Job done

Roger Varian's continue in fine form with the unbeaten Julia Augusta making it two out of two on her belated reappearance at Thirsk on Wednesday. Absent for 192 days, the daughter of Ulysses had won nicely on her sole start at Kempton in December. Sent off a short price favourite in the one mile novice stakes, she was partnered by Danny Tudhope and her supporters didn't have too many anxious moments as she pulled away in the home straight to win eased down by five lengths. Depending on her opening rating, a step up in grade will be on her agenda next and it will be a surprise if she can't hold her own in a better class later this summer.

Subscribers to the Royal Ascot Update will be aware that a twice raced three year old was highlighted on page 5 as a horse to follow once handicapped. The horse in question completed his education in maidens/novice events and is most definitely one to look out for in the coming weeks and months. He certainly wasn't subjected to an aggressive ride and that kindness is expected to be rewarded shortly.

From the highs following Westover's runaway win in the Irish Derby at the Curragh on Saturday, Ralph Beckett suffered the lows a couple of days later when it was announced his Group 1 winning stayer Scope had been put down following exercise. Last year's Prix Royal Oak winner, who was ruled out of the Ascot Gold Cup due to the prevailing fast ground at the Royal meeting, was found to have fractured his right hind cannonbone and pastern. Following his encouraging reappearance at Newbury in May, the four year old had a lot more to offer. He will be sorely missed by everyone at Kimpton Down.