Race Report - 24th July 2008
6.20 Donny Mod Gods September 2008 Handicap (6f)
STEEL BLUE came into the race on a long losing run but there is nothing wrong with his attitude and he won this in the style of a well-handicapped sprinter. Always prominent, he took up the running as the field hit the final furlong and scooted clear to score from No Grouse and Danzili Bay. The action all unfolded up the stands' rail and Royal Challenge, who wasn't beaten far despite a poor draw in stall 2, could be one to keep a close eye on next time.
6.50 mosspm.co.uk Maiden Auction Fillies' Stakes (7f)
An eventful maiden with the errant Digit hanging violently across the track when in the lead and in doing so, she handed the initiative to DAHEEYA. Mick Channon's filly needed no second invitation and she duly got off the mark at the third time of asking, eventually coming home three lengths to the good. Our Day Will Come plugged on for second ahead of Surprise Party, but of more interest was When Doves Cry, who once again shaped with promise and can surely win a similar event.
7.25 Sky Bet Supporting Yorkshire Racing Festival Handicap (6f)
Mick Channon didn't have to wait long to record a double on the card with his hardy sprinter LEADING EDGE gaining a first win of the campaign. She had been knocking on the door all summer and wasn't winning out of turn, but the race lacked any strength in depth and she wouldn't be a shoo-in under a penalty. Dancing Maite showed a bit more back in third and could be one to bear in mind for a similar event. The disappointment of the race was warm favourite Novellen Lad, who didn't enjoy the clearest run but was made to look very one-paced close home.
7.55 crownhotel-bawtry.com Conditions Stakes (1m)
A real turn-up here with the 20/1 outsider-of-four DREAM LODGE making all the running to come home in splendid isolation. Although he had it all to do on official ratings, there was no fluke about the result with the 4yo breaking the course record by over a second. Godolphin's Army Of Angels gave chase but was never able to get close to the runaway winner and has to be viewed as disappointing.
8.30 Henderson Garage Door Supercentre Handicap (1m4f)
LILAC MOON, owned by Andrew Black of Betfair fame, gained her second win in succession when showing a willing attitude to get the better of a three-way finish. She looks a filly on the upgrade and there was plenty to like about the way she stuck on when challenged by both Monfils Monfils and Dar Es Salaam. Favourite Smarterthanuthink was bitterly disappointing having led early and is better than this suggests.
9.00 Urban-I First Time Buyer Handicap (1m2f)
Gamble landed in the finale as John Hills' SINBAD THE SAILOR justified the market confidence for him, getting the better of a three-way finish. The punters who backed him from 6/1 into 7/2 had a few anxious moments but once he hit the front inside the final furlong, Kerrin McEvoy's mount was always holding the challenge of Offshore Anna and favourite Hawk House.
