Ace Aussie
I couldn’t believe this horse went off 18/1 for his reappearance at Leopardstown recently given how strong his two year old form is. Being a son of Australia, he wouldn’t have been suited to the softer ground he encountered in the Beresford Stakes on his last run of last season and that disappointment may have contributed to the negative vibes ahead of his reappearance. However, after being dropped out the back he made eye catching progress up the straight and fairly flew home but couldn’t quite reel in the smart Poetic Flare.
That was over 7f and I am excited to see him step up in trip in the near future as I think he could be a really nice horse on good ground this summer. He is entered in the Derby but whether he will develop into that sort of horse remains to be seen. I can certainly see him running in a race such as the Hampton Court at Royal Ascot and being competitive.
Acklam Express
Nigel Tinkler’s horse impressed me greatly last year as a two-year-old, but took his form to a whole new level through the winter in Dubai. He looked a real speedball last year but ran two mighty races in top company in Meydan over 6f (including when making his own running last time on the wrong side) which will please connections as they would rather split up Ubettabelieveit and this fellow than clash heads. I think this lad would be more than comfortable over 5f and I would love to see him in a Kings Stand where you have to stay 6f in order to win but I think he may be destined for the Commonwealth Cup.
Whichever way connections decide to go I think he will be a force to be reckoned with in the sprinting division and mustn’t be underestimated.
Away He Goes
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