Race Report - 7th July 2011
6.30 Amateur Jockeys' Association Handicap (For Amateur Riders) (2m1/2f)
Lucy Horner celebrated her 50th win when SENDALI romped to victory in this opener for Billingham trainer Chris Grant. Placed over three miles in a handicap hurdle at Aintree last month, he was never going to be short of stamina and kept up the momentum after hitting the front a quarter of a mile from home. Heart Of Dubai, in front of the winner at Catterick earlier in the season, plugged on for second ahead of Spiders Star, who came from a long way back to get into the money.
7.00 Happy Birthday Daniel Calow Maiden Stakes (6f)
Peter Chapple-Hyam's debutant AL KHAN was too good for some potentially useful rivals, scoring with a bit in hand for Jimmy Fortune. However, the heavily backed favourite O'Gorman blew his chance with a slow start and ran a little too keenly when seemingly working his way into contention mid-race. Unsurprisingly, he had little fuel left in the tank and faded out of contention. The Blue Banana and Commanche were always in the front rank and filled the frame, with the promise of more to come over a longer trip.
7.35 crownhotel-bawtry.com Maiden Stakes (6f)
Amhran, sporting first-time blinkers, quickly shot six lengths clear on this drop back to sprinting, but couldn't maintain his advantage and fell away tamely. His demise left the filly MY OWN WAY HOME in front a long way out but she plugged on gamely for Des Donovan and Martin Harley to repel the late lunge of the closing even money favourite Vizean. Green Howard, representing Robin Bastiman, outran his long odds to finish an encouraging third on debut.
8.10 DC Training And Development Services Ltd. Fillies' Handicap (1mRnd)
Kieren Fallon, successful on Fulgur in the big handicap at Newmarket earlier in the day, made the journey north worthwhile when the heavily backed SUBMISSION completed an across-the-card double for the six- times champion jockey and trainer Luca Cumani. Submission was delivered late but showed a good turn of foot to win a shade cosily, and looks to have a future in better grade. Bookmakers William Hill reported a £60,000 bet on the winner in one of their London shops earlier in the day.
8.45 Atteys Handicap (1m4f)
Sense Of Pride needed reminders turning for home but came back on the bridle and swept to the lead over two furlongs out. She certainly saw out the longer trip, but was a sitting duck for eventual winner ROYAL TROOPER. Freddie Tylicki had clinched the apprentices' title a couple of years ago on this horse at Catterick so it was poignant to be back on board here. Ollon ran another game race to be placed for Richard Fahey but looks to be in the handicapper's grip now.
9.15 Artsign Handicap (5f)
York trainer Marjorie Fife was keen to strike while the iron was hot with MANDALAY KING, who had ended a two-year losing run at Hamilton nine days earlier. He was made plenty of use of by Danny Tudhope and responded by galloping his rivals into submission. He may be able to win again in this mood, now he has proven himself as capable on a speed track as he is over a stiffer five furlongs.
