Three out of three for the Pink & Green filly

There was some high-class action on the Flat in the UK and France on Saturday, including the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. Andrew Balding's filly Blue Bolt claimed her fourth victory at the highest level with an authoritative display on the Rowley Mile pulling clear to score by nearly three lengths. The daughter of Blue Point is unbeaten in six runs in 2026 and has won 9 of her 12 career starts. Those subscribers who purchased the Cheltenham Festival Update 2025 will recall the Juddmonte owned filly was highlighted as an unraced three year old to follow - following my interview with Andrew for that year's Ahead On The Flat. Having written in the Update 'don't miss her first time out' she promptly finished fifth of nine in a fillies' maiden at Southwell on her debut on the 6th April. Needless to say, I received an email from a client who was less than complimentary. Equally, he has never been in touch since. It is a fickle game at times.

Having highlighted Myesme for the Listed Redcar Two Year Old Trophy, I was a bit disappointed with her effort in third. Even though Ed Bethell's filly rewarded each-way support, she failed to make use of her inside berth and never looked like picking up the more experienced and well supported winner Satellite of Love. Indeed, I suspect she will prove best over the minimum trip because the daughter of Havana Grey wasn't gaining at the finish. 

Switching codes, Philip Hobbs highlighted Anniversary (5/2) as a novice hurdler to watch out for in his interview in One Jump Ahead. Rated 86 on the Flat when handled by Ralph Beckett, the gelded son of Sea The Moon made a smooth transition to the jumping game with a cosy success at the first time of asking at Fontwell. Partnered by Ben Jones, he jumped fluently and was always holding Irish raider Eben Zaabeel after the last. The pair pulled a dozen lengths clear of the rest. It was a good start to his new vocation. He won't be featured in any other horses to follow publication.

In Ireland, the Rich & Susannah Ricci owned Witches Familiar made it three out of three over hurdles at Gowran Park. The Zarak filly who raced twice on the Flat for Daniela Mele in France had won previously at Ballinrobe and Galway. Reappearing after an absence of 68 days, the Willie Mullins trained runner readily brushed aside the 125 rated Switch From Diesel by ten lengths in a Grade 3 novice. Quick and accurate over her hurdles, Paul Townend's mount sauntered clear after the second last and set up a possible tilt at the Grade 2 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse (29th November).

Witches Familiar features in the exclusive interview with owner Rich Ricci in One Jump Ahead. If you haven't ordered your copy or the Updates, please head to the Publications section of the site. Once again, there are a few horses highlighted in the Talking Trainers section of OJA in action on Sunday - including those trained by champion Dan Skelton in his 120 horse interview.