Drinks on Daiquiri at Newmarket

Daiquiri Bay set up a return trip to Royal Ascot after making his return to action a triumphant one in the Boodles Handicap at Newmarket on Saturday.

After signing off last season with a battling third in the bet365 Old Rowley Cup over course and distance, the son of New Bay, who was making his first start since being gelded, went two places better with a taking victory in the mile and a half contest under Rossa Ryan.

Having raced close to the pace throughout Daiquiri Bay forged on past long-time leader Gamrai inside the final furlong before prevailing by a length.

Alan said: “I think we got away with the ground as he wouldn’t want to keep going on it, but I’m delighted. I think he has improved a lot mentally since being gelded last year.

“He was just getting a little bit boisterous at the end of last season so we decided to cut him and put him away. I would imagine the next stop would be Royal Ascot.

“Rossa said keep both the Duke Of Edinburgh and Copper Horse Stakes open as options and we will just see how is nearer the time as to which one to go for. ”

Before Daiquiri Bay struck gold on his return to the racecourse stablemate Alcarath made his first appearance of the camapign in the Betfred Suffolk Stakes.

And although the son of Acclamation could only finish fifth in the Heritage Handicap it was a performance that Alan was delighted with.

Alan said: “That was a good run. He will come on plenty for that as he was a bit gassy early on. He probably over raced for the first two furlongs, but he stayed on really nicely under hands and heels.

“There will be a lot of improvement to come from him both physically and mentally.”

On Friday stable stalwart Paradias dipped his toe into Group Two company for the first time in his career when contesting the Betfred Jockey Club Stakes.

Despite having a bit to find on ratings with all of his rivals the gelded son of Kodiac stayed on well to finish a close up fifth in the hands of Hector Crouch.

Alan said: “Paradias was very good on Friday as he was only beaten two and a half lengths, but we are just in no man’s land a bit with him. I might just try him over a mile and three quarters next time now that he is relaxing as he stayed on lovely.

“We might just try and find him a Listed race next time. He will go to some of the big meetings, and although off his mark it makes things difficult, we will have a lot of fun with him I hope.”