Ratings Update: Sea of Class impresses at the Curragh

Newbury

There was a good-quality card at Newbury on Saturday and Emotionless (119+) made a winning return to action in the opening listed race, gaining his first win since the 2015 Champagne Stakes. He received a good tactical ride (usually more patiently ridden), and could clearly make an impact at a higher level if he stands further training, the Geoffrey Freer back at Newbury next month spoken of as a possible next option before a trip to Australia.

It was the inaugural running of the JLT Cup, a welcome handicap addition to the staying race program, which was won by the heavily-backed Stratum (up 2 lb to 107) who was clearly ahead of his mark. He had shaped well in the Ascot Stakes previously and duly built on that in a first-time hood, produced to lead under two furlongs out and drawing clear to win by three lengths from Kloud Gate (up 2 lb to 100+). Stratum is in the Ebor but the Cesarewitch appeals as a better option longer term.

A nice performance from the well-supported Stratum who justifies favouritism in the JLT Cup under Robert Winston for trainer Willie Mullins! pic.twitter.com/uRFSsINfea

— Newbury Racecourse (@NewburyRacing) July 21, 2018

The Hackwood Stakes was an up-to-scratch renewal, though most didn’t run to their pre-race rating, notably the three-year-olds that ran in the Commonwealth Cup – of which the form continues to work out poorly – but it was one from that generation in the shape of Yafta (up 5 lb to 117) who improved to get the better of the standard-setter Projection (119). Yafta will have to improve again to win at a higher level, but he's proving very likeable and the way his form is going suggests this might not be his limit. Equilateral (110) again proved a disappointment, running even worse than at Royal Ascot, and will likely need his sights lowering further before getting back on track.

The Super Sprint is usually a fairly predictable race, with plenty of the field normally not good enough, but this year’s renewal didn’t pan out like that, the quartet that stood out on form unable to fire fully, the winner Ginger Nut (up 12 lb to 84) rated as low as any in the last 10 years. The third Kinks (94) was perhaps an unlucky loser, held up in his run at a crucial stage, and finishing well to be nearest the finish. All in all, it isn’t form that can be viewed positively, the winner running to only a fairly useful level, and she will likely be hard to place from now on as a result.

Market Rasen

No fewer than eight last-time-out winners – and a further couple who'd finished second on their most recent start – came together for a competitive renewal of the Summer Hurdle (Handicap), the fact the first two were among the least exposed adds obvious strength to the form, L’Inganno Felice posting a decidedly useful effort to overcome a lofty opening mark. That was his fourth win in a row, his trademark positive tactics ideally suited to the track and, though he'll be nine at the end of the year, he has made into a better hurdler than Flat horse; his physique suggests he'll make a chaser if tried, even if his pedigree doesn't.

L'Inganno Felice makes all to win the 188Bet Summer Handicap Hurdle, his fourth win from five starts over obstacles this year, and his third at Market Rasen! pic.twitter.com/zLgN8n2KxN

— Market Rasen Racecourse (@MarketRasenRace) July 21, 2018

This year’s renewal of the Summer Plate also wasn’t short on recent winners, but More Buck’s (up 4 lb to 135) and Too Many Diamonds (130 from 127p) proved themselves a good way ahead of their marks to finish first and second, respectively, pulling well clear of the remainder. More Buck’s provided trainer Peter Bowen with his sixth win in the race, his reputation of being a weak finisher blown out of the water in a most competitive handicap, and he will remain on interest having won both starts for new connections. Too Many Diamonds had his winning run ended, but only in the most meritorious fashion pitched into a much deeper handicap. For all Dan Skelton has had many higher-level successes, his improvement of Too Many Diamonds (began life with yard with BHA hurdles mark of 72) is a candidate for his greatest work.

Curragh

The Irish Oaks took place at the Curragh on Saturday and in a year without a standout three-year-old middle-distance filly, this was a representative field, two of the first three from Epsom, the winner of the Ribblesdale and a progressive dual listed race winner the main protagonists.  Sea of Class (up 9 lb to 119p) was forced to bypass Epsom on account of soft ground, and gained compensation in spectacular fashion here, coming from last to first in the straight without her rider having to resort to the whip. There is likely plenty more to come from her, this just the fourth race of her fledgling career, and a possible clash with Enable –  last year's winner of this race – will be something to savour.

Thrilling finish at the Curragh!

SEA OF CLASS gets up in the final strides to win the 2018 Irish Oaks from Forever Together in 2nd

(📽️ @AtTheRaces)
pic.twitter.com/sMXJpJa00T

— Timeform Live (@TimeformLive) July 21, 2018

The supporting pattern races both went the way of British-trained runners, Marie’s Diamond (up 6 lb to 103) winning the Anglesey Stakes and Larchmont Lad (116) taking the Minstrel Stakes. Marie’s Diamond improved again to record his first win in pattern company, the extra emphasis on stamina at the extended trip very much in his favour; a penalty for this win likely to leave him vulnerable in similar company, though. Larchmont Lad didn’t need to improve to end a long losing run, but certainly wasn’t winning out of turn, and he should continue to give a good account.

On Sunday, Havana Grey (up 7 lb to 118) not only got back to the level of his two-year-old form, but progressed past them winning the Sapphire Stakes, impressive how he skipped past one as quick and in as good form as Caspian Prince (remains on 124). Havana Grey could hold his own in Group 1 company based on this win.

Both Magical (114) and September (112 from 114p) came into the Kilboy Estate Stakes on the back of interrupted preparations, but the market spoke more in favour of the former and, soon to the fore and left alone in front, she ran out an easy winner. Unsurprisingly given her pedigree, she seemed to relish this slightly longer trip, and she promises to stay a mile and a quarter; it would be no surprise were she to head to Goodwood for the Nassau Stakes next, a race her dam won in 2008.