Doc Hay was well fancied to retain his crown in the Portland Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday but things transpired against David O'Meara's charge. Dropped out in rear, as usual, Doc Hay travelled well but was short of room as they approached the final couple of furlongs, which allowed his rivals to gain first run on him. Doc Hay's winning chance had already gone by the time he was finally extricated, but he finished extremely strongly, picking off a number of rivals in the closing stages under a fairly considerate ride, leaving the impression that there is certainly more to come.
Doc Hay is on a fair mark based on his performances last season, the highlights being his Portland victory and a success in a five-furlong listed race at Ascot, and he looks as if he is just starting to come to the boil this term. That assertion is not only based on Saturday's performance, however. Two weeks prior to the Portland Doc Hay had contested the Beverley Bullet and impressed with the amount of ground he made two furlongs out, unsurprisingly unable to sustain the effort close home having made such a promising move.
The fact that Doc Hay was given a mid-season break following Royal Ascot looks sure to stand him in good stead as we edge towards the tail-end of the Flat season. Doc Hay appears to be peaking just at the time some horses start to lose their form and that could prove to be a huge positive.
Timeform Notebook:
We had two Notebook horses in action at Doncaster last week as Galileo Rock and Pether's Moon both ran creditably without winning. It had been anticipated that Pether's Moon would appreciate the step up to 14 furlongs at Doncaster but, as things transpired, he probably didn't quite see out the trip on the rain-softened ground, finding the test a bit too much in the Mallard Handicap. He travelled well, though, and wasn't far below his best so it would be a mistake to write him off and he should remain competitive.
Galileo Rock had long appealed as an ideal St Leger type and he ran well to finish placed in his third classic of the season. Smart, genuine and consistent, Galileo Rock should continue to perform well, though it should be noted that he failed to improve on the form he had shown at Epsom and the Curragh, simply running to a similar figure in the St Leger.
Breden once again proved extremely strong in the betting but failed to deliver the goods at Sandown, not obviously undone by conditions based on the way he travelled. It is too soon to write off John Gosden's charge, however, and he could yet deliver on the obvious promise of his Newmarket success.
Galileo Rock - Performed well at the top level and looks an ideal St Leger candidate.
Pether's Moon - Authoritative winner at Goodwood last time, could make an impact at listed level or above.
Cape Peron - Has shaped very well in two ultra-competitive handicaps. Pattern-level performer.
Integral - Boasts a good strike-rate and looks sure to continue winning races at Pattern level.
Kingman - Impressive on both starts and one of this season's leading juveniles.
Deserted - Showed a good attitude to win on handicap debut at Yarmouth.
Brass Ring - Form has worked out exceptionally well and is extremely well treated.
Our Queenie - Ran to a strong timefigure on last start and should excel in nursery company for the rest of the season.
Breden - Twice successful this term and better than he showed when unsuited by steady pace at Sandown.
Midnight Rider - A strong-travelling sprinter who is ready to strike granted a strong pace.
Music Master - Consistent performer who is effective over seven furlongs but promises to be suited by six.
Spiritoftomintoul - Completely unexposed over staying distances.
Cafe Society - Strong-travelling type who has shaped extremely well in defeat on his latest two outings.
Doc Hay - Looks to be peaking towards a big effort and slightly unlucky at Doncaster
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