The Notebook

SPIRIT MIXER

Andrew Balding’s Spirit Mixer made up a lot of ground at Ascot this weekend and looks able to capitalise on a declining handicap mark. He motored home for Marie Velon this weekend, finishing a never nearer fourth. It’s fair to say it’s been a frustrating season for this gelding. That said, one run in 2023 shows this horse has struggled with injuries, so any success in 2024 is well-earned.

He’s ran to a similar level on all starts this season and offers consistency at a reasonable each way price every time he runs. He is certainly one to add to your tracker.

BALLET SLIPPERS

Ballet Slippers looks to have bumped into a useful filly at the Curragh on Saturday and Aidan O’Brien’s two-year-old remains a filly with huge potential. She took a substantial step forward from her debut and looked the winner for the majority of this race, just getting ran down late on.

The eye is drawn to her entries, where she has multiple entries ta the top level, evidently showing how highly she is thought of. In time, an extra furlong may suit her, but for now she seems more of capable of winning races over seven furlongs.

WISPER

A stronger stamina test would certainly suit Wisper, who finished second in a competitive handicap on Tuesday. This mare appeared to be very unlucky at Goodwood on her penultimate start, having met numerous traffic problems throughout. There was no excuses on this occasion, she was simply beat by a horse who had the run of the race out in front.

It is intriguing that connections haven’t tried her over further, as she does her best work at the end of the races. Nevertheless, with a bit of luck in running, a strongly run 10 furlongs should see her in the winner’s enclosure soon.

MANY MEN

Finally, there was a nightmare passage for Many Men at Newmarket last week, who was making his debut for George Boughey. Through no fault of his own, he couldn't get a clear run, with horses repeatedly drifting in front of him.

It is never ideal in any circumstance but on your first racecourse start makes it worse!

There was plenty of promise in his performance, and even after he was denied a clear run, he ran on well to finish second. There was a lot of market support before the off, so connections obviously think there is ability there and he should be in the frame next time out.