The start of a big week saw Royal Ascot kick off in glorious fashion but the team’s focus shifted a little closer to home. Just down the road at Thirsk, Kevin sent out a double with Glenlaurel and Rambuso Creek both winning in emphatic style.

If there is one sire that Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum has had great success with it is the superstar Lope de Vega. So when he sent his own mare to the stallion it was always likely to produce something with great potential. Glenlaurel had certainly been shaping nicely at home but she blew the field away when winning the 6f Vickers.Bet Extra Places At Royal Ascot EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes on debut.

Having come to hand and impressed in her homework the hardest decision was what trip to begin Glenlaurel over. Her pedigree lends itself to slightly further in time but she had shown so much natural ability. Starting at 6f, Kevin was confident she would handle the trip and hopefully do everything the right way round, with the best work coming late on. Kevin Stott was booked to don the famous yellow silks.

Slowly away, Kevin didn’t rush his filly and allowed Glenlaurel to find her feet. This meant she ended up towards the rear of the field early on. There was no panic and the most important thing was allowing the filly to find her feet and get into a nice rhythm, which she did. The leader set a nice even gallop and after the first furlong the filly began to stretch out to race in a thinner line rather than a group.

With the race heating up a long way from home, Glenlaurel really took the eye 2 1/2f from home. As her rivals started their runs, jockeys becoming animated in the saddle, Kevin just had to plot his next move. Yet to ask his filly anything, Kevin was running with a double handful. Searching for a clear run, Glenlaurel was obviously going the best but she and her rivals were inexperienced fillies. This made finding a gap both daunting and a trickier task.

Moving down towards the final furlong, Kevin’s task became easier as a few rivals weakened. This allowed him to edge right and swing around those in front. Glenlaurel did all this with the minimum of fuss, cantering on the bridle. As they hit the 1f marker, Kevin now got hold of his filly and asked her to go and quicken. Glenlaurel responded but showed signs of greeness initially, just trying to find her legs. Once she did, the filly scooted clear and immediately put daylight between herself and the rest. The final furlong was a precession and Glenlaurel bolted up by an impressive 3 1/2 lengths.

Glenlaurel could not have done any more than what she did and certainly looks like a filly with a bright future. Traveling well, she quickened up smartly and it was all done with ease. Her pedigree suggests that she will get further in time but Glenlaurel travelled well against a good gallop so may well stick to this trip for now. It looks likely that pattern company will be the next step and the decision will be about which grade to let her tackle next.

The double had to wait until the final race as the two Kevin’s bookended the meeting with winners. Rambuso Creek had been an unlucky maiden but he finally got that monkey of his back by taking the 5f Follow Vickers.Bet On Facebook And Instagram Handicap.

Having finished last year with two seconds and two thirds, Rambuso Creek was obviously going to be winning races this year, or so it seemed. Gelded over the winter and starting with a mark of 75, connections felt that a win would be a good starting point to build on for the rest of the year. This seemed to be everyone’s thoughts as he was sent off favourite for his return to action at Pontefract. Unfortunately it was a below par effort, his first ever poor run.

Thankfully a small issue was found and following a win op, Rambuso Creek was ready to crack on into handicap company. Heading to Thirsk, Rambuso Creek had been eased a few pounds to 72. If the little procedure had helped then it did look a good opportunity to get his head in front.

Jumping from stall 10, Kevin began with a copybook ride to his first winner. Settled at the rear of the field, Rambuso Creek allowed his rivals to move forward and took a lead through the early stages. Typically over 5f, there was a strong pace on which had the field stretched out. They flew through the first half of the race in the blink of an eye. Throughout, the leader edged towards the stands side, perfect for Kevin who had positioned his mount there from the off.

Going great guns in front, the leader was looking to burn his rivals off. Kevin was getting to work as they moved past the 2f pole and wasn’t getting the initial turn of foot. Although the gap did not close, Kevin was only going hands and heels, a signal that said he had plenty underneath him.

Slowly, slowly Rambuso Creek edged closer to the lead and as he moved into the final furlong he was hitting top gear. Still Kevin was just nudging away and suddenly the pair looked like a huge danger. With all the momentum, Rambuso Creek swept to the lead and despite edging left for a couple of strides, quickened clear. Kevin’s only plan was to keep him straight because the turn of foot had put the race to bed. Checking the big screen, Kevin would have liked what he saw and was able to ease up close to the finish. The 1 3/4 length advantage was impressive but probably the minimum winning distance.

It was great to Rambuso Creek get his head in front after some near misses and also proving that the issue had been resolved. Although he travelled well it was the final furlong where he was strongest, showing a good injection of speed. You wouldn’t go too far away from this type of race again but the 3yr old may get a little further in time. Rambuso Creek has already shown a consistent attitude so hopefully he can go on and improve through the handicap after this win.

Racing’s blue ribboned race is the Derby, it is what everyone wants to win, not just in Britain but around the world. Whilst all the glitz and glam is going on at Epsom, there is an action packed, bumper weekend of racing and Kevin secured a double on the day thanks to Cotai West and Eeh Bah Gum.

It has even a long time coming and a lot of patience shown but Eeh Bah Gum can claim to be a winner once again. The 7yo has been drifting down the handicap but there looked to be a spark of a revival this year which burst into flames when he took the 5f Heineken Silver Apprentice Handicap at Musselburgh.

Only 3 years ago Eeh Bah Gum was competing in the “Dash” at Espom on Derby day. It would be hard to think that he would not win again for 3 years, but horses do not lose ability and there are reasons why they hit a slump. Having arrived at Hambleton late last year, Eeh Bah Gum showed plenty of desire for his work and hopefully a change of scenery was the trick to getting back to form.

After a few efforts on the AW, which started promisingly, a small wind op ensued before campaigning on the turf. It certainly looked to have been beneficial as two placed efforts were followed by another good run when extended to 6f. Back to 5f, on good ground was what the doctor ordered so the apprentice race at Musselburgh looked ideal. This is especially true when you can call on the services of a top young jockey like Oisin McSweeney, based with the yard. The pair would line up against 12 rivals over the minimum trip.

Jumping well from stall 2, Eeh Bah Gum was into his stride allowing Oisin to keep things very simple. Sticking to his draw, the pair raced toward the centre of the track. Showing good speed, Eeh Bah Gum was able to track over once allowed to do so, finding himself in second spot, tracking the lead. As expected there was a frantic gallop and the field blasted past halfway.

The rails just kick out at this stage which would open a gap on the inner of Oisin if there was a rival good enough. Eeh Bah Gum had shown great dash to this point and started to turn the screw moving into the final 2f. As his counterparts were under strong pressure, Oisin was just letting out the reins little by little. This allowed Eeh Bah Gum to lengthen before trying to kick off the front end. He held the lead now and with the rest off the bridle, Oisin was waiting to go for home. Little over 1 1/2f out, the button was pressed and Eeh Bah Gum kicked clear, taking a length out of the field.

Although it seemed he had the field at his mercy, there was one rival able to give chase. Matching the move made, he came along with Eeh Bah Gum to lay down a strong challenge in the final furlong. Now Oisin got serious and the pair settled down for a ding dong battle. With his rival staying on well, Eeh Bah Gum was going to have to dig deep and he did just that. Tasting victory, the 7yo found more and repelled the late charge, winning by a neck.

It was fantastic to see Eeh Bah Gum get his head in front. He has been showing the right signs since joining the yard and showed real tenacity to earn this win. His owners Nick and Lena Rhodes have been very patient with him so to repay their time and faith is very pleasing. Eeh Bah Gum has the confidence now and there is no reason why he can’t go on and build up a sequence of runs, trying to climb back up that handicap to where he belongs.

The double didn’t take too long to be completed as Cotai West was earning her first win 15 minutes later. Placed in all her starts leading up to this, Cotai West shed her maiden tag taking the 5f Free Tips Daily On anthraces.com Novice Stakes at Doncaster.

The 3yo filly made only one start as a juvenile but has been ultra consistent in novice and maiden company. Sticking to the minimum trip initially, she rattled off two Thirds and a runner up spot. It was quite tricky to figure out what would be her ideal trip would be but when stepped up to 6f last time out, she didn’t really look to see out the extra furlong.

Earning a mark of 71 was fair but it also opened up the option of handicap company for future races. Kevin decided that she had shown enough to warrant another crack at a novice race and sent the filly to Doncaster to take on 5 rivals. Shane Gray took the ride and immediately looked to be confident on board.

Quickly away, Cotai West was vying for the early lead, pressing the issue which created a decent pace early on. Settled into her stride, she took the field down towards the centre of the track. The two leaders were side by side whilst the rest kind of found a position behind.

Very little would get into the contest and with the favourite stalking the leaders, it would invariably come down to these three. The market had only been interested in this trio and passing halfway it was clear why. Shane began to loosen his grip on the reins and allowed his filly to open up. Her rivals measured this move and there were three in a line passing the 2f marker.

Although the race has heated up nobody had really thrown down their challenge but 1 1/2f out Shane asked for everything. His filly responded but just began to edge to her right. With the favourite on the inside this did cause the third horse to be squeezed, but it was also weakening at the time.  The leading pair entered the final furlong neck and neck but it was Cotai West who was finding more for pressure. She was never headed and could always just repel the favourites attempts, securing a maiden win by a neck.

She thoroughly deserved a win and Cotai West did so the hard way, making most of the running and being there to be shot at. Again she showed good speed but also a great attitude to fight off the late challenge. The runner up had won a similar race last year so it would seem that the front two could be ok. Cotai West should certainly be better than her mark and handicaps are now in line for the 3yo filly.

Hambleton Racing’s beige and blue silks have become well known throughout racing, cracking the top level and popping in with many winners. Sweet Glance ensured that the form or both parties continued as she made it three winners from the last three runners for the Ryan/Hambleton combination. Heading down to Leicester she returned with the win in the 6f Watch On Racing TV Fillies’ Handicap.

Sweet Glance was picked up as a foal for, in racing terms, next to nothing. Half sister to Sound Reason, it looked as though that may have been a shrewd move with connections realising that her elder sibling could develop into a fairly useful sprinter. As he slowly worked up the ranks, Sweet Glance was amazingly similar and was a bit of a slow burner herself. Not making her racecourse debut until October of last year. It was a pleasing debut which was followed by a first career win on the AW.

Unfortunately the start to 2022 was not exactly smooth. Having to run in a novice, Sweet Glance headed to Chelmsford where she ran no sort of race, with the filly being totally unsuited. Returning to the turf next time out and stepping up to 6f, Sweet Glance was far more like herself and showed that she should be winning again soon, especially with a mark of 63.

Taking on 7 rivals, Sweet Glance had Kevin Stott partnering her. Jumping on terms, Kevin just dropped his hands on his filly and let her find her stride. She was into a nice rhythm but as the pace increased, Sweet Glance was just shuffled back towards the rear. Racing more down the centre, Sweet Glance would have to pass the whole field, although they were quite well bunched up.

The ground was good to soft but there looked to be plenty of turf kicking up as the field galloped along. At halfway Kevin got a little anxious in the saddle and began to nudge his filly along as the tempo increased. As her rivals started to move forward and stretch out, Sweet Glance was struggling to go with them. She began to get a little detached at the rear but would rectify this soon.

Passing the 2f marker the field were spread right across the track. Coming good down the centre, Sweet Glance had suddenly put herself into contention and actually looked a big danger. Those who had gone great guns on the front end now started to feel the pinch and Kevin Stott now went for home.

Moving into the final furlong the race was between 2 horses. Sweet Glance had moved through to vie for the lead and settled down to tussle for the win. Eye to eye the leading pair were pulling clear of the rest and continued as the ground rose up. As Kevin asked more from her, Sweet Glance responded in kind, really sticking her head down. Stealing the lead away with 100 yards to run, the stiff 6f was proving no issue whatsoever and she ground her rival out. Pulling clear in the final strides, Sweet Glance secured the win by a length, going away.

Trying a stiff 6f on tough ground was certainly a different proposal than she had witnessed before but Sweet Glance thrived for it. She was outpaced early but found plenty for pressure and handled conditions with ease. It could be that this is just what she needs going forward, staying away from fast ground. She won with a little in hand here so it wouldn’t be a surprise for her to go on and potentially put a sequence together now.

Kodebreaker may well be one of the best names for a racehorse as at times it can feel like you are trying to crack the enigma code to gain a win. It hasn’t taken that long with Kodebreaker, thankfully, but a new variable was added to the equation and it proved to be the missing piece. Stepping up to 7f for the first time, Kodebreaker took the Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap.

Having made some pleasing progress last year at 2, Kodebreaker seemed like a horse who would appreciate a winter to develop. That he did and heading into the new season off a mark of 63, he looked a 3yo that could progress through the ranks. Starting on the AW, Kodebreaker failed to really get involved over 6f and then took a backward step when transferring to the turf next time out. Rather confused with the performances, connections found that a small wind op could be essential to helping him reach his potential.

Sticking to 6f for his first start after a wind op, Kodebreaker took a step forward to finish third. Doing good late work in that race saw him step up to 7f at Redcar for the first time and it proved to be a great call. Taking on 15 rivals, the gelding had dropped to 58 which was a mark that looked very fair for him. Tom Eaves was booked for the ride and looked to be positive from the off.

Breaking from stall 1 Kodebreaker was away well and Tom kept it very simple. Sticking to his draw, they headed over to the far side rail as the 16 runners were well spread out across the track. The leader set a strong gallop and after the first furlong the field crossed over to form one group along the rail. Settling down Kodebreaker ended up being sat just in behind the pace, and would require some gaps to open later on.

By halfway Kodebreaker had moved into a nice position, stalking the leaders. The strong pace had stretched the field out and the race heated up passing the halfway mark. Between the 3f and 2f Kodebreaker shuffled his way up to get closer to the front end but as they moved into the final 1/4 mile this path was blocked. Tom looked either side and with no gaps appearing he had to sit and suffer, playing the waiting game and being brave.

Kodebreaker was all over the heels of the leader passing the 1f marker and as more rivals faded, the room began to appear. Now Tom could switch his mount out, manoeuvring to his right and finally seeing some daylight. He had been hard on the bridle but this gave away momentum to his rivals so Tom tried to quickly make up for that. He didn’t have time so asked Kodebreaker to skip the middle gears and hit top gear asap. Thankfully the gelding was more than up for it and burst through to join in the fight for the lead. With 100 yards to run he had nudged his head to the front but he had more to give and was keeping on well. Pulling out more Kodebreaker pulled away to secure his first win by 1/2 length.

It was nice to see Kodebreaker thrive over his new trip as well as seeing him finish his race off, owing to the small procedure he had. His handicap mark did seem extremely workable so it was nice for him to go and utilise this, giving Hambleton Racing some repayment for their patience with him. Hopefully now this can be a springboard for him to go on and improve for the future.

Unfortunately plans do not always work out and there are certainly bumps in the road when training horses. This time last year Mas Poder was gearing up for Royal Ascot after a promising debut run. Winning seemed only a matter of time but connections have had to wait due to setbacks. Thankfully Mas Poder got her head in front when dominating from start to finish in the 5f Melanie Jollif’s 60th Birthday Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Pontefract.

Starting in the listed Marygate Stakes at York, Mas Poder showed huge promise when finishing fourth on her debut. It gave connections the opportunity to head down to the Royal meeting and let her take her chance.  Having struggled to get involved, Mas Poder would not be seen again after a setback would keep her out until this year.

Despite the lay off, Mas Poder was pleasing in her home work and came to hand early on in the season. Stepping up to 6f she never landed a blow but it was a run that she could build confidence from. Next time out she showed far more of her natural speed to lead, before getting a little tired late on and weakening out of it. Having shown her natural speed, Mas Poder would be dropped to the minimum trip next time out.

With just four runs to her name, Mas Poder was still an unexposed filly and connections decided to stick with the novice route instead of stepping into handicap company. The 8 runners who would line up at Pontefract did not provide the strongest field and Mas Poder held the highest rating. She would be the market rival to the favourite and it would seem that if they ran to form then the race should be down to those two.

Tom Eaves was booked for the ride and took control of the race from the off. Using his filly’s speed, Mas Poder was sent to the front after leaving the stalls. She showed blistering speed to move over to the rail and lead the runners down into the left handed bend.

It was around the bend where Tom could just slow it down a little to give his mount a breather. Having grabbed the rail they were taking the shorted route, forcing their rivals to go around if they wanted to challenge. Holding a length lead into the home straight, Mas Poder continued to travel well. Tom was waiting to kick, knowing full well the finish can be energy sapping and costly for the win.

Mas Poder had put herself into a winning position moving towards the final furlong and it was now the button was pressed. She had burnt off the majority of the field and quickened from the front. There was only the favourite who could land a blow and was giving chase as the ground rises up. Moving into second with 1/2 furlong to run, it looked as though Mas Poder may be a sitting duck in the final strides. Although the lead was dwindling, Mas Poder was brave and kept finding for Tom. Hearing the hooves rattle behind, Mas Poder found a little more in reserve to repel the favourite by 3/4 length.

It was fantastic to see Mas Poder take her first career win. This seemed like something which would have been a given but racing isn’t always straight forward. Everyone at Nick Bradley Racing had to be patient and it is nice to ready this with a winner. The handicapper probably won’t do anything following this win so she should be competitive going forward. Confidence is now key and Mas Poder will have been given a massive boost with this win.

Horses develop at different rates, some will be sharp juveniles who hit the ground running whilst others will slowly build up through the ranks. Sound Reason has gradually been rising through the handicap, gaining wins and setting himself up for a crack at bigger prizes. His latest win was a new career high as he took the 5f Betfred Good Luck To Wigan Warriors Handicap at Haydock.

The burly 4yr old has been a work in progress and seems to have taken a step forward in almost every race since he shed his maiden tag. Finishing  last season with a mark of 81, Sound Reason had already gone up 12lbs but looked open to more when he returned the following year.

Like his Sire, Hot Streak, Sound Reason enjoys a little ease in the ground. This preference led to a slight hold up for his return due to a warm April. When he did get back on track, Sound Reason ran a race full of promise to finish fourth at Hamilton. Racing on the wrong side of the track, he travelled well before just getting tired up the hill. He was sure to come on for the run and when he lined up at Haydock, Sound Reason would be sent off favourite.

Ground conditions were in his favour and this saw Sound Reason being sent of favourite for the contest. Kevin Stott has ridden the gelding on all his wins and was in the saddle once more. Although dwelling at the start, this actually helped him as Kevin wanted to take a lead into the contest. Held up in the rear of the field, Sound Reason was waiting patiently and settled well as the free going leader set a strong gallop.

By halfway you could see that Sound Reason was comfortable underneath Stott and was thriving on the ground. The leader had been going great guns in front and heading into the final 2f the challenges began. As those in behind came off the bridle the race heated up and this included Kevin aboard Sound Reason. Although travelling well to this point, it was clear that the leader was kicking off the front and Kevin knew he had to go and give chase.

Sound Reason picked up well down the near side and flew past his rivals, but the leader was not stopping. Deep inside the final furlong the lead was diminishing but there was not far to go. The race was between the front two and it was going to go down to the line. Sound Reason was in full flow and was eating into the lead with every stride. With Stott asking for everything, the chestnut was finding more and drew up to the leader in the final strides. Momentum took the gelding past and into the lead, pulling out a little more to score by a neck.

Last season saw Sound Reason come from off the pace to win and it would seem that this tactic is now what he enjoys having pulled it off once again. He travelled well and picked up, to quicken and make up a lot of ground late on. Sound Reason looks like he has still got more to come and is a sprinter to keep on the right side of. Although he has tried 6f only once, there would be no reason why he couldn’t try it again. It would seem as though a stiff 5f could be his ideal trip and with this in mind it would be fantastic if he could develop into something like a Portland contender. Whatever happens, Hambleton Racing have a progressive horse and should enjoy more days out with Sound Reason.

It is the time of year where we have seen plenty of nice 2yr olds already but with Royal Ascot around the corner, the race is on to unleash juvenile stars. Kevin has not had his usual number of juvenile runners but he potentially unveiled a smart filly at Newcastle. Elvenia has the pedigree and she proved she has the ability to match when making a winning debut in the 5f Max Recycling And The EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Purchased from Tattersalls Book 1, Elvenia is the first foal of a smart sprinting Dam. Bred by Yeomanstown stud, who stand Dark Angel, Elvenia ticked every box to tempt Kevin into signing for her at 225,000gns. Strong and with an athletic stride, it was interesting to find out when and at what trip the filly would be making her debut.

Having shown a good attitude to her work, Elvenia thrived in the last few weeks, especially with some warmer weather. Kevin had plenty of options for the filly but after impressing in her last piece of work, he plumped for the 5f contest. It would only attract 5 runners but the select field looked to be full of potential.  Daytona Lady, had a win to her name but price tags suggested the others could be quite nice also.

Andrea Atzeni was in the saddle for his boss and with his filly jumping well, he quickly sought out the only winner in the field. With the stalls in the centre of the track, Daytona Lady aimed for the stands side rail, quickly followed by Elvenia. The five strong field all edged over to the rail through the first furlong as they settled down into their stride. It was a fair pace up front and Elvenia travelled smoothly on her debut.

Utilising experience, the leader had the rail and was aiming to burn off her rivals. Elvenia travelled well to halfway but it was her that the race just heated up and caught her for a few strides. The leader was looking to quicken up whilst her rivals manoeuvred to lay down a challenge. As the field moved towards the 2f marker they were spread out with just over a length separating the five runners.

Andrea just had to get lower in the saddle as Elvenia needed a little help with the race heating up. Whilst the leader had kicked for home, those in behind were trying to close the gap. For a few strides, Elvenia just had to find her feet, changing her lead whilst doing so. Andrea was educating the filly and she proved a quick learner as she began to get balanced underneath the Italian.

Heading into the final furlong the long time leader still held sway. Elvenia now began to gain some momentum and pulled away from the others to give chase. Despite needing a little nursing, the filly hadn’t lost much ground and quickly drew up to the leader. Andrea was proving a great teacher as he kept switching his hands and urged his filly forward. Pulling up alongside the leader 1/2f from home, Elvenia now put her foot down and took the lead. The final 100 yards was her best and Elvenia was strong to the line, winning by a neck which would have surely grown if they went any further.

It was fantastic to see Elvenia make a winning debut and not only did she show ability but a great attitude. She travelled well but you could see it was a new experience when the pace quickened at half way. The filly responded to her rider at this stage and at a point where she could have weakened away she learnt and gathered momentum. With the final 1/2 furlong being the strongest it does suggest that she will get further in time but Elvenia does not lack the speed so it will be interesting to see what is in line next. Obviously everyone always asks about the Royal meeting anytime you have a juvenile winner at this stage of the year. Kevin will do what is right for the filly and whether that includes Ascot will be a discussion to have with Owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. Whatever is decided, Elvenia looks a lovely prospect with an attitude to match.

Keeping it simple can be easier said than done, especially when you have a field of inexperienced horses. When you have the horse underneath you able to dominate then it certainly makes the job an easier task. Manaslu shed his maiden tag at the third attempt at Carlisle, making all in the 7f Durdar Maiden Stakes.

The son of Starspangledbanner had made a low key debut on the all-weather in the winter but shaped with promise. Unfortunately his first intended run of the flat season did not go to plan when he acted up in the stalls. This held his season up by a few weeks but he eventually ran at Hamilton one the extended mile. Travelling well, the trip seemed to have just tested his stamina too much, weakening late on after moving well into contention.

There wouldn’t be a long wait to turn Manaslu out again as he headed north once again. Dropping back in trip, the gelding would line up against 11 rivals but the race shaped up as a match. With newcomers in the field and little form shown by those that had run, Manaslu was up against Topomania who had finished second on debut. The betting fluctuated between the pair, with the rest at double and triple figure prices.

Sunshine throughout recent weeks had given way to a deluge of rain during the day, so much so that the ground changed from quick to soft ground. Kevin didn’t worry about this and wanted to be positive from the off. Manaslu was away quickly and straight into stride. Kevin took control of the race and set a strong gallop. This would be the last time the pair would see another rival.

The story of the race revolved around Manaslu as he poured it on throughout the race. Allowed to free wheel from the get go, the 3yo was going a good gallop. Out in front meant that he had clear daylight and removed the risk of being stuck behind any inexperienced rivals. Manaslu took the right handed bend and was allowed to drift over towards the stands side, a usual trait at the track when the going goes soft.

Passing halfway Kevin loosened his reins and Manaslu kicked on. Suddenly the lead opened up and the field were extended. Manaslu held a clear advantage and looked to have slipped his rivals, with market rival Topomania the closest pursuer. Moving past the 2f Kevin got to work on Manaslu, keeping him up to his work but more importantly educating the gelding.

In the final 1 1/2f the lead did diminish as the favourite gave chase but Manaslu was never in danger. Kevin made sure his mount never stopped working and there was plenty in the tank for any challenge that might have come. Once the gap closed, Manaslu found another gear and went again, stretching the lead back out to 2 1/4 lengths at the line.

Dominating the contest from start to finish, Manaslu was impressive on his third run and Kevin did exactly the right thing. It is hard to do your own donkey work but by taking the lead, many of the variables were taken out of the equation. Although the lead diminished at the end, Manaslu have more to give if required. He was getting a bit lonely out in front and will be better with a stronger race, where he may get a lead. The handicapper will now assess the 3yo and this will dictate where he goes next. Manaslu is a nice prospect and will continue to get better with racing.

Shedding a maiden tag is always an important milestone but it can come in many different ways. One of the most impressive is when that comes in pattern company, either starting out or making the step up in grade to gain a first win. Fonteyn was yet to win but she was certainly not an unexpected victor when she took the 1m Oaks Farm Stables Fillies’ Stakes (Listed) at York.

The daughter of Farhh comes from a classy family, owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. She always looked like a filly that would appreciate a bit of time but she did show enough as a juvenile to hit the track late last season. Two runs produced placed efforts with clear progression and Fonteyn certainly looked a nice prospect moving forward to her 3yo career.

Having wintered well, Fonteyn came to hand early on which meant she could make her return at Newmarket’s Craven meeting. After running a little bit fresh, she was narrowly beaten by a subsequent listed placed filly. With the pair pulling over 8 lengths clear, the first two looked highly promising for the year ahead.

It was obvious that Fonteyn was a winning waiting to happen, but after discussions the plan was made to step her up in grade. If she ran to form then the listed grade should not be an issue and also there was no question that she could comfortably take a maiden or novice race. Now she would face 11 rivals with half of them having a higher rating but Fonteyn was one of the least exposed in the field and likely improver. This was the same story with the favourite and it would become the story of the race.

Andrea Atzeni was in the saddle for his boss and had the same issue as last time out through the early stages. With the field settling down, Fonteyn took a keen hold as they looked to settle in behind the leaders. Thankfully this didn’t last for too long and the sharp pace allowed her to settle around fifth position. They were not hanging about and raced quickly through the first furlong which took them into the bend.

York is renowned for being fair and the long home straight gives horses plenty of time to find their position to challenge. The field headed for home and entered the second half of the race with plenty separating first to last. Fonteyn had tracked the leaders throughout and had plenty of options as the leader edged towards the centre of the track. The frantic gallop was certainly testing the field and moving inside the 3f pole the back markers were out of the contest.

Andrea was winding his filly up a long way from home but Fonteyn was lengthening all the time and getting into her stride. Although coming under pressure, Fonteyn was not getting the full drive as she gained momentum. The leader had really set a strong gallop and at the 2f pole, she paid for it. Now looking like a sitting duck, Fonteyn was coming through to reel her in.

The race had revolved around the well touted favourite who began to storm down the outside. Fonteyn held the lead heading into the final furlong but was joined by Grand Dame. Neck and neck the fillies matched each with every stride. Andrea now asked for everything and he got it. Fonteyn was very willing and was proving too strong for the favourite. Although she couldn’t get rid of her, she did have a narrow lead and that would prove enough. Seeing out every yard, Fonteyn grabbed pattern success with a brave performance and gained her first career win.

It was a fantastic result all round and Fonteyn showed a great attitude. There is still plenty of learning to do from her which shows that there could be a lot more to come. She was keen early but that didn’t cost her late on, although it is a trait which we would like to get out of her. It could be that a better race may be ideal for this and Fonteyn will be taking that step up in grade. She has plenty of pace but sees the trip out well so looks easy to position within a race. The obvious calls were for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot but she currently is not in the race. Whether that is the next step will be discussed but Group level will certainly be it. Fonteyn is a lovely prospect and her ability has barely scratched the surface.

Juveniles are one of the most exciting aspects of racing. You begin with a blank slate and the dreams are alive with the 2yr olds possible of anything. It is a division where Kevin has excelled in but this year the team has had to wait for the first winner of the season. If there was any tracks to do it at then you could choose no better than York and Thunder Moor bolted up in the 5f British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes.

Bronte Collection is a brand new syndicate set up at the start of this year and early on it looked as though they could have a proper 2yr old on their hands. The son of Dandy Man had shown all the right signs at home in his work and had the blistering pace to start over 5f. Coming to hand early he was sent up to Musselburgh to make his debut. Having taken everything in his stride up to that point, Thunder Moor misbehaved once going down and at the start. It was a surprise to see but clear that he could never show his true colours, which resulted in a weak effort. Obviously the occasion had got to him but the ability was there so Kevin went straight back to the entry book and immediately looked towards the Dante meeting at York.

Kevin’s record at York is fantastic with 2yr olds, but then again you have to send a good one due to the quality of racing. Everyone was confident of Thunder Moor’s ability but it was going to be interesting as to how he would handle the occasion. After getting a little worked up there were measures taking to keep the lid on and Danny Tudhope was quickly on board the colt, taking him straight down to the start. It wasn’t the perfect start but looked as though the measures had kept things a lot calmer.

You want the explosion and exertions coming from the stalls and Thunder Moor did just that. A flying start saw the chestnut grab the lead, move over and take the rail for good measure. Whether his 8 rivals could lay up or not, Thunder Moor led them a merry dance, showing natural speed throughout. Danny didn’t fight with his mount and allowed the colt to stride on. Despite his blistering pace, Thunder Moor was doing everything relatively easily and wasn’t trying to take his jockey on.

By halfway Thunder Moor had the rest of them at it and the pace was beginning to show on a few of his rivals. Allowed to continue striding on, Thunder Moor now stretched them once more and began to turn the screw. Suddenly the advantage grew and the race was within the leader’s grasp. Between the 2f and 1f marker Thunder Moor quickened up and darted clear. Opening up a distinct advantage, there was nothing that could go with him and now Danny just wanted to keep him up to his work. First time out the race had almost ended by this stage so education was key. Grabbing a tighter hold on the reins and a couple of flicks, Danny gave Thunder Moor a message to stay straight and keep striding out. The colt responded by pouring it on and his final furlong was close to a victory lap. The winner was clear so it was who would be chasing him home. Thunder Moor powered to the line to win by an impressive 2 1/2 lengths.

First time out proved to be a mis step and this performance was a true show of his ability. Thunder Moor showed blistering speed but then quickened up when asked. In truth the race was won by halfway and it is clear that Thunder Moor is above average. Obviously at this time of year everyone’s eyes turn to Royal Ascot but it is far too early to say whether that is the correct call. If the colt turned up at the Royal meeting then he would certainly head there with a big chance but Kevin will do right by him first. It would seem that a step up in grade could be on the cards and there are a few listed and conditions races which lead up to Royal Ascot.