Exeter 30th June Review
By Paul Simmons

The Edward Symmons LLP Maiden Stakes over 6 Furlongs:
Hathrah (Makzan x Ester Du Paon) so long the bridesmaid finally got the chance to assert her superiority and open her account under a fine confident ride from Phil Collington, always in contention she quickened clear in the straight to win by an easy three lengths. Edjalie (Bengali D’Albret x Edjara Al Garamaze) did nothing wrong in third on her race course debut, and led inside the two furlong marker but was no match for the winner but she is one to note. Back in third was Estihlal (Al Sakbe x Horkidee) who was always handy and just seemed to get tapped for toe in the final two furlongs but ran an encouraging race on her debut.

The iimia Wealth Management Open Race (PBA, AA & TB) over 7 Furlongs:
Inchmarlow (Cape Cross x Glenstal Priory) reversed the form in emphatic fashion with Fraternity, always handy he made his move into the lead from the two furlong marker under an inspired ride from Anna Wallace and quickened clear in the final furlong to win by an easy six lengths to give Sue Connally her first win of the season. Back in second was Night Cap (Night Shift x Classic Design) who paid the price of a tardy start and was flying in the straight and snatched second from Fraternity (Grnad Lodge x Catawba) within the shadow of the post. The latters winning run came to an end but he possibly found the trip a touch on the sharp side.

The iimia Wealth Management Maiden Stakes over 1 Mile 2 Furlongs:
Another win for the powerful combination of Champion trainer Gill Duffield and leading owner HH Sheikh Hamdan with Derby entrant Almutasader (Makzan x Valina Des Fabries) opening his account at the second time of asking, but he had to work hard to do it as did jockey Phil Collington who used all his strength and determination to get the winner up just inside the post from Palapal (Bengali D’Albret x Prunelle De Ghazal). The latter was leading two furlongs out and looked to have the race in the bag only to be collared in the dying strides, but he is one to keep on the right side of. Whilst back in third Al Bashiq (Makzan x Mubarakah) was handy throughout and had every chance but couldn’t quite match the pace of the first two but wasn’t disgraced another ¾ length behind.

The Penn Challenge Handicap Stakes (AA & PBAs) over 1 Mile:
Curupanna (Opera Ghost x Easter Panic) has really thrown the gauntlet down in the anglo division this year, she was always up with the pace and made progress in the final two furlongs before forging clear to win by a comfortable two and half lengths under a well judged ride from Sam Holdsworth. Madrison (L’Estragon x Madrisa) was always prominent but although he came with his run inside the final two furlongs he couldn’t live with the winner. Tamagotchi (Lord David S x Fleurbienka) made the running into the straight and kept on one paced for third.

The Jebel Ali Racing Club Stakes 0-50 over 1 Mile 6 Furlongs:
Carol Legg has always held Mushammer (Passem Lotois x Kawzah Tiki) in some regard and he has been running well all season and duly opened his account here under a well timed ride from David Turner; always travelling well he came with a strong run inside the final furlong and stuck on well inside the final furlong to hold off the sustained challenge of Anganate Safinat (Manganate x Astree). The latter is coming to hand and fought hard in the closing stages and was a decent second, his time will come. Whilst Shespeshaltu (Izentespeshal x NI Sarazim) finally repaid the Prior’s faith in her by battling on down the straight to outstay the rest of the field for third.

The ARO Sweepstakes Handicap Stakes 0-65 over 2 Miles:
A one-two-three for the Sam Davison yard but were they in the right order? Debrett (Bengali D’Albret x Djeba Al Mels) who was having only his fourth race run ran a superb staying performance under a strong ride from Danny Burton, he led from the five furlong marker and stayed on resolutely up the straight to hold on by a neck from stablemate and dour stayer Kizhi – both of them being owned by Linda Cross. Kizhi (Khairouan x Sucha) lost nothing in defeat and continues to impress when the emphasis is on stamina, whilst back in third was stablemate Mehshiv (Normativ x Mehsha) who seemed to struggle to go the pace in the final furlong but kept on for third.

The “Angela’s 40 in a Fortnight” Handicap Stakes 0-80 over 6 Furlongs:
Another win for Carol Legg for father Eric Legg with the ever talented Pavots Dreamboy (Pavot Al Maury x Autumn Dream), he was driven out inside the final furlong by David Turner and came two lengths clear at the line to win quite comfortably. Back in second was the talented The Debator (Bengali D’Albret x Djeba Al Mels) making her debut for the Williams yard, she was always chasing the winner but was clear of the rest of the field and is sure to open her account soon. Whilst Cal Mora Pretender (Bakara x Mora Pretenciosa) ran well back in third and kept on one paced in the final furlong.