Friday Review

The well bred Sallaal is beginning to fulfil his potential as a four year old with Roger Varian claiming the Listed Gala Stakes at Sandown on Friday. A half-brother to the stable's 1000 Guineas winner Elmalka, the son of Frankel had failed to trouble the judge in three previous runs in Pattern company but is an improved model this term. An impressive winner of a valuable handicap at Epsom's Oaks meeting last month off a mark of 107, he took the return to Listed company in his stride at the Esher track. Racing handily, Ray Dawson's mount led over a furlong out before being pushed out to beat Persica by a length and three quarters. His connections will continue to gradually step the gelding up in class with the Group 3 Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock Park (8th August) mooted as a likely target. 

Be Patient impressed when winning on his handicap debut at Doncaster. A novice winner over a mile at Newcastle last backend, the son of St Mark's Basilica defied an absence of 239 days to win the ten furlongs event off an opening mark of 79. Oisin Orr's mount raced towards the rear before being produced on the far side. Quickening up smartly, he pulled away in the closing stages to register a length and a half victory. Ed Bethell's has a useful prospect on his hands and the three year old will be of interest in a valuable ten furlongs handicap this summer. 

As discussed, I was working at Beverley on Friday evening and, while it was low grade action on the track - with the exception of Karl Burke's Tropical Crown who belied a big drift in the market to win decisively on his debut in the two year old contest - I spoke to a few connections, including Geoff Oldroyd. The Pocklington based handler introduced an above average looking juvenile at Carlisle's Plate and Bell meeting in late June, namely In The Black. The Havana Grey filly won going away by a length and a half. She has reportedly undergone a wind operation since and will be aimed at the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York (20th August).