Sunday Review

The horse featured on page 10 of Ahead On The Flat was disappointing to say the least on Sunday - even allowing for his lack of experience and a disadvantageous draw, he should have made a big impact. I am hoping it was too bad to be true and he will bounce back next time.

There were a couple of smart performances at Wetherby with the regally bred Noon Star making it two wins from three starts during her short career in the ten furlongs novice stakes. The daughter of Galileo out of the multiple Group 1 winner Midday had won emphatically at Nottingham as a juvenile last Autumn and she couldn't have made a better start to her three year old career at the A1 track. Well positioned by Richard Kingscote, Sir Michael Stoute's filly only had to be pushed out for a two and a half lengths win. Given her pedigree, gaining black type will be the next priority and she is likely to head for an Oaks trial next month. The Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York (12th May) looks a distinct possibility, a race her stable have won eight times.

William Haggas has hoping Ametist would be a Lincoln Handicap contender at the start of the year but the four year old wasn't eligible having only raced twice. Back in action following an absence of 314 days, the gelded son of Dutch Art had no trouble carrying a penalty to victory in the seven furlongs novice stakes. Quickening up well to win going away by four and a quarter lengths, it will be interesting to see what rating he is allocated. Races such as the Royal Hunt Cup are likely to come under consideration because his trainer feels the Cheveley Park Stud owned gelding will be even better over a mile. He has a bright future and can win a good handicap before progressing to stakes races.