Successful juveniles don’t always progress as expected but sometimes it just takes a little more time. Room Service always looked to be the type who may progress as a 3yo, with his size and scope. Having had an impressive 2yo season, Room Service was back winning again as he took the 6f Northern Commercials Iveco E-Daily Handicap at Pontefract.

The son of Kodi Bear had just four runs last year including his final winning run at Doncaster in the big Wetherby’s sales race. Run over 6 1/2f, that win suggested that Room Service may get further in the future, which included an entry in the Irish 2000 Guineas. With that in mind he began this season by racing in the Greenham stakes over 7f. Tacky ground didn’t suit but he would drop in trip for his next run, a listed event over 6f. Again he ran well but couldn’t quite land a blow.

Pontefract looked like a track that should really suit Room Service with its stiff finish. The 7 runners were of varying ages, the first time Room Service would be taking on his elders. Drawn in stall 8 didn’t look great but with a deluge of rain it looked as though the track may ride different with a chance of  the field coming away from the far rail.

Tom Eaves took the ride and was immediately asked to work for his fee, with Room Service slowly away and having to be rousted along to join the rest of the field. Racing in the rear of the 7 runners, the 3yo finally got into his rhythm although was carrying his head slightly awkwardly. With a strong pace set the field raced through the first couple of furlongs in a fast time already racing down the back straight and towards the home bend.

Room Service was always just behind the bridle and had to niggled along to keep in contact with the rest of the field. Moving through halfway they race left handed and still Tom was working away but they did move up a spot along the rail. The leaders chose to ignore the rail and started to come more towards the centre of the track as they entered the home straight. Room Service had a clear run up the inside and whilst he was maintaining his position he couldn’t land a blow just yet. Passing the 2f marker Tom got serious and really asked for everything from his mount. For the first time in the race, Room Service began to make some headway but still had the majority of the field ahead of him, albeit closely bunched.

The race was wide open heading down to the final furlong and the long time leader continued to hold sway. Room Service was starting to hit his stride and was gaining momentum as the ground raised up to the stiff finish. Eating up the ground the colt moved up to join a pair of rivals battling for the lead. Now he was at the peak of his run and was finding more the further they went. Initially edging his nose to the lead, the final 50 yards was his best and Room Service pulled clear, securing the win by 1 1/2 lengths.

It is always pleasing to see a smart 2yo get their head back in front as a 3yo. Room Service was set a couple of big tasks and had legitimate excuses for not quite being at his best. This was by no means an easy contest and he came through with flying colours showing that he is a horse who is bordering that handicap/pattern company. You wouldn’t rule out 7f again in the future but he does look like a horse who enjoys a hard run 6f where he can finish, especially when it’s a stiff test. The top handicaps are tough for 3yo’s but that will be his remit for the rest of the year and he should continue to progress in the future.

Plans have to be adaptable in this sport as horses progress at different rates which means that what suits them can change throughout their career. Venture Capital enjoyed a fruitful autumn/winter, winning a couple of races over 7f and shaping as though he could be one for the handicaps over that far or potentially further. After some good runs, it became clear that the opposite was true and dropping in trip would actually suit. That proved to be the right call as he took the 6f JKR Industrial Cleaning Ltd Handicap at Ayr.

Venture Capital was a slow burner as he took time to really mature into the horse that would be wining races. He did look quite a sharp 2yo lasts season, but his debut run showed that he needed time to mature and develop in his frame. He wouldn’t run again until the autumn, where he would compete on the all-weather. All subsequent runs came at Newcastle and Venture Capital was placed on his return, before going on to win two novice events at the track. Given a break before the 2024 turf season, he looked quite a nice type for competitive 3yo handicaps.

Venture Capital ran well on the turf but it was his latest run at Thirsk which suggested that he may well be a sprinter. Horses can get quicker as they strengthen up and that looked the case with him. Dropping down in trip, it would be the first time that he would be competing against elder rivals. Venture Capital looked the most likely improver in the field, trying the trip for the first time and being far more lightly raced than the older horses. Shane Gray was back in the saddle having partnered him to the previous wins.

Showing bright early speed, Venture Capital took the lead from the off and led the 6 runner field. He was hassled all the way and this led to a fast early pace as they raced through the first furlong. It was good to see Venture Capital being able to lead more experienced sprinters and he was doing son his own terms, travelling in a lovely rhythm.

Little changed as they raced down past halfway but the pace never ceased. Despite having the extra stamina it is hard to know whether that reserve is still there having had to race quicker than they are used to. Racing down to the 2f marker the race changed as those who chased the pace started to struggle. Venture Capital continued to pour it on from the front and was still travelling well. Shane gave his mount a squeeze and looked to capitalise, trying to stretch clear from the front. He got the response he wanted and the pair opened up a clear lead.

Out in front Venture Capital was on his own and passing the 1f marker he held a goof advantage. Shane was asking for everything and was getting all from his mount. There was a late challenge coming from the rear of the field and with Venture Capital just hanging a little, it gave his rival a sniff of victory. Venture Capital was probably just looking for a little bit of company, having been out on his own, and as he sensed the challenge he went again. Finding plenty for pressure, Venture Capital galloped through the one, securing a first turf win by 1/2 length.

It was great to see Venture Capital back in the winner’s circle and he certainly looks a sprinter now. Dropping in trip is not easy and he managed to lead the field from the start. Setting a strong gallop he then managed to quicken off that before battling late on. With this being his first run over this trip, there could be plenty more to come as Venture Capital learns how to be a sprinter.

The Bronte Collection’s colours have become a regular fixture in the winners enclosure over the past few years. In conjunction with Clipper, the syndicate has seen many nice horses, especially in the juvenile division. Having had some success for them, Kevin may have found a classy filly in Beauty Queen who made an impressive debut when running away with the 5f Busstop 70s Disco After Racing EBF Fillies Novice Stakes at Beverley.

Beauty Queen is a daughter of Soldier’s Call and her full brother was  winner for the yard over the winter. Having been prepped for racing before being sent to Kevin, the filly looked the part as soon as she arrived. Immediately it became clear that she also had the ability to match up with her physique as she impressed in her home work.

Starting her career at Beverley, Beauty Queen would line up against 8 rivals. This included a couple of winners, with one of them. being the Hilary Needler debutante winner. Shane Gray was booked for the ride and had a nice draw in the stall 3. Beauty Queen bounced out and was into her stride, although she did take a keen hold early on. It was the experienced runners who took the field along but Shane tracked them through and got his filly settled with cover.

The field quickly raced past halfway and were into the home straight. As they straightened up the ground begins to rise up and passing the 2f marker the leaders looked to stretch clear. With eh tempo increasing the less fancied runners been to struggle and it was the favourite who moved through the lead. Closely followed through by Beauty Queen it was the latter who was going the strangest. Shane switched to the outer and made good headway, with the filly moving up to challenge for the lead.

Beverley has a stiff final furlong and as the race progressed to this part it was clearly a two horse race. Shane had cajoled his filly to this point but now asked for her challenge. Initially she just rolled in a little bit but Shane quickly straightened her up and got her balanced. Beauty Queen now quickened up and opened up an advantage. With her head in front, Shane now kept educating the filly as she stretched clear. The further they went the stronger she was and Beauty Queen won by a comfortable 2 1/2 lengths.

Beauty Queen has shown plenty at home and she converted that to the track for her debut. Whilst this performance was expected it is always difficult on their first run. She traveled like the best horse and quickened up well, beating a good yardstick. It looks as though 6f will suit and Beauty Queen looks like she will be taking a step up in grade. With the Group 2 Lowther at York next month, she will be aimed at that and certainly looks like an exciting prospect for that race and the future.

Pedigrees are very important in racing, they done’t guarantee success but generally a good mare can produce good progeny multiple times. Spasha has been a great mare, producing multiple stakes performers, including the star sprinter Hello Youmzain. His full brother has been progressing with every race and took the feature 6f Wetherbys Global Stallions App Handicap at Thirsk.

Full brother to Hello Youzain, Jehangeer has always been a different physical model. That said he did mange to win on his second start as a 2yo, which lined him up for a crack at pattern company. The Gimcrack maybe came too soon but he rounded off the season with a very goof third place in listed company. He had shown ability throughout his 2yo campaign and always looked likely to improve with time and possibly a touch further.

Returning to action at Newmarket, Jehangeer produced a pleasing run to finish third. Following that run he was gelded and had a minor wind op, keeping him from the track until July where he would head to Thirsk. The 6f contest would see him taking on his elders for the first time and Jehangeer was the unexposed horse battling veterans of the sprint division. Tom Eaves has been flying recently and he was booked for the ride.

Jumping well, Jehangeer was up with the leaders through the early doors. The stalls had been positioned in the centre of the track but with the softer conditions, the field tracked over to the stands side. Jehangeer had a good sit but would come under pressure very early on. After only a couple of furlongs, Tom was beginning to work away on his mount just tom maintain his position.

Having to work hard from so far out wold usual spell disaster but Jehangeer was still in the race as they moved past halfway. Although he had edged backwards, Tom had been pushing along and started to get a response. With the rest of the field beginning  to race Jehangeer could make some progress up the rail. He had maintained a decent spot which meant that he would have a clear run.

The long time leader was maintaining his gallop and very little was getting into contention. Jehangeer was beginning to make ground now, really hitting his top stride. Moving through the field, he was closing along the rail as many began to move backwards.

Jehangeer caught the leader as they moved inside the final furlong, something which looked difficult just 2f ago. Having come through to challenge, he had all the momentum and was really using his long stride. Taking the lead, Jehangeer now started to stretch and pulled away from his rivals. You could see the stamina kicking in and his best part of the race was the final furlong. Pulling clear he took the race by a clear 1 1/2 lengths.

Winning didn’t look a high prospect early in the race but once Jehangeer got into his stride he was powerful in the latter stages. Whether the pace of the race was what caught him out, the performance here looks as though 7f should be no issue in the future. This win was off 92 so it looks as though the top handicaps will be in line for the rest of the year.

Racing can take a bit to grasp, especially for 2yr olds. They are babies taking their first steps into competition and it can be hard. Against The Wind had taken couple of runs to learn but made no mistake at the third try when winning the 5f Winners Wear Slopes Menswear EBF Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

By first season sire Earthlight, Against The Wind had always shown bright promise at home and was one the earlier runners of the season. Starting out at York says exactly what was thought of him but that day he proved too professional. Pinging the lids he raced too well, going a few strides quicker than he really should. Although it wasn’t a win there was definite signs of promise but a step up in trip next didn’t particularly suit.

Northumberland Plate day always offers a good 5f 2yo novice and so that was planned for his next run. Tom Eaves has been in great form of late and was in the saddle once again. The 9 runner field attracted stables from far and wide with a winner also lining up. It was the winner who would take them along in the early stages, but they were always pressed by Against The Wind. The chestnut settled into a lovely rhythm, showing bright speed but in a much more controlled manner.

The leading pair were always in control and they started to get the rest into trouble passing halfway. As the leader looked to stretch the field, Against The Wind went with but with far more authority. Moving away from the favourite, the leading duo opened up a little gap but it was seeing Tom motionless which really caught the eye.

Sitting and waiting, Tom was a statue on board Against The Wind as they bared down on the final furlong. It was a new position for Against The Wind as now he had to quicken up and try to finish the race. The colt edged his nose into the lead and passing the 1f pole, Tom asked him for his effort. Shaken up the pair moved 1/2 length up and Tom now really asked for his effort. Against The Wind took a few strides but the further they went the stronger he looked. With 110 yards to run he began to hit top stride and showed his power. Striding out the colt went further clear and secured the win by 2 lengths.

It was great to see this performance as Against The Wind had been doing so at home. He looks as though racing has really helped and he has matured mentally to Cath up with his physique. Always showing bright speed, the final 1/2 furlong was arguably his best and shows that there is more to come. Now qualifying for a mark, Against The Wind has plenty of options in the coming weeks. Having always shown ability at home, this win could be the building block to bigger things now.

The Northumberland Plate meeting is Newcastle’s biggest of the season and the 3 day festival has plenty of competitive racing. The evening meeting that is sandwiched between two day meetings, offers an array of different races across the card. Bergerac enjoyed a good winter on the all-weather and was back on the surface to take the 5f Jenningsbet In Shiremoor Gosforth Park Handicap.

Having enjoyed a fruitful spell before the turn of the New Year, Bergerac just found his form dropping as he tackled the turf season. He is a horse who enjoys a sound surface so the early season weather may have just hampered him a little. There was an unlucky run at York which suggested a return to form and the all-weather was the perfect option.

Lining up against the same sort of rivals you would expect in this contest, Bergerac was partnered by usual accomplice, Tom Eaves. Breaking from stall 11, Bergerac was always prominent down the near side. Returning to blinkers, the 6yo was racing enthusiastically through the early stages.

With plenty of speed on show, the field blitzed through the first half of the race. Spread across the track there was very little to separate the veteran sprinters as they passed halfway. They got racing at this point and Bergerac me under a drive from Tom as he continued to hold his pitch at the fore of the field.

The race was wide open inside the 2 and Bergerac was making good headway down the near side with the race developing more towards the centre. He has always had the extra stamina, being a winner over 6f, and he was starting to delve into that. Tom knows this as well as everything and had yet to really go all out.

Moving into the final furlong, Tom now asked for maximum effort and he got that in spades. Bergerac took the lead as the central runners gave way. He was up by a length and whilst rivals were closing, they couldn’t overcome the deficit. Galloping all the way to the line, Bergerac kept up his advantage and went on to score by 1/14 lengths.

These races always see similar types coming up against each other and Bergerac has been a mainstay in the class 2 events. When he is on song he is a good sprinter and there are plenty more races for him in the summer months. Having won at York previously, that will certainly be a big target. He has been there and done it so there would be no surprise to see Bergerac land another big prize at some stage this season.

The yellow silks with the black cross of Lorraine will always hold dear memories for the yard when Palace Episode won the Racing Post Trophy back in 2005. Success has continued to follow for the Marnane family, both in the sales ring and on the track. It has been a while since the colours have been carried for the team but I Got Soul shed her maiden tag in fine fashion when running away with the 5f Hampton By Hilton Park Hotel EBF Restricted Fillies Maiden.

Con Manrnane has long been seen as one of the very best breeze up consignors and was one of the first to really set into motion what the sale has become. This year the weather was a big reason as to why the sales saw many unsold lots, with purchasers playing it safe, unable to really judge horses on their merit. I Got Soul is a filly by the red hot sire Havana Grey and she was one who didn’t make the money on which she was valued.

Having been through all her prep she came into training a very professional filly. Making her debut at Wetherby, she showed bright speed over the extended 5f. Dropping back to the minimum trip, she then ran a promising race at York, again showing natural speed but maybe showing signs that the slower ground was not to her liking.

With the two runs under her belt, I Got Soul headed to Hamilton for her third start. Fresh off a Royal Ascot winner, Callum Rodriguez took a first ride for the yard as the pair lined up against 6 rivals. It was an open looking race but soon after leaving the gates, I Got Soul took control. Racing on quick ground for the first time, the grey filly skipped down the hill and immediately went to the front.

There was plenty of pace on throughout the race but I Got Soul was always going best of all, Callum had let the filly bowl along and she happily took him down to the 2f pole. Last to come off the bridle, I Got Soul responded once she got he hurry up from her jockey. Showing her lovely attitude, the filly easily moved through the gears and edged away from her rivals. Callum had yet to ask fro everything but the pair held the advantage and were moving away from the rest.

Holding a length lead running into the final furlong, Callum now asked his filly and with a couple of flicks she pulled clear. Scooting away from her rivals, I Got Soul easily kicked clear and found the uphill finish no problem at all. With the minimum of fuss, I Got Soul secured her first win by an easy 3 1/2 lengths.

It was nice to see I Got Soul get her head in front, she is such a sweet filly who tried very hard and horses like her deserve to win races. Being her third run she will now be eligible for a handicap mark but on this showing, she may well be worth thinking about something a little higher. The win was also very poignant for Kevin, who has been friends with the Marnane family for a long time. The colours used to be carried for Mrs Theresa Marnane who sadly passed away and are now under her daughters Amy and Olivia, who are a major part of the operation. This makes the win all the more important and brings back some wonderful memories from down the years.

When a good week just continues to get better there is no better feeling for everyone involved. Coming to the end of Royal Ascot there was plenty of meetings on Saturday away from the main event. We Never Stop looked to get back on track and duly made all in the 5f Racing TV Free Trial Handicap at Redcar, winning impressively.

The 3yo son of Cotai Glory had a novice win to his name last season but always looked the type to progress with time, as he filed into his powerful frame. Always one to show plenty at home, We Never Stop cam into the season with some big targets. There is a very good 3yo sprint handicap program and he would take on races at Newmarket and York. Unfortunately We Never Stop didn’t put his best foot forward and connections looked towards a few changes to try and get the best out of the colt.

Having shown plenty of speed, We Never Stop would tackle 5f for the first time, with the addition of first time cheek-pieces. Shane Gray has ridden the 3yo for most of his career and was back in the saddle for the 8 runner contest. Looking to be aggressive from the off, Shane quickly took the lead after breaking well from stall 2. We Never Stop raced towards the far rail, tracked through by the favourite and pressed hard by the market leaders.

The field were clocking well over 4o mph as We Never Stop blasted through the first half of the race. It was really a case of “catch me if you can” as there was no time to think with the frenetic pace. Despite setting a fast pace in front, We Never Stop looked to be doing so with ease and also seemed to be really enjoying himself.

Shane began to work away as they headed towards the 2f marker and got his mount to lengthen off the front. This had his colleagues doing likewise but We Never Stop was maintaining around a 1 length advantage. They were struggling to close the gap and it was the favourite who was left to try and reel in the leader. Having won over 6f, Shane knew that We Never Stop had plenty left in the tank as he went for all passing the 1f marker. Now was point where he turned the screw and We Never Stop began to assert his dominance. The fav was no match for him and We Never Stop strode clear, winning by an impressive 3 lengths and showing his class.

We Never Stop has always shown plenty of ability and he looks like a sprinter who can continue to progress with racing. The drop to 5f looked to really suit the colt and this has opened up plenty of options moving forward. Pricking his ears in front showed that he was enjoying himself but there is also a feeling that We Never Stop could give even more, so there could be more improvement to come. There are some nice 3yo handicaps over 5f which could well suit We Never Stop with Glorious Goodwood and The Ebor some nice meetings coming up soon.

Usually when a hors is 0 from 7 it is because they have proven to be quite limited, not really good enough to win. Midnite Storm is quite the opposite, a horse who has gained a reasonable handicap mark of 84 but yet to win a race. All that was pushed aside when he shed his maiden in the 1m2f Celebrate The Life Of Joe Newton Novice Stakes at Redcar.

Progressive last year as a 2yo, Midnite Storm looked the type to continue into this year and especially when stepping up in trip. On his three starts this year he has managed two runner up efforts and a third place, the latter runs being in handicap company. Despite his mark rising 4lbs, Kevin opted for the novice race.

Half of the 8 runner field were seen as forlorn hopes, going off at triple digit odds. The others though brought some useful form, with the likelihood being they would gain marks in the mid 80’s. Shane Gray has been partnering the 3yo this season and took the ride once more.

There was a moment of unrest when Midnite Storm looked to duck down as the stalls opened. This caused him to miss the break, sending Shane lurching forward and unable to get the prominent position he was looking for. After finding his feet Midnite Storm then pulled his way forward, chasing a sedate pace, he would end up following the leader. After 2f Shane found himself in the position he was after, leading the field and setting his own fractions.

It was the even money favourite who would be pressuring the lead throughout the contest and this created an even gallop. They turned for home with just over 4f to run and the field began to divide into two. Shane was slowly increasing the tempo down the home straight, which towed the market leaders along in behind.

Moving towards the 2f marker the pace had increased to 40 mph and now Shane looked to kick for home. The favourite head never been far away and reacted in sync to this move. Midnite Storm just edged off a true line but quickened up under pressure. The first challenge was repelled but there was one more to come. Passing the 1f marker, Midnite Storm changed legs and found once again. He opened up a clear advantage and was getting stronger the further they went. Shane knew the race was in the bag and eased his mount down to secure a comfortable 1/2 length victory.

Midnite Storm deserved to get his head in front and did so with a bit in hand. He didn’t start the race in the best fashion but throughout the contest he was always in control. Having dictated the race he quickened up nicely and saw the trip out very well. It will be handicaps next for the 3yo and he certainly looks the type who could get a touch further. There are some nice middle distance handicaps for 3yo’s and Midnite Storm could prove to be a player in these races.

It is not very often when you have a well fancied runner in a Group 1, never mind a favourite. Inisherin announced himself a Royal Ascot contender when taking the Sandy Lane stakes but heading into the meeting he was seen as one of the bankers but many. The colt was a hot favourite for the Group 1 6f Commonwealth Cup and blew his rivals away with a performance that may have him as the top sprinter in Britain.

Inisherin has slowly been building up a reputation as a high class horse. Although connections always felt he was a classy individual, it has been his progression on the track which has captured the racing community. Many were taken by his maiden success at Newcastle, more were impressed by his performance in the 2000 Guineas but it was the Sandy Lane route that really catapulted Inisherin into a potential star. Following that performance he was installed as the Commonwealth Cup favourite despite needing to be supplemented.

The Commonwealth Cup did lose a couple of the leading contenders in the run up to the meeting. This strengthened Inisherin’s position at the head of the market but he was still up against some leading 3yo sprinter and would need to prove himself as affective under different conditions. With Ascot being baked in sunshine all week, Inisherin would be tackling good to firm ground. Also the atmosphere at Royal Ascot is something totally different to any other meeting, which can be a test for any horse.

Tom Eaves retained the ride on the 3yo and looked to keep things very simple from the off. Although he had made all last time out, the plan was to take a lead, although he never wanted to break the colt’s stride. Thankfully a few rivals jumped away smartly and Inisherin was able to to track the pace on the far side of the group. It was a nice gallop set which allowed Inisherin to stride outs they raced down the centre of the track.

By the time they reached halfway, Inisherin had cruised up to press the lead. Having done so easily, Tom had a double handful and was waiting on his rivals. He was trying to take a lead for as long as possible but one by one his rivals were coming under pressure. The race looked to be developing towards the middle of the track, with Inisherin and second fav Jasour both travelling powerfully.

Moving inside the 2f pole Inisherin had moved to the fore, still hard on the bridle. Tom was now stuck with a decision, should he wait or should he commit. Looking around there was nothing able to take him any further and so Tom committed to his challenge. Winding up his mount and getting him to stretch, Tom now went for home. Inisherin began to lengthen and quickly hit the front, looking to kick clear of the rest.

Between the 2f and 1f marker, Inisherin moved through the gears but the race was far from over. Jason was coming from the rear to lay down a challenge and followed the fav through to look like a daunting rival. It was at the 1f pole where Tom now got into his full drive and it was this point where Inisherin got into full flow. With the lead minimised, to just around a length, the final furlong is where Inisherin showed his class. Now hitting top gear the colt began to stride away. Pulling further and further away, the final 1/2f was Inisherin stamping his authority, taking the Group 1 contest by a comfortable 2 1/4 lengths.

This was the performance which everyone was hoping to see from Inisherin, dominant and proving that he could be the next sprinting star. He proved that he can do it on faster ground and on a totally different type of track. Watching the race was comfortable viewing with no real worries at any point in the race. He travelled supremely well and quickened a couple of times to assert his dominance. Tom was trying to keep hold for as long as possible but there was nothing able to take him any further. This was only the second run over 6f so there could still be improvement to come, with Inisherin only just learning how to sprint. Not only was this a great result for the yard but it was important for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. The owner bred Inisherin who is from the family of Reem Three. Not only that but he is the son of the late Shamardal, of which he is the final crop. Inisherin has announced himself now and the top sprints will be in line for the 3yo.