West End Charmer

West End Charmer put up a really nice performance to win the 10-furlong handicap. He was last into the stalls and he was blindfolded and a little restless, but he flashed out and was quickly into a nice racing rhythm in front for William Buick. He was chased by his stable companion Sky Defender but, when William Buick got lower in the saddle, he picked up nicely and stayed on strongly all the way to the line.

The two favourites, Davydenko and Good Birthday, may have underperformed a little here, but it was still a fine performance by Mark Johnston's horse. He has had his issues, he was being prepared for Royal Ascot last year, when he had a setback, and Mark Johnston said after Sunday's race that they weren't sure then if they would ever see him back on a racecourse. He was progressive before that last season, he had disappointed at Chester in May, but that was on soft ground from a wide draw over 12 furlongs.

He was happier back over 10 furlongs and back on better ground at Doncaster next time, when he was impressive in making all and beating a horse who won two of his next three and went up a stone on official ratings. He was raised by 10lb himself for that, but he made light of his mark of 100 here. This was just his seventh run, and he has potential to progress again, possibly beyond handicaps. He appears to be at his best over 10 furlongs and on goodish or fast ground, and his last three wins have all been gained from the front.

Newmarket, 7^th June 2020

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