Sir Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton was probably unlucky not to win the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.

Held up at the back of the field through the early stages of the race by Ryan Moore, 15th of the 16 runners as they passed the three-furlong pole, the Galileo colt still travelled well in behind horses at the two-furlong pole as his rider looked for a gap. He moved to the left to get past early leader Mister Universe but, as he did, Fadhayyil moved to her right a little and Mister Universe moved a little to his left, with the result that Sir Isaac Newton got squeezed out, and his rider had to snatch up. In that move, his chance of winning the race had gone. Over three lengths behind the leader at that point, deep inside the final furlong, Moore got him going again and he closed the gap to two lengths by the time they reached the winning line, despite the fact that he had to be eased up again close home as Fadhayyil moved a little to her left. The record book says that he finished sixth, but it is difficult to argue that he was only the sixth best horse in the race. Actually, it is easier to argue that he was the best.

The Ballydoyle colt still displayed signs of greenness here. That is understandable, it was just his fourth run ever. He probably wasn’t helping his rider inside the final two furlongs, he was probably hanging a little to his right as Ryan Moore wanted to take him to his left. He had been green when he won his maiden at Gowran Park in May and, while he knew a lot more here, it is probable that he will come on again for this experience.

A 3.6 million-guinea yearling and a full brother to Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture, Aidan O’Brien’s colt was only just beaten by the highly-regarded Zawraq – who was second favourite for the Epsom Derby before he was scratched – on his only run at two. It was disappointing at the time that he couldn’t win a 10-furlong maiden at Chester’s May meeting when he was sent off at 1/6, but the easy ground was not in his favour, and it is probable now, looking back with the benefit of hindsight, that the extended 10-furlong trip stretched his stamina. He appeared to be much happier back over seven furlongs and on better ground at Gowran Park last month, and this run was another step forward from that.

Despite the fact that he was the lowest-rated horse going into the Jersey Stakes on official ratings, he was sent off the 8/1 joint second favourite behind Ivawood, so he is obviously still highly-regarded. This seven-furlong trip is good for him, but he should be able to stay a mile well. He still holds some lofty entries, like in the Eclipse and in the Sussex Stakes, but it may be that he can win a Group 3 race – like the Meld Stakes, run over nine furlongs at Leopardstown in mid-July – before he is asked to step into Group 1 company. He is a horse in whom it may pay to retain faith. He obviously has a lot of talent.

17th June 2015