Frustrating day

While Highgarden (12/1) provided the Top 40 Prospects with a welcome winner in the Princess Royal Stakes at Newmarket, it was a frustrating afternoon on the Rowley Mile. In the same Group 3 event, one can't help feeling Mrs Sippy missed a golden opportunity. Rather like the Lancashire Oaks, David Simcock's filly was slowly away and immediately forfeited three or four lengths. Admittedly, she held every chance entering the final furlong but the sluggish start didn't help her cause.

Then thirty five minutes later, I thought Dandhu (12/1), who was featured in the York Ebor Update, was unlucky not to go very close in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes. Held up by Gerald Mosse, David Elsworth's filly met trouble in running on more than one occasion before finishing strongly in second. Beaten a length and three quarters by Aidan O'Brien's Just Wonderful, the daughter of Dandy Man is a useful filly and it would be no surprise to see her lining up in something like the Nell Gwyn or Fred Darling Stakes next spring.

Talking of the York Update, Wings of Time was highlighted as a juvenile to follow and, while he only finished seventh on his debut in the seven furlongs maiden stakes at HQ, he shaped with definite promise. Reportedly green at home, it was a similar story on the racecourse. The son of Invincible Spirit got behind early on but was spotted good late headway. With this experience behind him, he will be a different proposition next time. Charlie Appleby's charge is most definitely one to keep an eye on.

Finally, to cap the whole day, Storm Ahead (28/1) who has been infuriating to follow this season, was denied by a head in the one mile handicap at Haydock. Featured in the Significant Sales section of AOTF, Tim Easterby's gelding loomed up travelling well but wouldn't go passed the more willing King's Pavilion.

There is still time to order a copy of the Autumn Update, which includes a preview of the Royal Lodge, Middle Park and Cambridgeshire which all take place at Newmarket on Saturday, plus there are a couple of once raced maidens who are due to line up at the same track plus Haydock. The Update is £6.00 and is available via the Publications section.