Roxy Art
Good morning from Newmarket. It has been a long and exciting week at Glorious Goodwood, with one more day to go of course, but we are not involved on the final day. It is therefore a good time to reflect on our runners over the course of the week.
Red Verdon ran his usual game race in the Glorious Stakes yesterday, finishing second. He was keener than usual and travelled with great zest, on ground that probably turned a touch quicker than ideal. A faster pace may have helped, but ultimately we were beaten fair and square by a very good winner in Mirage Dancer. Verdon has never let us down this season, but it would be nice to see him get his head in front prior to his possible journey to Australia.
Reddiac was undone by the draw in his nursery, so we won’t give up on him just yet, whilst Global Giant ran a huge race in the mile and a quarter handicap on Thursday and probably merits a small rise in class next. The disappointment of the week was Dark Red, who didn’t seem himself on the first day, and we know he will bounce back.
We are in action at three meetings today, with Roxy Art getting the ball rolling in the 1.10 at Chelmsford, a six furlong fillies’ novice. She showed real promise behind the subsequently Gr.3 fourth Miss Celestial on debut, but was a little unlucky in running on her next start. Both of her runs to date have been around Lingfield, so the change of scenery might suit, and I remain hopeful that she can step up on her efforts so far. Seductive and Aquarius set a good standard on form, so winning won’t be easy, but we hope to see the filly take another progressive step. Rab Havlin is booked to ride.
At 5.35 at Newmarket we run Tadleel, in a mile 0-85 handicap. Given he is rated 87, it is nice to get into a race of this level with only six runners – but that doesn’t mean it is easy by any stretch. The Saeed bin Suroor trained Perisher was an impressive winner of a Thirsk novice last time out and could be very well handicapped, whilst Balgair is on a roll and Swiss Storm was considered a very exciting horse early in his career and might be rejuvenated. Indeed, all six runners have a chance, but we go there hopeful of a good run from Tadleel. He was just worried out of a Goodwood handicap last time out, and has finished first and second (beaten a nose) on his only two outings on the July course. I hope he is still competitively handicapped, but there is no doubt that this is a tricky race. Jim Crowley rides.
Finally, in the 7.05 at Lingfield, I will saddle Amplification. A promising two-year-old, he has not gone on so far this season, but now finds himself a few pounds lower in the weights. Add to this a drop in trip to seven furlongs, and it is hoped that we will see an improved performance. The race looks typically competitive, though, and it remains to be seen if he is back to a mark from which he can win. Daniel Muscutt will do the steering.
All the best,
Ed.