to advantage from a good position was still full value for the win. On this form she looks up to winning at listed/minor Pattern level, but it’s fair to say the sooner connections try to do so the better. She is clearly thriving this autumn, but given her profile she’s not guaranteed to continue in such good heart indefinitely.
There were signs of encouragement for jumps fans as Chepstow staged the best domestic jumps card of the autumn so far. Southfield Theatre (138p) made a smart chasing debut and looks more than capable of replicating the level of form he showed over hurdles.
He’s sure to improve from this although he jumped soundly in the main, and should be a leading contender in Graded company before long. At the other end of the experience spectrum Monbeg Dude (149) suggested he could yet have another big staying handicap in him with a career-best effort.
In finishing second to the well-treated Victor’s Serenade over an inadequate trip Monbeg Dude gave the impression a second Welsh National back here over Christmas mightn’t be beyond him, depending on how the handicapper reacts.
The highlight of Sunday’s action came on the Irish Cesarewitch card at the Curragh, with Viztoria (116) sounding a warning shot for those lining up in the Champions Sprint at Ascot on Saturday.
Her win in the Staffordstown Stakes showed she retains all of her old ability and given she was third in the Ascot race last year, will be fresher than most (she’s only had four outings in 2014) and is trained by Eddie Lynam (seven winners from 11 UK runners this year) she merits maximum respect.
El Salvador (115) took the feature race, clearly freshened up by a 10-week break and producing a career-best, but as notable was the performance of his jockey Donnacha O’Brien.
It was by far the biggest victory of his fledgling career and he looks great value for his 7-lb allowance, and we’re sure to see a lot more of him on the bigger stage.
As for his mount, El Salvador is proven at listed level and versatile with regards trip and ground, so should continue to give good account for all that he may not be destined for the limelight like his young rider.
Although the final performance under consideration came at the very start of the weekend, in ratings terms we’ve saved the best for last. Smuggler’s Cove’s smart performance ay Dundalk on Friday night earned him a Timeform Rating of 118p puts him right up there with our top two-year-olds, with only Ivawood, Tiggy Wiggy and Limato rated higher.
It was even eye-catching enough for Simon Rowlands to be informed, and whether he goes to the Racing Post Trophy or Breeders’ Cup next, he looks right out of the top drawer.