Whilst everyone was catching their breaths from Aint Nobody winning at Royal Ascot, Batal Zabeel was lining up for his race at Ripon. The 3yo had only made one start this season and took a step forward to make all in the 6f Wells Memorial Challenge Trophy Handicap.

Barring one race last year, where there was a tack malfunction, Batal Zabeel had been very progressive but maybe not the most straight forward. This led to him being gelded over the winter but starting off on a mark of 81 looked quite attractive. It took until June for him to return to action, where he was far from disgraced at Musselburgh.

With a run under his belt it was expected that the gelding would take a big step forward at Ripon. Shane Gray was taking the ride and looked to capitalise on his favourable draw. With just 8 runners lining up, he wanted to try and jump well from 5 and get to the stands side rail. As Batal Zabeel proved more than willing, the pair took up the lead and headed across to the rail. Racing in first time cheek-pieces, Batal was enthusiastically taking the, along, with about 3/4 length lead.

Everything went smooth through the first half of the race and when Shane began to wind things up, he caught a few of his rivals on the hop. Passing the 2f pole he had got his mount lengthening and those in behind were reacting. Batal was not proving to be the easiest partner, hanging away from the rail but continued to stride forward. Although he had been at work, Shane had yet to really go for his mount. Rivals were dropping away but the favourite now burst through the chase down the leader.

Moving into the final furlong, Shane really got to work, keeping his mount on an even keel and trying to repel the challenge. The favourite now loomed up with a dangerous looking run. This actually helped both Shane and Batal Zabeel, as they now had someone to run alongside. The race was between the front two but Batal Zabeel still held a neck advantage. He was proving to be very tough in front and it would be as close as the fav would get. Now Batal Zabeel fought all the way to the line, and pulling out some more, he clinched the win by a brave neck margin.

It was a good performance from Batal Zabeel who showed a very good attitude in the latter stages. The favourite cam through with a strong challenge and he fought all the way to the line, proving too much for his rival. Batal Zabeel has been progressive throughout his career and stepping back up to 6f was a bonus here. It will be interesting to see what the handicapper does but on this evidence, Batal Zabeel should continue to be competitive in similar events in the near future.

Royal Ascot is the crown jewel of British racing, welcoming the summer months with a festival of top class racing. Having a runner with a chance is what many hope for, to have a winner is why people buy into the dream. Aint Nobody maintained his perfect record when he took the 5f Windsor Castle, storming through late on.

Sands Of Mali was a top class sprinter in his career and has already made a bright start to his stallion duties. Aint Nobody hails from a classy sprinting dam so he looked quite a fair price when knocked down to Kevin and Steve Hillen at GoffsUK for just £30,000. The colt did take time to really thrive and come to himself. He was quite late coming into his coat, but once he did he shaped like a nice horse.

Carlisle has been a lucky track in recent years for the yard, with notably Hello Youmzain kickstarting his career at the track. Aint Nobody made an impressive debut, winning at the first try but in decisive fashion. After some deliberation, it was decided that the 2yo could take his chance at the Royal meeting.

There is no better man than Jamie Spencer at riding the Ascot straight course and he was booked for the ride. The Windsor Castle is always an ultra competitive race, with 27 precocious 2yo’s charging down the Berkshire turf. Drawn 27, Aint Nobody was stands side, but there was plenty of pace right across the track. The American raider blazed a trail down the near side which allowed Jamie to track the blistering pace, sitting towards the front of the near side group. Throughout the first half of the race both groups seemed to be on terms with one another.

With the far side group containing more of the field, they looked to hold the advantage passing the 3f and into the final 2f. The near side continued to chase the American challenger and around 2 1/2f from home, Aint Nobody just got a little lost and outpaced. Jamie gathered up his mount and got to work on him, trying to get back into his racing rhythm. For such an inexperienced horse this could have been game over but Aint Nobody started to respond to pressure. With a couple of reminders the colt changed legs and move forward.

The near side still held sway as they bared down on the final furlong, with the leader having set sail for home. Aint Nobody had moved through to give chase but would still have over a couple of lengths to find. It did seem as though the near side were finishing the stronger and especially Aint Nobody. As he burst through, the gap was diminishing but the leader was still not stopping. Aint Nobody was in full swing though, having momentum behind him and under a Spencer drive. Picking the leader up with 1/2f to run he quickly swept by. This was Aint Nobody’s race now and he strode out to the cheers of his owners. Striding out he took down the Windsor Castle by a length.

Royal Ascot can make or break horses, especially 2yo’s. Aint Nobody showed a great attitude throughout the day, handling all the pre-lims and atmosphere. Despite getting outpaced halfway, Aint Nobody finished with a real flourish and in the end he won a shade cosily. On. both his runs his best part of the race has been the latter stages which suggests that 6f would suit. He has now got listed honours and the next step will be group company. There are plenty of options coming up, both at home and abroad. It was great for the Matthews and Blackburn families to get a winner at the Royal meeting and hopefully the journey can continue throughout the year.

Perseverance is not always the easiest thing in our sport as it doesn’t always repay your faith. Horses don’t know what their record looks like or how long it has been since their last win. Belsito has recently been turning around his form and the u-turn was completed as he took the 6f Euro2024 Daily Giveaways On rhino.bet Handicap at Carlisle.

Belsito rounded off his juvenile season with a win, setting up a promising 3yo season with a mark of 74. Unfortunately it just didn’t work out and a rather disappointing downturn in his form left connections perplexed. With another poor run on his return in March, Belsito was checked out and subsequently had a little wind op.

Following the small procedure, Belsito’s form turned right around, gradually seeing him gain confidence and improve run after run. His last outing saw the 4yo travel strongly before just failing to get his head up. It suggested that a win was just around the corner, so when a similar race came up a week later, back at Carlisle, Belsito had his best chance of gaining a second career win.

Tom Eaves took the ride and with Belsito being rated 2lb above the handicap threshold, he would carry 10st2lb. An Awkward start saw Belsito losing many lengths and detached at the rear of the field. He soon found his stride and joined the main group as they shifted over to the stands side rail.

The one benefit of missing the break was that Tom had a clear run with the field shifting over to the stands side. Belsito travelled well throughout the contest and cruised through the field racing down to the 2f marker. With many of his rivals coming under pressure, Tom allowed his mount to stride through, moving into contention with ease. With a little bit of urging Belsito took the lead passing the 1f pole and once he did he set sail for home. Quickening up well he opened up a lead and stayed up the stiff finish. Whilst he was chased for the final furlong he was too good and made up for his unlucky defeat 7 days earlier with a comfortable 1 length win.

It was nice to see Belsito get his head in front once again and he deserved to after some good effort of late. Despite the poor start he travelled like a dream and was in control for the last furlong. He is good order at the minute and it would be no surprise to see him pop up again in a similar event.

There are some races that will live long in the memory, maybe not for the masses but they mean something special to certain people. Louise Akehurst will remember June 16th 2024 as it was the day she rode her first winner. She delivered Amazing Winnie perfectly to take the 7f Grace And Dotty Handicap at Doncaster.

Amazing Winnie has not been the most straight forward filly, rarely being the most consistent. That said she has shown signs of ability throughout her short career but never built on that. Following her latest run in April, Winnie was sent to stud and put into foal by Washington DC.

Having come back into the yard Amazing Winnie was looking to improve her race record before starting her next career at stud. The 7f race was her first run back and Louise got the leg up after a break herself. Following an accident last year, Louise took time to recover and this would be her first ride back since.

Breaking on terms, Winnie raced enthusiastically through the early stages. Chasing the leader, Winnie was settled in second spot, taking Louise into the race nicely. The field were all happy to settle in behind the front two as they raced through the first half of the race.

Amazing Winnie travelled well throughout the contest and always had the measure of the front runner. Louise sat nice and patient, despite the filly travelling so well, waiting to unleash her run. Passing the 2f marker Louise gave her mount a squeeze and Winnie picked up to take the lead. Now it was about making her way home as they opened up a lead. Those trying to chase her down were starting to close but had work to do.

Louise stayed in balance and worked away on Winnie. Still holding a length lead entering the final furlong Amazing Winnie was proving very game in front. She was finding more for pressure and as her rivals closed, she pulled out a little bit more. Louise kept working away and the pair repelled the late flourishes from rivals. Amazing Winnie secured her first win by 1/2 length and in turn gave Louise a day to remember.

Fillie’s do tend to improve after going into foal and this looks to be the case for Amazing Winnie. She showed a very willing attitude throughout the race and found plenty under pressure. With the clock ticking she will have limited time to race and so Amazing Winnie could be kept busy now she has a win under her belt. Louise did everything right in her ride on Winnie and fully deserved that highlight win. She looked very tidy and rode patiently throughout the race. Like Winnie, this could be a nice confidence boost to see her step up on her own career.

The Skybet Sunday Series has been a real success in its short 4 year history. The series offers top prize money with many bonuses and therefore has been well supported. It was a local one for the yard as the series came to Thirsk and Alice Fairfax broke her maiden when taking the opening 6f Cure Leukaemia Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the daughter of Lope De Vega is the second foal from a dam whims a close relation to Dubawi. The filly had made a very promising start to her career when making her debut at Doncaster. Finishing fourth over 6 1/2f, she travelled like a dream before just weakening in the latter stages. It looked like a smart race and the way she moved through the contest suggested that she would be winning races before long.

Alice Fairfax had travelled so well in her first start that the drop to 6f seemed as though it would be ok yet her pedigree may suggest a little more stamina based. Tom Eaves took the ride having partnered the filly on her debut run and looked to keep things very simple. Popping out of the stalls, Alice Fairfax was immediately into stride and to the fore, racing down toward the centre of the track. It was a brisk pace and the field were well spread out across the track, with plenty of the fillies showing bright speed.

They raced through halfway in a blink of an eye and it was quite hard to see who held the advantage. With the 14 runners across the track there looked to be no bias and plenty in with a chance. Alice Fairfax had travelled well throughout the contest and she came into the last couple of furlongs pressing the lead. Tom waited for as long as he could and just let his filly lengthen. As she moved forward to take the overall lead, the nearest challenge would come from the stands side rail, well away from the filly.

It was still a wide open contest but as they entered the final furlong, Alice Fairfax began to find top gear. Along with her rival coming down the near side, the pair edged away from the rest of the field. It was quite difficult to see who had the overall lead with he front pair racing so far apart. Both fillies were kind of left to race on their own, unable to really see each other. Alice Fairfax had her head down and with Tom driving away, she had eyes only for the line. Flashing past the post it looked close but also as though Alice had done just enough. It was quickly announced that Alice Fairfax had earned the win by a head.

After a very promising debut in a good looking maiden, it was no surprise to see Alice Fairfax get her head in front at the second attempt. She has shown good natural speed in both her runs and travelled into the races very well. Bred to get a little further, it does look to have been a benefit in her runs as she has finished the race very well here. Obviously it was only the second start of her career and there is more to come from the filly so it will be interesting just where she could get to this year.

When you are named after one of the most prolific finishers in world football you do have a little bit to live up to. The Strikin Viking carries the sky blue of Middleham Park Racing, the same colour as Erling Haaland does each week. This time around it was the equine version who proved so impressive as The Strikin Viking made a big impression on debut, winning the 6f Reg Griffin Appreciation ebfstallions.com Maiden Stakes at York.

Purchased from the Guineas Breeze Ups, The Strikin Viking hailed from a top class nursery in Tally-Ho. He had breezed nicely, looked the part as a physical and seemed to have a very mature mind. All the things you look for in a 2yo who has gone through the whole breeze up scene. It also meant that he wouldn’t need to do too much before he hit the track, which is nice as Kevin always likes to give them a couple of weeks easy. This allows the horses to get over the sales without losing too much fitness and condition.

The Strikin Viking did a piece of work suggesting he was ready to hit the track and immediately York was selected as the starting point. No matter the time of year, York 2yo races are some of the best around but the Viking looked the type who could handle the occasion. Tom Eaves got the leg up and he could have hardly been happier for what came next.

Jumping well, The Strikin Viking was straight into his stride. Realistically this was the only stage of the race where he was hard pressed. Taking the lead, he took the field along, heading the favourite and more experienced rivals. Travelling in Tom’s hands, the Viking tanked along in front, showing maturity outweighing his inexperience.

By halfway The Strikin Viking had the field strung out and he was gliding through easy ground. Pestered all the way by the favourite, he set his own fractions and never got racing. Tom was always happy to let his mount bowl along in front and as they moved towards the 2f marker he had the majority in trouble. As his colleagues rowed along, Tom was motionless. The Strikin Viking was cruising on the front end and really taking the eye.

By the time they reach the 1f marker, The Strikin Viking had moved clear and Tom had to now educate him. Getting hold of the colt he drove him out, giving him a couple of flicks. The Strikin Viking quickened up and easily opened up a bigger margin. Although the race was over Tom was keen to teach his mount what was expected of him for next time out. The Strikin Viking comfortably took his debut by 2 3/4 lengths with a the rest strung out down the Knavesmire.

It was a very taking debut performance form The Strikin Viking, not just the margin of victory but his overall attitude and the way he travel throughout the contest. He was professional from the outset and then quickened when asked.

Horses can lose their way and sometimes it is obvious why but then sometimes you just can’t put your finger on it. For a horse who was 4th in the Dante and rated as high as 102, Dark Moon Rising has dropped to a level that would have thought to be never in his range. He bounced back to form though when taking the 1m5f Sky Bet Club Handicap at Hamilton, part of the Sky Bet Sunday Series.

Having had an up and down season last year, Dark Moon Rising’s highlight had been a nice win at York. Unfortunately he had mixed that in with inconsistency. The same could be said of this season so far, with 3 runs that were well below par. This had seen his mark drop to 80 and also meant that Kevin reached for blinkers, attempting to find a spark.

The Sunday series offers great prize money which in turn means competitive fields. With 12 runners lining up for the contest, the strength of field saw Dark Moon Rising as the outsider. Shane Gray has enjoyed success on board the 5yo and was back in the saddle. With the start past the winning post, the field would race uphill down the straight before taking the loop to come back the opposite way. Drawn in 12 meant that Dark Moon Rising would be on the inside turning into the loop but then the outer when they swung around it. Settling into second position, the gelding chased the lead.

Around the loop the leader injected some pace and had the field well strung out. They race uphill and right handed as the leader then took a breather and slowed it all down once again. Shane was always stalking the pace, looking to have first crack at the leader when the time came.

Entering the top of the home straight the ground falls away from the runners, as they race downhill. The leader now began to free wheel and opened up, increasing the pace again. With well over 5f to run the rest didn’t panic and allowed the leader to go on.

The race really began to hot up moving past the 3f pole. With the leader retreating quickly, the field had spread out to lay down their respective challenges. With Shane getting to work, Dark Moon Rising took over in front but that lead looked in danger almost immediately. The well fancied favourite looked to be cruising just behind and would quickly come through to challenge. As the fav joined up front, the pair opened up a clear advantage.

Having looked as though he would get swallowed up, Dark Moon Rising was getting stronger moving inside the 2f pole. It was nip and tuck but Dark Moon Rising still heal sway and was looking stronger and stronger. There were a couple more rivals coming to join the fight but Dark Moon Rising was finding for pressure. The final furlong would be a real slog but every challenge was getting repelled. Up the hill Dark Moon Rising continued to find more and pulled away from the fav, scoring by a clear 1 1/4 lengths.

It was great to see Dark Moon Rising back to form and he really thrived for the step up in trip and fitting of the blinkers. On his best form eh 5yo is far better than his current mark, so it would be no surprise to see him go on from this performance. Confidence is a big thing with horses and if this win does the trick then more days could go his way. There is a nice bonus on offer for 3 wins in the Sunday series so Dark Moon Rising will be aimed towards that. Thirsk is the next port of call, depending on what the handicapper does but if he is able to the 1m6f event looks tailor made for Dark Moon Rising.

Waiting for the weather to improve has felt like an age. Whilst it got to a point where the older horses needed to get out and run, it was far harder with the juveniles. It is important to have a nice, educational day out when running on debut so the tough ground conditions have held up the 2yo team for a few weeks longer than usual. With the sun breaking out, the juveniles have been hitting the track and Aint Nobody was the third debutante to win as he took the 5f Daily Football Offers At Rhino.Bet EBF Restricted Novice Stakes at Carlisle.

Sands Of Mali was a smart 2yo and has made a good start to his stallion career, with a few horses winning on debut. Aint Nobody was a £30,000 purchase from GoffsUK and was a striking physical, having a powerful frame and looking like a real sprinter even as a yearling. With speed throughout his page it was no surprise to see the colt develop well and come to hand early enough. Although he was ready to go, there would be a little hold up due to the changeable weather, but thankfully Carlisle did dry up quite nicely to ensure he would make his debut on good to soft ground.

Tom Eaves was booked for the ride as the pair took on 5 rivals. Only one had form in the race, but it was strong, finishing runner up twice to well fancied runners. With odds of 8/1, Aint Nobody was actually third best in the market, showing the support for the front two. It was experience to the fore as they left the stalls with the 6 runners filtering into two lines of two through the first furlong. Carlisle has a left hand bend just after the first furlong but with he field racing more towards the centre, the juveniles took a more obtuse angle around it. Aint Nobody had settled into a nice rhythm from the outset, showing the same professional attitude he had done at home.

The pace was strong throughout which took the field into the straight fairly sharply. Aint Nobody was just in behind the leader and matched his rival stride for stride. He made up ground passing halfway as the favourite was starting to come under pressure. Tom just edged left to get a clear run and give his mount a nice clear view. As they moved inside the 2f pole, Aint Nobody cruised up to the leader and was suddenly alongside with relative ease.

Tom had barely moved by the time the pair were vying for the lead. As Aint Nobody eyeballed his rival, the long time leader came under a drive. It was clear that Aint Nobody was going the best but how would his inexperience play out at the business end. Edging into the lead, Tom started to nudge his mount along and the juvenile was responding. Slowly but surely the colt began to get the message, lengthening all the time. The finish does rise up and as Aint Nobody got into top gear, he really started to stride out up the hill. Under a hands and heels ride, Aint Nobody started to assert, pulling away from his rivals and galloping away to a clear 1 length debut win.

You never know how juveniles will handle their first day out, even the most professional can suffer from stage fright. Aint Nobody has always shown a good attitude and he was exactly the same on track. He got into his stride immediately and was always travelling like the best horse. Aint Nobody put the race to bed with the minimum of fuss and it was impressive against a rival who not only had experience but their form looked solid. It may be a bit early but with Royal Ascot around the corner, there may be some consideration for Aint Nobody.

The EFL Championship season has just finished and Leicester City were crowned champions, regaining their spot in the Premier League for 2025. King Power have enjoyed success on the football pitch and were on the mark again on the race track. Having sponsored the feature 6f King Power Handicap it was the obvious race for Sergeant Wilko who duly obliged his owners by winning in the blue and white colours.

Having made a winning return to action, Wilko was unlucky last time out, finding trouble from the start. When the race at Leicester was mentioned it was pretty clear that the 3yo would be heading there. Stepping back up to 6f was likely to be beneficial and Rossa Ryan was booked for the ride.

Sergeant Wilko bounced out of the gates and was quickly into the lead. Racing a little bit away from his rivals, the colt charged down the centre of the track. He took a little bit of a tug through the early stages but Wilko was never over-racing. With the rest of the field filtering in behind him they raced down the middle in a compact group.

The pace was strong throughout the contest and with Sergeant Wilko enjoying himself out in front, a couple of the back markers came under pressure passing halfway. All the market leaders were to the fore and Wilko gave them a nice toe into the race, meaning the business end was going to be a tough task.

Rossa had given his mount plenty of rein throughout the race and he just began to wind things up moving towards the 2f pole. The increase in the tempo caught his rivals on the hop and one by one they came under a drive. Only his closest rival was going as well as Wilko but was a length down.

Coming under a drive passing the 2f, Wilko was looking to stretch and was doing so, without Rossa going for everything. The final furlong is an uphill finish and, with the soft ground, would really test the stamina reserves. Sergeant Wilko was finding for pressure and maintained his advantage as they entered the final furlong. With most of his rivals unable to close the gap, it appeared as though Sergeant Wilko was left with one last challenge. Finishing from the rear of the field, Wilko’s final challenger was eating into the ground. Thankfully he had plenty left in the tank and as his rival closed in on him, Sergeant Wilko continued to find more. Having made all, Sergeant Wilko secured a 1/2 length win, taking the owner’s own race.

Sergeant Wilko always had the size and substance to progress as a 3yo and he certainly looks to be doing so. He has won twice this year and looks open to more improvement throughout the season. Winning off a mark of 84, Sergeant Wilko will certainly be given a rise in the handicap which will likely see him contest some of the top 3yo handicaps. With races over 5f and 6f there will be plenty of opportunities and he looks the type that could capitalise with a step up in grade.

There is no such thing as a bad Guineas. The opening classic of the season invariable produces not only superstars but top quality horses. Inisherin tackled the 2000 Guineas this season, travelling as well as anyone down to the 2f pole before finishing a very good sixth. Was the result due to inexperience was probably many people’s thoughts, but connections opted for a different opinion. Dropping back in trip, by 2f, Inisherin would bolt up in the 6f Group 2, Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock.

Having raced exclusively at 1m, Inisherin had entered many people’s notebooks when winning at Newcastle back in March. His third run would be a massive step up in grade, as the 3yo headed straight to 2000 Guineas. Putting inexperience behind him, Inisherin took the field along, travelling better than anything else at 2f pole, before succumbing in the final furlong. Beaten only by 4 lengths, it was a very good run but Kevin had already made plans for what would come next.

The Sandy Lane at Haydock has become an important race in recent years, thanks to the formation of a 3yo sprinting schedule. It is a big trial for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but even those winners who haven’t managed to take both races, they have gone on to Group 1 success later in the season. Having won the race in 2019, with Hello Youmzain, Kevin knew the type of horse it takes to win and Inisherin was doing the same as his previous charge, dropping in trip. The race revolved around Vandeek, the sprinting sensation from last season, who had taken all before him as a 2yo. With the favourite going off at odds of 8/11, Inisherin was viewed as his biggest threat, sent off as 7/2 second fav.

Tom Eaves remained in the saddle, having ridden the colt in the Guineas, and looked to keep things simple from the off. Inisherin had led over a mile but would he be able to do the same over the shorter trip? Jumping well, he was able to do just that and took the lead from the stalls. Racing down the centre of the track he was stalked by the favourite as a couple of rivals looked to join him at the front.

With a nice, even gallop being set they raced down through the first half of the race with very little change in the running order. Inisherin travelled well on the front end but so were the majority of the field. Vandeek was stalking the lead and was in the slipstream of Inisherin.

Tom was able to hold his mount together for as long as possible with the colt carrying him towards the 2f pole with ease. With half of the field struggling to land a blow, Tom gave his mount a squeeze and asked him to go and lengthen. Inisherin responded well and this move had a domino effect. Vandeek now came under a drive as he angled out to try and make a challenge. Within a few strides it became clear that if they were to beat Inisherin then they would need to find another gear. The leader began stretching away and doing so with the minimum of fuss.

Having lengthened into a clear lead, Tom now began to work a little harder in the saddle, educating Inisherin. Changing leads the 3yo began to dominate entering the final furlong, opening up a 2 length lead. Everything was beaten and Vandeek could only fight it out for second. Inisherin continued to pour it on inf front, stretching further and further clear. By the line he had kicked clear by 3 3/4 lengths, winning the Group 2 contest in impressive style.

Not only was this Inisherin’s fourth race but he had only started racing in October, which bodes well for the season ahead. He has a great attitude but there should be more to come as he gains more experience, especially over this new trip. Due to his run in the Guineas and the early closing entries, Inisherin only entry at Ascot was the St James Palace. To run in the Commonwealth Cup, Inisherin will need to be supplemented and this is a discussion that will be had. Obviously if the colt does turn up for that contest then he will be a very well fancied runner, but whatever happens Inisherin looks like he could well be a big player in the sprint division this year.