3rd September 2016
2 from 2 yesterday with Cloudberry and Countermeasure doing the winning.
Countermeasure broke his “highest maiden in training” hoodoo by winning a maiden at Ascot. It was a decent prize and he had a nice exercise canter to pick up the prize under Ryan Moore. It should aid with his confidence and I think he can be successful next year.
Cloudberry defied his inexperience to win at Kempton, to make him two from two this season. They evidently went too quick and David Egan was patient enough to hold on to him, before he worked his way in to the race. It was intelligent riding and he will go far as an apprentice next year.
Abatement
Abatement goes to Ascot to run in a decent looking 7f maiden. He is a good looking horse who will be a better horse next year when he strengthens up. Last time out at Salisbury he ran a nice race, despite just losing his action over the road. He had a good blow that day and hopefully he will strip fitter today. The form of his race has not worked out that well with the second that day being beaten twice of a mark of 68, and the third running disappointingly at Haydock. That said the 8th and 9th have both won since. Today there is a strong favourite, who ran a taking race at Newbury in what will turn out to be a very good maiden. There are plenty of other fancily bred horses, but we hope Abatement can take a step forward from last time.
Blakeney Point
Blakeney Point was unlucky last time to just jink in the final furlong, lose momentum and not quite get up and win the race. Today he steps up to 2 miles and we hope that his pace over 1m 4f will be a weapon in a race like this.
Irrevocable
Irrevocable ran on nicely last time at Sandown having been outpaced. She wants fast ground, and the step up in trip should suit if she can settle. The handicapper has relented on her mark a little, but it was too high in the first place and she may need more time to find her grade, especially from this draw.