Charlie Hills’ William Hill blog: Pogo in fine form ahead of Newmarket run

Royal Ascot reflections

Dark Shift was obviously the highlight of last week. It’s always great when a long-term plan comes together and given he seems to love Ascot so much, I think we’ll likely run him again in the International Stakes on King George day. I don’t think dropping back to seven furlongs will be a problem and as things stand, that’s his most likely next port of call.

I was really pleased with Sydneyarms Chelsea in the Albany, who ran a cracker on just her second career start. She showed a little inexperience but that’s natural and I was very happy with how she hit the line. There’s a Listed race at Deauville on July 10 which we’re looking at next for her.

Wanees was another to run well. They didn’t go very fast in the Britannia which was quite unusual but I was still happy how he went. I think we’ll step him up to a mile and a quarter next time.

You had to be happy with Equilateral too. To finish fifth in a Group One after nearly 450 days off the track was some feat. It was great to see him back and we’ll have a think where we go next.

Newmarket Saturday 

We open up at Newmarket with Lake Eloise in the fillies’ maiden (1.00pm). The extra furlong will suit her and you can almost forget the run at Bath as she was drawn terribly and never got into it. We’re effectively treating this as her first start.

He’s obviously got the three-pound penalty for his win at Haydock, but we’re hoping for another good run from Pogo in the Criterion Stakes (3.15pm). We could have waited and run without a penalty but it’s only three pounds and he’s in really good form, so we thought we’d give it a go. The fast ground will suit, but we’re under no illusions the penalty makes his life harder.

Newcastle Saturday 

Tommy De Vito loves Newcastle and he should go well in the six-furlong handicap (1.50pm). We’ve had this race in mind for a while now and with a good draw in two and with Tom Marquand booked, we’re hopeful he’ll go nicely.

We also run The Attorney, this time in the seven-furlong handicap (4.38pm). He’s another who likes Newcastle and he’s in good form at home, so I think he’ll run a nice race.

Doncaster Saturday

Pending Appeal should go well in the seven-furlong fillies’ maiden (7.30pm). The track at Lingfield didn’t really suit last time and this one should better, as will the extra furlong.