Good afternoon from Newmarket! We spread the net far and wide today, with Global Giant over in Ireland to run at The Curragh and Aysar making his debut at Newcastle.
Global Giant only recently made his seasonal reappearance in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot, but the race was a disaster from start to finish. He was colty beforehand, the soft ground did not suit and he was involved in some scrimmaging early on which severely compromised his chance. He trailed in at the back of the field, but has come out of it in rude health, so we thought why not take our chance in the Gr.3 International Stakes at 3.30 this afternoon?
This four-year-old son of Shamardal was a big improver last year, culminating in a Listed success at Dundalk back in October. He has also been Gr.3 placed, so we thought we were set fair for an exciting campaign this time around. He took a while to come to hand and obviously Ascot did not go to script, so we are effectively wiping the slate clean and giving him another chance to prove himself today. The William Haggas’ trained Addeyb and some smart Irish three-year-olds set us a stiff challenge, but the track, trip and ground are in our favour, and Giant works like he retains his ability. I keep my fingers crossed that he can put in a good show and indicate that we have something to look forward to in the second half of the year. Gerald Mosse rides.
From one of our established stars we now switch our attentions to a two-year-old debutant in the shape of Aysar in the five-furlong two-year-old novice at 4.45. A nicely-bred son of Sir Prancealot, he was a 160,000gns Book 2 purchase last year, from the family of Jersey Stakes runner-up Society Power. He is a very well put together individual who looks racy, and should have a good future. We are in against more experience rivals today, and our horses invariably improve for the first outing, but hopefully we will see a little bit of promise nonetheless from this talented colt.
Enjoy the sport today,
Ed.