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

Escobar 1st York , July 13th – Trainer David O Meara 

Although only a small field handicap this looked to be quite competitive but the ease with which Escobar (by Famous Name) put his rivals to the sword was very impressive. Given a cool Jamie Spencer ride the five year travelled supremely well under top weight throughout and only had to be asked a question in the last 200 metres to score easily by a length under a hands and heels ride with a further seven lengths back to the third. Escobar had showed plenty of promise when second on seasonal reappearance the week before but this was a step forward and he should be followed wherever he turns up next.

Juan Elcano 2nd Newmarket, July 13th  - Trainer Kevin Ryan

This was a fair renewal of the Group 2 Superlative Stakes and Juan Elcano (by Frankel) showed enough promise when finishing second on only his second start to believe that he belongs in this class and can gain compensation later in the season at a similar level. Having dwelt slightly when leaving the stalls, he was a little free and slightly green in the closing stages but still quickened up well to be beaten only a length by Mystery Power (by No Nay Never) who also looks decent. There was over three lengths back to the third and some good yardsticks well beaten so the form looks smart.

Light And Dark 1st Newmarket, July 12th – Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor

Light And Dark (by Shamardal) made a mockery of his mark when making a first start in handicap company. Travelling in midfield he did not get the clearest of runs but when asked to quicken easily put distance between his twelve other rivals and won decisively by three lengths. He has been raised 5kg in the handicap for this win but may be capable of defying a higher rating and scoring again. 

Weatherbys British EBF Maiden Stakes Newmarket, July 12th

Not a horse to follow here but a race. This two year old maiden was full of nicely bred juveniles, many of them unraced and several of the horses that not only filled the places but were out of the money are worth keeping an eye on in future engagements. The finish was fought out between Al Mudhar (by Siyouni) and Al Suhail (by Dubawi) with only a neck separating the two at the line. Both look very smart colts and Al Suhail an expensive purchase particularly took the eye travelling powerfully throughout and just losing the verdict in a tight finish. First Receiver (by New Approach)  was bumped at the start and did not have a clear run but stayed on well in third and Tsar (by Kingman) was very slowly away but made a lot of late progress to finish an eye catching fourth. Three other colts that finished sixth, seventh and eighth all look capable of picking up races in due course, Dulas (by Raven’s Pass), Eshaasy (by Oasis Dream) and Tammani (by Make Believe).This was probably the hottest two year old maiden run so far this year and it would be of no surprise to see multiple winners come out of the race in the coming months.