Race Report - 24th October 2008

1.50 Society Lifestyle And Leisure Magazine EBF Maiden Stakes (7f)

ROMAN REPUBLIC had been backed when only seventh on his debut at Newbury but made amends with a strong finish in the hands of Royston ffrench to get the Racing Post Trophy meeting up and running. It was in-form Bryan Smart's Striker Torres who made the first move, sweeping to the front only to be worn down well inside the final furlong by Mark Johnston's Cape Cross colt. An eye-catcher was Jeremy Noseda's newcomer Maverin, who finished a creditable fourth.

2.20 EBF Quintin Gilbey Maiden Fillies' Stakes (1m)

Sir Michael Stoute's debutant LEOCORNO landed this with some style, despite running green for much of the race. Carrying the colours of Ladbrokes St Leger winner Conduit, who runs in the Breeders' Cup tomorrow night, the Pivotal filly won with some authority once the penny had dropped and could develop into a nice prospect for next year. Michael Jarvis will also be pleased with his newcomer Ballet Dancer, who was third.

2.55 Racing Post Nursery (1m)

George Foster's Bertolini colt HENDERSON PARK dominated this, confirming the promise of a recent run behind a subsequent Listed winner at Ayr. Neil Callan was confident enough to take it up a long way from home but the result never looked in danger. Runner-up Quatermain arrived with solid credentials and was another who confirmed the fine form of Bryan Smart's team.

3.30 Rectangle Group Handicap (6f)

SKHILLING SPIRIT had run well in the Ayr Gold Cup and had the strong pace he needs to run at here. David Barron's gelding powered past Kaldoun Kingdom to take this valuable prize, proving himself on ground that was only just on the easy side of good. Walter Swinburn's Shifting Star ran well in third, confirming that he is still progressing along the right lines.

4.05 Betting Shop Manager Of The Year Handicap (1m61/2f)

Bryan Smart's WELLS LYRICAL has done nothing but improve and built on his win in a competitive handicap at Musselburgh. Tom Eaves' mount relished every yard of the trip to see off Soundbyte and Neve Lieve, with the three-year-old Sleepy Hollow running well in fourth. He may see out this trip more effectively with another winter on his back.

4.40 Weatherbys Bank Handicap (1m21/2f)

Henry Cecil struck with 12-1 shot TIMETABLE, who was produced with a telling run by Tom Queally. The winner had sometimes given the impression that his temperament had got the better of him but there was no faulting his resolve here. Now he has proven himself at this trip, options are open as he goes to the sales next week. Shaloo Diamond ran his usual game race to get in the money and has been a real credit to Richard Whitaker's yard this season.

5.10 Amateur Jockeys Association Lady Riders' Handicap (1m21/2f)

This was a family affair as Alan Jarvis's SPRING GODDESS landed the spoils in the hands of his grand-daughter Lucy Burke - daughter of trainer Karl Burke. Several were in with chances in the closing stages but the 33-1 shot proved too good for the strong-finishing Yetholm, who picked up promisingly against the far rail for Rose Dobbin. Favourite Dar Es Salaam was back in fourth.