Followers of international racing savoured the Grade 1 wins in the Travers for strong front-runner, West Coast, and Practical Joke in the H. Allen Jerkens, together with the cleverly ridden, Forever Unbridled in the Personal Ensign, whilst champion sprinter Drefong crushed them in the Forego Stakes at the same Saratoga spa venue in the USA.

The York festival was also in full swing in Britain – Nakeeta eked out a narrow victory in the Ebor, a strong, staying handicap. Previously, Lady Aurelia got lumbered on the line by Marsha, with Frankie Dettori mistakenly thinking he’d won it on the American filly. Instead, Grade 1 Nunthorpe honours went to Marsha who belongs to the 10,000-mass membership Elite Racing Club – syndicate. Participants pay just 200 pounds per year to be involved.

On our local tracks, London Call (s/s 107) proved as formidable as ever over the short cuts at Scottsville. He’s won six of nine starts over that trip and is top notch when all parts are in working order. The son of Kahal may be a few lengths shy of what is required to win at Grade 1 level, yet has really performed admirably in Pinnacle races in the 105 – 107 speed figure band and is a credit to his connections.

Var filly Casual Diamond (s/s 92+) caught the eye with a smart turn of foot to win a medium grade sprint handicap at Kenilworth. She has now won three of six starts, and should be able to beat much better than what she faced on Saturday.

Rock Deejay (s/s 98) is another to have won half of his career starts. The son of Seventh Rock completed a hat-trick when beating off Vous et Var (s/s 97) in the Speedster Stakes at Fairview. Reported as not striding out earlier in his career, it seems that gelding has helped him realise full potential. A rating in the high 90’s is pretty good for PE, so Rock Deejay may be able to keep up the winning sequence.