A Proper Day's Racing at the Downs
Well now, that was more like it! Epsom Downs served up a belter of an afternoon's flat racing on Tuesday, with the sort of quality card that reminds you why this Surrey track remains one of the jewels in the crown. The going was riding a treat - good with good to firm patches - and by Jaysus, didn't the horses respond accordingly.
The feature Betfred Blue Riband Trial Stakes was always going to be the meat and potatoes of this Epsom Downs racecard, and it didn't disappoint. But scratch beneath the surface of this six-race card, and there were stories aplenty for those with eyes to see them.
New Zealand Shows His True Colours
Let's start with the obvious, shall we? New Zealand in the Blue Riband Trial was as impressive as a pint of Guinness on a Friday evening. Ryan Moore had the 106-rated gelding travelling like a dream throughout, and when he asked the question turning for home, the response was emphatic. That's a horse with serious Derby ambitions, mark my words.
But here's the thing that caught my eye - the way he quickened on this unique Epsom camber suggests he's got the tactical speed to handle whatever Frankie Dettori or William Buick might throw at him come the big day. The runner-up Saxon Street under William Buick ran a blinder in defeat, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him pop up in a Group race before long.
Menzies was a shade disappointing in third, but Tom Marquand was never really happy on him. One to keep on side for a softer opportunity - that 81 rating might look generous after today's effort.
City & Suburban Throws Up Progressive Types
The City & Suburban Handicap was where the real fun began for those of us looking for future winners. Sallaal under Ray Dawson was workmanlike enough at the head of affairs, but it was the manner of Aurel's finishing effort under Rossa Ryan that had me reaching for the notebook.
That horse was given a peach of a ride from the back, and when Ryan pressed the button with two furlongs to run, the acceleration was eye-catching. Off a mark of 93, there's definitely more to come from this one - I'd be following him closely over similar trips through the summer.
Dangerman lived up to his name with William Buick in the saddle, finishing with real purpose to grab fourth. At 88, he looks well treated, and Buick's booking suggests connections fancy their chances next time out.
Duke's Command Runs His Race
Fair play to Duke's Command and James Doyle - they gave it a right go from the front but just couldn't sustain the gallop in the closing stages. Still, that was an honest effort from a horse who's clearly in good heart. The drop back to a mile and a quarter might suit him better next time.
Great Metropolitan Reveals Stayer in the Making
The Great Metropolitan Handicap over a mile and four furlongs was where the stamina came into play, and by God, didn't Sing Us A Song belt out a tune under James Doyle? That was a performance full of promise from a horse who's clearly learning his trade over these longer trips.
But the one that really caught my attention was Asgard's Captain with John Egan aboard. Carrying top weight and still finishing with purpose suggests there's a big handicap in this horse somewhere down the line. The way he stayed on up the hill was the mark of a genuine stayer, and I'd be surprised if we don't see him in something like a Cesarewitch before the season's out.
Night Breeze under Rossa Ryan was another to note - that was only his second run over the trip, and he shaped like the extra distance was right up his street.
Handicap Hints and Future Winners
The later handicaps threw up some interesting pointers for the weeks ahead. Montague Menace caught the eye in the 'Nifty 50' Handicap - Oisin Murphy had him travelling sweetly throughout, and you got the impression there was more in the tank. Off 81, he could be worth following in similar company.
In the finale, Knights Gold with Rossa Ryan was doing his best work at the finish. That horse has been knocking on the door recently, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see him get his head in front before long. The booking of Ryan suggests connections are serious about finding the right opportunity.
Shafdar ran his usual honest race but might be in need of a drop in the weights, while Kaleido shaped like the step back up in trip would suit under James Doyle.
Looking Ahead - Where Next for These Stars?
So where do we go from here? New Zealand is clearly being pointed towards bigger things - don't be surprised to see him rock up in a Derby trial or even the big race itself if connections are feeling brave.
The progressive types from the handicaps - Aurel, Asgard's Captain, and Sing Us A Song - will all be worth following through the summer months. These are horses on an upward curve, and their connections will be looking for similar opportunities to strike while the iron's hot.
All in all, a cracking afternoon's racing that reminded us why Epsom remains special. The unique demands of this track - that camber, the undulations, the hill - separate the wheat from the chaff like nowhere else. And on Tuesday, we saw plenty of wheat worth following. Sláinte to that!
