York Update winner Summertime Romance (11/2)

Summertime Romance (11/2) provided the York Ebor Update with another winner when scoring on her handicap debut at Kempton on Wednesday evening. Marco Botti's filly had run well behind subsequent Listed winner Yesyes at Lingfield last month and caught the eye at the Sunbury track last time. Not overburdened off a mark of 70, she had been apprentice ridden in the past and Andrea Atzeni took over on this occasion. Overcoming a slow start, she soon found herself in a prominent position and kept on well to win by a neck. It wouldn't be a surprise if she was able to follow up.

The Tim Easterby trained Roach House was also highlighted as a horse to follow in the Update and the half-brother to stablemate Art Power ran a cracker on his racecourse bow at Carlisle on Thursday. Contesting the same six furlongs novice stakes which another stable companion, Lampang, won in 2019, he was also sluggish at the stalls but was soon in contention and held every chance. While it was disappointing to see him find a thrice raced maiden too good (Breeze Easy), it was still an encouraging display and he ought to be hard to beat next time. Sent off 8/1, he rewarded each-way support.

I have completed interviews with Olly Murphy and Jonjo O'Neill this week for the forthcoming edition of One Jump Ahead. The pair had excellent campaigns in 2020/2021 with 80 and 71 winners respectively and have recruited heavily during the spring/summer.

Following a trip to Hamilton Park on Friday evening, I will continue to add the final touches to the book and hope to take it to the printer at some stage during the week starting the 6th September. Thank you very much to those clients who have already bought a copy, plus the Updates, the response has been superb. There is some terrific content this year, especially the 'new' horses from France and Ireland. Point-to-point expert Declan Phelan is sending through his articles this weekend and Anthony Bromley's piece has already been filed. 

I spoke to Dan Skelton on Wednesday evening about his most exciting prospects for the winter ahead, including his new signings, and I have also been in touch with Venetia Williams who has been busy acquiring fresh talent from across the English Channel.

I will be back to update the Diary over the weekend. In the meantime, please go to the Publications section of the site to order a copy of One Jump Ahead and the Updates, if you haven't already done so.