Monthly Archives: July 2023

Donnie Azoff has had an interrupted career but won a maiden hurdle in the spring, then disappointed on handicap debut when he seemed not to handle Hexham. Switched to fences he was a creditable 2nd on debut and again next time, but his jumping wasn't the most convincing last time when he made a race-ending…

Spanish Mane bounced back to form over this CD two runs back with Josie Gordon in the saddle and then followed up with another good run over the CD. but under a different rider. There are a couple of probable improving 3yo's to beat in this fillies' handicap, but Josie is back on board, so…

Phantom Gold is a nice horse who seems in good form at home. He won his point-to-point bumper well at Larkhill and we are hoping to see a bold show from him on Rules debut.

Wynter Wildes has a very good record at Newcastle and seems to love the all-weather. My apprentice has won on her in the past and as she has been in good order at home, she can go well.

Tan Rapido made a lovely debut at Newcastle when 2nd in a strong race. He has loads of pace so a sharp 5f won't be a problem at all. He's a very straightforward horse and I expect him to go close.

Justcallmepete was consistent on all-weather over the past year and has followed that with two good runs in the frame at Windsor. This will be his first taste of the July Course but if he takes to it he would have an obvious each-way chance.

Landlordtothestars is a big gelding who showed ability earlier in the year. He is coming back from a break and looks the type to improve. Each-way chance.

Presently shaped nicely on debut under Brian Hughes and he was keen to ride again.

Kings Valley has shown promise on the gallops. He will improve for the outing but may know his job better than some of these later developers. Small each-way chance.

After 14 mils of rain, I'm debating whether to run Shuwari, who won so nicely first time at Newbury. I'm edging towards not running but will decide a little later on. If she were to run I would be very hopeful.

Cumulonimbus just keeps improving and was a decent third in a very strong handicap last time out. I have a sneaky feeling he is better over ten furlongs and he has won over this course and distance. Frankie will suit him well and the rain is not an issue.

Spirit Of Breeze has been gradually finding his feet in handicaps. After easing down to 62, he ran his best race yet when 2nd on turf at Lingfield, and off the same mark, could well step into pride of place.

Proud Fairy won and was placed in the autumn last year and was not disgraced on her recent comeback after her long absence. She should find a few pounds and that could well bring her into the argument.

Dirham Emirati came good last time after a gradual return to decent form. That was over 1m5f on this course and he should have no problem going up one more furlong. The 3lb rise should not be a worry either.

Reflex has been very disappointing so far but a drop to handicaps should make life easier. An extended mile around Wolves should suit, but he needs to break well. I am hoping the visor will sharpen him up.

Hurricane Kiko started the season too high in the handicap after winning last year. He is back at Chelmsford where he won over course and distance. Now dropped a few pounds and down in class he should be competitive again. He has an each-way chance, hopefully.

Bungle Boy won well at Wolverhampton last time when he was in the front rank all the way and just did enough. He's up 3lb for that, and a repeat of the performance should see him in the shake-up once more from his good draw.

A claimer winner for her previous UK yard, this ex-French filly hasn't shown much since joining us. Her mark has dropped accordingly and while this looks competitive for the grade, she should have some sort of chance off bottomweight. When a race falls right for her, she'll look half decent.

Cloudbreaker ran a great race at Royal Ascot from an awful draw. This is a tough Listed race but conditions are perfect and she can go well.

Raimunda returns to Haydock and drops back to a mile having run similarly at both the mile and ten furlongs around here on her first two starts. The likely testing conditions are a question but she should see it out.