Best days ahead of the regally bred Godolphin colt Dubhe

Dubhe
Winner, 1m maiden, Sandown, Thursday, August 10
This well-bred colt, out of a half-sister to the top-class Nathaniel, was quickly out of the stalls, leading at a fair pace, and showed a good turn of foot to pull steadily away from his opponents. He still looked as if this run would put an edge on him beforehand and as he returned to the winner’s enclosure he was still blowing heavily, which also indicated he wasn’t 100 per cent fit. This big-bodied colt’s best days are surely ahead of him.

Nuits St Georges looked very green and was showing signs of immaturity as he paraded. Placed out the back, he took a while to warm to his task and his inexperience came to the fore as he moved up with two furlongs to go. He’ll be a lot more clued up on his next appearance.

The well-bred Cassini looked the part, but he also showed his inexperience a number of times as he walked around. Sleepy out of the stalls, he took a while to understand what was required but kept on all the way to the line. This race should have pulled him together.

The well-made Mt Augustus looked well but was carrying plenty of condition. Slowly away, he was under pressure as the pace quickened but stayed on in taking style once he hit the rising ground.

The good-bodied Ship Of The Fen had previous experience to call upon and looked in good order, but once the pace quickened it was clear he was struggling on the ground.

Time Chaser
Winner, 1m2f handicap, Sandown, Thursday
This Juddmonte filly looked the class act in the field and maintained her unbeaten record. Always well placed, she was committed for home quite early and had to grind out victory. This likeable filly will be better on faster ground and is ready to step up to Listed level.

Glenys The Menace is in form and looked buoyant. She simply bumped into a smart filly here, but confirmed the promise of this performance by getting up late on to land the Shergar Cup Classic at Ascot on Saturday.

Star Of Rory and Alwahsh both looked in good order.

Gavota
Winner, 6f fillies’ novice stakes, 6f, Newmarket, Friday, August 11
Looking at this daughter of Bated Breath, the first thing that struck me was how calm and relaxed she was as she walked among the trees in the pre-parade ring.

Her demeanour did not change once saddled and she was content to lead the field down to the start. Held up in midfield, she was initially green when asked for her final effort, but once encountering the uphill finish she grabbed the ground to run on strongly and win by a short head. She will come on for the run and I see no problem with her going an extra furlong.

The once-raced Daybreak had come on from her debut and went to post with a professional attitude. Setting a steady pace, she quickened two furlongs out and had a slight break on the field but couldn’t hold off the winner. She should win a maiden.

The lengthy Goodnight Girl looked fairly straight for her debut and did not disgrace herself in third.

Priscilla’s Dream has plenty of size, but was far from ready.

Lady Godiva looked fine, but for the second time she showed little in the race.

Capesthorne looked on the burly side and was clueless throughout.