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

Lavender’s Blue –1st Sandown, 31 Aug Trainer: Amanda Perret

The Benny Andersson owned Lavender’s Blue (by Sea The Stars) was mentioned earlier in the season as an interesting horse to follow when winning on debut at Newmarket, and though things didn't pan out in the immediate aftermath in the way connections may have hoped for, she got her season right back on track when winning the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes. Following her initial success the filly ran a decent third in better company before running no sort of race in the Epsom Oaks when she pulled too hard and did not appear to get home. Given a break since then she returned here back over 1600 metres and travelled really well in behind the leaders before showing a smart turn of foot to easily put the race to bed and comfortably beat some decent rivals. Reportedly on target for the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes for her next start she is still lightly raced and looks sure to continue progressing and will make a lovely four year old if kept in training next year.

Raymond Tusk – 4th York, 24 Aug  Trainer: Richard Hannon

Although Raymond Tusk (by High Chaparral) finished an admirable fourth in Europe’s richest handicap the Ebor, the final placings and result don’t do his performance justice. Given a typical Jamie Spencer hold up ride he was always moving sweetly at the back of the field but when asked to improve his position found interference on more than one occasion in the big field and when eventually able to get out and make his run was charging home to be beaten two lengths at the finish. Connections can consider themselves unlucky not to have been closer and perhaps even win the race and have now decided to throw the dice and go for the Melbourne Cup in Australia in November. At this stage it is impossible to know whether he will get into that race but should he make it there would not look out of place and a decent prize will surely come his way at some point in the future.

Mogul – 1st Curragh, 30 Aug Trainer: Aidan O’Brien 

All eyes were on the 40 million Swedish Kroner purchase Mogul (by Galileo) who was making his second start in this maiden over 1600 metres. A full brother to Japan, probably the best three year old middle distance horse in Europe this year the regally bred two year old did not disappoint, He travelled powerfully and led all the way before quickening up at the finish to come home just over three lengths clear of the field. Although he probably did not much here, it was the style of victory that was impressive and he looked to have come on significantly for his debut second so will certainly be aimed at higher targets later in the season. On pedigree and family connections Mogul looks sure to make an exciting three year old next year.   

Palace Pier – 1st Sandown, 29 Aug Trainer: John Gosden

Another two year old to make his mark last week was Palace Pier (by Kingman), who was a little cheaper than Mogul when bought for 7.5 Million Swedish Kroner but was still the most expensive juvenile in a decent field of unexposed types. Frankie Dettori kept it simple in this maiden race tracking his market rival the Godolphin owned Discovery Island before spotting a gap over 200 metres out and quickly asserting to go clear by four lengths at the line from his nearest pursuer. He still looked a little green on debut but this experience will have done him good, and he showed enough promise to think that better races await in the future. He is entered in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes this year and although connections may opt to give him more experience before being raised to that level, he looks to have the potential to go much higher than this grade.