We had a frustrating afternoon on day one of the Craven meeting at Newmarket with two seconds from two runners, but both horses ran very good races.
Space Traveller looks like he might’ve bumped into a good one in the European Free Handicap but our fellow looks a good one too and I was really happy with him.
He looks back to the sort of form that saw him finish second in the Prix Eclipse in France, so I was pleased with his run and War Tiger got even closer when going down half-a-length to Solid Stone in the bet365 Handicap.
It was his first start on turf and this good run opens up more options for him.
Hopefully we’ll go one better on day three at Newmarket and my big hope is FOREST RANGER in the bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes at 4.10.
He won the race last year first time out from Deauville, and he ran another cracker in second over the course and distance in the Darley Stakes last autumn.
Clearly, he goes well at the track and I’ve been really happy with him since he came back from Meydan.
On official ratings he comes out best at the weights with Mustashry carrying his Group Two penalty so fingers crossed he can go and get the job done in this race again.
Earlier on EXHORT runs in the Coates & Seely Brut Reserve Handicap for Cheveley Park and she’s been a very consistent filly.
She’s fit and I’m happy with where she is but at this time of year they could all come on for the run, it’s a long season, and we might end up stepping her back up as the season goes on.
Her stamina could come into play in this, though, so I wouldn’t rule out a big run as she’s always bang there.
Finally, ZAP runs in the bet365 Handicap over seven furlongs at 4.45.
He went well first time out last year, finishing a head second at York, and he loves seven furlongs on fast ground. This is his bag.
Last summer he won on the July Course, so I’m hoping he takes to the Rowley Mile as well and Sean Davis takes 5lb off him which could help.
