Saturday 26th August 2017

The Nunthorpe Stakes had just about everything, Frankie thought he’d won it, Marsha just getting up and Battaash unfortunately losing all chance before the race began.

I was a little surprised Frankie took Lady Aurelia away from the rest of the runners, she showed amazing speed but possibly got a little lonely and couldn’t see Marsha coming until it was too late. Quicker going would have suited the American filly too. Take nothing away from Marsha though, she’s threatened to win one of these and is top draw. Would she beat Lady Aurelia on quicker ground, I don’t think she would be yesterday is where it mattered?

It’s the final day of the York Ebor meeting, I don’t have any real thoughts in the Ebor itself, it’s very tough to find the winner.

I’m ignoring the last effort of Headway who didn’t enjoy the soft ground. Back on a sounder surface, the William Haggas trained horse can hopefully repeat the form of his excellent 2^nd place at Royal Ascot. If he does, he’ll have every chance. 9-2 EW in the 3:00

Staying at York, Khairaat takes his chance in the 4:40, The Jack Berry House Handicap. Khairaat did remarkably well to finish 3^rd at Goodwood from a wide draw. Jim Crowley had no choice but to sit and suffer. The horse flew home and was unlucky not to win. It won’t be easy carrying top weight but Khairaat might be better than a handicapper.

Away from York, Count Octave looks to hold leading claims in the 3:55 at Goodwood. The selection is the form horse of the race, price of 11-4 is fair.

I gave Mountain Hunter a postive mention before his debut run at Newmarket where he won well. He runs agin today, 4:30 Goodwood. Mountain Hunter, is smart and held in very high regard by Godolphin, priced around 3-1. Syrian Pearl, 5:00 Newmarket should have a good EW chance at 9-2.

Yesterday, I was delighted to secure the replacement horse for Milrow who we sold after winning at Stratford a few weeks ago. I purchased this big scopey 5yo who stands at 16.3 hands in a privite deal.

He's been on my radar for a while and looks very smart as you can see from the below picture. More info on him next week.