Race Report - 10th September 2008
GALEOTA SECURES SCARBROUGH DOUBLE ON EXCITING OPENING DAY
1.30 Flakt Woods Nursery (7f)
Michael Bell and joint-champion jockey Jamie Spencer combined to make a winning start to the 2008 Ladbrokes St Leger Festival as filly BALLANTRAE landed this competitive nursery handicap. A winner on debut, she had struggled in Group company on her previous start but relished the drop back in grade, and the soft ground, to fairly romp home. Barry Hills, who has such a fine record on Town Moor, sent out runner-up Mister Dee Bee, while Cook's Endeavour and Satwa Laird - both Racing Post Trophy entries - stayed on well to fill the minor placings.
2.00 Hire From Hewden Conditions Stakes (1m21/2f)
The defection of Docofthebay left only three runners, and it was the youngster in the party, PERKS, who clinched the victory in good style. John Dunlop's colt, owned by Abba's Benny Andersson, responded well when given the office by Jimmy Quinn, shaking off pacesetter Flying Clarets before killing off the sustained challenge of Frankie Dettori on Godolphin's With Interest. Perks looks likely to take his chance in next month's Cambridgeshire on the back of this.
2.35 Construction News Scarbrough Stakes (Listed) (5f)
Richard Hannon's decision to give GALEOTA a mid-season break paid dividends as the six-year-old came back to win this race for the second year in succession. Always travelling smoothly for Ryan Moore, Galeota took his record at this track to three from three as he picked off leader Loch Verdi. In behind, Moorhourse Lad shaped well enough but would undoubtedly have been happier on a sounder surface, while Desert Lord and Benbaun - both Group One winners on good to soft - were ultimately disappointing. Galeota may now go for the Bentinck Stakes at Newmarket.
3.10 Construction Index Conditions Stakes (6f)
There was no faulting BONNIE CHARLIE'S credentials and he duly obliged for favourite backers, giving Richard Hannon and Ryan Moore a quickfire double. The Molecomb runner-up was forced wide when making his challenge, which was far from ideal, but he showed a good attitude to get there and now deserves another crack at a Group race. Runner-up Faraway Flower still holds a Cheveley Park entry and is certainly progressing along the right lines.
3.45 Heating and Ventilation News Handicap (7f)
SLUGGER O'TOOLE looked to have a bit to find on the form book, but powered home in the hands of Chris Catlin to make up for his trainer Barry Hills' two seconds earlier in the day. He outstayed Harrison George, who relished the return to seven furlongs on more testing ground after finding a fast six at Goodwood too sharp last time. The courageous Fathsta ran another solid race in third while favourite Carniolan may not have got home in the ground.
4.20 EMAP Glenigan Sprint Handicap (5f)
Ron Harris's favourite JUDGE 'N JURY confirmed his fine recent form by taking this in the hands of Kevin Ghunowa. There was little more than a length between the first 10 home in fact, with Rasaman snapping at his heels in second and Northern Bolt showing up well from his high draw. Those closest to the stands rail certainly held sway, as the low numbers - with the exception of Captain Dunne - tracked across.
