Weekend Review

I was hoping the German who would be celebrating on Sunday evening was Jurgen Klopp but it was the 44 year old Marcel Weiss following Torquator Tasso's surprise victory in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. Despite the fact the four year old was a dual Group 1 winner beforehand, he appeared to have his limitations and was sent off a huge price as a result. However, there appeared to be no fluke about the performance as he came with a well timed run on the outside to score snugly by three parts of a length from Tarnawa and Hurricane Lane. Dermot Weld felt the testing ground cost the runner-up victory. The Epsom Derby and King George winner Adayar was left in the lead from an early stage and, while he held every chance in the homestraight, he would almost certainly have benefited from a stronger gallop and something to aim at. His interrupted preparation wasn't ideal either having been ruled out of the Prix Niel last month. 

Arguably the most impressive performance of Arc weekend came from Space Blues (advised @ 7/2) in the Group 1 Prix de La Foret. Charlie Appleby's five year old has improved with each start this term and he register his second win at the highest level in the seven furlongs contest. Ridden with the utmost confidence by William Buick, the son of Dubawi showed an electric turn of foot to mow down the leaders before pulling clear to win by two lengths. It was a top-class performance by a very good horse. Kinross ran well in fourth but had too much to do.

Congratulations to William Haggas and everyone at Somerville Lodge having sent out 8 winners on Saturday. The stable's 15 runners yielded form figures of 610018301115111. They included Dubai Honour registering his second Group 2 victory in the Prix Dollar at Longchamp.

Well done, too, to ValueRacingClub.co.uk following Boundless Power's third win of 2021. Given a splendid ride by Rossa Ryan, the four year old had finished runner-up in the Portland Handicap at Doncaster on his previous start, and gained ample compensation with a comforable three parts of a length win off a mark of 91. Rated 75 when he joined Mick Appleby, he has been a superb buy and has more to offer. James Couldwell and his team will be seeking to buy something similar at the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale at the end of the month - the syndicate's name isn't a coincidence.

One Jump Ahead has made a good start and Too Friendly (5/4) was another winner when scoring on his hurdles debut at Stratford on Monday. Rated 85 on the Flat when handled by George Scott, the son of Camelot was gelded soon after joining Dan Skelton. Despite racing a shade keenly during the early stages, he jumped well and showed good acceleration to wear down the useful Oceanline on the run-in. The Skelton yard have done well with Allmankind and Stepney Causeway for the Gredley family and the three year old looks another good addition to Paul Nicholls' former assistant. Featured in the Changing Codes section of OJA, more wins look assured and it will be interesting to see if he is steered towards the £20,000 Listed Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle at Wetherby (29th October). 

Bromley's Best Buys is one of the most popular articles in the book and the section made a flying start on Friday when George Bancroft (100/30) made a successful start to his hurdles career at Fontwell. Acquired for 28,000gns in July, the son of Australia won at Ripon in August before being bought by J.P.McManus. Charlie Longsdon's three year old looks a strong stayer and hopefully he will continue to progress with racing. 

All orders for OJA received by lunchtime on Monday have been sent out. We currently have less than 150 copies left in stock. Thank you very much to all those who have bought a copy, plus the Updates. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.