Ballymount Boy hasn't been seen since I put him up last month so I repeat my thoughts. An above average 2yo, Ballymount Boy could easily be discarded on his next run as his form figures aren't inspiring.
However, I saw plenty of encouragement last time out at Goodwood as he stayed on powerfully into 6th having been in an unpromising position turning into the straight.
That was on quick ground, which he copes with, but he is so much more effective on a softer surface that he really has to be high on this shortlist given the time of year where the ground begins to change. Any 7f/1m handicap on a softer surface will have to be high on the agenda.
Calandagan, pictured right This French 3yo is probably going to be one of my big fancies of the month of October and I hope he can be sweet enough to reward my faith. He showed his class when he routed a good field at Royal Ascot and proved that was no fluke when chasing home City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International at York.
Watching that race I couldn't help but feel a shade unlucky having backed him as he made up serious ground up the straight as opposed to the winner who had it all his own way. Many wouldn't but I marked that performance up a good bit as I know how hard it is to make up ground at York on quick ground especially in a race like that. I think he is the real deal who can put Economics in his place in the Champion Stakes as he arrives the slightly fresher horse.
Denne historien er fra October 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra October 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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LOOKING BRIGHT FOR IRISH STARS
Karl Hedley reports as jumps challengers pile on the heat across the water
WELL SET TO STEP AHEAD
Ben Morgan has ten warming prospects to follow in the coming weeks
CUE FOR MANY A CELEBRATION
Graham Buddry recalls the life and times of jumps legend Cue Card
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
TWISTER RUNS MASTER CLASS
John Anthony watches Nigel Twiston-Davies' star catch time judges' eye
NO LEAVES ON LINE TO SLOW THESE FLYERS
Simon Nott enjoys a West Country Weekend catching up with ring pals
EXPECTATIONS SOAR AT RIDGE
Nick Townsend talks to rising Newmarket training star James Owen
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
NORMA'S COLOURS ARE FLYING PROUD
Robert Cooper sees Percy Willis and Kaadam grace white and green spots and red cap
CHIANTI FLOWS AS NEW LION GROWLS
Prior to the National Hunt season 'proper' getting underway at Chepstow the question on many people's lips was whether or not Willie Mullins would target a second consecutive British trainers' title.