Boiling Point

"Coolmore’s Futurity Trophy and 2,000 Guineas victor by the late Japanese sire phenomenon Deep Impact is having a bit of a moment in his fifth season with runners – but then we did have every right to expect that, as he has a large number of well-bred two-year-olds who were conceived in the afterglow of his encouraging freshman season, which was highlighted by his son Victoria Road’s success in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland

Saxon Warrior’s bumper crop of juveniles are the result of him covering 263 mares at the increased fee of €35,000 in 2023, 93 of whom were black-type performers themselves – more than a third, a huge amount for a sire of his standing.They include Green Empress, who won the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp this month, and Western, who created a big impression when he strolled to victory in the Preis des Winterfavoriten at Cologne on Sunday, as well as Leadlight and Silver Kiss, who have been awarded high ratings for convincing successes in maiden or novice races this autumn.Up to the end of the weekend, he had notched two black-type winners and 18 winners from 64 two-year-old runners in Europe at fair ratios of 3.13 and 28 per cent. The first ratio beats several higher-profile juvenile sires, such as Mehmas and Dark Angel.

Saxon Warrior’s northern-hemisphere three-year-olds, of which there are 129, include Gostam and Piccolo Piuma, Group 2 winners this year in Germany and Italy respectively, and Andab, Dancing Saxon, Hoseki, Lizzana, Padraig Dawn and Saxon Street, all classy sorts this season in Britain and Ireland.He has three black-type winners and 44 winners in total from 92 three-year-old starters in Europe in 2026, for more than reasonable strike-rates of 3.26 and 48 per cent.

Saxon Warrior’s seasonal percentages of runners in Britain and Ireland rated 80 or higher and 100 or above are also admirable.His mark of 32 per cent in the first category is on a par with Awtaad and Sioux Nation, while his score of ten per cent in the second category has also been attained this year by Phoenix Of Spain and St Mark’s Basilica. "

In Penselwood we certainly have a horse by the right sire, and we have the trainer to get the very best out of him. He is a huge horse, which is just what we wanted when we started the process, and he has done exactly what we wanted of him up to this point – he would be making his second start in Kempton on Monday.

        Monday – two runners and two different tracks. I would be heading over to Worcester for Ridin Solo’s run I the 2m7f handicap chase. Debbie would be on duty in Kempton.

First up Ridin Solo. I had been a bit disappointed by his last start in Bangor on Dee when we felt that the step up to 3m would bring about the necessary improvement to see him go very close. In the end, he didn’t really travel a yard, looked to make hard work of it, and did well to finish 5^th beaten 8 lengths. As time has gone on and the form of the race has been tested, the result was not at all bad, it was a decent run – but it was more how he did it than what he did that played on my mind. He had been struck into that afternoon and was a little sore for a day or two afterwards, so that may explain it – either way we needed to see a more even run style this time.

 Ridin Solo looked fantastic in the paddock – a real gleam to his coat! Theo Gillard in the saddle, and the plan to jump out handy and give him a bit of room. The more galloping track could help, and we would not be far off the pace. Everything went to plan – he jumped and travelled very sweetly on the inside and ran a cracking race to finish third. Much better. The ground on the inner was certainly slower than on the outside portion of the track, and the well backed winner went wide throughout, benefitting from that, but Theo was getting such a good spin around the inside he felt it was best to stay there and save ground. Either way we were pleased with the run and can look forward to seeing him around a few of the big jumping tracks in the north this winter, where he can use his biggest asset – his jumping!

Good to catch up with Donald at the races – he reported that Old Blue Eyes was now doing two up the hill and in great order. Dino Bellagio would work on Tuesday after which he would be ready to run. We discussed plans for DB and decided that it was time to school him over hurdles again – just to keep our options open. The programme book looks a little light on options on the flat – it may be time to test his mark over hurdles. Donald would school him and see.

I headed back across country from Worcester as I wanted to be able to stop and watch Penselwoods run in Kempton, which I did just outside Stoneleigh in Warwickshire. Penselwood looked fantastic in the paddock, as he had done for is debut 9 days previously. Once again, he was contesting a 7f Novice, and this would be another educational run for him. Luke Morris in the saddle, his plan to jump away smartly, get him involved in among horses and get him to see his race out nicely. Sir Mark had informed the members of The Sharnbrook Partnership that he envisaged Penselwood being sharper for his debut run and running a nice race to finish in mid division. It all went to plan – Penselwood once again behaving as if he had been racing all his life. Luke getting him to jump smartly and putting him upsides on the inner. Once again – being a future stayer he was always going to find the pace a bit much in the latter stages, but he ran well, and Luke reported that he was only getting going as he crossed the line and was the last one to pull up. Luke was very pleased with the run and felt that with another run in a couple of weeks, we could put him away for the winter with a lot to look forward to next spring.

           Tuesday – A work morning – and with the winter team all nearing a return to the track, there were plenty of clips hitting the inbox! Donald went mad and sent through more clips than Alan King! Fergal sent through a couple that had been taken the day before, that he had forgotten to send, and Olly Murphy sent one through of an away day in Lambourn.

It was a gorgeous morning in Cheshire, and Donalds team all looked in great order.

Old Blue Eyes did his 2 up the carpet gallop on the far side of the hill. He is moving really well – and we are all keeping everything crossed for a clear run with him as he has plenty of ability!

Donald is spicing things up a bit for Dino Bellagio – as mentioned he would be schooling over hurdles again – and on Tuesday he changed things up with his work too. This summer DB has been working in behind horses with the hood on, which means he does not do too much and settles in his work. On Tuesday, the hood came off and he was sent about his work from the front – they say a change is as good as a rest – and he looked to have a lot of fun doing it – he worked really well!

The Pethers Moon 3yr old really caught the eye! On my recent visits to the yard, I have commented to Donald how he has improved each time, and on Tuesday he put in a very impressive shift with a 6yr old mare who has won or been a close second on 4 of her last 6 outings! Donald has always felt that he was only playing at the game up until now as he found everything very easy – well now we can see that he has the talent to go with his looks and there will be plenty of fun to be had with him in 3yr old races this autumn!

He looks fantastic value – and there are just 2 shares left in the syndicate! Click the link below – read all about him and what Donald liked about him and get in touch – he’s another one that I can recommend!

https://www.donaldmccain.co.uk/available-shares-/

I had intended to travel down to Fergal O’Brien’s on Tuesday morning to watch the two horses we have in training down there work, but in the end, I decided to wait until next week to do that. Fergal did send through two clips that had been shot the day before.

Molly’s Lad has settled into his work life again now – and is acting less like the juvenile delinquent he is when he first goes back into work. Fergal is very happy with him, and he should be ready to run in a couple of weeks.

Vegas Gold is also bang on track to make his debut in November. He does everything very easily and has a lovely way of going. He takes everything in his stride, nothing phases him and he is a joy to do anything with. He also appears to have plenty of talent, which is nice!

 When I spoke to Fergal later in the morning, he reported that VG had done a lovely piece of work earlier and that he had ‘powered up the hill’ He is very pleased with him!

I can always rely on Alan King for videos, and although the rest of the trainers stepped up on Tuesday – Kingy still weighed in with a couple!

Nevada Samba worked nicely up the hill at Sharpridge. He edges ever closer to a return – rain will be important – he will need a bit of cut in the ground.

The Alan King Racing Club’s, John Harrison did a lovely piece of work – he would get an entry in Yarmouth next week – a track I have never been to – I might be ticking another one off the list! JH in great order – hopefully he can show us on the track what he shows at home – before he has a spin over hurdles – if he’s got any sense, he will be running very well resulting in a delay in going hurdling – it’s easier on the flat!

Last but not least – Olly Murphy sent through a video of Jimmy Gatz floating along in a lovely piece of fast work on the Back of the Hill gallop in Lambourn. Jimmy looked in fine form – this was his first piece of faster work, and he did it very nicely. Olly was very happy with him. Another couple of away days and a few pops over some hurdles and he will be good to go! Can’t wait to see him over hurdles – something I have been waiting to see since we schooled him as a 2yr old at Jason Maguires!

Later in the morning, William Butler called to let me know that Penselwood was slightly lame after his run in Kempton the previous day. Lame off hind. He suspected a pulled muscle but would wait and see how he was over the next couple of days. The hope is that he will come right and be able to have his third run sometime in the next 3-4 weeks. If that doesn’t happen, he will head off on his winter break, and we will start again in the spring.

Ridin Solo seemed fine after his run in Worcester.

         Wednesday – Alan King splits his work days – Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday/Saturday. So, there were horses working Wednesday.

I’d Go Maniac worked with Ebor winner Daiquiri Bay – who heads for the Group 1 Long Distance Cup on Saturday.

Ghost Dancing worked nicely in a decent bunch. She has strengthened immeasurably for her summer break as Alan had hoped she would.

Alan declared Uhtred Ragnarson for a 2m handicap hurdle in Uttoxeter on Friday. In good form at home – he had hung away his chance of victory in the final stages last time out – so the cheekpieces go on. Harry Cobden booked to ride!

Donald McCain sent me the following message – ‘Schooled like fxxking Arkle’ – no prizes for identifying the subject of his Whatsapp! Dino Bellagio! That keeps the hurdles option open!

With the work done by midday – I headed over to Newmarket for an afternoon at the sales. Good to catch up with Debbie, who was there on a couple of missions.

William Butler gave the latest on Penselwood – he was still lame that morning – and the plan is to lock him away in his box for a week and see how he is after that. They would try to give him that third run, if possible, as it is what we had planned for him in preparation for 2027 – but if he didn’t come right in a reasonable time – he would be sent back to Ivy Lodge Farm for his winter break.

The trade at the sales was unbelievably strong – what an amazing industry this is – with all that is going on in the world, there is still such an appetite for bloodstock. It just goes to show – that despite all that we hear about the sport - from our trade paper among others – there is still plenty of folks who want to be involved – maybe they should start to try and find a few positive angles and talk things up a bit instead of being so negative – but as we all know – good news doesn’t sell papers – nor does a purchase price of £5.80!

          Thursday – home schooling – Alan King took the opportunity to school a couple on the schooling grounds. Tom Bellamy – still a couple of weeks away from a return to race riding was in to sit on a few and popped Nevada Samba over a few flights. This was his first schooling session of the season and despite having a bit of a grab at the first, was good over them.

John Harrison also got a pop over a few – his first time out on the schooling grounds having started over poles and hurdles in the outdoor school. He is very good!

Jason Maguire sent through two video updates – Floyd our homebred 4yr old – has really come together this time round – he looks fantastic and is moving very well on the deep sand.

Jason is very happy with his progress this autumn.

The Blue Bresil 3yr old cantered upsides Floyd on Thursday – he goes very sweetly and does everything asked of him – he has grown over the summer and is a fine big horse now!

Thursday offered the chance to get a couple of stable visits organised.

The Alan King Racing Club will get together at Barbury Castle on November 4^th, and our Breeding Syndicate will visit the ‘family’ at Park Wood Stud a few days later. I will be organising a few more days out over the course of the next week – so keep an eye on your ownership Whatsapp groups!

In the afternoon – Gary Moore announced his imminent retirement from the training ranks, passing on the baton to his sons Josh and Jamie who will be on the license together from next week. We wish them the best of luck!

         Friday – Cloud Dancer was out on the round gallop at Ivy Lodge Farm, in conditions well suited to his name!

Jason is very happy with his progress, although in a perfect world he would have had an away day this week, but that had to be postponed when a vital piece of equipment used in his training had to go in for repair. He looks really well, and we are all looking forward to seeing him back in full training with Josh and Jamie in the next few weeks.

Nevada Samba put in another impressive shift up the hill over at Sharpridge, working with Massacio, winner of a handicap chase, off a rating of 146 when last seen on the track last year. Nevada Samba will be ready to run when the rain arrives. It is now time to get cracking with him – he has been purposely bought on very slowly during the early part of his career. He could have made his debut in a bumper in the spring of last year – but we decided to give him time and let him develop with the plan to run in three or four bumpers last season. That didn’t pan out as he had a niggling issue that meant he couldn’t run until the spring, but when he did, he beat a decent looking field on his debut in Wincanton, proving what Alan had been seeing at home. He is a very nice prospect, and one that we are all very excited by!

In the afternoon I headed up to Uttoxeter, where Uhtred Ragnarson was favourite for the 2m handicap hurdle for the Alan King Racing Club. Having hung his chances away last time out, cheekpieces had been applied, and he would have the assistance of Harry Cobden in the saddle. With the headgear on, perfect ground and a suitable track – we were expecting a big run from Uhtred. Sadly that didn’t go to plan – when he got to the start, one of the runners had to have it’s saddle adjusted, leading to a slight delay – we know that Uhtred Ragnarson very much has his own mind, and had thrown away a winning opportunity when slowly away in Stratford earlier in the summer, after being down at the start for too long – and when there was a delay to the start on Friday – it just gave him too much time to think and despite Harry’s best efforts, he dug his toes in and refused to race. This was a first for me – I’ve never had one do that before! Harry apologetic – but what could he do? Not his fault. The trainer - far from happy! I’m not sure how many more chances Uhtred will get! He is very frustrating as he has plenty of ability – it is just that he very much has his own ideas about the game. Club members who had made the trip to Uttoxeter were very understanding – we will consign that one to history and move on – I don’t want a repeat any time soon!

Donald McCain was having a frustrating day when I saw him – 3 second places – 2 very close seconds too! Nothing cheers a trainer up more than a run of seconds! But as Jonjo O’Neill pointed out – second is better than second last – and as I pointed out yesterday – a lot better than refusing to bloody race! Anyway – Donald did have a winner in the end and went home a happier man. When I saw him at the races, he was quick to tell me that he had schooled Dino Bellagio again, and once again he had been very good. I’m starting to get the feeling that he may just be back over hurdles in the very near future!

       Saturday – I’d Go Maniac worked well ahead of his scheduled run in Newbury next week. This will be his last run of the summer, and he will head off on a winters break after this. Hopefully the ground will remain OK for him – he doesn’t handle soft – so it will be a late call as to his participation. This race has been the plan for some time, as it is the last ladies’ amateur riders race of the season, and as Georgia has struck up such a good relationship with IGM this year, it seems like the right place to draw an end to the campaign.

I checked in with Donald about the progress and plans for the Pethers Moon 3yr old, as he is clearly working very nicely and it will not be long before we have to think about getting him named and looking for races for him. Donald likes to get all his horses away for racecourse gallops ahead of their debuts or first runs of the season, and he had a good team out early in Haydock yesterday. He did not take any 3yr olds – their turn will come in a couple of weeks if he thinks they are ready – but he is delighted with the progression the Pethers Moon has shown and is looking forward to getting going with him. He has started to pop him over a few hurdles, but he has not yet decided whether he starts him off in a junior bumper or a junior national hunt hurdle – that decision will be made in the next couple of weeks. We will be hosting a morning at McCains in the next couple of weeks, if you are interested in a share in a very promising young horse – then come along and see what he can do for yourself. Let me know by calling/texting 07909 518902 or emailing nickbrownracing@gmail.com

Fantastic racing from Ascot in the afternoon – Dacquiri Bay was below par in the Long Distance Cup – he will be back!

Huge congratulations to Billy Loughnane on winning the Jockeys Championship - the first of many!! 

Photo: Debbie Burt

And what a performance from Ombudsman - he really is a superstar!! 

Photo: Debbie Burt

       Sunday – John Harrison has been declared in Yarmouth on Tuesday – Rossa Ryan in the saddle. A few of the jockeys that have ridden him have said that he would appreciate a bit of cut in the ground, and he gets that this time. The 1m2f on soft ground should suit, and if he shows a fraction of what he does at home, he should run a big race. Ignore his last run in Wolverhampton – the wide draw, on the tight track for a horse with his run style was never going to be easy!

That’s it for this week – a mixed bag in terms of runs! Some very positive pieces of homework and a few interesting form lines boosted. Looking at the weather forecast for the next few days, there are more black clouds and raindrops than I have seen for months – so we could just be about to get at least some of the rain we need to get the jumps tracks to a point where they can provide naturally juicy ground, and we can get some of these horses out.

Drop by next week – to see how the runners fared – hopefully they all consent to jump off and actually run a race!!