Abated was a little keen in the early stages and then settled well before staying on in good style to finish second, beaten half a length. She will not run again until next year, she should strengthen up and I hope stay further.

Dedication returns to Kempton to run in the first division of the mile handicap and she seems to be in good form.

Dedication

Not for the first time has Pythagorean been a little disappointing, he will be put away for the season. Forward March still has a lot to learn as he pulled far too hard for the first half of the race and will need to learn to settle.

 Abated is our only runner today she goes to Kempton for the six furlong fillies’ maiden race at 8.10 pm. She is a full sister to Bated Breath (recently retired to stud) and I am hoping that she can run well and continue the good record of her dam.

Abated

Secondo (FR) slightly missed the break again but stayed on to finish third behind the easy winner Pivotal Moment, which was the first of Richard Hughes magnificent seven winners. He would prefer faster ground like his sire Sakhee’s Secret did.

Our runners on Friday and again yesterday all ran really well, as I suspected Lovage was not in love with the ground at Bath but she stayed on in a determined fashion to finish third. Hint Of Promise still showed a bit of inexperience but it was an improved effort to finish second and hopefully she will be able to find a race before heading to the December Sale for Juddmonte Farms. At Goodwood Don Marco was a little free in the early stages but he seemed to win with plenty in hand and behaved himself well, the hood definitely keeps him calm. 

I was pleased with the way both Tartary (IRE) and Top Trail (USA)  behaved and ran in their first visit to the races. They both showed promise and stayed on in the closing stages in an above average race. 

Cactus Valley (IRE) ran a much more encouraging race to finish second but unfortunately the winner seemed to have rather alot in hand.

Tartary (IRE)

Cactus Valley (IRE) runs in the last race at Nottingham today having had a long break since his last race.  He seems to be in good form and he should handle the soft ground.

Cactus Valley (IRE)

There does not appear to be an excuse or reason why Stir Trader (IRE) ran disappointingly yesterday but he did receive a hefty bump in the early stages. 

Sakhee’s Rose coped well with the conditions to finish fourth and I hope she will get a chance in a Nursery Handicap.

Naturally I was thrilled with the wonderful and sweet Mince with her game victory at Ascot on Saturday in ground that required all her guts and determination.  She is a very special filly who has now won seven races in her short career and I hope will give her owner lots more fun in the future. Genki (IRE) ran his last race and will enjoy being turned out in a paddock next week. At Newmarket Rosslyn Castle was again rather disappointing and I would imagine that he will be heading for the Horses in Training Sale.  Although the conditions should have suited Definightly at Longchamp yesterday he dropped back after two furlongs and he was not able to dominate as he likes to from the front. He will now have a much deserved winter break and I hope he will return for another season in 2013.

I thought Captain Cat (IRE) ran a good race after his long lay off, travelling well throughout the race and then unfortunately tiring in the closing stages on fairly testing ground. His pedigree would suggest that he should stay further next year and I hope he will make a really nice handicapper. Silver Lime (USA) was declared a non runner due to the ground. 

Mince

 Genki (IRE) has been a wonderful and special horse to train, such a great character and with such a good record on the racecourse, but today could be his last race before he goes into an honourable retirement. Ideally he would prefer faster ground but he has won in soft conditions before.

Genki (IRE)