Group success for Top 40 entry

Thank you to those clients who emailed following Corolla Point's narrow success in the five furlongs handicap at Hamilton on Saturday evening. It was tighter than I had hoped but a victory nevertheless on an excellent day for his trainer Ed Bethell, who was responsible for an across the card treble.

Unfortunately, the ante-post advice regarding Dance In The Storm in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood didn't come to fruition with Andrew Balding's mare failing to make the cut (she missed out by four). Hopefully readers managed to back her at Chester on Sunday in the seven furlongs handicap. Not for the first time this year, the four year old overcame a wide draw on the Roodeye before quickening up on the outside to win a shade cosily. It will be interesting to see whether she is given an entry in the Ayr Gold Cup or her connections pursue a black type event. A strong early gallop is her one requirement and a drop back to six furlongs will be ideal.

The Top 40 Prospects in AOTF had a poor afternoon on Saturday with two disappointing efforts. However, the section got back to winning ways on Sunday with Symbol of Majesty relishing the step up to ten furlongs at Deauville on Sunday. Tackling Pattern company for the first time in a Group 3 event, the daughter of New Bay was given a splendid ride by William Buick. Runner-up in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot last time, she was well positioned throughout behind the long time leader Evita. Responding generously to pressure from the saddle, John & Thady Gosden's runner picked up well to lead close home and prevail by three parts of a length. She is a progressive filly who could stay even further with a Group 2 presumably next on her agenda.

Finally, congratulations to Andrew Balding and his team following a superb day on Sunday with four winners from five runners, including Blue Bolt's success in the Group 1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville. The Blue Point filly is now unbeaten in four races this term, including two wins at the highest level. Confirming the form with Precise following her victory over the Ballydoyle filly in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket last month, the pair could clash for a third time in the Group 1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in September.