When a horse begins to slide in the handicap it can be very hard to put a halt to it, especially if there is no obvious reason why. Dark Moon Rising had mixed it with some very smart 3yo’s last season. Winning a conditions early in the year, he then went on to challenge in pattern company throughout the season. Thankfully he bounced back to winning ways to win the 1m4f Betting Better With Sky Bet Handicap at York.

The son of Night Of Thunder has struggled this season and there have been many things tried to help him recapture his best form. Trips, headgear and tactics have all been changed and tried, all to no avail. It was back on soft ground that saw Dark Moon Rising show a revival and with a staying on third over 1m2f, he would head to Knavesmire with confidence behind him.

He was given every chance by the handicapper but like all York handicaps, it was a competitive contest. Tom Eaves took the ride and took his time from the off, settling his mount towards the rear of the 9 runners. Although officially described as good, the ground had ease in it and looked to be on the slower side. The pace was fair as they raced down the back straight and past the stable yard. This would take them into the long, sweeping left handed bend which would enter the top of of the home straight.

Dark Moon Rising travelled comfortably at the rear of the field, taking the shortest route all the way round. When they swung into the home straight the leaders edged immediately off the rail and tracked over to the stands side. York is wide enough anyway but this move meant that nobody could complain about an unlucky run. Tom had plenty of room towards the centre of the track and started to nudge his mount along to get him lengthening and in a rhythm.

With Dark Moon Rising making headway down the outer of the field, the race changed complexion with the lead changing hands. Tom was working away as they passed the 2f marker and whilst he was getting a good response, the two up front travelled powerfully. Dark Moon Rising was passing rivals and staying on but he had over 3 lengths to make up on the leaders.

Once the leading pair began to battle away they pulled away from the rest, leaving it to Dark Moon Rising to chase them down. Tom was asking for everything and he was getting the response he asked for. Inch by inch they were cutting into the lead and moving into the final furlong, the gap had been drastically cut. Dark Moon Rising came through to join the leaders now he looked to stronger of the trio. The wind was in his sails and Dark Moon Rising took the lead with 1/2f to run. The further they went the stronger he looked and the 4yo continued to stride away. Kicking clear, he took the win by a comfortable 1 1/4 lengths.

It is great to see Dark Moon Rising back to form and on the evidence of this he can build back up to a higher level. There were times when all connections were left scratching their heads but Dark Moon Rising looks to be a solid middle distance performer. Ground could be the key to the 4yo, and he seems to appreciate bit of juice in the ground. There is a good handicap back at the Knavesmire for the Ebor meeting and this would be the most obvious choice for his next run.

Having only started her racing career in December, Hello Queen quickly showed some top form in the first few months of 2023. Having one below par effort resulted in a break for the filly, she returned to the track after 3 months off. Making her turf debut, Hello Queen dominated the 6f Sky Bet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap at Doncaster.

With two wins on the all-weather, Hello Queen booked a ticket to the 3yo Sprint Championship on AW finals day. That proved a step too far at that stage of her career and she was given a break to continue maturing. Refreshed from the lay off, Hello Queen would be making her turf and handicap debut at Doncaster. It was hard to work out how she would get on after the break but the feeling was that she was much better than her current mark. James Doyle was booked for the ride and was positive from the off.

Straight into her stride, Hello Queen bounced into the lead to take the field down the centre of the track. Spearheading the 7 runner field, her rivals tucked in behind to allow the filly a free run on the front end. Setting a nice, even gallop, Hello Queen took them along through the first half of the race with clear daylight in front of her.

James was looking to catch his rivals out when quickening the tempo but timing would be key. The pace hadn’t been crazy which meant that the entire field were in touch passing the 3f marker. The lead was cut to a bare minimum as the field closed up to Hello Queen readying their challenges. James just loosened the reins and got his filly to begin to stretch and this injected more pace into the race. Within strides the shape of the race changed and they began to race a long way out. Looking vulnerable, Hello Queen now started to retake control as she moved through the gears.

Between the 3f and 2f poles, Hello Queen dropped the majority of her challengers but it was the favourite who  came through, looming up. Joining the lead the pair now went head to head, changing the lead with every bob of the head. It felt like the favourite was ready to pass, seemingly with the, momentum in their favour, but moving into the final furlong it proved to be the opposite. Hello Queen stuck to her guns and after battling hard, she started to find more and rally. She regained the lead and laid it down to the favourite to see what the response could be. There was nothing and Hello Queen continued to grind it out for the final 1/2f. Crossing the line, Hello Queen secured her third career win by 1/2 length.

It was great to see Hello Queen transfer her form to the turf and this was a good performance after a break. She did it the hard way, cutting out the running but then showing a great attitude to fight off a strong challenge. She has a very similar profile to her mother, Elnadim Star, who was trained at Hambleton Lodge too. Having progressed through handicap company she picked up listed success and hopefully Hello Queen can take the next step towards a similar goal.

It’s the time of the year when 2yr olds have so many more options with the influx of nurseries coming around. The handicaps offer ample opportunity for all levels in the juvenile division. DC Flyer had struggled to make an impact in Novice company but thrived when upped in trip for his handicap debut in the 6f McGarry Flooring & Upholstery Contracts Wishaw Nursery Handicap at Hamilton.

The son of Washington DC had failed to really get close in his three runs but they were all over 5f and the pace of the races looked to be against the gelding. Having received a mark of just 57, DC Flyer was given every chance of finding his feet in nursery company. Not only that but he would be stepping up to 6f for the first time as Tom Eaves took the ride.

Only 4 runners lined up for the contest and DC Flyer was viewed as the outsider of the field with quite a few pounds to find with his rivals. Breaking smartly, DC Flyer was sent into the lead as they charged downhill through the early stages. Edging right-handed, Tom took the field along down the centre of the track.

DC Flyer showed good speed throughout and travelled powerfully. He set a good gallop at the head of affairs and was the last one to come under pressure. Having travelled hard on the bridle to the 2f marker, once Tom shook the reins he began to lengthen. Moving inside the 2 pole he was a target for the trio of rivals but he quickened off the front.

It was the favourite who lay down a sustained challenge as the other pair wandered around under pressure. Between the 2f and 1f marker, DC Flyer was fighting to hold on to the lead as the margin dwindled to a minimum. As the ground rises up to the uphill finish it brings the runners into the final furlong. DC Flyer just wandered a little under pressure but Tom quickly corrected him and got him balanced. It was now that he really began to find more and despite going into the unknown, he was showing no signs of slowing up. The extra furlong proved no issue and the gelding thrived for it, striding out to a comfortable 1 3/4 length victory.

DC Flyer enjoyed the step up in trip and it really helped the improvement needed to win this contest. He showed bright speed but the way he finished off the race was even more impressive. Although it was a small field his rivals had shown a higher level of form so the win can be marked up. DC Flyer showed improvement for the 6f trip and can continue that trend in similar contests.

Having earned a first career win earlier in the season, Camacho Star was afforded a break to freshen up. It may have been longer bar the fact that the British summer has been a washout. With ease in the ground, Camacho Star returned to action with another win then taking the 7f Millbry Hill Handicap at Catterick.

Ground is important for the 3yo gelding so the summer months were expected to be a quiet period for Camacho Star. Rain meant that he would have his preferred conditions so he would return after a layoff against 6 rivals. The race revolved around the odds on fav, who was looking for the hat-trick of wins. At odds of 10/1, Camacho Star was actually third in the betting which showed the strength of the market leader.

Things didn’t go to plan on the way to the start with Camacho Star unseating Tom Eaves. Thankfully he didn’t cause a fuss and have any undue stress which showed as he left the stalls. Bouncing out he was quickly into stride and took control of the race. Racing quite keenly, he set some strong fractions in front, chased by the odds on fav. There was no hiding place as they charged downhill and around the left hand bend.

Catterick generally lends itself to a fast pace encounter and this race was no different. Camacho Star led the field into the home straight with a wide margin lead, 3 lengths clear. Tom elected to come off the rail and manoeuvred Camacho Star to the centre of the track over 2f out. This moved was tracked by his rival as Tom kicked for home and squeezed his mount along.

Nothing got into the contest bar the front two and Camacho Star entered the final furlong looking to hold on. The lead was being eaten in to by the fav, but Camacho Star had been constantly applying pressure from halfway. He was responding to all the urgings from Tom and as his rival got close, he found another gear. With just over 1/2f to run he switched leads and find some more. Kicking away once again he stood out to the line, winning the contest by 3/4 length.

It was a good performance from Camacho Star who went hard in front but still managed to quicken off that pace. He came under a strong challenge and proved to be very brave in front, responding to the challenge. Camacho Star has won twice this season and he will certainly be competitive at this level for the remainder of the year. Ground will dictate when and where he goes but the 3yo should provide more fun days out.

It has been a quiet few weeks with fewer runners due to ground conditions and a couple of bug meeting just finishing. With some moisture in the air the ground has eased a little which allowed a the yard to get a few more horse out and the winners have begun to flow again. The evening saw two meetings being contested and Kevin returned with a treble as Expensive Queen, Sound Reason and Leap Year Lad all took victories in their respective races.

Sound Reason threatened to rise through the ranks of the sprinting division last year but didn’t quite break through. With a progressive profile and early season win looked set to be the stepping stone but unfortunately that never materialised. It has been longer than expected but Sound Reason was back in the winners circle when he took the 5f Wellocks Of William Jackson Food Group Family Handicap at Beverley.

Seen at his best over a stiff 5f, Sound Reason had tended to enjoy easier ground and coming home late in his race. After disappointing so far this season, and possibly not putting in full effort, it was decided that it might be time to change tactics. This did spark a revival of sorts when he attempted to force the issue at Ayr but ultimately just came up short, running a fine race to finish 2nd.

Sound Reason has always performed well at Beverley and looked to back up his run when reading to take on 13 rivals at the Yorkshire track. Billy Garritty was booked for the ride and adopted the attacking tactics once again. It was a strong gallop from the outset as the chestnut Gedling helped to press the lead. Sticking towards the far side, Sound Reason was prominent as his fellow leaders were more towards the centre of the track.

There was no binding place and little would get into the contest. Despite the ground being described as good to firm, Sound Reason travelled great and moved into contention with ease. It became clear that those held up were likely in the wrong spot as they raced past the 2f marker. Moving through on the bridle, Sound Reason quickly took the lead with Billy yet to pose any questions.

The pair edged more towards the centre as they hit the rising ground and with the lead, it was time to go. Sound Reason put his nearest pursuers to the sword immediately as he went to win his race. With the majority of the field struggling to get involved, Sound Reason had a clear break on the field as he charged uphill. He was finding plenty for pressure but the rising ground would sap as much energy as possible. The lead shortened in the final 1/2 furlong but Sound Reason proved brave in front and had plenty left to repel a late charge. All out, he crossed the line to secure a head victory.

It is great to see Sound Reason bounce back to winning ways and he has put two good runs together. New tactics have helped but they may not be the answer all along and it could be that keeping the gelding interested is the way forward. He is still a way off his highest mark so there is no reason to think that he cannot go from this and put together a little sequence of wins.

Across the M62 there was another meeting taking place and it only took 15 minutes for the second leg of the treble to take place. Leap Year Lad has proven a consistent performer this year and he finally got his second career win when taking the 1m2f Visit Racingtv.com Handicap at Haydock.

The spot of Havana Grey proved to be a low burner last season, but this year he has steadily improved with his racing. The early months of 2023 were frustrating with he grey as he was knocking on the door, without gaining that maiden win. Thankfully he ticked that box by winning at Hamilton, coming from off the pace to win comfortably. Unfortunately the summer months ensured the ground when quite quick which went against Leap Year Lad, who ran well but just couldn’t utilise his galloping style.

Doing his best work late on in races, connections felt a step up in trip might be suitable and so headed to Haydock to tackle 1m2f. Sam James took the ride and set out to be positive when Leap Year Lad took the lead leaving the gates. His 6 rivals were happy to let him make the running and Leap Year Lad quickly opened up a clear 1 1/2 length lead. Sam had not question marks in his had and decided tor die him like he would stay all day long.

Whether his rivals didn’t fancy him to stay or they felt the pace was too strong, nobody tackled Leap Year Lad and allowed him to dictate at his pleasure. Turning into the home straight he still had a clear lead and even allowed Sam to glance between his legs. There was still over 1/2 mile to run but as Leap Year Lad stretched out you could see a few nerves. Moving past the 3f marker those in behind had to try and make up some ground. Leap Year Lad was enjoying his time on the front end and continued to gallop on.

Passing the 2f pole was heading into unknown territory. It looked as though it may be a little stretching for the gelding as he was joined for the lead, looking like a bit of a sitting duck. Now Sam had to get animated and asked his mount to find more. From looking comfortable, he then looked likely to be beaten to suddenly looking strong once more. Responding to Sam, Leap Year Lad changed his legs and began to power on again. Taking the lead back again, he kicked on, opening up another clear advantage heading into the final furlong. As he stretched and galloped clear Leap Year Lad put the race to bed, taking the spoils by 1 3/4 lengths.

This was an impressive display and the new trip certainly helped to squeeze out more improvement from Leap Year Lad. It looked as tough he thoroughly enjoyed himself and probably was only doing enough until pressured late on. In the end he has seen the trip out powerfully and winning with ease. The winning owners, My Vein Clinic Syndicate are local to Haydock which makes this victory all the more sweeter. Leap Year Lad will likely stick to this trip now and it is easy to think that he could put another win on the board following this performance.

The juvenile crop of 2023 have made a nice start and there have been plenty of 2yo winners so far this season. As the months have progressed the longer distance races have begun. Expensive Queen hails from a family where stamina is more of the predominant trait and she proved this on debut. Waiting for the right race, Expensive Queen made a winning debut in the 7f  British EBF Fillies Maiden Stakes, completing a double at Haydock and Treble on the evening.

Lope De Vega is one of the most popular and successful stallions on the current roster. Due to this his progeny command substantial fees at the sale and Expensive Queen was no different , being a €260,000 purchase from Arqana. She had always shown ability in her homework but even from an early stage she showed that a longer trip than sprinting would be more suitable.

Neil Callan has enjoyed a stellar first half of the season and was doing the steering on debut. Steadily away, the filly took quite a keen tug through the early stages. Neil had to keep her under control but allowed Expensive Queen to move forward and give chase to the leader, who was also the favourite. Once she had settled down, Expensive Queen got into a nice rhythm and found her stride. The field would enter the left handed bend after the first couple of furlongs which would bring them into the second part of the race.

Swinging for home, the order remained the same as the favourite continued to take them along. Expensive Queen travelled smoothly down the straight and as they moved towards the 2f marker she moved up to begin her challenge. With the leader looking to quicken away, Callan just let his filly stretch and keep tabs. It was Expensive Queen who was moving best of all and she cut the lead with every stride, travelling on the bridle. Looming up alongside the leader, Expensive Queen had yet to commit but once she did it was almost instantly race over. Once Neil asked her to quicken the filly showed a very professional attitude and moved through the gears. Taking the lead, Expensive Queen continued to lengthen and the further she went the more she began to assert. With the minimum of fuss, Expensive Queen opened her account at the first try, winning convincingly by 1 3/4 lengths.

It was an impressive debut from Expensive Queen and she really looks like a filly who could have a bright future. She will improve for this experience so to do that on debut was all the more impressive. Discussions will be had as to what the best plan is for Expensive Queen but there could be some nice races to look forward to in the coming months.

With Royal Ascot behind us there are some very interesting Novice and Maiden races for 2yo’s at this stage of the season. Haydock is one of those tracks which attracts some very nice juveniles and the form usually works out, as those winners go on to tackle some of the Ascot form. Elinor Dashwood stepped up on her debut performance to take the 6f Have A Choice With Supalite S2 Irish EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes.

Kodi Bear has been quite a lucky sire for the yard and has proved to be a good, commercial sire. Shopping at Tattersalls Book 1 really does leave you spoilt for choice, although it means that securing the yearlings is difficult with the very best on show. There would only be one offering by Kodi Bear and with the filly being a full sister to a stakes performer, she did tick all the boxes.

Elinor Dashwood pleased from a very early stage at home but whilst she showed ability, it was clear she was going to continue to develop. Growing all the time she would take a little bit of time before making her debut in June, who was a good start at Haydock. A few weeks later she returned, on a little bit easier ground and ice again over the 6f trip. Again the line up look full of promising types and she actually took on a filly that had finished in front of her last time. Tom Eaves was once again in the saddle and used her experience well throughout.

The fancied newcomers were the slowest away as Elinor Dashwood moved through to press the early leader. She was straight into stride and took the overall lead after the first furlong, moving well and setting an even gallop. It was experience to the fore and she lead them through the first half of the race. Her rival from the debut run was one of the closest pursuers on the far side of the group.

Elinor Dashwood travlhed very well to halfway and began to stretch the field moving towards the final 2f. She took Tom into the race and there was only Royal Elysian who was able to go with her. With others coming under pressure the leading pair moved away and began to take one another on. As they battled away they continued to put distance between them and the rest.

The final furlong was a real battle between he fillies and it was clear that they would be franking the form of their debut Maiden. The market leaders in this contest were unarmed pair that had be slowest away and whilst they were beginning to make headway they would not be challenging for the win. It was a great battle in front and both jockeys were giving everything in the saddle, without throwing the kitchen sink at them. Elinor Dashwood had not relinquished the lead and with just 100 yards to run she changed leads and found more. This little extra helped to repel the challenge and she earned a head victory at the second attempt.

Whilst she is already a nice filly, it looks like Elinor Dashwood will only get better with time. She is a big filly that should continue to mature through racing. Tom had to cut out the majority of running and there is a feeling that she would be better in a better race. This could lead to a step up in grade for Elinor Dashwood where they can go a stranger gallop and allow her to use her stride and travel. Along with the win, Elinor Dashwood  picked up a nice Book 1 bonus but hopefully this is just the start for the filly.