Race Report - 4th June 2011
2.20 williamhill.com Handicap (1m Str)
CHEF served up a treat for his backers, digging deep to take this opener for Andrew Balding and David Probert. A creditable sixth in a valuable race at Newmarket on re-appearance, he was dropping back in trip here and travelled well behind a wall of horses before Probert asked him to stretch. Shamdarley ran on to be third, having had plenty to do, with Mubtadi a game second. Both runners-up look capable of winning again soon.
2.50 William Hill - Home Of Betting Handicap (7f)
Danny Tudhope rode his fifth consecutive winner when SMARTY SOCKS registered his third course and distance win. David O'Meara's chestnut held on gamely to deny the persistent Webbow, with Bronze Prince running a promising race in third in this ultra-competitive heat. That later, trained by John Gosden, remains open to more improvement but is unlikely to make the cut for the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot - a race he holds an entry for.
3.25 Visit williamhill.com On Your Mobile! Conditions Stakes (1m21/2f)
Royal Ascot could be on the agenda now for Luca Cumani's ALKIMOS, who won this in the style of a classy horse. Cumani had won it 12 months earlier with subsequent Royal Ascot winner Afsare, and now this son of High Chaparral looks likely to follow the same route, with the King Edward II Stakes his main target. Buthelezi led them into the home straight but was already under pressure when JP Guillambert's mount settled the issue with a smart turn of foot.
3.55 Close Building Services Ltd Handicap (1m4f)
War Poet, bidding to give David O'Meara and Danny Tudhope a double on the day ran well in defeat, finishing a closing second, but may have been a shade unlucky. The son of Singspiel - a winner at Thirsk off an 8lb lower mark - was short of room at a crucial stage and had to be switched to challenge. By then the winner ORIENTAL CAVALIER had stolen a march and powered to the line for Jim Crowley. Mark Buckley's runner was building on a game second at Chester last time.
4.30 EBF Once Call Insurance Maiden Fillies' Stakes (61/2f)
FALLS OF LORA stamped her class on this maiden, quickening clear after finding her way to the stands rail from her outside draw. Trained for Godolphin by Mahmood Al Zaroni, she went within an ace of making a winning debut at Goodwood but was much wiser this time. She was committed early by Ahmed Ajtebi, leaving debutant Show Flower, who ran with promise, and market rival Vassaria, to fight out the minor honours.
5.05 crownhotel-bawtry.com Maiden Stakes (5f)
ELAND ALLY was far superior to all of his rivals on all known form and duly justified his short price to score with the minimum of fuss. He had run well in a competitive handicap at York previously, finishing fourth, and can prove useful back in that sphere. Crew Cut, unplaced on debut over six furlongs here, ran on nicely to chase home the winner and will be of interest once qualified for sprint handicaps. He is a half-brother to useful stable companion Sutton Veny.
