Autumn Update emailed to clients on Thursday

Unfortunately, ante-post selection Northern Ticker (advised @ 25/1) could only finish sixth in the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday. Michael Dods' Mehmas gelding was bidding to become the fourth three year old to win the six furlongs cavalry charge this century. Following Candy's victory in the Silver Cup earlier in the afternoon from stall 16, I was very hopeful of a bold showing but the main action happened away from him on the far side. Berthed in stall 19, Paul Mulrennan's mount travelled strongly behind the leaders towards the middle / stands side but wasn't carried into the race for long enough and those on the far side got away from him. Beaten three lengths, it was a creditable effort. I suspect his lack of experience - only seven races beforehand - plus the draw proved his undoing. Despite the reversal, I remain convinced he is a high quality sprinter in the making and one who will make an impact in Pattern company at some stage next year. Indeed, it wouldn't be a major surprise if he is tried over five furlongs at some stage in the future because he has a lot of speed and possesses a high cruising speed. 

The Western meeting at Ayr is one of my favourites in the calendar and I was fortunate enough to work all three days for Racing TV alongside the best in the business Nick Luck. It was a thoroughly enjoyable few days with local handler Jim Goldie sending out 6 winners from 33 runners. Aside from the competitive sprint handicaps, there were some smart performances including Almeric's victory in the Listed Doonside Cup. The Study of Man, who hadn't been seen since the spring, was providing Andrew Balding with his fourth win in the ten furlongs contest. Rusty early on, Oisin Murphy bided his time until making his challenge in the homestraight. The grey quickened up inside the final quarter of a mile to win going away by nearly three lengths. Entered in the Group 1 Qipco British Champions Stakes at Ascot in four weeks time, he is an exciting three year old with a bright future. A homebred, he is one for next year.

There were two runners in the Top 40 Prospects at Newbury on Friday, including Janey Mackers (11/2) in the concluding ten furlongs handicap. David Menuisier's filly had been bitterly disappointing earlier in the year having looked a fine prospect when winning on her debut at Doncaster last Autumn. Racing off a mark of 85, she did well to reel in long time leader Alcaraz before pulling away inside the final 50 yard. A length and a quarter winner, slow ground appears to be important to her and hopefully the daughter of New Bay can add to her tally before the end of the season. Earlier on the card, Volterra was denied by a head in a Listed event over seven furlongs. Kevin Ryan's charge had failed to get home over a mile in a Group 3 at Deauville on his previous outing and looked all set for victory under pounced on late by the three year old Remmooz. It was a good run but I still maintain he is worth a try over six furlongs - he is all speed, he likes slow ground and loves Ascot. He is tailormade for the Qipco British Champion Sprint (18th October) but needs to be supplemented. 

Just a reminder that One Jump Ahead is currently at the printers and due to be published the week starting Monday 29th September - all pre orders will be dispatched as soon as possible. I am now working on the Autumn Update, which will be emailed to clients on Thursday (25th September). The Update will concentrate on the major Autumn prizes, including the Group 1 Cheveley Park and Middle Park Stakes, plus the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes and Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket on Saturday (27th). The Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp (5th October) will also come under the scrutiny and other horses to watch out for in the remaining weeks of the turf campaign.

If you haven't ordered either OJA and the Updates, or the Autumn Update, please head to the Publications section of the site.