Picks from the Paddock team select their stand-outs
The team at PicksfromthePaddock.co.uk take a look back at last months action and pick out horses to follow in our racing notebook.
MACHREE (2YO) Trainer: D. Carroll Last Ran: (Ripon - 16th July)
Last seen when finishing 4th in a six runner race up at Ripon the three year old filly may not have finished in the top half of the field but she still looked an eye-catcher. Ready to mount a serious challenge approaching the final furlong but sadly found no luck in running to get a tad boxed in by her rivals. Once she found an opening she burst through but it was too little too late and despite flying home wasn’t able to catch the main protagonists.
A possible step up in trip or even just a clearer run may well be the answer but at the age of 3 she has room to progress. Advised Distance: 5f-7f Advised Ground: Any
ANOTHER TOUCH (5YO) Trainer: R. Fahey Last Ran: (York - 14th July)
One of the major handicaps this past month was held at York with the inaugural running of The John Smith’s Cup.
The horse that triumphed was 20/1 shot Euchen Glen but it was the horse that came in 7th that made it into our notebook.
The Richard Fahey trained Another Touch was expected to go close that day and didn’t do too badly. Jockey Jack Garritty held the horse up at the rear and this seemed to be his undoing. With too much to do come the closing stages he was never going to get to the leaders but still managed to pick off a fair few beaten horses at the finish.
If they adopt different tactics then a closer finish should be on the cards in the near future. Advised Distance: 1m-1m2f. Advised Ground: Any TAKE FRIGHT (2YO) Trainer: H. Palmer Last Ran: (Lingfield - 18th July) Making only her second racecourse appearance after an encouraging 5th placed effort on debut this youngster was able to improve upon her first showing by finishing 3rd at Lingfield. Less than two lengths behind the winner the first three pulled well clear of the six remaining runners in what looked a pretty competitive novice event.
She only found the two short priced and well fancied market principles but showed she has enough in her locker to find herself in the winners enclosure sooner rather than later. Advised Distance: 6f+ Advised Ground: Any
GOD GIVEN (4YO) Trainer: L Cumani Last Ran: (Haydock - 7th July)
Went off as the 9/4 favourite for the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks only to be nailed on the line and to lose by a short head.
The filly showed a tonne of grit and
determination to battle all the way to the line and seemed to find more after the winning post. With such a game attitude connections are discussing the possibility of stepping her up to 1m6f and that may well be the key to her future success. The Lillie Langtry looks to be a viable option at Goodwood in early August so keep your eyes peeled. Advised Distance: 1m4f+ Advised Ground: Any
JONAH JONES (2YO) Trainer: T. Dascombe Last Ran: (Haydock - 5th July)
After finishing 3rd in a hot maiden at York Tom Dascombe’s charge was able to reverse the form with his victor that day and put in a very dominant display at Haydock in early July.
A huge four length success over decent level opposition may read well as he undoubtedly heads for bigger and better things. He will have to improve further still to dine at the very top table of the 2yo ladder but he definitely looks as if he has plenty of winning left to do this season. Advised Distance: Any Advised Ground: Any