Loughville bounces back at Nottingham, and dreams of Classic trials for Spyce
October 15
Well, we told you that she had more class than the opposition, that she went well for David Egan and had already won twice over this shorter trip. The pointers were crystal clear that Loughville was worth a second look at Nottingham today, and I hope you were all on the 5-1 winner.
Sadly, I got held up in traffic and arrived home just in time to see the mare pull four lengths clear of the chasing pack on the run-in. Ought to have lumped on earlier, but c’est la vie, and the way in which Loughville won suggests that it won’t be long before she clocks up a fifth success for her owner-breeders, the Glebe Farm Stud.
We are fast getting close to the final meeting of the 2025 turf season on the Flat, though Alan could possibly be represented at Doncaster on Saturday week by last week’s York runner-up Insanity in the prestigious November Handicap.
Insanity has been beaten less than a length three times since he won at Ayr in June, and the handicapper has now put him up to a mark of 100.
However, Alan will not be confirming the entry of either Spyce nor Deedaydiva in the last G1 race of the campaign, the Futurity Trophy on Town Moor.
Alan said:”Spyce ran a smashing race to be beaten only three lengths in the Zetland Stakes at Newmarket, earning himself a rating of 100. Maybe a stronger pace would have helped him, but the ground was plenty quick enough, meaning he did not come down the hill as well as he might.
“However, Spyce remains an exciting prospect for next year. He can now enjoy his winter holiday and, all being well, we can look forward to a classic trial in the spring.
“As for Deedaydiva, the owners fancied a tilt at the Oh So Sharp Stakes, but the filly has never stopped growing so we have drawn stumps until next season. She confirmed that debut promise from Newmarket when winning in style at Sandown, so, she too, is one we have big hopes for next year.”
Alan was also delighted with Daiquiri Bay at Newmarket. “Again lack of pace did not help, but he finished his race off well, being beaten less than a length in third place, and since he broke his maiden at Chester in May he has finished in the frame in four of his six subsequent races, so he has now climbed up to a mark of 96.”
Other news picked up from Barbury when I enjoyed a misty morning on the gallops on Tuesday prompted a farewell to my old friend Brioni, who is heading for the Newmarket Horses-in-Training Sale next week, while dual winner Kurakka, who was placed in competitive handicaps at both Newmarket’s July meeting and Glorious Goodwood this season, has been sold to continue his racing career in Australia.
It was great to hear that Harry Herbert’s Highclere Thoroughbred’s team are back on the owners list at Barbury, having taken charge of our impressive Epsom winner Alcarath, and Alan will be off to Highclere’s annual parade of yearlings on Sunday. Highclere have been lucky owners for us in the past, and they look to have snapped up an exciting individual in Alcarath.
Finally, it was heartening to see the jumpers looking in top trim up the all-weather gallop. Both Edwardstone and Emitom will be 12 years old on New year’s Day, but they were in terrific shape as they breezed past me, so the pair of them look more than capable of winning another race or two next jumps season.
