Vaniteux
22nd April 2017 – Ayr – It is possible that his success over Vibrato at Kempton did his confidence a boost. I am sure this will be the thinking from the Henderson camp. There may well be some truth in this notion although the application of first time cheek pieces may have been equally relevant. Whatever the reasons for this improved effort in the finish he certainly powered away from his rivals from the last fence to the line. He has looked less than resolute in the finish before today and I will remain open minded on that score for the time being. It may just be that he requires a fast surface to be seen in his best light. He was about a second slower than Cloudy Dream from the first in the home straight to the winning line.
Romain De Senam
22nd April 2017 – Ayr – He was going well when having to swerve round a faller at the last in the back straight. Judging by his relative position with Vaniteux before and after that fence he only lost a length or two at most at this point. More importantly, he did not appear to be travelling as well immediately after the incident and his sluggish leap at the next fence may have been relevant to the mishap at the previous flight. He must have lost a minimum of three or four lengths on the eventual winner and would certainly have finished much closer without this incident. Nonetheless, he still looks like a horse crying out for a step up in trip and the fact that he has been left on 133 for next season is a real bonus.
Somchine
22nd April 2017 – Ayr – He very nearly completed a memorable double for his claiming rider. He ran very well and remains on the same mark. The winner, though quirky, may well be capable of winning in graded company on a going day.
Yorkist
22nd April 2017 – Ayr – Everything appeared to go well for him and his mark of around 133 is probably what he is. Presumably his connections will try to get him back to 130 in time for another tilt at the Castleford Chase in late December.
De Faoithesdream
22nd April 2017 – Ayr – He won this race in 2016 and ran well for a long way in the 2017 renewal. He will be 12 years old in 2018 but his connections may well have one more go with him at this meeting.
Apterix
22nd April 2017 – Ayr – I suspect he wants slower ground to be seen at his best.
Simply Ned
22nd April 2017 – Ayr – He never managed to get into the race on this quicker surface. He is definitely better on soft ground and can perform well for a third time in the Shloer Chase providing he gets his conditions in November.
Mixboy
22nd April 2017 – Ayr – He was still going as well as any when taking a bad fall at the last fence in the back straight. He was progressive prior to this and may still be well handicapped off 138. He has won on good and heavy ground though a fast surface also clearly suits him well.
Double W’s
22nd April 2017 – Ayr – Presumably this was a case of one race too many.
