Race Report - 6th June 2008
6.35 AJA Fegentri Ladies Invitation Handicap (Lady Amateur Riders) (1m Rnd)
Carol Bartley gave racegoers a reminder of why she is still among the best amateur jockeys in the business when taking this international challenge on Alan Swinbank's BIVOUAC. Carol, who has won the ladies' championship three times, moved past the 50-winner mark in impressive style as her partner quickened clear for a five-length verdict over March Mate, ridden by another Great Britain jockey Lorraine Ellison. Riders from five nations took part in the race, and all received medals from the Amateur Jockeys' Association.
7.10 Westside Maiden Stakes (6f)
Seb Sanders, who was presented with a bottle of champagne by the racecourse to celebrate his first British Classic success on Look Here in the Oaks earlier in the day, was on board Sir Mark Prescott's well-backed favourite Watergate. However, he was unable to step forward from his debut run and was well held in fourth as CLASSIC BLADE scored on debut for Tom Dascombe and Richard Kingscote. Favourite Girl, who brought the best form and the most experience to the race, gave it a solid enough look in second, while JIMWIL improved on his debut run to be third despite being short of room at a crucial stage.
7.40 Rectangle Group Handicap (1m21/2f)
Phillip Makin gave his rivals a lesson in jockeyship as he stole this on Michael Dods' 16-1 outsider MAGIC ECHO. He established a commanding, uncontested lead early in the race on this confirmed front-runner and never looked like seeing another rival. Magic Echo was badly handicapped, according to her trainer, but this was opportunism at its best by Makin. John Dunlop's EGLEVSKI put a disappointing run at Ripon behind him and remains one to be interested in with some ease in the ground.
8.15 Eastside Handicap (1m4f)
Paul Cole's progressive colt PRECISION BREAK completed the hat-trick in good style in the hands of John Egan. It was locally trained filly Black Dahlia who threw down the strongest challenge, but Cole's co-favourite was always in charge and defied a 6lb rise in the ratings. He may be open to more improvement if stepped up in trip. Black Dahlia, representing Alan McCabe and Paul Dixon, can take a similar contest and may have been unlucky to come up against such a progressive rival here.
8.45 RMC Cheryl Martin Stakes (7f)
Jeremy Noseda's filly GRAND ANNEE had shown promise on debut and confirmed that with a brave performance, racing close to the stands rail from her high draw. She can progress in handicaps, along with runner-up APPLAUDE, who will doubtlessly come on for the run for the in-form Alan Swinbank. A maiden may be in the grasp of STREET DEVIL, who belied odds of 50-1 to be third for trainer Paul Blockley.
9.15 Regional Magazine Company Handicap (1m Str)
Luca Cumani hadn't had charge of AXIOM for too long, but the former Ed Dunlop colt was well placed and too good for his rivals in a race run in the evening gloom. He didn't mind the ease in the ground following persistent rainfall, defying top weight in the hands of Dane O'Neill. The son of Pivotal, who had two lengths to spare over Summer Dancer, is one to follow.
