Another very hot day here in Newmarket and it looks like the most of the country will be dry for the majority of the next week although there could be rain around on Sunday and Monday. I worked some horses on the Al Bahathri this morning as the ground is drying out quickly. It was a lovely atmosphere at Sandown Park last night and it was great to see the meeting so well attended. The crowd were delighted to see firm favourite Big Orange win and were treated to a Frankie flying dismount and everyone seemed to enjoy the evening.
Red Verdon found the 1m2f too sharp yesterday evening and was not disgraced on ground that had dried out a little too much for him. I was hoping that Munaashid would stay on and give us something to build on but he could never get a clear run up the straight to find his stride. Dark Red ran respectably in fourth at Chelmsford but ran a little flat and Capricious Cantor ran well on seasonal debut just behind him in fifth. Red Master and King Kevin ran in the 1m Maiden and it was too strong for them both. Zamadance was third at Catterick, he appeared to stay the mile and a half trip well and we may ride him more prominently next time.
We run Qaaraat at Bath this afternoon. He has showed up well at Newbury and Newmarket and we hope he can get his head in front today. It is not an easy race however as Last Page ran to a high level before misbehaving at Windsor and the Cox and Johnston two year olds both look interesting on debut.