Sharaakah
Another dry day in HQ this morning and whilst it is cooler than earlier in the week, it is still warm enough to ensure that the ground will be riding on the fast side of good, despite the irrigation that has been undertaken. We have had a quiet couple of days with both of our intended runners being taken out on account of the quick ground. I worked the potential Goodwood runners yesterday on the watered gallop and I was happy with how they all went, it was beautiful ground and they all enjoyed it. Trip To Paris was not confirmed for the Goodwood Cup yesterday and we will give him a nice gap between Newbury and his next intended target which could possibly be York.
We have five runners today spread across three different meetings. Apex King shaped nicely when winning at Newmarket, learning what racing was about and finishing his race off well. The third has won since and whilst he needs to improve to win Ascot's Listed Winkfield Stakes at 2:10, he deserves to take his chance. Dubai Hero was impressive in a warm looking Newmarket contest and Mutawatheb's form is the most solid. Opposition runs in the concluding twelve furlong handicapand having not stayed two miles when keen on soft ground in the Queen's Vase, I hope he can get back on track here and continue his progression.
First Quest runs in the Maiden at Newmarket run at 2:00. He is a horse I like but D'Bai sets a very strong standard and should win. I hope our First Defence colt can show promise for the future. Sharaakah drops back into handicap company and having been slightly keen last time, I am hoping the 7f trip will see her settle better. She has run two good races in 2016 and she has solid claims in the 3:10 at HQ. Justice First is very fresh and well at home and we are using our Apprentice Harry Burns again to take seven pounds off of his back. It is a competitive handicap but I am hoping a return to the all-weather will see him come back to form. Harry rode a winner at Catterick in the middle of the week and I was very impressed with the patient ride he gave Whitchurch.