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

Pinatubo 1st Goodwood, 30 Jul. Trainer - Charlie Appleby

This looked a competitive Group 2 on paper but was turned into a rout as Pinatubo (by Shamardal) comprehensively outclassed his six rivals running out a stunning five length winner of the Vintage Stakes. Now unbeaten in four starts he is already the ante post favourite for the 2000 Guineas next spring and whether or not he trains on to lift the classic, it will take a smart one to beat him in whatever his chosen targets are this autumn.   

Sword Beach 2nd Goodwood, 01 Aug. Trainer – Eve Johnson Houghton

This is always a competitive nursery where the form is often good to follow and this year was no exception. The majority of the two year old field were making their handicap debut and a number caught the eye including the winner Governor of Punjab (by Footstepsinthesand) who looks sure to make a nice three year old on size and scope. However the most taking run was by Sword Beach (by Ivawood) who found plenty of trouble in the big field before finally finding room to make his run and finishing strongly at the finish. On style of running and pedigree he looks sure to appreciate further in time and although well found now compensation awaits in the coming months.

Hard Nut  5th Goodwood, 02 Aug. Trainer – Richard Hannon

Another competitive and informative nursery with several to take out of the race not least of all Hard Nut (by Gutaifan) who finished well in fifth. As always at Goodwood where space can be at a premium there can be hard luck stories and Hard Nut who travelled well in midfield did not enjoy the best of passages before finishing well when finally in the clear. Likely to be kept at a modest level this two time winner looks capable of picking up another race.

Khaadem 1st Goodwood, 03 Aug. Trainer – Charles Hills 

A stunning performance by Khaadem (by Dark Angel) under top weight to win the competitive twenty seven runner Stewards Cup handicap by almost three lengths. Always travelling well on the far side of the track he received a good tow into the race and then powered clear in the closing stages. Pattern races are certainly now on the agenda and he is even quoted in the betting for the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock next month. It is a big leap from handicap company to the top table but after on seven runs he is clearly progressing and looks sure to pick up a Group race sooner rather than later.

Persuasion 1st Goodwood,03 Aug. Trainer – Charles Hills

A quick fire double for Charles Hills at Goodwood and although the second of these was only a two year old making his racecourse debut, Persuasion (by Acclamation) showed plenty of promise when winning this decent maiden with a little in hand. There were a number of nice types on show here but James Doyle always looked to have plenty of horse under him travelling comfortably in midfield, and when finally finding a gap quickened up nicely to win a shade cosily in the end. He has some interesting entries and certainly looks capable of a step up in grade on the strength of this.