Neil Morrice takes a look at five UK dark horses who could impressed recently. Featured here are CAJETAN, KING OF LUCK, CERTAIN LAD, POTAPOVA and DEVIL’S POINT.
CAJETAN Ascot September 8th
CAJETAN did not go unbacked for a novice that threw up a good winner in Miss Information. The colt had disliked faster underfoot conditions at Lingfield but this well watered ground offered a fair playing field. Ridden confidently he was travelling as well as anything approaching the quarter pole but weakened into sixth in the final furlong. A horse with a couple high profile entries, he’s better than he’s shown so far, and certainly shouldn’t be written off.
KING OF LUCK Kempton Park September 8th
Though beaten more than nine lengths and having more in front of him than behind, KING OF LUCK showed ability and has now had two tuns for trainer Sir Michael Stoute. He needs another outing in order to be given a handicap mark, and this effort is better than it looked as he was slowly away and had to use a lot of petrol to try to mount a challenge.
CERTAIN LAD Sandown Park September 2nd
Considering he didn’t have his ground and ran freely with the choke out, CERTAIN LAD put in a commendable effort to chase home impressive scorer Dual Identity. He remains a well handicapped horse and can look forward to similar opportunities with easy conditions sure to figure through the autumn.
POTAPOVA Sandown Park September 2nd
POTAPOVA attracted late support for the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes and ran well to claim a minor cheque in spite of meeting trouble in running. She has few miles on her racing clock and can pick up a Listed or Group 3 for Sir Michael Stoute.
DEVIL’S POINT Sandown Park September 2nd
While it’s worrying that the first four home in this Solario Stakes finished in a bit of a heap, DEVIL’S POINT is definitely the one to take out of it. Crucially to his chance he missed the break and that error cost him more ground than he was beaten by. After getting outpaced he stayed on powerfully up the final hill, and connections are right to fancy their chances of turning the tables with winner Aablan should the two colts clash again this year.
