THE ability to handle conditions was more important than natural speed as the turf season in Britain opened in traditional fashion at Doncaster.

There was no better example than the feature contest which went the way of proven heavy ground performer Migration (105) who defied all the stats by carrying top weight to victory.

The relatively unconsidered 18/1 chance was perfectly produced by rider Benoit De La Sayette, who was winning his second Lincoln in three years, and the partnership weaved between horses passing the three-furlong marker to reach a challenging position.

Once in the clear and on the rail, victory always looked assured as the seven-year-old finished off his race in 40.82secs.

In the context of the race this was far superior to those who finished around him as Awaal (104) and Baradar (102) clocked 41.76secs and 41.69secs respectively.

Baradar certainly gave the impression he will strip fitter for this race as his finishing effort fell short of the promise shown by the manner in which he travelled into the contest. It is also worth noting George Boughey’s gelding fared best of those drawn low.

The performance of the day on the clock came in the Cammidge Trophy with Vadream (115+) sauntering to victory and posting a career-high time figure on her 21st start.

The rating allotted is strengthened by the presence of Fast Response (109) in second as Karl Burke’s filly has excelled on Town Moor on her two previous starts on heavy ground.

Eye-catching

The run of Ehraz (107+) was also eye-catching, especially as the son of Showcasing has always looked to be suited by better ground.

A closer inspection of the sectionals shows Richard Hannon’s gelding quickened as sharply as the winner heading to the two-furlong marker as their respective fourth furlongs were 12.03secs and 12.04secs. The winner then saw out the race with more purpose, posting 38.20secs for the final three furlongs compared to the 38.89secs taken by Ehraz.

The opening contest saw Billy Loughnane waste no time in making his mark on turf as he steered Doddie’s Impact (96) to victory with a ride which again belied his inexperience.

Robyn Brisland’s colt covered the final three-furlongs in 38.87secs as his young pilot made best use of his prominent position.

However, the closing sectionals suggest Valadero (96+) emerges from the contest as the better horse as he closed off in 38.52secs. Most notably, the AMO Racing juvenile posted the fastest furlong of any horse on the day as he covered the ground for his third furlong in 11.97secs.

Foxes Tales looks group class

FOXES Tales (107) put up the performance of the day on the clock at Kempton on Saturday when winning the Listed Magnolia Stakes.

William Buick set the race alight turning for home as he kicked for home on Secret State, and only the eventual winner mustered the necessary pace to go with the Godolphin runner before striding clear of his rival at the furlong marker.

The recently gelded son of Zoffany clocked a closing sectional of 35.97secs, which when combined with his superior entitles him to take his chance in a group contest on his next start.

The options include the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown, a race in which he finished second last year, and the Huxley Stakes at Chester.

Bandinelli (97) made it back-to-back wins in the Queen’s Prize handicap, clocking an identical time figure to last season, which he combined with a closing sectional of 35.79secs. The son of Dubawi is at his best at the Sunbury venue where his form figures now read 211631.

Of the supporting races the fillies’ handicap won by Dora Penny (97) is worth noting as Dave Evans’ four-year-old was also good on the clock, with her finishing sectional of 34.70secs particularly impressive.

Cruise (97+) was denied a clear run on more than one occasion before finishing off strongly into second place, Ollie Sangster’s debut runner stopped the clock in an identical time to the winner as she covered the ground in 34.70secs.

Chelmsford

Staying on the all-weather although switching location to Chelmsford on Saturday evening, Bold Act (104+) was an impressive winner of the Conditions Stakes on the card, overcoming plenty of adversity to win comfortably.

As a result of missing the break the Godolphin colt found himself shuffled back to the rear of the field, although with Harry Davies as unflustered as ever he picked a path against the rail to deliver his challenge.

The son of New Approach completed his race in 36.31secs, without being fully extended to leave the impression he will improve further for stepping up in trip.

Eyecatchers

Diamond Ri (147+), Warwick, Thursday 30th March – clocked an impressive time on debut despite looking likely to benefit from the experience and being eased at the finish.

If Joe Tizzard were to allow his youngster to take his chance in the Grade Two bumper at Aintree his chances should be taken very seriously.

Black Gerry (139+), Ascot, Sunday 2nd April – Gary Moore’s eight-year-old gelding appreciated the drop back in trip to score readily, his final circuit was particularly impressive to confirm he is more about speed than stamina.