Thursday 22 September 2011

Newmarket Preview


Jim Bolger hopes Zip Top can bounce back from a disappointing effort at the Curragh when he encounters faster ground in the Somerville Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed, the youngster created a favourable impression on his debut, justifying favouritism and making all the running at Leopardstown, before disappointing in the Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh.

Bolger said: "He is over in Newmarket already and I'm happy with him. I think the ground was too soft for him at the Curragh and I'm hoping he'll run a good race. He's a horse we like a lot."

Meanwhile Vincent Ward hopes his two runners in the Jockey Club Rose Bowl at Newmarket on Thursday produce another good run before they head off to the sales.


Fictional Account was only narrowly beaten by Saddler's Rock and Fame And Glory on her penultimate run in the Irish St Leger Trial before the ground went against her in the Classic itself, while End Of The Affair is currently rated as highly as she ever has been, despite being a seven-year-old.

Ward said: "The ground should suit them both, that's why we've gone. It's their last hurrah and then they've finished with me. End Of The Affair ran a very good race the last day. I was going to retire her then but she was in such good form we carried on."

He added: "There's nothing for them in Ireland, though, as I don't want them lugging top weight around giving 2st to three-year-olds. I'm trying to get a bit of black type for End Of The Affair before she goes to Newmarket and if she finished in the first three I'd be delighted.

"She's got headgear again but the trip was too short last time as she galloped all the way to the line.

"Fictional Account is in fair order after the Curragh. The difference in the ground for her is unbelievable. She's such a heavy mare that if there's any ease in it she just can't go through it.

"They've been in since January but this is their final destination and hopefully they give a good account of themselves."


John Gosden's Nehaam returns to two miles after running a cracker to finish second in the Old Newton Cup last time.

Angus Gold, owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's racing manager, said: "He ran a great race at Haydock. He's been very consistent this season and he's come back well since his time off. We've been delighted with him.

"Obviously he's stepping back up to two miles but we think he'll stay, although he's shown that he's effective over shorter."