Saturday Review

Saxon Warrior provided Aidan O'Brien with his ninth win in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. The unbeaten son of Deep Impact travelled beautifully under Donnacha O'Brien and was value for more than the winning margin of a length and a half. It will be interesting to see how far he stays because he certainly isn't short of speed. A big powerful colt, he looks something special. Both Masar (third) and Elarqam (fourth) ran well but couldn't match the winner's turn of foot. The pair are likely to benefit from a step up in trip but I don't think they will ever beat Saxon Warrior over any distance.

Ultimately, Defoe ran out an easy winner of the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes. Roger Varian's four year old had impressed when winning the John Porter Stakes at Newbury last month and was supplemented for this. Staying on strongly to reel in Red Verdon, he scored by nearly four lengths. Despite that, I don't think he was at his best - it was only a fortnight since his winning reappearance and this wasn't the strongest of Group 2s. His connections mentioned the Tattersalls Gold Cup over ten furlongs later this month as a possible next target. I am not convinced he will be suited by a drop back in distance. I would be inclined to keep him to twelve furlongs for the time being. He doesn't want the ground too quick though.

Stablemate Masaarr (9/4) provided the Top 40 Prospects with a welcome winner in the one mile handicap at Doncaster this evening. The son of Distorted Humor appreciated the step up in trip and displayed a good turn of foot to catch the more experienced Magnificent inside the final furlong. A three parts of a length winner, he remains unexposed and looks capable of winning more races.

Overall, it was a good day for Ahead On The Flat with Victory Chime (6/1) winning on his handicap debut at Goodwood. Trained by the in-form Ralph Beckett, the gelded son of Campanologist was given an excellent ride by Louis Steward overcoming a wide draw (stall 16). Making virtually all, he stayed on strongly off a mark of 72. I will be surprised if he can't add to his win. Other winners in AOTF included Fujaira Prince (4/6), Jewel Maker (1/2), Original Choice (6/1), Salateen (7/2) and Watchable (9/1).