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ISLE OF JURA
29th July
Isle of Jura, just a few days later put on a similarly impressive performance under Callum Shepherd at Newmarket. Carrying 12lbs more than the rest of the field, he cruised through the race and put the race to bed in a matter of strides, before being slightly eased approaching the line. He’s a big powerful horse with an excellent pedigree so at this early stage it's hard to know where his ceiling is. I will consider Goodwood although I’m keen to avoid very slow ground. Many congratulations to Shaikh Nasser who is thoroughly enjoying Isle of Jura’s rapid ascent.
ISLE OF JURA
21st July
Isle of Jura, purchased alongside Billy Jackson-Stops at the Ascot March sale, has taken a little bit of time to come to himself. That patience was certainly well rewarded on Friday as he put in a blistering performance at Newbury under a confident Callum Shepherd. He broke awkwardly, but travelled sweetly through the race and there was only going to be one winner when he hit the front. I was particularly pleased how responded to pressure and it looks like he might well go a bit further in time.
He's immaculately bred, being a half-brother to multiple group winners and has a variety of options over the next few weeks. I will consult Shaikh Nasser, his owner and we’ll come up with an appropriate plan. He’s certainly a nice horse moving forward.
EIGHT MILE
19th July
Eight Mile is becoming a little more reliable and showed a fantastic attitude to get up on the line at Yarmouth, in doing so registering back to back victories. Fortunately, he was drawn on the right side under Callum Shepherd and took a lead in the early part of the race. It’s been well documented that he’s a very good work horse and I was pleased to see him put his best foot forward for his owner Ed Williams. We will continue to campaign him over 6 furlongs and I’d imagine he will be relatively busy as he takes his racing very well.
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SEVEN QUESTIONS
19th July
Seven Questions has always shown plenty of ability. However, things didn't pan out for him in the prelims at Royal Ascot, he had to be scratched at the start. Everyone at Eve Lodge has done a tremendous job keeping him focused as a result we were confident of a big run at Yarmouth. He jumped and travelled well under Darragh Keenan and always looked to have the strong field comfortably taken care of. It’s possible he could go six furlongs in time and I'd think that he should continue to improve. He has a great constitution and looks like a horse with plenty of ability. Special mention must go to Darren who looks after him, who did a great job keeping him calm and relaxed before the race.
It was incredibly satisfying to see him bounce back after such a horrible experience at Ascot. Many congratulations to his owners Shaikh Nasser and Fawzi Nass.
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CAPTAIN KANE
18th July
Yard favourite Captain Kane bounced back to winning ways under an excellent Billy Loughnane ride. Stepping up to 2 miles for the first time, he was dropped out and switched off, moving smoothly through the race. There was an anxious moment coming down the hills as the favourite got first run, however Billy galvanised him to win on the line. It was lovely to see Billy put his stick down in the last furlong as it was clear Captain was giving everything. He’s now won eight times for Bluestarr Racing and Keith Breen. We now have plenty of options with him regarding trip and I expect to see him winning more races.
PIZ NAIR
17th July
Piz Nair is a horse we’ve always loved and I was pleased with his debut run. He took a big step forward on his second start winning under a confident Callum Shepherd. He jumped cleanly and got himself into a sensible position, only to find the pace collapse two furlongs out. Despite showing signs of greenness he galloped all the way to the line and I’m confident there’s plenty more to come from him.
Piz Nair has been on an extraordinary journey as when he arrived, he had a huge amount of maturing to do. Being out of a Galileo mare I suspect he will step up another furlong in time. The Niarchos family have been big supporters of ours since we started so it’s a treat to have another bright prospect.
He has an entry in the Gimcrack and the Champagne stake, but I suspect he will take in another Novice on his way to something along those lines.
WATCH MY TRACER
17th July
Watch My Tracer wasted little time in getting back to winning ways with a tidy performance at Windsor under Benoit de la Sayette on Monday night. Having run a screamer in the Coventry, I thought it was important to get him back in his comfort zone ahead of a possible tilt at the Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. He jumped cleanly, but had to overcome an awkward draw. At half way I was pleased with his position; when Benoit eased him out he picked up in the style of a good horse, winning comfortably by 3 & 1/2 lengths. He’s not the biggest horse in the world, but he is an athlete and covers plenty of ground. Many congratulations to Shaikh Nasser and Fawzi Nass, it’s always a huge pleasure to train them winners as they have been big supporters of the yard.
Eight Mile
11th July
Eight Mile very much put his best foot forward at Brighton last week, under Billy Loughnane. It wasn’t surprising as he’d lead most of the home work pre Royal Ascot - if I’m being honest he’d been increasingly hard to pass too!
He broke a little awkwardly, but he was well positioned off a strong pace. There was never any doubt when Billy pushed the button. I was glad to see him prick his ears on the line, he seems to have taken the race very well and I can see him being busy over the next week or two.
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