The Weekly RaceClubs.com Challenge Series Review by Moletown http://forums.raceclubs.com/Posts.aspx?fid=38&tid=285997&iv=y

The 2YO Challenge Series Round Up

** Stayers Challenge **

With only four runners in the race, it seemed more a race of who will take the pot rather than hit the points for the championship standings. 3200m is not the most popular of distances at the best of times and certainly not in the interest of many of the juvenile colts. Nevertheless, a race went ahead on the muddy going in Dubai. Deep Stick and Dusk Til Dawn set the race in motion by forging a couple of lengths ahead of rivals, Stormy River and Hyper Drive side by side. Deep Stick ran ahead and opened up a four to five length lead entering the last half of the race. Hyper Drive remained the back marker of the field with the leaders in his sight. Making the turn for home the leader went strong in front, Hyper Drive looked to make up some ground on the leader and charged the rail. The colt was giving weight to his rivals but was in the capable hands of Jacques Girard, who by any jockeys standard, knows what he has between his legs. Kieran Doyle looked confident enough in front, however, Hyper Drive was closing with every stride. With 300m to go Hyper Drive drew level with the leader and up to the line executed a well timed run to land the spoils for trainer Full Force Racing. Deep Stick crossed the line in second with a length to Dusk Til Dawn and the back marker Stormy River.

Stayers Challenge Qualifier Juvenile C - 1
Championship Standings

England played host to the eight entrants who would face off in this qualifier over 2850m on good ground. The fillies doing a little better in terms of numbers against the colts qualifier race. At the off, five of the runners went stride for stride through the first 600m before Mappa Mundi and Wobbly Bott broke loose, a length up on the chasers. Behind the two leaders the pace was even, the back marker was Rose Of England who had a wall of five in front of her. Jacques Girard, booked for the ride on Mappa Mundi urged his mount into a clear lead making the turn, by halfway the lead was extended by a couple to go four in front. The race was on in earnest with 1000m to go, the field bunched and started to gain on the leader. The Major Smokee pairing of Sam Antha and Wobbly Bott raced side by side, further in the pack Black Or White made steady gains, going well. Stolen Silver started to fall off the pace. Entering the straight and nothing went better than the leader, Mappa Mundi. The jockey looking confident up top and with only Black Or White able to sustain a clear challenge, the race was between these two. Entering the final 200m, Mappa Mundi already eased, had the race sewn up. Black Or White, unable to hit the necessary gear to challenge, settled for second, having got the better of Wobbly Bott with fourth place going to Rose Of England who ran on at the one pace passed tired horses.

Stayers Challenge Qualifier Juvenile F - 1
Championship Standings

** Classic Challenge **

The juvenile colts were greeted to blazing sunshine as they made the trip to Canada to contest this week's qualifier. The stage was set on fast going over 2400m and eight runners went to post. The black silks with yellow diagonal sash of Sky Castle Stables, which are so often worn into the winners enclosure, were visible on three of today’s runners. A strong hand for the Australian trainer in this small field.

From the off and wide, early pace came from the Sky Castle Stable as Dusk Til Dawn nosed ahead of the rest. Not content to have the pace dictated on the inside Doldrums made strides to challenge for the early lead but found himself the meat in the sandwich as stable mate of the leader, Randwick held the inner. This move may have put Doldrums in an awkward position and contact may have been made as he dropped quickly off the pace. The bright pink colours of Kingsmount came to the fore approaching halfway and quickly set about leading the race, demoting Dusk Til Dawn to second place. These two held a two length lead back to the pack at this stage. Kingsmount quickly asserted himself to pull a couple clear in the straight. Doldrums had managed to get himself back into the race and was now running on, looking to challenge late on but that run came to nothing and he slipped back again. Subbuteo Legend, who had sat covered up for the most part of the race made giant strides being pulled wide. 200m to go and it looked between Kingsmount and Subbuteo Legend for the win. Sky Castle's third runner, Evolving Time ran on in third closely followed by Juniper Hill. The leader had enough in hand though to hold off all challenges and at the line was just under a length, the victor. Subbuteo Legend came home second with Evolving Time and Juniper Hill filling the places.

Classic Challenge Qualifier Juvenile C - 1
Championship Standings

Firm ground over 2200m was the challenge for the filly division of the classic series this week. Australia saw one of the most competitive juvenile filly fields of the season gallop to post. Thirteen in total made the journey for the race and the field included two of the most expensive fillies to emerge from auction this season. Eyes Of Emerald was a £1350 buy into the Victor Consortio yard and Queen Of Satan fetched nearly £900 in a previous sale. These two horses are at the head of the market for the final in most books but were they out to win today or just to secure points.

The gates opened and no less than seven runners were chasing the lead early on. They spread evenly across the track for the first 600m or so until the Black Death trained, Wonderful Outcome managed to get her head into a noticeable lead, albeit by a neck or so from Poetic Yesterday. Making the turn and Wonderful Outcome was now up a length from on the inside, Eyes Of Emerald. Classic Cobra held third with a length back to the other Black Death runner, Queen Of Anfield. At halfway, the front two had opened up a significant bit of daylight between the rest, though the shadows of the floodlit track contradicted that statement. The long sweeping turn at Australia seems to go on forever, eventually coming into the straight there was not a lot to choose between the front pair. Eyes Of Emerald, momentarily put her nose in front but it wasn't long before Wonderful Outcome regained the lead. Tyche had moved into a clear third about a length up on Queen Of Anfield in fourth. Inside the 400m marker and the race began to hot up. Wonderful Outcome was looking to make it just that as she went for home first. A little gap emerging to Eyes Of Emerald. A couple ran on from the back. Dolcezza and Classic Cobra looked to get in a blow but the front pair were home and dry. Wonderful Outcome led for most of the race and importantly at the line. Eyes Of Emerald gained second, Dolcezza fought off the late challenge of Classic Cobra to take third and fourth, respectively.

Classic Challenge Qualifier Juvenile F - 1
Championship Standings

** Sprinter's Challenge**

Friday's Sprinters Challenge Qualifier for colts, saw only the second full field qualifier of the entire juvenile series so far as fourteen runners took their place in the stalls for this 1600m race at America on fast going. The previous full field race came two races ago in this exact series, when Flotilla Way held off all challengers to secure the victory. A lot of the runners on that day, re-opposed here, along with some new faces to the series. After a very successful start to his career, many had Specialistsubject as the pre-race favourite, who was looking for his second win in as many races.

The stalls opened and the first to show were Zapdos and Jose Mourinho. These two went nose to nose through the first 300m, at this point Joe Mourinho took to the front. Kieran Doyle, stretching his mount down the far side turned into the straight a couple up on Zapdos with a gap back to Toxic Armada, who had struggled to go the pace of the leaders for most of the race but held third over the chasing pack. Nothing seemed to be coming from off the pace apart from Holey Moley, who from a wide birth was starting his run and looked a danger. The leader seemed to have Zapdos in his pocket. Approaching the final 200m the jockey said go on Jose Mourinho and like the "Special One" duly put the race to bed. Zapdos had no extra to give in the closing stages and settled for third. Toxic Armada struggled to fend off the late surge of Holey Moley and was collared close home, relinquishing third place to the Moletown trained colt, who had a little assistance from Jacques Girard. A nice run from the third place horse from that draw, carrying a little extra weight than most of his rivals. His third place moves him into a final birth but only just. Shadow Bullet and Shankley Shankley make up the one-two in the Championship Standings.

Sprinters Challenge Qualifier Juvenile C - 1
Championship Standings

In contrast to the colts juvenile campaign, the fillies have struggled all season. Again failing to draw a full field and having to settle for just the six runners. England was the venue for a 1200m sprint contest on good ground. Thus far in the series there have only been thirteen horses contesting so if things don't pick up in the fillies sprint division we may see an empty stall in the final come the end of July.

On the off, immediately to the fore was Bright Horizon, who coming out of stall two had her head in front. Mapperley Heights from stall five and in the hands of Charlie Saxon was eager to challenge and took the lead and extended after 200m. Cheval Noir in the colours of Major Smokee also passed the early leader and sat nicely positioned behind the leader. Passing halfway and the placing remained the same although Kieran Doyle on board Cheval Noir was looking to challenge for the lead and took it up passing the 500m marker. A gap of three lengths to the chasing four, headed by Bright Horizon but a blanket could cover the remainder. The two champion trained horses in the field flattered to deceive as passing halfway they looked effortless in their runs. The front two had flown and the race seemed between them. The order remained the same to the line, despite a spirited effort by Bright Horizon late on, eventually going down by under a length at the line in third. The winner, Cheval Noir had held her lead well to the line and Mapperley Heights settled for second. Fourth place went to the running on Dixie Dolly. Carnaby in fifth and last home was Grace Of The Gods, who never got going in the race.

Sprinters Challenge Qualifier Juvenile F - 1
Championship Standings

** Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge **

The first of this weeks Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier's came in the filly division and saw four go to post for a sprint over 1200m. Conditions were firm at the Australian track. Lusty Sunrise attempted to burn her opponents from the start in the colours of Liveoak Stables. Psycho Sonic Amy gave chase for the best part of the race but struggled late on. The blaze from off the pace came from Mapperley Heights, who looked nothing like a winner at halfway. She flew in the final stages of the race to collar the leader close home and record a nice victory in the hands of Jacques Girard.

Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier 2Y F - 1
Championship Standings

The sprinters monthly for colts saw nine express bullets take on the lightning quick 1000m course at Australia. The going was good on this occasion which fell nicely for Ruin Of Nova Roma. Jacques Girard booted the colt close home to nab the victory from Sunny Thund, the versatile colt having to settle for the silver medal in this race. Spaghetti Samurai made a race of it with Terra Sky, the pair going hammer and tong to claim the places behind the front two. Sunny Thund heads the winner of this race in the championship standings. Much like in the race Spaghetti Samurai and Terra Sky hold third and fourth place berths.

Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier 2Y C - 1
Championship Standings

A reduced field of three runners saw a Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge race for fillies held at America over the minimum trip on rain sodden ground. The muddy conditions proved ideal for the winner Paranoid Parasite who completed a memorable treble on the night for Shotgun Mike, adding to his success earlier in the evening in the King George and Queen Elizabeth. The filly edged it close home from the LIveoak Stables trained, Lusty Sunrise a length to the good of Silk Spektar. It was a rare visit to the winners enclosure in the challenge series for Philippe Dubois. The French jockey was said to be "over the moon" with his ride.

Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier 2Y F - 1
Championship Standings

The final monthly qualifier of the review period took place at America over 1200m on fast going. With the final being held over the minimum trip, a lot of these horses contesting the race would have been looking for the win as the final distance may not suit the majority. Seven runners went to post with Sunny Thund looking to be the one to beat.

The stalls opened and You Do Voodoo looked content to make the pace under the ride of Nazir Al-Khalifa. Sitting tidy behind the leader upsides one and other, Life’s A Mystery and King Kenny D disputed second. Coming off the turn and into the straight with 800m to go, Life’s A Mystery just got his nose in front momentarily before You Do Voodoo snatched it back running the rail. Jacques Girard sat handy on King Kenny D and with 400m remaining let out a little reign and swiftly challenged the front two to take it up. Sixpack Holiday started a run from the back of the field, a little later than jockey Yasmin Chua had hoped for, as the colt was forced to sweep wide to mount a challenge. You Do Voodoo came with a second wind inside the final 200m to challenge King Kenny D for the race but the Kopites trained colt had done enough from the 400m marker to secure the victory by a neck from second place You Do Voodoo. Life’s a Mystery crossed the line in third just ahead of Sixpack Holiday for fourth. The other runners in the race were never in striking range of the leaders. Sunny Thund bringing up the rear.

Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier 2Y C - 1
Championship Standings

The 3YO Challenge Series Round Up

** St. Leger **

Despite the absence of the front two in the Championship Standings, Sweep The Gold and The Jack Man, the 2850m race at Hong Kong drew nine participants. The yielding going was going to make the test a little stiffer over this trip. Glorious Creature looked a short price favourite amongst this field and with all nine runners previously failing to record a qualifying victory in this seasons series, before this race, something had to give.

With most of the field looking to settle early on, it was down to White Knighte to do the donkey work. Through the first 600m there was clear daylight between him and the chasing pack. The pace was not a strong one as the jockeys jostled for position. No such worries for Heinz Huber as his mount was up to the tune of three lengths and full view of the track ahead. Empire Day led the bunched pack by a neck to Suffering on the rail. The back marker at this point but only by about five lengths was pre race favourite Glorious Creature in the red colours of Stardust Racing. The order remained much the same to halfway, with only Glorious Creature putting his foot forward to take closer order. Glorious Creature seemed to take a slight breather midway round the far turn and the pack closed up to about two. Suffering and Meagher going toe to toe in behind. When the race began to quicken up coming into the home straight a couple at the back seemed tapped for toe. Empire Day and Suffering both made a swift retreat. The lead was still held by White Knighte to the 600m marker. At this point Glorious Creature, given a dream run up the rail had come upsides to challenge for the lead. We're Gonna Rock was following this one through so Glorious Creature now had a fight on his hands. In the blink of an eye, Glorious Creature pounced on the leader a pulled a length ahead, Apache Down, who struggled early was now finding his rhythm on the outside but all a little late. Close home We're Gonna Rock eased past White Knighte to secure second place but the win was already bagged by Glorious Creature with a well timed run and deserved victory in the hands of Jacques Girard. White Knighte was third, he held off the running on Apache Down who made up the places.

St Leger Qualifier 3Y C - 1
Championship Standings

Five of the top eight in the points standings for this seasons St Leger for fillies lined up to do battle over the maximum trip at America. Conditions were good and the dirt track was running on the fast side. The field contained last seasons juvenile runner up and third place, Scally Munter and Pathway To Exile, both looking to go one better this season and get one over Queen Alexandra, who was resting this week. Pathway To Exile and Rhythm Nation held solid form over trip and going and were quietly fancied.

With a marathon in front of them they set off at a blistering pace, maybe too quick as Where's The Snow and jockey, Kieran Doyle took them along at a good early clip. Only Pathway To Exile and Nazir Al-Khalifa would go with her, the rest reluctant to blaze this early trail. Wanting to force the pace himself, Al-Khalifa drew alongside the leader and Doyle reluctant but sensible enough to relinquish the lead. The Illusion had broke from the chasing pack to head up in third, a length to the good of the remainder. At halfway, Pathway To Exile had opened up a two length advantage over her rivals, headed by Where's The Snow, who had herself drawn a couple out of the remainder, these two horses looking to make a real good race of it. On the turn for home, the leader kicked again and went three, maybe four lengths up on second, who didn’t seem to handle the left hand turn very well. Nothing seemed to come out of the pack with any real conviction or desire so entering the straight it looked a three horse race. Pathway To Exile, Where's The Snow and The Illusion. The latter failed to live up to the bill as she faded quickly when the pace increased. Coming with a wet sail from last place was Ride Away. Not even a mention beforehand, the filly was making ground with every stride. The evident staying power of Rhythm Nation started to play its part too as she made ground but nothing looked like getting to the leader, Pathway To Exile. The deficit was closed by the line but the leader had done enough with a gutsy front running performance to take the win. Where's The Snow who had an up and down race crossed the line in second ahead of the running on pairing of Ride Away and Rhythm Nation, crossing the line in third and fourth, respectively. The winner now heads the Championship Standings.

St Leger Qualifier 3Y F - 1
Championship Standings

** The Derby & The Oaks **

A pleasant evening drew the crowds to the Canada track to witness a very competitive Derby Qualifier. Ten of the best in the business lined up to tackle the firm ground over 2400m in what looked like a test run for The Derby itself as the blue ribbon event will in fact be contested over course and distance come July 29th. Market favourites for the race were Sir Sam Silver, Urban Legend and El Nino Got A Bro. The threesome are always at the head of the market in any race they contest and this race was to become a battle of wits between jockeys Doyle, Sun and Girard took the mounts. They were all assisted by draws close to the rails so all three could get a good look at each other as the gates opened.

The early pace setters in the race were Sweep The Gold and Glorious Creature. Sir Sam Silver sat handy in third whilst El Nino Got A Bro held a nice position early, covered up. Urban Legend was pulled early by Eric Sun to settle in behind the leaders. The pace was even and pace setter Sweep The Gold led them to halfway. Glorious Creature couldn't go the pace as Sir Sam Silver challenged the leader at the turn. El Nino Got A Bro with Kieran Doyle gave chase and challenge from six out. Urban Legend, for once looked a little flat footed and struggled to go the pace as others in behind started to run on. As Sir Sam Silver looked headed, a little reign was let out and four out set sail for home, pulling three lengths on the field. Three lengths, that, not even the great El Nino could muster to close upon. Sir Sam Silver, all out to the line ran out just over a half length winner from El Nino Got A Bro in second. The running on Larry Fitzgerald had enough in the tank to hold off Urban Legend to take third and fourth, respectively. The winner recording his second victory in the series and puts him on 65 points, just 9 points behind series leader Urban Legend.

The Derby Qualifier 3Y C - 1
Championship Standings

With a downfall of overnight rain, the conditions at Dubai were far from perfect. A lot of standing water made the track more testing than the muddy conditions' usual 2200m stretch. Trainer, Winning Post held a strong hand in the race as his yard saddled three of today’s eleven runners. The Oaks qualifier featured eight of the top ten horses in this seasons final standings, despite the terrible conditions. As they made their way down to post it was evident that the jockeys were concerned with the conditions underfoot as a lot went tentatively to the start, obviously preserving as much energy they could for the race itself.

From the off the pace setter was going to be Heart Of Greed in the capable hands of Kieran Doyle. The Irishman, confident aboard his mount to stretch the field early on. Tactics that were to prove an incredible decision in the latter part of the race. The field behind settled to a slower pace than you would normally see in this calibre of race, however, the going was playing a major part in that as many of the horses struggled to handle the conditions. Series leader, The Path Of Death was never in the race, eventually placing well down the field in 9th place. The slow pack behind had let the leader go too far in front as Winning Post's representative made all to secure the win. From a wide draw Zenzational ran a respectable race to follow the leader home, eventually finishing in fourth place. She was passed late on by stable mate Surrounde and muddy lover Tabasheer, who despite a strong effort late on had to settle for third.

Oaks Qualifier 3Y F - 1
Championship Standings

** The Nunthorpe **

The Nunthorpe created only one instances of the race this week. Sir Sam Silver made it an excellent week for trainer Daztron, scoring his second qualifier victory in the space of a few days to add to his Derby success. Tondra ran a blinder to claim second ahead of El Nino Got A Bro, consistent as always picking up the points and returning some of the investment made in him. Urban Legend completed the placing in fourth. The win for Sir Sam closes the gap on points leader El Nino, Urban Legend splits the pair in second place, three points off the leader. All three horses have now managed to secure three Nunthorpe victories each this season.

Nunthorpe Sprint Qualifier 3Y C - 1
Championship Standings

In the first instance race for the fillies, Eric Sun partnered Sunline (NZ) to a half length victory over Number 125 in second on the good ground at the Australian track. The Shotgun Mike pair of Viking Queen and Jane Fonda made up the third and fourth places, respectively. The win was the second of the series for Sunline (NZ) and moved the filly up to fourth in the standings. The championship leader remains Number 125 who picked up nice points on the evening. Her main rival, Eternal Life found her way into the second instance of the race on this occasion and duly recorded a sound victory for new stable Holmang Horses, who earlier in the week had paid £600 for her services. The filly, already started to pay back some of that investment when taking the race by a half length ahead of Chestnut Dream. Afternoon Utopia gained third, just touching off Imagination Land who had to settle for fourth. Eternal Life sits handy behind Number 125 in the standings, Snowbird and Sunline (NZ) chase the pair ion third and fourth.

Nunthorpe Sprint Qualifier 3Y F - 1
Nunthorpe Sprint Qualifier 3Y F - 2
Championship Standings

The 4-7YO Challenge Series Round Up

** The Cesarewitch **

A total of eighty-four runners have participated in the colts division of The Cesarewitch this season, which begs the question, where were they all for this race? It's possible the distance of 3200m on yielding going at England wasn't every horses cup of tea. Evidently proven by a poor entry of nine horses. Highly Explosive had put up a good effort in his last race and was considered a strong favourite for the race. Wayne Bailey took the ride on this one. The champion trainer had three in the race, Letselope and Master Of Doom making up the threesome.

With the marathon distance ahead of them, they'd have been excused to set a slow pace. King Yeah Right had different ideas. The colt burst from the stalls and immediately opened up a three to four length lead over the first 400m of the race. Manduro set off in pursuit of the leader and had closed to about two lengths a quarter of the race in. Back in the field the pack bunched about four to five off the leader. Taking the bend, King Yeah Right kicked on again, Lord Sivraj and Yeats had closed but were still short of the pace needed to reach this leader. At halfway the three Shotgun Mike trained horses were settled at the back of the field with a great view of the horses in front of them. The second half of the race is where they made their moves. Like knives through butter they cut through the field, honing in on the leader. Highly Explosive held the best hand, close to the rail and into the straight he pounced. Wayne Bailey let go of the horse and he duly delivered the needed pace. With 400m to go he was upsides and stable mate Letselope looked handy too. Master Of Doom was running on at this point but the race looked between the front three. The rest were beaten. Inside the final 100m, a cheeky Wayne Bailey edged his mount a neck up and that was that. King Yeah Right, brave from the front holding second, Letselope and Master Of Doom completed a good race for the champ in third and fourth.

Cesarewitch Qualifier 4-7 C - 1
Championship Standings

A muddy American track is where the runners for the fillies found themselves. 2850m was the distance and eight went to post. Championship leader, Fascinator made the trip to line up for a very strong race. Prior to the race she held the lead over Astonishing. Lei Lani sat in third place and was looking to close in on Astonishing, maybe even pass her in the standings with a good performance in the race.

Fascinator had all intentions of winning this one as she stormed into an early lead from the off. Four lengths to the good of Tomorrows Dreams. Unable to get to the leader for the first 800m, most of the horses sat back in anticipation of the leader fading. Only when Sea Of Honey upped the tempo did others respond to try and close the gap on Fascinator. By halfway the lead had been cut to two lengths. Both Sea Of Honey and Tomorrows Dreams were alert to the leader, though this mid race surge by the latter probably ended any challenge the pairing had as they started to fade inside the final quarter. Sea Of Honey remained strong and collared the leader off the turn and into the home straight. Laleena Star ran the rail and made inroads inside the final 400m. Running on from the back were the two Sky Castle representatives, Lei Lani and Beggars Banquet, looking strong to take the race. However, Charlie Saxon found what was needed to get his mount home, managing to kick on once more to take the victory. Lei Lani held off stable mate Beggars Banquet for second, whilst the brave Fascinator, looking weary took fourth.

Cesarewitch Qualifier 4-7 F - 1
Championship Standings

** The King George & The Queen Elizabeth**

The King George is not only one of the most competitive series at RaceClubs.com, it is also one of the most popular. Ninety-three horses have contested qualifier's this season alone, resulting in the generation of many instances of consolations come finals night. A feast of journeymen will contest those races and this race was no exception drawing a full filed of fourteen runners. The elder Statesmen of the site did battle over 2200m at Dubai, there was a little rain at the track and the official going was muddy. The two top trainers held a handful of entries between them, saddling no less than eight of the field. Then there was Queen Bee who had three runners in the race. Making up the field were trainers WRS Stables, Winning Post and Stardust Racing. With so many colours alike, the race was a commentators nightmare.

Through the early stages of the race Pimlico wasn't hanging about. The 4YO colt and auction bargain set off like a horse possessed. Fabio Valentino struggled to take a hold early on to control the excited colt and eventually settled for second place and let the horse do it's own thing. Clear daylight had emerged between him and the field as he romped into a five length lead over One Tree Frog , who headed the pack. Behind the leader was a tightly packed bunch with only a couple of lengths separating the second place horse from last. The jockeys in behind the leader didn't seem too concerned about the lead he had established but passing halfway there was no change in the race shape. Pimlico had flown and didn't look like stopping. Taking the turn and making their way into the straight, the order in behind had remained relatively the same and you started to think who was coming out of the pack, if anyone to challenge Pimlico. With 500m to go the only horse to emerge with any sort of chance to challenge was stable mate to the leader, Krakatoa Storm. Kieran Doyle looked a tad concerned on board and got to work on his horse. One Tree Frog was fading and the only other horse running on was Kimbo Slice, looking to carve a one-two-three finish for the champion trainer. At the 200m marker it became evident that Pimlico was tiring as both Krakatoa Storm and Kimbo Slice ate into his lead, although he still held a two length advantage over the pair. Would the line come in time? Indeed it did. A brave front running display proved too much for his rivals and Shotgun Mike was over the moon with the horse and the result. He has certainly paid back the nominal fee paid for him at auction this season. Krakatoa Storm, Kimbo Slice and One Tree Frog completed the placing in that order. The rest of the field were never at the races.

King George Classic Qualifier 4-7Y C - 1
Championship Standings

The fillies also contested over 2200m on muddy ground, the host track was America. Shotgun Mike seemed to hold a strong hand again in this one, with four of the ten runners coming from his yard, looking to make it a double on the night. Jean's Legacy, Nashville Dancer and Radiation Vibe are all handy in the Championship Standings and the three went down to post looking to secure good points for the final.

Looking to secure the double for the champ, a great start to the race was made by Hysteron Proteron who took a couple out of the field. Phoenix Purity gave chase in second place a length to the good of Nashville Dancer. Liquid Dreams soon passed the third place horse to move a little closer, passing Phoenix Purity to move up to second but still three lengths off the lead at halfway. Making the turn for home and with a few lengths to make up on the leader Nashville Dancer held the rail position with Liquid Dreams to her right. Slay The Lord started to run on as Phoenix Purity faded. The leader with jockey Kieran Doyle taking a peak back may have burnt her rivals off by the 400m marker and looked comfortable for the win. The race began for the places with Nashville Dancer looking the stronger of a trio which included Liquid Dreams and the ever closer Slay The Lord. Inside the final 200m and Hysteron Proteron was eased by her jockey to take a somewhat cheeky win from in second, Nashville Dancer. Slay The Lord ran on to get the better of Liquid Dreams close home for third and fourth places. The win takes Hysteron Proteron into the top five in the standings. Nashville Dancer strengthened her position over Radiation Vibe with the latter only managing a disappointing ninth in the race.

Queen Elizabeth Classic Qualifier 4-7Y F - 1
Championship Standings

** Newbury Sprint **

The colts division of The Newbury Sprint created two fascinating races this week. Against The Dark, carrying an extra 2lbs on most of his rivals was pushed out to the line by the champion jockey, Charlie Saxon. The winner stormed to the top of the qualifier standings, although the weight incurred from this victory may have put pay to his final chances. Runner-up in the race and fourth in the points standings was Green Birdie who pipped stable mate Jimmy Johnson on the run to the line. Drachentaube crossed the line in fourth to further cement his final chances and hold ninth place overall. Moral Raiser landed the crust for Winning Post in the second instance, when the colt ran out a half length ahead of second place Un Chien Andalou. The unpronounceable Kjetil Analrytter represents the Burkveen Racing yard and this colt held off the challenge of Black Opel to secure third place. Moral Raiser sits pretty in the standings, just behind first instance winner Against The Dark. Karaman, who finished down the field in the first instance holds third in the placing.

Newbury Colts Sprint Qualifier 4-7Y C - 1
Newbury Colts Sprint Qualifier 4-7Y C - 2
Championship Standings

The fillies also entertained this week by staging two instances of the qualifier. The first instance was by far the more competitive of the two with four of the top five in the standings charging the 1400m course on good ground at Australia. Speak To Me Karla with Kieran Doyle in the saddle held all the aces, running the field ragged to score by over half a length from Mobil Flash who nosed ahead on the line to touch off Flouncy Flouncy in third. A further half length back to the fourth placed finisher, Daisy Diamond. The second instance may not have yielded the same quality as the first but the race was just as exciting. Liveoak Stables secured victory when his charge, Hail Mary Pass led home I'm An Enigma and the Sky Castle pair of Scenic Esplanade and Emancipationne. Belle's Lullaby leads the way in the championship standings despite not competing this week. Speak To Me Karla moves up to third with Goldikova a few points ahead of her sitting in second place.

Newbury Colts Sprint Qualifier 4-7Y F - 1
Newbury Colts Sprint Qualifier 4-7Y F - 2
Championship Standings

Member Submission: Moletown

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