Weekend Review

Twenty years after Galileo achieved the notable Epsom Derby/King George double, the Godolphin owned Adayar managed to do the same with a terrific performance at Ascot on Saturday. Racing on fast ground for the first time, he was a four and a half lengths scorer at Epsom under Adam Kirby and produced an even better performance here beating some top-class rivals. Mishriff looked a huge threat a furlong and a half out but William Buick's mount plenty for pressure and powered clear to win by a length and three quarters. It was a top drawer performance by the son of Frankel and he is set to play a leading role in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe in October. The Prix Niel over the same course and distance less a month earlier is likely to be his next port of call though. Charlie Appleby and Godolphin are also responsible for Irish Derby and Grand Prix de Paris winner Hurricane Lane but it is difficult to see Buick desserting the King George winner.

Mishriff is a dual Group 1 winner and has earned over £10.5m in prize-money. Despite winning the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March over a mile and a half, the son of Make Believe is considered a better horse over ten furlongs. Having reportedly needed the run in the Eclipse last time, he stepped up on that performance here and will be a major player in the Juddmonte International at York next month. Whether he can turn the tables on his Sandown conqueror St Mark's Basilica is a different matter though. The disappointment of Saturday's race was Love who appeared to have no excuses. While it wasn't ideal when stablemate and supposed pacemaker Broome missed the break, her connections must have been hoping for a better performance. Ryan Moore's mount was well positioned turning for home but Mishriff quickly swept past her on the outside and she could only run at one pace. Beaten three and a half lengths, it will be interesting to see where she heads next.

Elsewhere, I was disappointed Moshaawer couldn't win on his handicap debut off a mark of 93 at Newcastle. Roger Varian's colt had won on his two previous starts at Kempton and Doncaster and had been given an entry in both the Great Voltigeur and St Leger since. Partnered by Jack Mitchell in twelve furlongs handicap and racing against older horses for the first time, he moved stylishly into contention before coming under pressure inside the final two furlongs. Keeping on, he lacked the change of gear which had been evident on Town Moor last time. Given his weight for age allowance, I must admit I thought the son of Frankel was a good thing. Perhaps he is a better horse on turf because he made heavy weather of winning at Kempton on his reappearance. I can't believe that is as good as he is. 

On Friday, I spoke to Donald McCain and went through the pick of his string for the season ahead. The Cheshire based handler sent out 66 winners last term, including a Grade 2 winner and four Listed successes. Donald has put together a strong team of youngsters and some exciting novice chasers for the winter ahead. He has also recruited heavily from the Irish pointing scene during the spring/summer and has a lot to look forward to. I will be conducting more interviews for One Jump Ahead in the coming days and weeks.