Soft and Heavy ground played havoc with the form. Course and going experience were strong assets.
Thursday:
Shantaram was mentioned as a contender in April and he enhanced his profile with a win in the Bahrain Trophy. Though he won well enough I still believe he is better on a Flat track which he will get at York and Doncaster. Rewarded looked to have done particularly well.
In the July Stakes Gale Force Ten should have done better.
Fiorente was mentioned as having done well at the Guineas and he won in style to justify support. Red Cadeaux was in great nick but had to concede 3lbs and drifted to the far rail. Presumably he heads for the Melbourne Cup. Joshua Tree has thrived and will frank the form.
The juvenile filly Certify moved best to post and is a good sort. Shuruq, Lady Vermeer, Hasanan, and the Hannon pair Mandeville and Three Choirs will follow up.
Mukhadram was noted for the Wood Ditton and he continues to impress but the stable are under a cloud. He will do better. Eastern Sun might be picking up and I am starting to like him for the first time. A handicap might be an option. Mister Music has done well since the Fielden.
Friday:
Illaunglass was on her own before the first and has done well since last year. Reported to be a madam at home she might fire if in the mood and could pop up at a price in something like the Oak Tree on the Friday at Goodwood.
Fulbright was in supreme nick. Piri Wango is progressive and will return on a favoured surface, possibly Ascot or Doncaster.
The Cherry Hinton was a modest heat - Premier Steps and Lovely Pass were preferred. In contrast the Falmouth was a cracking contest. The winner Giofra is built like a stallion and moved best to post along with Alanza. Nearly everything else was in prime condition. Maybe looked good but ran poorly.
Plenty of nice types in the 7f maiden for 2yos. Ghurair, Contributor, Dundonell, Elhaame, Evangeliste, Grilletto, Improvisation and Khudoua all have futures. Having had a run Afonso de Souza should have done better. A strong stocky sort he moved well enough to post.
Leo Luna was well backed for the 3yo maiden despite having had problems. If he stays sound he should progress.
With the lousy weather and forecast I drew stumps. Pity as I would have seen Mayson confirm his Guineas Blog inclusion @30/1 on the same turf in the July Cup.
