Charlie Hills’ Blog: Hopeful Orazio can prove he’s a Group horse

I was thrilled with Iberian at Doncaster in the Champagne Stakes. He was really impressive and the one thing about him is that he has a great temperament so I’m confident he’ll come out of the race really well and all roads lead to the Dewhurst now.

The Vintage didn’t quite go our way for several reasons and on another day I think he would have got a bit closer than he did, but it’s great that he bounced back to show he’s a proper Group-class horse.

Tom [Marquand] was really impressed by the turn of foot he showed and we both agreed that he’ll be even better on faster ground.

Newmarket, Saturday

Remarkable Flight (1.40pm) has done nothing wrong at home so far and she’s ready to start out. She’s come from a breeze-up sale so she’s a little bit hot, but she’s learning all the time.

We’re hoping for more of the same from Lady Alara in the fillies’ handicap (2.15pm). She showed a great attitude at Ascot last time and she should run well again. It’s always nice to have fillies who are in form at this time of the year and hopefully the ground dries out a little bit.

Ayr, Saturday

The draw in 23 looks okay for Orazio ahead of the Ayr Gold Cup (3.35pm). The ground was too quick at Ascot and it was virtually unraceable at Goodwood last time, but it should be pretty much perfect here. The higher numbers seem to be the place to be in this race and hopefully we get a bit of luck in running.

Everyone seems happy with him at home and we know these races are never easy to win given their competitiveness, but we’re hopeful.

I’d like to think he’s a Group horse or at least has the potential to be one, so fingers crossed there is a bit more improvement to come.

Vaynor should have a nice chance in the 1m5f handicap (5.20pm). He won well last time and this race should set up well for him.