Race Report - 7th June 2008
2.05 betdirect.com Handicap (7f)
COMPTON'S ELEVEN had been running well without getting his head in front, and had indicated that a fast-run seven furlongs would prove ideal at this stage of his career. Mick Channon's grey had the race run to suit him and got up under a fine ride by 7lb claimer Michael Geran. He held on by a neck from King's Bastion, who confirmed his well-being despite a 5lb rise in the weights. The winner may now take his chance in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot.
2.35 Call betdirect Free On 0800 211 222 Handicap (1m Str)
Michael Bell has always held his Bahri colt REDFORD in high regard but suspected this strapping colt may just need the run on his seasonal re-appearance. He refused to settle early in the race for Hayley Turner and then looked as though he would win comfortably before tiring in the closing stages. In the end, he repelled the challenge of Pat Haslam's smart Choose Your Moment and looks sure to improve significantly for the outing. The Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot, a race his trainer won last year, looks firmly on the agenda before the colt takes his chance in Pattern company.
3.05 betdirect 0800 211 222 Fillies' Handicap (1m21/2f)
Richard Hannon's RONALDSAY had not really sparkled this term despite running creditably in Group Three company, but put her season firmly back on track here. Jimmy Fortune struggled to keep her covered up long enough in such a small field but executed the plan well to wear down Royal Fantasy by a neck. The runner-up probably wasn't the most resolute in the closing stages, however, giving best despite the hard work of Hayley Turner in the saddle.
3.45 EBF crownhotel-bawtry.com Maiden Stakes (6f)
Barry Hills' filly GOLDEN ROSIE had run with plenty of promise when fifth over the minimum trip on debut at Leicester, so it was no surprise to see her win this. The step up to six furlongs was in her favour as she travelled strongly throughout for trainer's son Michael Hills. She is unlikely to be seen at the Royal Meeting, while runner-up Gal Aloud went down by only three parts of a length and has a maiden at her mercy. Peter's Gift, a newcomer from the Kevin Ryan camp, also shaped well, along with Roger Charlton's grey debutant Rose Diamond in fourth.
4.30 Society Lifestyle And Leisure Magazine Handicap (1m4f)
Stacey Renwick, who has struck up such a good relationship with local favourite Red Wine, made a bold bid to help the gelding to his fifth course success, but the gritty Alan Swinbank-trained COTTON EYED JOE had other ideas. Dean McKeown's mount plugged on gamely to spoil the party, holding on by a neck. Both horses have become a credit to their trainers, having overcome physical problems to hold their form so well.
5.00 Happy Birthday Darryl Barker Maiden Stakes (Div I) (5f)
Tim Easterby's stable jockey David Allan had a cigar moment when ROYAL GRACE sat in the stalls and gave her rivals a start on her first outing at Pontefract. However, it was a different story here as she swept home in good style having gained plenty for that experience. She shouldn't be over-faced by the handicapper and has enough raw speed to pay her way in that sphere for owners David and Emma Armstrong, who also have highly rated juvenile Haigh Hall in training with Easterby.
5.30 Happy Birthday Darryl Barker Maiden Stakes (Div II) (5f)
Newmarket trainer Don Cantillon was clearly surprised to see SIR BOSS win this under Sir Mark Prescott's apprentice Rosie Jessop. He thought the gelding would need the experience and had even been schooling him over hurdles in case he didn't make the grade on the level! Sir Boss was too good for Terry's Tip, the yardstick for the race off a mark of 80, but well held in second.
