ANOTHER week has flown by in the world of racing. There's been plenty to discuss on and off the track.
Take a look at our latest instalment of Hotpots and Howlers, where we pick out the good, the bad and the downright ugly from the past seven days.
Hotpots
Sandown hosted a cracking card on Friday and there were several performances to get the juices flowing.
Private Secretary impressed in the finale, Bangkok looks a viable Derby contender and Beat The Bank won the bet365 Mile in a stirring finish.
But performance of the day surely goes to Sparkle Roll, John Gosden's HUGE three-year-old filly who romped clear to win a hot race under a penalty.
She is a half-sister to Derby hero Wings Of Eagles, and there is no doubt in my mind she will develop into a Group performer this season.
✅ Oaks entry
✅ By Kingman
✅ Half-sister to Derby hero Wings Of Eagles
Sparkle Roll impresses again for John Gosden, @oismurphy and @Qatar_Racing at @Sandownpark pic.twitter.com/Yf0lJS16Hy
We also saw another big contender for the Oaks winner at Navan on Sunday.
Pink Dogwood has been smashed up in the antepost markets for the Epsom Classic in recent weeks.
And Aidan O'Brien's filly didn't let her supporters down with a smooth victory under Ryan Moore.
She will relish the step up to 1m4f on 31 May and looks the one to beat at present.
ON THE UP Matt Chapman discusses the names to watch out for on the Flat this summer
Howlers
It was only a couple of months ago that we were drooling over the possibility of one of the greatest 2000 Guineas in recent history.
The likes of Too Darn Hot, Quorto, Persian King and Calyx were all set to go head to head on the Rowley Mile in a race to savour.
But they've been dropping like flies – all four of the horses mentioned above have been ruled out, and on Sunday it was announced Greenham winner Mohaather would also be missing.
The first Classic of the season could end up being a damp squib with, in my opinion, Ten Sovereigns the only potential superstar left in contention. I hope he wins and wins well.
I for one was very much ready for the jumps season to come to an end at Sandown on Saturday.
It's been a decent season over the sticks, but it all gets a bit stale after the Grand National meeting.
For the life of me, I've no idea why there is not a longer break at the end of each jumps campaign, with the action due to resume later this week.
Surely, for all the jockeys and trainers and stable staff involved, a longer break (say, four weeks?) at the end of the season would be welcome.
It'll give everyone a breather and we can focus on what really matters – the first Classics of the year.
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