Autumn Update winners: Wissahickon (Advised @ 12/1) & Ten Sovereigns (8/13)

The Autumn Update get off to an inauspicious start with both Beatboxer and Oak Park running abysmally at Newmarket and Haydock Park respectively. However, things took a turn for the better thereafter with Ten Sovereigns and Wissahickon winning on the Rowley Mile.

Wissahickon (advised @ 12/1) routed the opposition in the Cambridgeshire Handicap by upwards of three and three quarters of a length under Frankie Dettori. It was John Gosden's fourth win in the race and his third with a three year old (Halling (1994) & Pipedreamer (2007). Rated 107, the son of Tapit emerged from stall 21 and, having looked in trouble during the early stages, he soon came back on the bridle and readily picked up the likes of Mordin and Via Via to win with any amount in hand. Suited by fast ground, one can envisage him returning to the same track next spring for the Earl of Sefton Stakes.

My other two selections, namely UAE Prince (5th) and Kynren (6th) both acquitted themselves well. The former travelled well and would have benefited from a more positive ride - he stayed on at the death - while the latter ran creditably but is a better horse with ease underfoot. The Lincoln is likely to be his target next spring.

Two unbeaten colts, Ten Sovereigns and Jash, dominated the finish to the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes earlier on the card. It was Aidan O'Brien's son of No Nay Never who emerged on top by half a length with three and a half lengths back to the third. Ballydoyle were winning the race for a sixth time and he looks a top-class colt in the making. Interestingly, Donnacha O'Brien suggested afterwards that the Commonwealth Cup may prove to be his big target next summer, although the 2000 Guineas certainly wasn't being ruled out. The runner-up looks a smart prospect too and he could be the best horse Simon Crisford has handled in his short training career. Something like the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock is an obvious target for him next term.

Kadar, who was due to contest the Royal Lodge Stakes at HQ, was withdrawn having been found to have been cast in the box. Talking of juveniles, the York Ebor Update continues to churn the winners with Sparkle Roll (15/2) defying a big market drift. John Gosden's daughter of Kingman was highlighted as an unraced two year old to watch out for and she clearly learned plenty from her debut at the same track.

The champion trainer elect doubled up at the Merseyside track courtesy of the progressive Surya. Featured in the Unraced Three Year Old section of Ahead On The Flat, the impeccably bred son of Frankel (out of Sariska) made it three wins on the bounce with a two and a quarter lengths win of the staying handicap. Having started his career over a mile in the Wood Ditton at Newmarket, he hasn't looked back since stepping up in trip. He ought to make a smashing four year old over staying trips.

Enjoy the weekend - and don't forget to raise a glass to J.H.M.Gosden and L.Dettori.