Global Weekly Review: The Classic 'plot' is only just developing

Experience tells us there is more likelihood of the winners of next year's European Classics running in September and October of their juvenile season than any other months in the calendar year.

So, like tuning in to a popular TV 'soap' after missing the first half dozen episodes, the storyline is relatively easy to pick up.

In fact, I dare say if you failed to catch all the top two-year-old races at Royal Ascot, as well as those at the Newmarket July and Glorious Goodwood meetings, you still might not have missed out on seeing the winners of the Guineas, Derby and Oaks of 2018.

During the fickle weather patterns of summer in Europe, many horses have trouble in finding a bit of form as youngsters. It is hard enough growing and developing physically without the annoying interruptions the seasons may bring.

Having made the points above, I believe it now pertinent to say the Newbury and Newmarket (UK) fixtures that took place last weekend could indeed have a bearing on a series of top races next year. We have turned the proverbial corner.

Take Saturday's G2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, both the winner James Garfield, a son of Darley stallion Exceed And Excel, and runner-up Invincible Army, who had no luck in running, have the talent and potential to measure up in G1 company at three. They are both going the right way.

On the same card, the John Gosden-trained Emaraaty, in the colours of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, had plenty up his sleeve in easily winning a seven-furlong Novice Stakes by two and a quarter lengths.

This impeccably-bred son of the remarkable Dubawi is set to make his mark, while Godolphin's Magic Lily, an eight-length winner of a Newmarket novice, is a filly with a bright future.

Magic Lily, by Derby winner New Approach, is out of the Oaks winner Dancing Rain, so there is ample scope for her at middle-distances.

Others worthy of a mention are Dr Ali Ridha's White Mocha, winner of the Haynes, Hanson & Clark Stakes, and the Eve Johnson-Houghton-trained Magnolia Springs, an impressive daughter of Shamardal, who is destined for bigger targets following a sparkling debut.

In some ways, we have reached the most interesting stage of the season. The Classics are behind us - only the Arc and various overseas adventures remain - but the business of identifying the future Classic stars is seriously under way.