HELLOFAHASTE ran an absolute cracker to finish second in the Listed Empress Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. The Hellvelyn filly has always shown us plenty at home but has surprised us by being so sharp early on in her career. She ran a cracker on debut to finish fourth at Goodwood on debut before showing an impressive turn of foot to win from an unpromising position at Salisbury. We then decided to target this race as it is often a pretty weak black-type event coming so soon after Royal Ascot but were concerned she may lack the pace to get involved over six furlongs, so the heavy ground was definitely in her favour. She travelled well before getting outpaced as the winner quickened but she showed an admirable attitude to battle back for second and gain some valuable black type for her owner breeders. A filly with plenty of scope, she is far from an early two-year-old and will improve over further and in time as she strengthens up so she is a very exciting prospect. Next stop is the seven furlong Listed Star Stakes at Sandown in July, a race which we have finished third with Harvest Joy and Bonnie Grey in the past.
New addition to the yard HAVANA BEAT has had a lot of setbacks in the spring so it was good to get him back onto the track and he picked up nearly £2,000 for fourth at Newmarket. Hopefully he can build from this and heads to the Old Newton Cup at Haydock on Saturday.
One of the yard favourites ICEBUSTER finally got back into the winners enclosure for the first time since 2013 and had finished second on four occasions this year. However, there is no questioning his attitude and under a good front running ride, Adam Kirby used his proven stamina to good effect to win by seven lengths. Hopefully the handicapper does not overreact but with confidence boosted, hopefully he can go in again.
The horses are in good form, our last eight runners have all found their way into the winners enclosure and long may that continue.