Kevin Stott’s Blog: Dancing towards some more success at Newmarket

The Flat really is back now and in full swing with the three-day Craven meeting at Newmarket this week. I’ve some really nice rides to look forward to on each of the days and hope that I can continue the bit of luck I’ve had lately.

Tuesday, Newmarket

The first of my two rides on the first day of the Craven is Raadobarg (3.35pm), who runs for the first time ever at Newmarket. This is his first run for new trainer George Boughey also, and he’s been gelded lately, both of which make him an interesting runner. He’s enjoyed slow ground in the past and, although it will have dried out a bit by the time he runs, the going should still be on the slower side. He’s a horse with decent form from last year, running well in black-type races, and he’s more than capable of winning this. He’s rated 107, and the favourite – Poker Face – is rated lower at 101. That’s interesting to say the least!

My second ride on Tuesday is Cuban Thunder (4.45pm). Everything has been going nicely for this colt at home with Dominic Ffrench Davis. He was expensive enough as a yearling at £150,000 and his dam was a winner over seven furlongs too. He seems a sharp sort, he’s in good form and I’m looking forward to his first go on the track.

Wednesday, Newmarket

First of my three rides on Wednesday is Queen Olly in the Nell Gwyn Stakes (3.35pm). She’s also just joined George Boughey this year. I sat on her just last week and she felt in really great condition. She’s gone well at Newmarket in the past, coming second in a Listed race there back in October on good-to-soft ground, so her chances should be solid. Although her best form is over six furlongs, we feel she has strengthened up a lot over the winter and can have a crack at seven now. I’ve chosen to ride her over Mammas Girl, another Amo runner in this race, so let’s find out if I’ve made the right decision!

Next is Persian Dreamer in the fillies’ maiden (4.10pm). This Calyx filly is well related, not to mention that she’s a half-sister to Queen Olly! She’s got plenty of size and scope, a high cruising speed and we can’t fault her homework so far. Having cost 145,000 EUR as a yearling, she was another pricey one so let’s hope she can follow in Queen Olly’s footsteps and win first time out.

Last of the day on Wednesday is Dancing (4.45pm). She was with Richard Hannon last year and has since moved to Dominic Ffrench Davis. Her two starts to date have been disappointing and she’s bred to be better than she’s showed so far, being by Lockinge and Champion Stakes winner Farhh, but the hope is that her winter break and change of scene will have helped her improve a bit. She’s against some fillies with good form in this, and also some well-bred debutants, but we hope that she’ll be able to show us some better form this time.