Adaay in Devon – 2-year-old filly; Rod Millman – Rod Millman looks to have a progressive juvenile on his hands if Adaay In Devon’s most recent win is any guide. Backed as though defeat was out of the question, she readily pulled clear of the runners on her side when asked to win her race and was really sprinting when she hit the line. This late foal has progressed with every run to date and is entered in this week’s Racing League under a penalty, which will have her on a mark of 75. That looks within her compass based on the speed-figure she clocked last time out and this filly should have more good days ahead.
Your Spirit – 3-year-old filly; Paul Midgley – rated 75 following her runs in novice company last year, Your Spirit has steadily dropped in the ratings for her current yard and looks as though she may be ready to strike soon off a mark in the mid-50s. She had shaped well two back at Beverley and again looked in top form at Ripon last time. She blew the start there and lost all chance, but made a nice wide move to challenge 2f out and kept on well in the circumstances. She looks ready to land a Class 6 contest soon if breaking on terms.
Sagano – 6-year-old gelding; Gary Moore – a talented horse in his native France, Sagano had a trio of runs earlier in the year for this yard where it’s fair to say that winning was perhaps not the primary objective. Down 8lbs as a result of those three runs at big odds, clearly better was expected at Sandown last Thursday given the support throughout the day, and Sagano duly ran much better, unable to reel in a well-ridden winner but clocking the best final split in the field. He was extremely weak in the betting in the minutes before the off – drifting from an opening show of 11/4 out to 15/2 – and is likely to be even better next time out.
Michael’s Pledge – 3-year-old gelding; John Quinn – returning from an 82-day break, John Quinn’s gelding moved through this staying handicap like much the best horse, only to be nailed close home. He was a bit free off the break and in first-time blinkers, but this run should have taken the fizz out of him and he looks capable of exploiting the generous 3-year-old allowance in staying races in the coming weeks, particularly with stronger handling. A drop in trip at a stiff track wouldn’t bother him.
Back the horses above on their next four runs; stop if they change trainer.
