On the radar – hot horses to follow from last week’s UK racing

Maqsad – 10th Epsom, 31 May. Trainer: William Haggas

Connections always had a doubt in their mind if Maqsad (by Siyouni) would stay the 2400 distance of the Oaks and their fears were realized in the latter stages of the race. Travelling best of all with just over 400 metres to go the petrol tank suddenly emptied for the talented filly, and although still third with 200 metres left she faded badly on the run in to finish tenth. She will undoubtedly be brought back in distance for her next start and a good prize still awaits the Hamdam Al Maktoum owner three year old in the coming months.

Mountain Angel – 1st  Epsom, 31 May. Trainer: Roger Varian 

A second course and distance at Epsom success for Mountain Angel (by Dark Angel) who is admirably consistent and is two from two this season. He was always in the right position in this competitive handicap over 2000 metres and when asked to go and win the race did so with a little in hand. Raised another 2.5kg he may still run in another handicap but is not far off pattern class judged on this performance and could score again.

Gravistas – 2nd  Musselburgh, 01 Jun. Trainer – Mark Johnston

Gravistas (by Dansili) was perhaps caught  too far out of his ground in this 2400 metre handicap at Musselburgh and may have been beaten by a well handicapped winner, but was doing all his best work at the finish of the race. He  looks fairly handicapped off 79 and although still a maiden looks sure to pick up a race soon and may get further than this distance in time.

Soto Sizzler – 1st Goodwood, 01 Jun. Trainer – William Knight

Soto Sizzler (by Mastercraftsman) was also recording a second course and distance success and having also won at Goodwood, an undulating track clearly suits him well. He moved powerfully throughout the race and when asked a question picked up nicely to record a comfortable length and a half success. Raised another 2kg for this victory that does not look too harsh based on this evidence and he may still be improving.                 

Derby verdict

Although the finish to the Derby was thrilling and the race compelling, given the close proximity in which the first five finished it will be interesting to see if the form is upheld in the months to come. Anthony Van Dyck ( by Galileo) did not have the clearest of runs until finding a gap down by the rail in the last 200 metres and finishing strongly was a worthy winner on the day. However there was less than a length to the spare at the line and you could throw a blanket over the next four - Madhmoon (by Dawn Approach), Japan (by Galileo), Broome (by Australia) and Sir Dragonet (by Camelot). Japan was probably finishing the best of all and it will be some rematch if the principals meet again in the Irish Derby. Of the other beaten horses Bangkok (by Australia) was reported to not handle the track and Telecaster (by New Approach) appeared to be feeling the effects of a hard fought success in the Dante. There will be other days for both,