The stoutly-bred Spiritoftomintoul relished the step up to two miles at Kempton on Wednesday, winning a seemingly-competitive handicap in good style, and he looks sure to make an impact as a stayer. Well supported in the betting, Spiritoftomintoul travelled comfortably towards the rear before making rapid headway two furlongs from home, beating Cousin Khee, a horse with a good record on Polytrack, by three and a quarter lengths.
The first three home at Kempton all raced towards the rear in the early stages of the contest but sectional times suggest that it would be a mistake to assume that it had been an advantage to do so. Spiritoftomintoul, along with Cousin Khee and the third-placed Saborido, made up ground on quickening rivals, meaning that, far from being flattered, they are deserving of extra credit. He is likely to get a hefty rise in the weights for such an authoritative success, but, such was the style of the victory, Spiritoftomintoul is likely to stay one step ahead of the assessor for a while yet and is an exciting staying prospect.
Timeform Notebook
The exciting Kingman confirmed the fantastic impression that he had created on debut when winning the Solario Stakes, solidifying his position at the head of the 2000 Guineas market. Punters are unlikely to get rich quick backing Kingman -he went off at 2-7 on Saturday and is only 5-1 to win the Guineas - but, by the same token, they are unlikely to go poor backing him, either. He ought to continue to be extremely difficult to beat and looks destined for the top.
Integral had been fast-tracked to Group 1 company following an impressive listed race win at Sandown but struggled to make an impact against the best of her sex in the Nassau Stakes. Dropping in grade to contest the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown on Saturday, Integral shared the spoils with Ladys First but very much shaped like the best filly in the race, arguably making her ground from rear too quickly, leaving her vulnerable to a renewed effort from her tough rival. Integral showed a fantastic attitude to force a deadheat, though, having been headed close home by the rallying Ladys First and is likely to win plenty of races at this level.
Breden was well backed prior to his hat-trick attempt but a muddling gallop didn't see John Gosden's charge to best effect and he could only plug on to finish fourth behind the well-ridden winner, Brownsea Brink. It would be a mistake to write off Breden, who had looked progressive entering the Sandown contest, on the back of one lacklustre effort when things weren't in his favour, and he remains as a horse to be interested in.
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.
Mankini - Progressive, winning three from last four. Better still to come.
Kingman - Incredibly impressive debut and one of this season's leading juveniles.
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 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.
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