Three To Note

Hi there!

It may seem perverse to bring your attention to a horse that finished last, but I think that Rawyaan is worth bearing in mind for a fast-ground handicap at some point this summer.

Trained by Marcus Tregoning last season, the three-year-old grey won two of his four starts, a maiden at Brighton and then a novice event at Leicester, on good to firm ground, before running fifth of six in a 1m Class 2 at Newbury, shaping better than the result reflects.

Now with George Baker, and facing soft ground for the first time at Goodwood today, he ran from a mark of 82 in a 1m 0-85 and travelled smoothly just behind the leaders before dropping away in the final quarter mile, beaten almost 10 lengths at the line.

Out of a mare by Oasis Dream, who won over sprint trips, Rawyaan found the combination of the soft ground and the trip beyond him. He will come down 3 or 4lbs for this and looks an ideal type for one of the summer’s better 7f handicaps.

Later in the afternoon Lionel, a Premier List qualifier from my Dark Horses, showed great tenacity to get up close home to win the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes. The son of Lope De Vega is all about stamina and will come into his own in the autumn when stepped up beyond a mile and a half.

The slow pace did not play to his strengths this afternoon, so this gritty display can be marked up. He may be one to keep in mind for the St Leger.

Shortly afterwards Crystal Estrella, from a top-class family, won the 1m 2f novice stakes in the manner of a filly destined for black type. With Sir Michael Stoute at the helm she could not be in better hands.

Bye for now

Marten