Cape Peron may be the star of the Henry Candy stable, but he is by no means the only interesting horse in the yard and it could pay to follow the progress of the speedily-bred Music Master. Music Master made it the racecourse on only one occasion as a juvenile, shaping with promise having been the subject of strong market support, but he has quickly made an impact as a three-year-old, winning a maiden at the Craven Meeting before running creditably in Pattern company.
Music Master showed up well for a long way in a strong renewal of the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he held every chance inside the final furlong of the seven-furlong Group 3 but faded slightly in the closing stages. Although he obviously stays the trip well enough, the speed Music Master displayed indicated that he may prove to be at least as effective over six furlongs; his two subsequent efforts have done little to quash this assertion.
Music Master was beaten at odds-on at Newbury but he still ran a perfectly creditable race, simply bumping into a rival that had returned to form. He had actually looked like the most likely winner two furlongs from home, showing his customary strong-travelling style, but was overhauled late on, once again hinting that the drop to six furlongs, while not a necessity, wouldn't prove to be a hindrance.
Circumstances conspired against Music Master at Goodwood in the valuable Betfair Heritage Handicap over seven furlongs, his wide draw making life difficult for jockey Fergus Sweeney who had to go harder than ideal in the early stages to secure a prominent position. As usual, Music Master tanked along - he was actually one of the last to come off the bridle - but his early exertions told as he weakened markedly in the closing stages, forfeiting a number of positions. Music Master shaped significantly better than the bare form implies and will be of interest, probably at a decent price, in a similar event next time, though a drop to six furlongs would increase confidence.
Timeform Notebook:
My Catch was undoubtedly disappointing in the Gimcrack Stakes, folding relatively tamely having raced prominently in the early stages, but it is likely that the testing conditions were against him and he can bounce back quickly. The issue for the purposes of this article, however, is that, as a listed winner, he is likely to be competing against extremely talented rivals so winning opportunities could be tough to find.
Deserted came out on top at Yarmouth, showing a pleasing attitude in a close finish. It had looked as if Luca Cumani's handicap debutant was going to be swamped inside the final furlong but, pleasingly, she pulled out more and won by a diminishing head. She is in very good hands and can continue to progress.
Looking at the week ahead, it is worth watching out for the reappearance of Kingman. Currently ante-post favourite for the 2000 Guineas, it is unlikely that the well-touted Kingman will offer much in the way of value in the Solario Stakes at Sandown but it will be interesting to see if he can build on his impressive debut success at Newmarket.
Integral made little impact in the Nassau Stakes but she remains unexposed and is sure to be one of the market leaders if taking up her engagement in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes.
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 - Impressive winner of first two starts and not disgraced in the Nassau. Still unexposed.
Mankini - Progressive, winning three from last four. Better still to come.
Kingman - Incredibly impressive debut, running to a big figure in a quick time. Very exciting prospect.
Ertijaal - Above-average early achievements, impressive in success at Yarmouth last time. Pattern performer in the making.
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 should continue progressing for leading yard.
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.
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