Saturday Review

Perfect Power was a dual Group 1 winning juvenile last year and Richard Fahey's colt successfully stepped up to seven furlongs for the first time in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury. The son of Ardad tracked long time leader Angel Bleu until shaken up inside the final furlong by Christophe Soumillon before stretching clear to register a comfortable one and a half lengths win. His dam stayed ten furlongs which gives connections hope that he will stay a mile. Regardless of what proves to be his optimum trip, he is an exciting three year old and will be a real flagbearer for Richard Fahey this term.

William Haggas spoke favourably about the once raced My Prospero in Ahead On The Flat and the son of Iffraaj didn't let favourite backers down when winning division one of the eight furlongs maiden. The half-brother to My Oberon was embroiled in a sustained duel with Thesis inside the final quarter of a mile before asserting inside the final 200 yards. He looks another smart prospect for the Somerville Lodge outfit. 

The Top 40 Prospects in AOTF have got off to a good start and, while Lionel (6/1) could only finish third in the eleven furlongs maiden, the Lope De Vega colt ran a race full of promise. Slowly away, he soon found himself towards the rear. Having travelled well, Jamie Spencer pulled his mount to the outside and he stayed on strongly and was beaten less than a length by the Godolphin pair, Natural World and Ottoman Fleet. It is only a matter of time before he goes one better and will be improve further over longer distances. One can envisage him winning a big prize over trips around a mile and six later in the year - whether that's the St Leger or the Melrose Stakes, time will tell but he is a good horse in the making. 

Dirtyoldtown (12/1) is featured in the Significant Sales section of AOTF and the three year old ran a cracker on his first run for Grant Tuer in the Royal Mile Handicap at Musselburgh. Edgy and sweating beforehand, the No Nay Never colt attempted to make and looked set to prevail entering the final furlong. Beaten half a length by Spirit Catcher, it shouldn't be longer before he goes one better. His former trainer George Boughey feels he will improve once gelded and I am inclined to agree. He is talented.

It has been a splendid couple of days for ValueRacingClub.co.uk. On Wednesday, Carn A Chlamain won on his first start over hurdles at Southwell since being bought for 8,000gns in October. On Saturday, Val De Travers won on his first run for Mick Appleby at Nottingham. Purchased for 24,000gns at the same sale, the Swiss Spirit gelding had failed to win in six runs for previous connections. Once again, the syndicate has proved it didn't get its name by accident. Hats off to racing manager James Couldwell - he grafts hard and deserves all the success he gets. 

All orders for Ahead On The Flat received before lunchtime on Saturday have been posted out. If you haven't already ordered a copy, please head to the Publications section. 

Happy Easter to all clients and contributors of Ahead On The Flat and One Jump Ahead. YNWA.