Two more featured winners

Respond, who is featured in the Unraced Three Year Olds section in AOTF, got off the mark at the fourth attempt in the ten furlongs maiden at Haydock on Friday evening. Owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, the gelded son of Ghaiyyath hadn't been seen since finishing runner-up at Sandown in June. Despite racing keenly, Oisin Murphy's mount produced a good performance to get the better of Mukhtalif staying on strongly inside the final furlong. Officially rated 82, once he learns to settle, Andrew Balding's charge can develop into a useful handicapper. On pedigree, he ought to stay a mile and a half but needs to relax in his races.

Twenty four hours earlier, Sons And Lovers atoned for a below par effort in the Listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot by recording a narrow sucess in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday. Previously handled by Jane Chapple-Hyam, the four year old had run well in the Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh during the spring. Featured in the Stable Switchers section, the Study of Man gelding was tackling a mile and a half for the first time here and threats to stay even further later on. Indeed, the Melbourne Cup was mooted afterwards and it wouldn't be a surprise if he made an impact. Joseph O'Brien has already won the 'race which stops a nation' twice. 

One of the most popular features in One Jump Ahead during the last few years amongst subscribers are the comments of James Reveley in the French Revolution section. James has once again kindly passed on his thoughts regarding the latest recruits from across the English Channel. I spoke to the three times champion jockey on Friday while he was travelling to Dieppe. It is fair to say there are some very exciting prospects, including two who James described as 'potential Gold Cup horses.'