We had three winners last week and all of then were pretty impressive. Red Art got off the mark in good style at Windsor on Monday. He's needed a couple of races to straighten him out, but now he's got the hang of it he could be a force to be reckoned with in nurseries.
West Leake Diman won well first time out on Saturday evening at Haydock. The ground was probably as fast as he'd like it, being by Namid, but he is a lovely horse with a great attitude.
It was a nice confidence booster for Maqaraat winning his maiden so easily after a string of seconds to good horses. He has the potential to go on and make a nice handicapper.
The two year olds Letsgoroundagain and Space Raider were both beaten fair and square when second in their respective races but they are each progressing with racing and should have their turn in the winners enclosure soon.
Barney Rebel ran another good race to finish third in a decent handicap at Ayr. He is coming along nicely with racing and there should be more improvement in him. The conditions at Goodwood were awful on Friday night and Stellar Express ran well to finish third. She was staying on well again at the end of the race, and better ground and a step up in trip should help her enormously.
This year's Royal Ascot meeting was a slightly disappointing one for us, especially compared to the two previous years, but it is a hard place to win at and it makes you appreciate all the winners you do have there. Slumber and Self Centred put up the best performances of the week. Had he had a clear run Slumber would definitely have finished a lot closer in his race. His Chester Vase form couldn't look any better now following Nathaniel's win and he is definitely up to Group class. Self Centred ran a great race to finish third in The Chesham and we were thrilled with her. The form of her first race is another which is looking very strong, and hopefully she'll be competitive in races at group level. Others to mention are Mezmaar who was just too free in The Coventry to do himself justice, we certainly haven't lost faith in him. Sajwah and Ektibaas didn't enjoy the ground. We thought Rougette ran a good race, she is still inexperienced and has the size and scope to keep improving. Tastahil is a bit stiff after the Gold Cup, and it's just one of those performances we have to draw a line through. He'll live to fight another day.
Laurel Lad is our first runner of the week at Wolverhampton this afternoon. He was showing a lot more at home than he showed on the racecourse first time out at Goodwood. He was completely clueless that day and should put up a much better effort this time.