Dear Member

Very Honest ran a really nice race last night. He was beaten in a photo but I’m still not sure how the judge has called a winner from that photo. It’s a clear dead-heat in my opinion which is a little annoying. We take each way returns.

Mr Bossy Boots ran well for 2nd and each way returns. The winner stole it from the front but MBB was best of the rest.

Onto today…

Two non runners so far today which just leaves one later at Wolves. Let’s hope for a big performance.

A fantastic renewal of the Cleve’s Stakes. Two make plenty of appeal to me, firstly Kachy won over this C and D last time out and the time of that race was very strong. He set some alarmingly fast fractions and the best thing about it was that he finished seemingly with bags left under the tank. Stall 11 isn’t ideal, but he won from stall 9 last time out and it is also worth noting that Gifted Master won from stall 12 earlier in the season in a similar sort of race so it can be done. With a low draw I couldn’t see past Kachy but because of the draw I do want a saver on side. Kimberella fits the bill as he loves this C and D and won the AW final sprint for us last season. He has a very high cruising speed and around these tight turns with a fast pace to aim at he can be very hard to keep out of the frame. Whether he is good enough to beat Kachy remains to be seen but he has a nice draw and should get a perfect race run to suit so has every chance.

For me Topofthegame is crying out for this extra trip. He ran a fine race in defeat last time out in the Lanzarote finishing 4th, he was never stronger than at the finish and if anything was only caught out by a burst of speed turning for home. Over this longer trip that is something he won’t have to deal with to the same extent and given his unexposed profile he could easily improve massively for this longer trip. He proved last time out he can handle the hustle and bustle of a big field handicap and if he can bring a similar performance tomorrow then he should go very close.

Victory Bond really has hit a new level switched to the AW this season. He romped home at Chelmsford last time out and should have won over this C and D before that in the Churchill Stakes. He was slow away that day and didn’t get a clear run, he isn’t best drawn tomorrow but that could be a blessing in disguise as it should allow Ryan Moore the chance to cross over into a more prominent position like Murphy did on him last time out. For me he should take all the beating but as you all know I like to throw a saver in and Intern caught my eye last time out. He was 3 wide throughout under Fran Berry who gave him a poor ride but he ran on really well to finish 4th and looks leniently priced tomorrow. I am hoping from stall 7 that Fran Berry can ride a better race and give this horse every chance because he has fantastic place claims if so.

Runaiocht has caught my eye on his last two starts. Firstly a fine 3rd over this C and D and then he was unlucky over a mile at Lingfield last time out. He drops in grade tomorrow and has been handed an extra 1lb drop by the handicapper. That will make his life easier and from stall 1 he is perfectly berthed to go close. Also worth noting is Oisin Murphy booked to ride which is an eye-catching booking for this yard.