Star Performers of the Weekend – Coral Racing Club Members have their say

28 Sep 2023
We were treated to some fantastic racing over the weekend, so on Monday, we asked you, our Coral Racing Club Members, to tell us who your Star Performer of the Weekend was and why.

As expected, many of you put up Significantly's excellent Ayr Gold Cup triumph having just been touched off by Anaaf a week prior in the Portland Handicap at Doncaster. There was also lots of love shown for the gallant 11-year-old Not So Sleepy, who turned back the clock by winning at Newbury – his first flat victory since 2020 having been predominantly campaigned over hurdles since.

Check out what members had to say as we pick out some of the best entries below.

Ayr Gold Cup – Significantly



Significantly stole the show in Saturday's feature race, taking the Ayr Gold Cup in style when coming from the back of the field to edge it by a neck in the closing stages. His performance certainly caught the attention of our members as he was the most voted from all the entries.

John, from Glasgow, called Joe Fanning's ride "masterful" as the jockey picked his way through the field despite being hampered by several other runners. David, from Tyne & Wear, repeated those thoughts, saying that "the manner of his victory was quite impressive, given he didn't have the best of runs". Whilst Patricia, from Norfolk, was impressed by Significantly's tenacity, given the trouble he had before the race, saying "he had to go down early and was reluctant to load, but still managed to come from the rear to win in a competitive race".

Ayr Silver Cup – Wobwobwob



Wobwobwob was another winner that members were impressed by on Saturday, especially as he faced adversity before the race and had to be re-shod. Hollie Doyle chose to position him in the centre group having broke from stall 11, and after he'd been held up in the rear for the most part, Hollie managed to preserve his energy to send him flying through in the latter stages to win cosily by half a length.

The victory might not have come as much of a surprise to a few as he was heavily backed before the race into 9/2 favourite.

Newbury Autumn Cup – Not So Sleepy



Down in Newbury, Not So Sleepy rolled back the years at the ripe old age of 11 to score a resounding victory in the Autumn Cup. The experienced campaigner was sent to the front from the stalls by Oisin Murphy and set the pace of the race from there on out. When challenged by the far more youthful Salt Bay, Not So Sleepy dug deep and went clear again, to win going away by an eventual two lengths.

Plenty of the Coral Racing Club members were impressed by his performance, with David, from Surrey, saying "11 years old and still performing to a high level" and William, from Cornwall, adding that "it's brilliant to see the old boy is still at the top of his game". Meanwhile Richard, from Cheshire, thinks he can repeat the feat, saying "Not so bad for an 11-year-old, roll on the Cesarewitch".

Do you think he can go again at Newmarket in October?

Goff's Million (Curragh) – One Look



Over in Ireland, One Look certainly looked to be one for the notebook as Paddy Twomey's two-year-old demolished the field at the Curragh, winning by six lengths and scoring connections a whopping €610,000 in the process.

Ian, from Norfolk, said she "looks an absolute monster", and we'd have to agree it's hard to argue with that assessment, but the trainer is in no rush to run her again this season and we may have to wait until next year for her next appearance. The filly currently holds an entry in the Irish 1,000 Guineas next season, so clearly the win was no fluke.

Do you think she'll line up and be able to claim Group 1 gold? 

Join us next Monday as we'll be back to ask you who your Star Performer of the Weekend was from the likes of Newmarket and Longchamp.
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