For Yorkshire folk there is no better place to have success than at York. It is our premier racecourse and the majority of Northern trainers will have plenty of runners at most meetings. Highbank Stud, owned by the Wainwright family, is based just outside of York but the cheers could be heard further afield when Forza Orta provided them with a first winner at the track in the 1m4f William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap.

Progressive at 3 and earlier this year, Forza Orta looked a staying prospect going places. Having won on his second start, which came in between chasing home a couple of unexposed types, there were signs that top handicaps could be in his future. This led a few quick runs with premier meetings coming thick and fast. Unfortunately a couple of very below par efforts just scuppered his rise up the handicap.

Heading to York, confidence was high if Forza Orta could bounce back to his best. Dropping in grade meant that he would be sent off as one of the fancied runners in the 8 strong field. Kevin Stott was in the plate and gave a ride of confidence and patience.

Settling the 4yo towards the rear of the field, Forza Orta would stalk his rivals through the first half of the race. The pace was an even gallop, shown by a couple going a little keenly early on. Travelling smoothly at the back, Forza Orta looked to be showing a little more spring in his step. Arguably his best performance came over C&D and the galloping nature of the track looks tailor made for the gelding.

Little changed as they swung around the top bend, taking the field into the home straight. With around 4f to run, those towards the rear just began to edge closer, readying for their challenges. Forza Orta began to make a bit of headway down the outside and had a good clear run for when Kevin pressed the button. From the 3f marker, Forza made smooth progression to pass rivals. Kevin let his mount stride on and suddenly the pair were closer to the lead.

There was a moment where Kevin had a choice to make. Forza Orta was cruising as he challenged for the lead. Feeling like he didn’t want to disappoint the horse, Kevin decided to move through the gears and lay down his challenge. Forza Orta quickened up to snatch the lead passing the 2f marker. He had to go for home now and Kevin quickly got into his drive to kick for the line. Despite going easily to this point, there was still a bit to go so Forza Orta would need to show his steel.

Having pulled away from his rivals, there was just one more challenger going the party. Breaching the gap at by the 1f pole, the eventual runner up was going to give one last push with 200 yards to run. Forza Orta was always doing enough, and whilst he couldn’t go again, he had plenty left in the tank to repel. Responding to each push and nudge from Stott, Forza Orta kept his rival at bay to secure a win on the Knavesmire by 3/4 length.

It was fantastic to see Forza Orta bounce back to his best and there was no better place to do it. The win was a very emotional one for the Wainwright family, who saddle lost Martin late last year. He had been a huge racing fan and turned that into a business, setting up Highbank Stud which his son Tom now runs. Forza Orta has always been a slow burner and he does look like the type to continue improving with time and racing. The very top handicaps will be in his sights, hopefully a few more trips to the Knavesmire can occur in the future.

With the July sales upcoming many yards are having a little shuffle with their current rosters. Entries were made a couple of months ago and since then many of the lots will have been running, giving connections options of what to do when the sales arrive. True Warfare is one of those horses and he secured a final win for the team when taking the 7f Summer Breaks At Western House Hotel Handicap at Ayr.

The Siyouni colt had made a winning debut in December and looked a nice 3yo prospect for when the turf season came around. Unfortunately he couldn’t repeat that feat when trying to carry a penalty over 1m, a furlong extra than his Novice win. Despite being a little disappointed, it was clear that he ran a little bit gassy, owing to the break between runs.

Sticking to the 1m trip, True Warfare entered handicap company off a mark of 78 at York. Unable to get into the race, he ran below par which was a little bit unexpected. Having raced on softer conditions, Kevin decided that the trip and better ground could be key in the future. With the July Sales, at Tattersalls, coming up he sent the colt to Ayr for potentially his final run for the yard.

Danny Tudhope was on board, as the pair were returning to 7f. Dropped a couple of pounds, True Warfare had been allowed to drop in grade for this run. With plenty of pace on and a trio vying for the lead, Danny tucked in behind the early pacesetters to track the lead. Although Ayr is a nice, galloping track, the 7f start has the field gently turning from the off. It quickly takes the field into the bend which means positioning can be key.

True Warfare had a lovely sit throughout the first half of the race and travelled nicely off a fair gallop. The better ground looked far more suitable for the colt and the field were quickly around the long, sweeping bend. Moving into the top of the home straight takes the runners into the final 3 1/2 furlongs and there was to be no let up in the pace up front.

As the pace had been fair throughout the contest, many of the field were still going well heading towards the final 1/4 mile. Danny had his mount stalking the leaders but this race would turn into a bit of sprint for the last 2f. It was passing the 2 pole that the pace increased and the dash for the line was on. Matching the leaders, True Warfare began to shift through the gears to five chase.

The leaders kicked off the front and this ensured that those further back were struggling to land a blow. True Warfare had quickened up to match his rivals but was just struggling to cut into the lead. He was taking to time to really hit top gear but the final furlong would offer him a bit more time. Switched to the outside, True Warfare was making headway but the leaders were proving very game in front. Danny continued to work and cajole in the saddle, asking for everything from his mount. True Warfare was finding with every stride and was reeling in the leaders inch by inch. It wasn’t until the final strides that he managed to get upsides. Once he did the momentum was on his side and he grabbed the victory by just a head.

True Warfare proved very game in his win, finding under pressure and galloping all the way to the line. He had a pair of very tough rivals to overcome, so to do so shows a very willing attitude. Having travelled well, it showed that the better ground really suited. Hitting the line powerfully, True Warfare will surely be adept at either 7f and 1m. He will head to sales now and whatever happens there, True Warfare will surely be winning again soon, whether for current or new connections.

Knowing bloodlines is not only interesting and informative but it can also give you that extra connection having been involved with the family. Owner Mr Jaber Abdullah has enjoyed some huge success in racing and that has spread through to his breeding operation. Queen Me provided an impressive win for the owner/breeder as she took the 6f bettered.com Irish EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Haydock.

Queen Kindly was a cracking sprinter, having won the Gr2 Lowther and her progeny have enjoyed immediate success at Hambleton Lodge. Alia Choice was her first foal and already provided a winner for her but it is Queen Me who looks like she could follow in her mother’s footsteps. The daughter of Dubawi had shown real promise at home and transferred that to the track at the first time of asking.

Haydock has always been a happy hunting ground for Kevin with his juveniles. The galloping nature makes it a good place to introduce newcomers. Queen Me headed for the fillies maiden with a slight ground concern as recent weather had turned the conditions softer than ideal. Tom Eaves was given the leg up on the filly, having ridden her mother to listed success also.

With the ground conditions in mind, the draw of stall 1 turned into a bit of a nightmare. Jumping well, Queen Me was over on the far side of the 7 runners racing on the wing. Feeling like there was better ground, the leaders brought the field over little by little to race nearer to the stands side. This left Tom a little isolated but he had to just suffer his situation. Queen Me travelled well despite this and Tom was more than happy with her to stride on.

For much of the race it was like a piece of work for Queen Me. She did have a couple of moments of travelling in snatches but this was to be expected on tricky going. The race heated up a long way out, possibly owing to the softer ground but throughout Tom hand his filly travelling in his hands.

Moving past the 2f Tom was checking around, seeing how his rivals were faring. With Queen Me still on the bridle he didn’t want to commit too soon and was looking for some help. Unfortunately everything began to happen away from him and once the leader started to struggle, Queen Me was left isolated. There was a big challenge developing along the rail, which was the place to be.

The race had not played out in Queen Me’s favour but she had travelled to the final furlong well. Tom had to commit now and asked his mount to go and finish the race. She quickened up to take the lead but would also find a couple of strides where the ground scuppered her again. Showing a very professional attitude, Queen Me battled through and powered on to secure a debut win by a comfortable 1 length.

Nothing went right for Queen Me and she won despite all that. Having raced isolated on the far side, on ground that she didn’t like and against a draw bias of the rail, Queen Me showed that she is a filly of potential. She has always shown the right signs so it was great to see that out in the public eye too. There will be plenty of options moving forward but it would be no surprise to see her take a jump in class in the near future.

Certainties do not exist in racing but you can get as close as possible at times. Horses do not know their odds and they are not machines so you can always get a major upset. Catch The Paddy had already made a good impression in his short career but he made no mistake when gaining a first career win at Hamilton in the 6f racingtv.com Maiden Stakes, at odds of 2/9.

Kevin is always known for unleashing nice 2yr olds at York. The quality of the track requires this but also it is a great place to introduce a juvenile. Catch The Paddy entered a lot of notebooks when he finished runner up at the Knavesmire, coming from off the pace to chase home a smart winner. It was a similar story on his second run when he filled the same spot. With his winning rivals going on to compete at Royal Ascot, it confirmed that the form was very strong.

Catch The Paddy had already shown enough promise to show he would be winning but where could he go in the future. Hamilton provided a good opportunity and Kevin wanted to get the colt’s head in front after a couple of near misses. His 4 rivals didn’t match the same level of form so it did look a straight forward task if Paddy ran to form. Kevin Stott travelled up for the ride and oozed confidence throughout.

Settled in the rear early on, Catch The Paddy tucked in from his slightly wide draw. Kevin ensured he wasn’t stuck on the wing with no cover. It was pretty much plain sailing up to the business end of the race. Catch The Paddy travelled supremely well and it enabled Kevin to just wait for the moment to pounce.

At the 2f marker the race changed as Kevin angled out towards the centre of the track to get a clear run. His nearest market rival tried to follow suit, having raced alongside. As Paddy moved forward with ease, his royal couldn’t match and this really just left the leader to challenge. Squeezed up to press the leader, Catch The Paddy was vying for the lead as they moved into the final furlong. Kevin asked him to go and finish his race which the colt did with ease. It took a few strides to really quicken up but once he did it was game over. Catch The Paddy easily took the maiden by 2 lengths and could well be worth double that margin.

Winning like this when it is expected does come with quite a bit of relief. Nobody wants to be beaten at short odds and Catch The Paddy made no mistake. His form was by far the best so it was an expected result from Paddy but it is still nice to see. Where the colt can go now is an unknown but he certainly looks worthy of stepping up in grade.

The horses have been in fine form over the past 10 days with winners flowing. It has been a real mixture of horses and races, which was proven once again as the 3yo Thundering and 2yo Revision both earned their first career wins at Newcastle’s first day of the Northumberland Plate Meeting.

Thundering has proven to be a real slow burner but had some top quality Novice and Maiden form leading up to his handicap debut. When entered off a mark of 79, it looked very fair, which got better when he was due to go up 2lb following this run. He made no mistake with an emphatic win in the 1m4f Jenningsbet Handicap.

Having made just one start as a 2yr old, Thundering has tracked sterner tests of stamina this season. Stepping up to 1m2f and then 1m4f, he has bumped into some quality individuals. The pick of this form was when he finished behind Eldar Eldarov who subsequently won the Gr 2 Queens Vase at Ascot. With this being on the Tapeta Kevin was certain that he could handle the surface so sent the gelding back to make his handicap debut.

Looking through the 8 runners it did seem as though Thundering held the best form and the punters agreed, making him joint favourite. Having seen him wander around on the his latest run, Kevin Stott was tasked with utilising patient tactics. This looked ideal for the gelding but it was clear early on that the pace was quite sedate. Being drawn wide, Kevin couldn’t risk being stuck 4 wide so he ended up sitting dead last.

Although Newcastle has a long straight, the steady pace was lending itself to a late sprint to the line. Unfortunately the place not to be is way out of the back, just where Thundering found himself. As the field came around the bend and into the straight he still hand to pass the entire field. Kevin wasn’t panicking and now he could angle out to get a clear run.

The race really begun around the 3f marker. This was where the first injection of pace came and the field began to dash for home. It may have been 26* heat but Kevin was the coolest man in Newcastle. Loosen the reins and squeezing his mount, Thundering began to move up menacingly down the centre of the track,.

When these tactics work they are the silliest to watch. Thundering had swooped down the outside to slide past rival after rival. He moved into contention pulling double and Kevin still perched high upon the saddle. At this point it just looked like a matter of when and not if. The when was moving into the final furlong. Quickening up, Thundering pulled clear and proved well named as he thundered clear. Crossing the line with a 1 3/4 length advantage, the 3yr old put on a stunning display.

Thundering had always shown ability and it was nice to see that come to fruition. He has been a little unlucky with some of the rivals he has bumped into. This performance was a very taking one so it will be interesting to see how the handicapper asses’s it. There is still more to come and Thundering could be a nice middle distance prospect moving forward.

Stats do not always paint a full picture and this has been the case with the juveniles so far this season. Despite the low number of winners, there have been some big performances and likely to run up a tally in the coming weeks. Revision was the perfect example of this and after a promising runner up on debut, he earned the maiden win when taking the 6f Pertemps Network Novice Stakes, completing the double.

Ardad has made an unbelievable start to his stallion career and this led Kevin to purchasing a strapping colt at GoffsUK. Revision looked the part and thrived throughout his home work. Although showing promise early on, Revision always looked likely to be a 6f prospect and the extra time did him the world of good.

Making his debut at Haydock, Revision ran a great race, chasing home an experienced and exciting rival. He looked sure to improve for the experience and should take all the beating next time out. With the ground firming up due to the heatwave, Kevin selected the Tapeta as it works the opposite way around. Heat means it rides slower, something that could be more beneficial to a big horse like Revision.

Sent off the 10/11 fav, it was clear that he was the one to beat. Although confidence was high, they are very inexperienced horses so that always has to be taken into account. Jumping on terms, Kevin Stott just allowed him to find his rhythm which Revision did to sit on the leader’s heels. They edged from the centre just nearer to the stands side.

Revision travelled well through the first half of the race. Kevin rode like he was on the best horse in the race and looked to keep everything simple. The pace quickened up over 2f from home and this was where Kevin decided which way he was to go. Simplicity at the core, he just edged out towards the centre of the track, giving him clear daylight. Revision quickened up to challenge for the lead, with no rival hampering his run.

Moving into the final furlong Revision had the lead. Now clear he looked to stride out to the line. Now he had nothing to run with and just began to edge right towards the stands side rail. Initially it looked like he had put the race to bed but a newcomer was finishing fast. It looked as though Revision was in a little bit of trouble for a second but he was always doing enough. Kevin just got a little more serious, educating his mount for the future. Revision had his head to the ground and galloped all the way to the line to secure a win by a head.

Revision possibly didn’t gain the winning margin most would have thought but he can be marked up for this win. He travelled with ease and quickened up when asked. Revision kicked clear which probably took him by surprise a little. Once he hit the front he thought the job was done and showed greeness. He is a lovely horse with scope to continue improving. Holding an entry in the DBS Sales trace, this could be a big option for him moving forward.

There is no better feeling than seeing a 2yr old make a promising debut. That can be a winning one or just full of potential but it keeps the dreams alive. What’s even better is when they take a step forward and build on that. Washington Heights had made a fantastic start to his career and then went on to win at the second try when taking the 5f Scaleby Restricted Maiden Stakes at Carlisle.

Washington Heights always looked a real sharp 2yr old, showing the physique that could see him hit the track early. It took a little longer than first expected when he had a growth spurt, something that is obviously very common with young horses. When he did show he was ready, the gelding proved that patience was the right call. Making his debut at Wetherby he showed a professional attitude and was a shade unlucky to finish only fourth. With expected improvement it seemed as though he would be winning before long.

Heading to Carlisle the race was similar on paper but looked a stronger contest on form. He had been vying for favouritism but would end up second fav by the time they entered the stalls. Kevin Stott was once again in the saddle and utilised his good draw of stall 3. Jumping smartly, Washington Heights was straight to the front to dictate the race and snatch the far side rail.

Washington Heights was showing great natural speed and putting his experience to good use. Kevin was going to make it a test for his rivals, never giving them time to relax. He was stalked throughout by the favourite, looking to hit the leader with a late dash and it would be an interesting contest if this was to pan out.

Swinging into the straight, Washington Heights held a 3/4 length lead and Kevin continued to let him stride on. Passing halfway he had many of them at it already, looking to continue to pressure from the front. Having travelled smoothly up to the 2f, Kevin tried to kick from the front, with the rising ground looming in a furlongs time. His move was matched by the favourite who reacted quickly to give chase.

Kicking clear, the front two began to pull away as the lead remained around a length passing the 1f marker. It was a long way up the hill and Washington Heights just began to edge left under pressure. Kevin looked to rectify that move, and did so, but it allowed the fav up the inside. Down the near side there was a fast finishing debutante, so Washington Heights was getting tackled from either side. He was very game in front, showing the same attitude as on debut. The lead was diminishing but the gelding was not going anywhere. It would be close but as his rivals thrust late on, Washington Heights stuck his head out, grabbing the win by a short head.

It was a very brave performance from Washington Heights who did it the hard way by making all. Having shown good speed, he then battled well up the stiff finish. Although he did wander a little bit, this was probably due to being out in front for so long. You could probably mark him up a bit for this win as he did all the donkey work and got a bit lonely out in front. Washington Heights has shown a cracking attitude and it will be interesting to see the route taken now. He does hold an entry in the DBS sales race and possibly a sharp 6f could be ok for him in time.

There are some horses and some tracks that just go together. It isn’t always clear why but you can see the horse raise their game every time they visit. Justanotherbottle has always enjoyed the really sharp, downhill tracks. One in particular is Ripon and he won his third race at the track in the past 10 months when taking the Betting.Bet Ripon Races Ladies Day Handicap over 6f.

Justanotherbottle took his time to really show his best when transferred to Hambleton Lodge but over the last year he has taken his form to another level. Winning the Great St Wilfrid last year was the big handicap win he had long deserved but he hasn’t stopped there. Since then he has became a cruising machine, travelling with extreme ease over the sharpest of sprints.

Like every good athlete, Justanotherbottle does have a quirk and his is with the stalls. Every now and then something will go amiss, which is what happened at Epsom in the Dash. It meant that he was a mission to repay owners Steve Ryan and Martin Tedham, which he did emphatically at Ripon.

The 7 strong field may have been short of numbers but the quality was there. Kevin Stott got the leg up and aimed to utilise his new tactics aboard Justanotherbottle, who now didn’t have to lead. Behaving in the stalls, Justanotherbottle was well away and settled in to track the pace. Sat in third spot, Kevin had a perfect slipstream through the race.

Burning through the first half of the race, the field were quickly down to the 3f marker. With the strong gallop set, there was no let up and the field got racing well over 2 1/2f from home. The leader was under pressure from here and this led Kevin to angle out, ensuring they had a clear run. He was waiting and waiting the try and get a lead for as long as possible but Kevin still had his mount cruising on the bridle.

Decision time came heading towards the 1f marker. Justanotherbottle was vying for the lead but the jockeys postures couldn’t be more different. Kevin, motionless, now asked his mount to go and win the race. Bottle edged into the lead but didn’t immediately accelerate away from his brave adversary. It did look a matter of time and as Kevin asked for full tilt, Justanotherbottle began to pull away. In the space of 100 yards he had moved 1 1/2 lengths clear, allowing his jockey to ease up.

This was one of Justanotherbottle’s most comfortable wins and in doing so he lowered the track record. He looks to have got even better again this year and will see his mark hit a career high. Connections know exactly what races suit but it may be case of having a crack of something a little higher now. Pattern company wouldn’t be out of reach and he may just take his chance now, following an impressive victory.

Some of the most interesting horses in training are the 3yr olds. You have horses who are still young and have had differing starts to their careers. It is fantastic to see them improve and suddenly reach their potential. Sometimes it can look as though the expectations may have been wrong but just needed a slightly different approach. Shaladar has been exactly that and earned his first career win when stepping up to 1m for the Enjoy VIP Treatment At Hamilton Park Handicap.

The son of Shaala had enjoyed a consistent juvenile season, and whilst he hadn’t got off the mark, that first win looked obvious. Beginning the season over 7f, Shaladar had taken a step forward from first to second run. The third run was better than the bare result but most importantly it gave the impression that a new trip could be the key, having stayed on well over 7f.

Heading to Hamilton, to tackle 1m for the first time, Shaladar was partnered by Tom Eaves. Having stayed on well last time out, the plan was to take their time and try to make the final furlong his best one. This lead Tom to sit towards the rear of the field as they raced uphill for the first couple of furlongs. The front two took each on so it was a decent pace to track.

Swinging right handed around the top turn, the 10 strong field were quickly into the downhill straight and moving towards halfway. Shaladar only had two behind him but was travelling well as they moved past the cutaway. The field got racing a long way from home and over 3f out, Tom just had to get lower in the saddle. Shaladar had travelled fine but could not afford his rivals to get away from him.

Making good progress, Shaladar was picking up well and probably gave Tom a little headache. Knowing that it was a long way up the hill he would have loved to conserve energy but he had committed. Shaladar was rolling around a little as he moved through down the near side but continued to eat into the lead. As they headed into the final furlong he had taken the lead, but this is where the ground rises up for the stiff finish. Shaladar was not stopping but was going to face a stern challenge from the fast finishing favourite. It was going to be close but the favourite came to Shaladar with time left. It allowed the gelding to respond and respond he did. Fighting all the way to the line, Shaladar bravely hung on by a short head, earning his maiden win.

The new trip really seemed to suit Shaladar and he saw out every yard. Tom probably didn’t expect him to pick up initially and this left him with quite a bit of daylight. With that being the case, Shaladar has done very well to win. He could possibly do with getting a lead for longer in the future with an end to end gallop. Now he has the first win, Shaladar can build on this as he is unexposed at this trip.

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.