Our columnist reflects on Perfect Power's Group One win and the Goffs Premier Yearling Sales, before looking ahead to his weekend team.
Perfect Power came out of the Prix Morny in great shape, we’re really happy with him.
It was obviously wonderful to see him win a Group One at Deauville and the plan before that was to go to the Middle Park next – and there’s absolutely no reason to change that now.
He looked unlucky in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood and I suppose that was borne out in France so he’s an exciting colt for the autumn – and hopefully next year.
The dam’s side of the pedigree definitely offers hope he’ll train on and get a mile even though he’s a very powerful two-year-old. We won’t worry about that just now though and concentrate on the Middle Park.
Doncaster staged the first major yearling sales of the year this week. There were a lot of fillies in the catalogue and trade was very strong. We were pleased with the nine we got but you realise you’re a small trainer when you see the price some of those at the top go for.
But that’s what they cost to breed and develop and they deserve to make good money and you’re either in or out. There were some lovely sound horses at the sale and it’s on to the next one now.
Here are my thoughts on the weekend team:
Sunday
Goodwood
16:00 Toro Strike
This is a course he loves and he probably ran his best race of the season when second to Happy Power in this race last year. I thought he ran OK in a very competitive Lennox Stakes at the track at the Qatar Festival and that form gives him a chance. There isn’t much between these.
Beverley
13:55 Kuwait Warrior
I’ve been a fraction disappointed with him so far – we thought he was nice through the spring. He took a small step forward at Thirsk last time and I’d like to see more from him here for his owner.
13:55 Fylde Coast
A son of Birchwood who is so laidback at home he’s almost horizontal. The run will do him a world of good and I hope he shows something to build on.
15:40 Irreverent
He’s been so disappointing and just hasn’t taken part in his last three or four races. We’re putting the visor back on which he has worn in the past in the hope it might help but he has a lot to prove at the moment.
16:15 Kingson
He likes this course, winning here on his return and finishing third last time from a poor draw. He’s still well handicapped on his old form and he needs to get it all together again but he’ll go close if he does.
