Category Archives: Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot

Preview: Royal Ascot Gold Cup 2020

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Three-in-a-row for Stradivarius? The defending champion bids for hat-trick glory in the Gold Cup this afternoon. But he’s facing a stiff test in an intriguing contest that will need him to be at his very best.

In short: Stradivarius looks vulnerable. It’s no rocket science to see why that is. Even though he looked as good as ever at Newmarket a fortnight ago when chasing home  Ghaiyyath in the Coronation Cup, the reality is that this was a much tougher race than John Gosden would have liked.

He was clearly ridden with a bigger day in mind in the closing stages, but that doesn’t distract from the fact that he ran some incredibly strong sectionals in the middle part of the race. Those must have hurt and could easily have left a mark as well.

While it was positive to see Stradivarius ran so well on his seasonal return over a trip possibly a little bit too sharp against top-class rivals, it also increases the opportunity, particularly with the rather short turnaround time, of having done too much that day with too little recovery time since then.

The pace in this renewal of the Gold Cup is another question mark. One can assume there’s a good deal of early speed here with quite a few potential horses keen to keep the pace honest. The excellent Kevin Blake makes some useful points in his assessment of the race on that part.

Stradivarius usually quickens at the end of a staying contest when tracking a moderate pace comfortably throughout. Will he be able to do the same in a strongly run contest over the Gold Cup distance?

With that in mind it’s obvious to me that Stradivarius is poor value at his odds-on price. This brings me to the questions who’s the rival that’s going to deny him the hat-trick victory?

The obvious option is Technician. Martyn Meade’s progressive colt enjoyed a particularly fruitful 2019: a listed-, Group 3- and Group 2 success, ultimately rounded up by the cherry on the cake, the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak.

He thrives in the mud, hence connections will be delighted with all the rain that has arrived at Ascot. Will it be quite soft enough, though? Possibly. He’s certainly a fair price with the going change in mind.

A former Melbourne Cup winner has to be respected. And to this day Cross Counter‘s Flemington victory rates as one of the most pleasing ones I have ever experiences from a punting experience.

He wasn’t too far beaten in last years Gold Cup and subsequently in the Goodwood Cup, nonetheless was beaten fair and square both times by Stradivarius. A disappointing effort in the Irish St. Leger, followed by a another strong performance in the Melbourne Cup, shows he can be a little bit inconsistent.

Cross Counter was a hot favourite in Riyadh earlier this year, before another bid for the Dubai Gold Cup was on the agenda. It’s hard to know which Cross Counter we get today. He will need to be back to his best to land a blow, though.

Even though able to perform well with cut in the ground, his very best comes on a fast surface. Therefore I feel Nayef Road will struggle today, although his comeback at Newcastle was quite excellent.

Cross Counter stable mate Moonlight Spirit is the one that intrigues me most. Gelded over the winter and surprisingly bullish comments by Charlie Appleby (who’s usually rather reserved in the assessment of his horses) are clearly noteworthy.

But also the form of this generally low mileage 4-year-old points upwards. At the end of last season he won a Group 3 at Longchamp over 1m 7f in taking style before going down to Technician in the Prix Royal-Oak, albeit only in the final 100 yards of the race, after leading for a long time.

Soft ground won’t be a worry today, given those last runs, although the fact it won’t be quite as deep as those times at Longchamp is probably of benefit. The stamina question is out there in the open. We’ll have to find out today. His pedigree offers hope and the fact he clearly stayed long distances with plenty of juice on the ground already, offers even more hope.

At given prices, with potentially more to comer over the longer trips, I feel Moonlight Spirit is a little bit overpriced in an open enough contest.

Selection:
10pts win – Moonlight Spirit @ 11.5/1 SM

Royal Ascot

Preview: Royal Ascot 2020 – Tuesday

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No crowds, no hats, no queen arriving in her carriage at the scene – it’s gonna be a different Royal Ascot to what we’re accustomed to. But then you could say that about nearly everything these days.

Historically I’ve been burnt badly at the Royal meeting. I can’t remember the last time I left the week with the tiniest of profits. I’ll keep a low profile this week, that’s for sure, and instead enjoy the sport for the most part. I can’t help myself, though, and have two selections for day one:

1.50 – Group 1, Queen Anne Stakes, 1 mile

A rather wide open affair where I can make a case for half a dozen in the field which means some of the bigger prices are certainly attractive. Nonetheless I narrowed it down to less than a handful of prime candidates.

The obvious one is Circus Maximus: he has every chance to be an even better four-year-old after a prolific 2019 season. He’s been consistently running well, including when landing the St. James’s Palace Stakes twelve months ago.

He’s clearly the one to beat, although I continue to have a niggling doubt that there are days where h’s finding one or two horses too fast over the mile trip – let’s not forget he was once thought to have a decent shot at the Derby, given his pedigree.

Memories of Terebellum’s impressive Dahlia victory are still fresh. A lightly raced and progressive four-year-old, she should have enough ability to be competitive over a mile, but her price is way too short for me to get involved.

Completely overlooked appears Mustashry, though. Judged on his career-best Lockinge Stakes success from last year he would be the horse they all have to chase home, actually. A topspeed rating of 108 is a standout in this field.

Whether he can run to that sort of level again remains to be seen and his fitness has to be trusted. He ran better than the bare forms suggest in his subsequent defeats last year, before finishing his 2019 campaign on a high note thanks to a fine Group 2 success.

Mustashry is a consistent horse, albeit the oldest in the race, conditions and racing style should be a good fit in this renewal of the Queen Anne. He is certainly overpriced.

Selection:
10pts win – Mustashry  @ 14/1

………

3.00 – Group 2, King Edward VII Stakes, 1m 4f

We will find out if the hype around Mogul is real. Currently as short as 11/2 in the Derby market, he appears to be team Ballydoyle’s prime chance for the Epsom Classic. 

Mogul steps up to the 1m 4f trip for the first time, having raced entirely over a mile as a juvenile. Given his breeding he can be expected to improve significantly for the new distance. On the other hand he has to show significant improvement because he was no more than a fine juvenile, particularly by Aiden O’Brien standards.

He had four runs last year, the highlight a Group 2 success at Newmarket. However, Mogul’s best performance only awarded him a lowly 84 tospeed rating. That doesn’t sound like odds-on favourite to me.

His stable mate Arthur’s Kingdom can’t be underestimated as improvement is likely to come for the new trip as well. Papa Power and Pyledriver have shown good form on the All-Weather and it will be interesting to see how much more there is to come.

Undoubtedly the most intriguing horse in this lineup is Mohican Heights. After a successful debut at Leopardstown in May last year he changed hands for £520k.

Since then he won the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury finishing really strongly to win by 2 lengths, when having recent Kempton Classic Trial winner Berlin Tango behind in third (who beat Pyledriver fair and square at Kempton.

Word is Mohican Heights has wintered well, progressed physically – which he had to – and with loads of improvement to be expected from stepping up in trip, given his pedigree – which makes it all the more remarkable that as a late may foal he was able to win on debut a hot Spring maiden over 7 furlongs – he has a prime chance in this race.

Selection:
10pts win – Mohican Heights @ 9/2

…….

What else is there to see on the opening Day of Royal Ascot? No further bets for me, but that doesn’t detract from the interest in some fascinating contests.

The King’s Stand Stakes is the obvious to mention. Battaash looks nearly impossible to beat in this. There is no Blue Point this time. He wasn’t quite his brilliant best when a beaten runner-up by that rival in this very race the last two years.

Truth told: Battaash can only beat himself here. A good Battaash is still well ahead of anyone else in this field. He is so much faster. That’s the question of the day: will he finally taste success at the Royal meeting?

The Ribblesdale Stakes is a slightly underwhelming event. Make no mistake, Frankly Darling is exciting on the back of her performance at Newcastle. But there is not much else here, is there?

Although, intrigue is added by the addition of Miss Yoda, who won a rather poor Lingfield Oaks Trial, and steps down in trip. With a good run here she can enhance her credentials.

The one from Team AOB I’m most interested in is Ennistymon. She won a maiden only a week ago, needed every inch of the ten furlongs and looks set to show much more for the additional distance.

I leave you here with the 2019 Nunthorpe Stakes: wetting the appetite, with what was Battaash’s best performance, awarding him a 123 tospeed rating!

 

Royal Ascot, Uncategorized

Royal Ascot Wednesday

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Ascot Grand Stand, by Florian Christoph

Royal Ascot is upon us…. and I missed day one. Just returned from a three week long trip around Australia, work was calling on Monday right away and left no room for any form study, neither yesterday. Without a proper study I don’t throw bucks on the nags and rather enjoy the replays of the big races.

None bigger than the curtain raiser on the opening Tuesday which is the prestigious Queen Anne Stakes – somehow in my mind  the World Cup final for milers!

Maybe because I call myself Paco Boy’s Nr. 1 fan. His triumph in 2009 was such a special, memorable, eye-catching and simply beautiful performance – it left a lasting mark on me.

So of course I was keen to see who’d get up in this years renewal. Ribchester the big favourite after landing the Lockinge in superb style. Not quite as impressive this time, but in the end with authority, the Godolphin inmate ran all his rivals down.

Only one of many brilliant performances on the day. Lady Aurelia bolting up in the King’s Stand and Barney Roy got his first Group 1 win under the belt, while Churchill found this possibly one too many a race.

……

2.30 Ascot: Jersey Stakes, Group 3, 7 furlongs

A hot race that will inevitably end up in a split of the field I believe – pace drawn close to both sides of the rails should ensure a fair enough contest…. hopefully.

It’s hard to make a call what site to favour and what eventually happens in this race, but on pure form you have to very keen on French raider Le Brivido, runner-up in the French Guineas. Drawn in ten he will have every opportunity to make a choice but might early on and no doubt with only two starts to his name he looks bound to improve.

However I fancy second favourite Dream Castle a lot. Drawn in 19 could be a problem, but doesn’t have to be. Fact is this son of Frankel is riddled with talent as he showed on debut when winning impressively, followed up by an incredibly eye-catching performance in the Greenham.

He was argubly unlucky in the 2000 Guineas subsequently and clearly is better than the bare results suggests. He pulled in the first half of the race, was then hampered and a clear run denied at a crucial stage, yet finished strongly.

He has had only three career starts, so there is every chance for more to come as the fast ground and the drop to 7f won’t be a problem, in fact a fast race over this sort of trip should be ideal.

Selection:
10pts win – Dream Castle @ 4/1 Bet365

……

4.20 Ascot: Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, Group 1, 1m 2f

Despite the trip possibly short of his optimum, Highland Reel from the front over 10f on fast ground at Ascot could be difficult to peg back, I feel. He a high-class individual and bounced back to his best in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

I feel his biggest challange won’t come from Jack Hobbs, who got the better of him in Dubai because the drop in trip in combination of quick ground is a much clearer disadvantage for the 2015 derby runner-up in my mind at least.

Most likely to enjoy these conditions is Sir Michael’s classy Galileo colt Ulysses, though. His seasonal reappearance at Sandown was pleasing and the form franked by runner-up Deauville.

He’s yet to score at the highest level however had his fare share of problems which means after eight career starts he might still be able to find a bit of improvement. I’m slightly concerned about him being too far off the pace in this race, on the other hand – but that’s the risk to take.

Selection: 
10pts win – Ulysses @ 4/1 Bet365

Royal Ascot

Due Diligence to conquer the Diamond Jubilee

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Due Diligence

Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)

The Aussie colt is a big runner for obvious reasons. He may well be too good. But Due Diligence looks a tasty price, given that he is the one in this field with the real potential of massive improvement in him. We clearly haven’t seen the best of him yet.

Due Diligence was runner-up in this very same race last year. It’s not an easy task for three year olds to race against seasoned top class sprinters, so this was a massive performance. Off the track until his reappearance at the Curragh in April, he didn’t run particularly well but wasn’t right that day as it turned out soon after.

Back to sprinting, with quick ground and a fast pace very likely to suit, one can expect him to peak here today, given how Aiden’s run this week. If he can improve from his three year old form, he has a massive chance to go as close as it gets.

Due Diligence @ 13/2 Coral – 5pts Win

Royal Ascot

Preview: Royal Ascot – Friday Selections

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Home Of The Brave

King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)

Ol’ Man River is hugely talented but something has been amiss this year; tongue-strap is fitted now. He looked like as horse with breathing problems, so this gear can help sometimes. But I’m concerned, and not prepared to back him at short odds.

Favourite Stravagante was seriously well handicapped at Epsom, steps up in Grade here and has surely more to offer. Not so sure, though, whether he really wants this trip. Ballydoyle’s second string Father Christmas is seriously well bred but not for 12f. That says he looked slow over shorter. Festive Affair and Balios may not appreciate the step up in trip. Magic Dancer should have the stamina but also has loads to find on form.

I give John Gosden’s Mr Singh another chance. He looked potentially smart when winning a hot Handicap at Newbury. Subsequently disappointing at Goodwood, which was a strange race. He was green that day, and the form looks good with the winner a subsequent Derby third. He needs pace and fast ground. Second point is given, first one unclear. Trip looks fine.

Mr Singh @ 12/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win 

———–

Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)

Couple of fascinating runners here. Obviously speedy Hootenanny is well fancied. Won at Royal Ascot last year and proved to stay a mile at the Breeders Cup. How good he’s coming back as a three year old dropping back in trip, we’ll see. His prep run against very poor opposition didn’t tell us anything. Tongue tied for the first time, I’d be slightly concerned.

Another clash between Anthem Alexander and Tiggy Wiggy. Both with good form this year. I feel the Hannon filly is the slightly better one. Her 1000 Guineas run is a massive performance, given the sectionals she clocked. She might be fighting with Hootenanny for the lead though. Let’s see how that works out.

I restrict myself to one bet in this race and that has to be Home Of The Brave. Mentioned him as an unlikely eye-catcher after the 2000 Guineas. He failed to stay the mile which is no surprise given his pedigree but ran with loads of credit. He confirmed his excellent Listed success over 7f on his seasonal reapperance when he clocked a very fast time. He run the last three furlongs in hand stopped 33.80s and did that easily – this lad has serious speed!

Drawn towards the rail in box two, have to wait and see how it pans out with so much pace on the other side. But I’ve no concerns about the in trip and think there is a huge performance due.

Home Of The Brave @ 18/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win

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Coronation Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1)

People makes excuses for Found; a bit too many for my liking. This is tougher than the Irish Guineas in my mind and she is a silly price in my book.

The French filly Ervedya was a second behind her last year in a big Group 1, but ridden differently now and more mature, I’m sure she’s the better one. She won the French 1000 Guineas in utterly impressive style. Ground is the issue, though. Nothing in her form nor pedigree suggests that she wants it fast.

That’s the opposite for Bolger’s Lucida. Her runner-up effort in the 1000 Guineas was a monster performance. She fell out out of the gates but travelled well, made a bit too much too early and therefore hit the front too early. Nonetheless she went just down to Legatissimo, no disgrace to finish 2nd, well clear of the rest of the field. The winner in contrast had the run of the race, covered all the time, with gaps opening at the right time.

The sectionals confirmed how strong Lucida’s run was. On another day when things are not working to the textbook for the winner, she’s going to prevail easily. If she can follow on from the Guineas, here with conditions to suit, she’s hard to beat.

Lucida @ 7/2 Ladbrokes – 5pts Win

———–

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Class 2 Handicap)

Dabadiyan is a huge price and rightly so judged on his recent form – but less than 12 month ago he was still able to be competitive in Listed company. Before that he had a rather decent stint at Meydan. He was competitive in Handicaps of big marks and even finished with loads of credit in two Group 2’s.

Quick ground and 12f seems ideal for him judged on his best. A mark of 100 looks still high enough but if he can find back to form he’s able to run a race. I expect him to overcome his draw and to be very prominent. Since he stays a bit further as well he might be still there when others are really hurt. He might as well finish stone last.

Dabadiyan @ 66/1 Ladbrokes – 2.5pts E/W

———–

Queen’s Vase (Listed)

Very hard to know who’s going to stay this trip, However I’m pretty certain that Star Rider won’t lack the stamina for 2 miles; she might however lack class. But lightly raced she is, done well to win a Chelmsford maiden over 13.5f, found the drop in trip not what she needs at Goodwood subsequently. On rating she has loads to find, but there is stamina all over her pedigree.

Star Rider @ 66/1 Ladbrokes – 2.5pts E/W

Royal Ascot

Preview: Royal Ascot – Thursday Selections

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Twilight Son

Wednesday turned out to be a pretty horrible day from a betting point of view. I guess you could say Bossy Guest was an unlucky loser in the first. A better pace and he probably wins it. Can’t fault the horse, finished well enough. The rest of the day…. well, it didn’t get any better, That’s probably fair to say. So let’s look ahead. There is great racing on tomorrow.

>>Comprehensive Preview for the Gold Cup: Read Here <<

Tercentenary Stakes, 1m 2f

Excellent renewal for this Group 3. Favourite Time Best is a very exciting colt. He won a good Handicap at York recently; couldn’t done that in any better fashion. He’s lovely bred and has all the right credentials to win this race. Only slight concern is the fast ground which he never encountered before.

Main dangers should come from Peacock and the only filly in the race, Irish raider Bocca Baciata. The former one is a Paco Boy son and has improved nicely this year from a fine Kempton run on his seasonal debut, over a runner-up effort behind subsequent Derby winner Golden Horn, to an authoritative Listed race success at Newmarket when upped in trip last month. He stays 10f and acts on quick ground. Good chance.

The Irish filly won a really good 10f race at Navan earlier this year, which is extremely strong form. She lacked the speed in the Irish 1.000 Guineas afterwards when dropped in trip, though. But she travelled really well that day and back up in trip must be taken seriously. Although it’s never easy against the boys.

Couple more could feature, like progressive Disegno or even Mustadeem, who may find this race more suitable than when second behind Peacock in a trappy affair.

One shouldn’t forget to mention the Dermot Weld’s runner Don Camillo. Lightly raced and progressive on the All-Weather, he won a Dundalk maiden in great fashion and travelled all over older more experienced rivals in a Handicap off a mid-90 mark the next time. He was outstayed eventually but should have learned plenty.

He was thought to be good enough to warrant an entry for the US Triple Crown series, though he didn’t take it up eventually. Nonetheless quite well bred, by a Breeders Cup Classic winner, Don Camillo is likely to relish the fast conditions at Ascot. With further improvement to come, he’s a very lively outsider in this field.

Don Camillo @ 33/1 Stan James – 5pts Win

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Ribblesdale Stakes, 1m 4f

Irish 1000 Guineas winner Pleascach is a warm favourite for this Fillies’ Group 2. She steps up markedly in trip, though is expected to take to it without a problem. She won over 10f earlier this year and the Guineas was run as a real test of stamina, which suited her. She’ll take plenty of beating if she runs to her official rating.

Second favourite Pamona was a bit unlucky in a Listed event recently. But she doesn’t strike me as a filly who wants much further than 10 furlongs. The same goes for progressive Curvy, who was able to beat a well fancied stable mate the last time.

Aiden O’Brien’s Wedding Vow has been a disappointing favourite in the Lingfield Oaks trial. She didn’t get the run of the race there and seemed to lack focus in the closing stages. Blinkered for the first time she could be much sharper here. But she is still a maiden and her form is far from special.

If you want to take on the top notch Bolger filly – and I am prepared to do that – you better don’t underestimate John Gosden’s charge Gretchen. Only a one time raced maiden winner to date, one should really watch her debut run at Newmarket, where she made a very big impression on me.

She was green – naturally – slowly out of the gates too, but then settled well and made gradually progress. I liked the way she went through the gears travelling on the outside to increase the heat step by step. She was only pushed out, never saw the stick, but won a useful maiden in authoritative style in the end.

This filly looks exceptional from a physical point of view and is equally bred to be a star; she is open to any amount of improvement. John Gosden must think allot of her to throw her in at the deep end here, but if she can overcome inexperience, she must be one who is able to give the favourite something to think about.

Gretchen @ 11/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win

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Britannia Stakes, 1 mile

As always in these big Handicaps, the race may be decided where the pace is coming from. It’s hard to break it down in this field I’ve to admit – it could go either way.

Two horses stand out from a value perspective in this huge field: Certainly it’s Mr. Halford’s lightly raced Portage. I missed the 14’s but still think 12/1 is rather big – as long as he gets a run; he’ll be hard to beat by any horse here. I come to this rather bold conclusion because I believe this lad is extremely well handicapped.

He earned glowing reports from his trainer after winning a Curragh maiden second time out towards the end of last season. It’s pretty strong form but he was always sure to improve for the step up to 1m. He reappeared at the Curragh over 1m in a hot Handicap in May, taking on some older, experienced and seasoned horses. He travelled really well, made eye-catching progress but never got a run on the inside and was eased eventually.

It’s rare to see in Ireland, but here the Handicapper has been lenient. He dropped Portage by 2lb! Of course I might be wrong but to me this individual looks a good 10 to 15 pounds better and could easily turn out to be a Stakes performer.

Second horse to highlight is another Godolphin charge: Emirates Airline. He absolutely demolished a 1m maiden field at Chelmsford on his seasonal debut and followed up at Newmarket in a good Handicap over 10f with a fine performance. He was very keen early on – that’s why the hood is added this time – and was let lose by his jockey soon after the start. He just got outstayed in the dying strides.

The drop in trip back to 1m will suit him I feel, so should the likely fast pace in this race. It should keep him settled and occupied throughout. I fancy him to outrun his big price tag.

Portage @ 12/1 Coral – 5pts Win
Emirates Airline @ 33/1 Coral – 5pts Win

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King George V Stakes, 1m 4f

Surprisingly many of these 19 runners look vulnerable from a pure stamina point of view. Only four distance winners in the field, which one could rather easily oppose on form, while the rest tries the trip for the first time in most cases and only very few seem actually suited by the 1m 4f distance. That says two individuals stand out for me in terms of the improvement like to come for the new trip.

First one is Dartmouth – he is out of a Group 3 winning Galileo mare, so should be capable of getting 12 furlongs. He finished 4th in the legendary 10f Sandown Handicap which made Jack Hobbs a temporary favourite for the Epsom Derby. He subsequently won a Handicap himself; same place, same trip. Positive tactics worked and he just held on to win in a photo.

He’s far from flashy but looks one who’ll be better with time as well as when stepping up in trip. His revised mark off 83 seems more than fair. In fact it might underestimate his true potential given his sexy breeding.

As an alternative, but equally sure to improve for 12 furlongs, I select Maxwell. He’s not a quick horse by any means, but has been progressive this season, starting with a success on the Wolverhampton playtrack over 9f. He followed up at Salisbury on his Handicap debut when upped to 10f.

Both times he was going away in the final 100 yards or so, clearly indicating his superior stamina reserves. There is indeed enough stamina on his dam side to support the visual impression and I expect him to improve for the new trip. A mark off 86 doesn’t need to be the end for him.

Dartmouth @ 14/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win
Maxwell @ 20/1  Paddy Power – 5pts Win

Royal Ascot

Preview: Royal Ascot – Gold Cup (Group 1)

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Ascot Grand Stand, by Florian Christoph

What a race in prospect – even if turns out that favourite Forgotten Rules isn’t going to run – which looks increasingly likely given the fast ground. My short-list is long because if you want, you could make a serious case for at least half the field. It’s that strong a renewal of this prestigious stayers contest.

Of course if Dermot Weld decides to run Forgotten Rules, regardless of the ground, you have to give this lightly raced five year old a big chance. He’s such an exciting prospect in this division, unbeaten in four starts, and already a Group 2 winner over 2 miles. However the fast conditions are a serious concern, and I’m prepared to take him on for this reason. So let’s check in on all the other runners.

Bathyrhon: Excellent prep run in France last month. Runner-up in Group 1 Prix Du Cadran last season over 2m 4f. So stays the trip and best form came on sound surface. One would think the quick ground isn’t an issue. Has a turn of foot and can be ridden any way. Classy prospect.

Biographer: Has some fair staying form. Second in Long Distance Cup last season. But overall profile suggests he’s likely to fall short in this class.

Havana Beat: Career best in Dubai Gold Cup over 2m earlier this year, followed up with another good performance at York. Stamina a big concern over this trip and long way beaten in this race last year.

Kalann: Fair Irish stayer. Runner-up in last years Doncaster Cup but should find this here way too hot.

Simenon: Done well in the Gold Cup in recent years. Consistent performer and can’t be underestimated. But lacks a change of gear which is required to win, and therefore likely to fall short yet again.

Tac De Boistron: Classy stayer, multiple Group 1 winner. Would be major player if the ground comes soft. That is unlikely, though, and will make life difficult for him.

Forever Now: Tried 2 miles twice this year. Ran okay without setting the world alight. Hard to fancy.

Kingfisher: Well bred individual. Runner-up in 2014 Irish Derby. Aimed towards staying contests this year and did well to win prep race at Leopardstown a fortnight ago. Definite player and likely to relish this test but merit of form is debatable.

Mizzou: Top class prospect. Won Group 3 over 2 miles at Ascot on his seasonal reappearance. He looks a real stayer and will be better the further he goes. Still lightly raced, he is open to any amount of improvement and quite clearly a key player in the Gold Cup.

Scotland: Zero chance.

Trip To Paris: Improving stayer. Will relish the trip. Won Chester Cup earlier this year and slightly unlucky when last seen. Conditions will suit and big chance if this race isn’t one too many after a very busy campaign in recent weeks.

Vent De Force: Exciting prospect. Big, bold, raw. A stayer. Bit unlucky on his seasonal comeback at Ascot when runner-up behind Mizzou. But made no mistake the next time at Sandown when ridden from the front. He’s a scopey galloping sort, one who has plenty of stamina on both sire and dam side. Will love the conditions.

Windshear: Good fourth in last years Leger. Has been disappointing on most occasions ever since.

Verdict: Regardless of whether Forgotten Rules is going to post, this is an ultra-competitive contest. That says it may well be worth to side with the improving individuals. Mizzou is one of those. He looks a real stayer and must have a prime chance. However he’s a rather skinny price and I fail to see why Vent De Force is twice his price.

This Vent De Force didn’t get a clear run when these two met at Ascot earlier this year but he made no mistake the next time. He looks a very exciting prospect, is sure to relish trip and ground and is one I feel should be a shorter price.

I like to see Kingfisher to improve again. He’s a very interesting contender, but I question his form and others have stronger credentials. Trip To Paris is one of those. I feel though, he has done so much this season already, he might run out of gas this time.

That won’t happen to French raider Bathyrhon. He’ll stay every inch of the 2m 4f trip. He has top form to offer and is a very big price in my book. Connections expect a big run, as long as he handles the preliminaries of parade and the large crowd.

Vent De Force @ 8/1 Coral – 5pts Win
Bathyrhon @ 10/1 Coral – 5pts Win

Royal Ascot

Preview: Royal Ascot – Wednesday Selections

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Bossy Guest

The first day of Royal Ascot hasn’t been easy. It started horrible with a dismal performance by Able Friend. And it all went downhill from there. Okay, Air Force Blue did well, but didn’t win, so what does it matter? Nothing. Thankfully Washington Dc saved the day, although it’s been not good for my heart. But what could have been a disastrous day, ended only with a minimal loss in the end.

So let’s see, what’s on the tab tomorrow – The Prince Of Wales’s Stakes as the highlight of the day obviously. I really look forward to this. You can find a comprehensive preview for the race in this article. The best of the rest comes here now.

Jersey Stakes (Group 3)

I’m a big fan of Ivawood. You won’t see many better looking horses. He drops in class and has a prime chance. But 7/4 is a shocking price, given the fact that he has to give weight away to some fine rivals. This is quite an open looking race but for me Bossy Guest is underestimated.

He shares form with Ivawood through the 2000 Guineas. Ivawood finished 3rd, Bossy Guest 4th, half a lengths between the two. Bossy Guest meets Ivawood on five pounds better terms here, while he has only 2lb to find on the ratings – albeit over shorter 7 furlongs this time.

Bossy Guest was a bit unlucky in the Guineas. He travelled very well but didn’t find a gap on his side over 2f out so moved to the center which cost him momentum and some lengths. He was hampered subsequently which must have lost him further momentum, yet he finished well once in the clear.

I suspect he is a better horse over 7f. He stays a mile alright, but was also speedy enough to win a big sales race over 6f earlier this year. His late acceleration in that particular race was very impressive.

Dangers could be lightly raced Hathal, although he has to improve obviously. The penny seemed to drop for Sir Isaac Newton recently, but the trip is a bit of a question mark as he is actually bred for the Derby trip. Toscanini is a slightly frustrating sort but this test may suit. I like Tupi from the bigger prices to do well.

Bossy Guest @ 9/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win

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Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2)

All about Integral here? Yes it is! The filly can match the boys as she proved in the Lockinge when she ran out a strong fourth place finish. She is a multiple Group 1 winner over the mile, she acts on any kind of ground and she won this very same race last year in commanding fashion. Alright, let’s put the mortgage on Integral, shall we?

Ah no, better not! There is a horse I fancy to take her on with for a much bigger price: Bragging. She is a 10/1 chance and I feel she is better than that. Bragging hasn’t been out of the money in all her career starts, except a recent below par performance in the Middleton Stakes at York – a strange race, which came over 10.5f; won by the front-runner. I’m happy to forgive her and if you can do so too you’ll see a progressive & lightly raced filly.

She impressed at Newmarket where she won a Group 3 over 9f on her seasonal reappearance. They went quite a clip and the splits were good. Bragging showed guts to get up in the end and this run promised allot. I don’t think the drop to a mile is causing her any trouble. She has enough pace.

Of course on the ratings she has a bit to find with the hot favourite and it might well turn out that Integral is too good. But Bragging deserves her chance. Conditions will be just about right for her and in this field she has a stronger chance to win than the odds suggest at this point.

Bragging @ 10/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win

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Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)

This is ultra competitive. Plenty of good form on offer and I like more than a handful of horses. But here’s where I need to stick to my values of trying to exploit “bookie errors”. The 25/1 for Mondialiste is obviously a monstrous price.

He was a smart horse in France before changing yards. On his UK debut he just fell short in the Lincoln by a neck, beaten by Gabrial, who subsequently franked the form. Mondialiste travelled really well that day but may committed a bit too early and just got tired in the end which helped the late charge of Gabrial.

He went on to finish a fine runner-up in the Sefton Stakes behind French Navy, which is very strong form, given that the third, Arod, was subsequently an impressive 3rd in the Lockinge Stakes and won a Group 3 on Derby day in brilliant style.

Mondialiste went on to finish third in a Listed race at Ascot over 1m. Probably a slightly disappointing effort, as he was beaten by a good five lengths. However it was his third tough effort within four weeks after his seasonal debut. It may have been just a bit too much. He has been off for the last two month and now well rested and fresh a big run is expected of what looks a fair mark.

Mondialiste @ 25/1 Betfred – 5pts Win

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>>> Comprehensive Preview for Prince Of Wales’s Stakes – Click Here

Royal Ascot

Wrap it up – Royal Ascot on Tuesday

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royalascot_2

The first day of Royal Ascot is done and dusted! It’s been pretty spectacular, although it didn’t quite open with big the bang we all expected. But one could say the big guys from Godolphin and team Ballydoyle will be happy at the end of the day – they clearly wrote some of the most important stories. So let’s have a look at what happened and wrap it up…

Solow wins; Able Friend flops

I admit: My initial reaction was disappointment. Of course, the horses I sided with got stuffed. Instead the French star Solow won.

From a racing fan perspective: It was a bit of a let down. We didn’t get the eagerly anticipated clash of the superstars in the closing stages. Instead it was somewhat disappointing, given the fact that some of the ‘lesser’ opponents have been able to finish so close.

Of course is was a good performance, nonetheless. Solow just won the most prestigious 1 mile race in the world. But it was not a super impressive monster like performance, which I would have hoped we would see from one of the horses in the race, given all the hype surrounding them – which I wanted to believe. It was a good performance. Nothing more but nothing less either.

Able Friend was not himself unfortunately. He just didn’t handle the track, was very sweaty in the preliminaries as well. He seemed to settle but not to travel. There were no signs of his trademark turn of foot today. Shame that we didn’t get the race we all wanted so badly. But then this just shows that we are dealing with animals and not machines.

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Buratino rocks the Coventry

A big winner for Godolphin – Buratino justified strong market support in the Coventry Stakes and followed up on his tremendous Epsom performance a fortnight ago. He travelled much the best, enjoyed the rattling pace, got a dream run through guided by William Buick and quickened when it mattered. A sharp, precocious juvenile he is, he may have a very bright near future.

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Hat-trick denied for Sole Power

It was not the result many would have hoped for in the King’s Stand Stakes. Sole Power lacked the sparkling turn of foot of former days but also wasn’t quite advantaged by the way the race was run. Not quite a blistering pace, the first three where all close up. Goldream won it – the horse I called out from the bigger prices in my preview. But of course didn’t back it.

A 20/1 shot who beat a 50/1 shot in thriller – that’s the way it can go in these sprint races from time to time. But what is highly unusual  is the fact that Medicean Man achieved a career best at the grand age of nine! He was a runner-up denied in a photo, but clearly this was his best ever performance. Some training performance from Jeremy Gask!

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Gleneagles the star that keeps giving and giving….

I was prepared to take him on, but there was absolutely nobody able to match strides with him in the closing stages today! Gleneagles travelled like the winner throughout and put the race to bed like an odds-on shot should do it. He’s a real star and you simply can’t fault him. He’s done it all. Stepping him up to 10f now? That’s the question Aiden has to answer.

Consort tried to be positive and I thought that was the right move. He wasn’t good enough in the end. Disappointed with Make Believe, who I would have expected to try to make all. But he faded as soon as the pace heated up. Something didn’t seem right with him.

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Clondaw Warrior stays the trip

Willie Mullins and Ryan Moore teamed up to win the big marathon Handicap. The eight year old Clondaw Warror, who was last season already quite prolific on the flat, clearly proved to stay every inch of the 2m 4f trip and eventually prevailed in a tight finish under the typical Moore drive! He went off a rather short 5/1 favourite but justified all the market support.

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Washington Dc saves the day

It could have been disastrous, but thankfully Ryan Moore and Washington Dc saved the day. He won the final race on the card, the 5f Listed sprint. The US filly went off like mad, seemed to think it’s a domestic 4.5f sprint on the dirt. Fair play, she did really well, but it also suited Washington Dc who fend off the challenge from Areen in the closing stages. This completed a 54-1 treble on day for the man who many believe is the best jockey in the world.

Royal Ascot

Preview: Royal Ascot – Prince Of Wales’s Stakes

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The Grey Gatsby

Probably the most intriguing contest at this years Royal Ascot, the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes enjoys the presence of some of the best middle-distance horses from all around the world. A truly fascinating contest to see all these international stars going head to head.

The Favourite

The waiting is over; the eagerly anticipated return of Dermot Weld’s Free Eagle has arrived. Thought to be a potential Derby winner as a juvenile, he had his fair share of problems as a three year old but came back from a year long break on Irish Champions Weekend to win a Group 3 in scintillating style. He ended the season with a fair 3rd place in the British Champion Stakes, when the soft ground was probably against him.

Ascot’s 10 furlong track and fast ground should suit this exciting individual down to the grounds. I can’t wait to see him back on the track. Big things are expected and Mr. Weld has proved in the past to be well able to produce Free Eagle first time out. He is the horse they all have to beat here.

The Domestic Challenge

Last seasons brilliant Irish Champions Stakes winner The Grey Gatsby has been slightly disappointing in two starts this season. While one could say he came up against a superstar at Meydan over a trip slightly too sharp, there weren’t too many excuses for him at the Curragh the next time.

He’ll appreciate the quick ground here but has to produce his brilliant best if he wants to play a prominent role in the outcome of this race. That says it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him bouncing back to his brilliant best with conditions very much to suit.

Already a Royal Ascot winner, Cannock Chase must be respected. He’ll love the ground and the track. You could make some excused for him in his two stars this year, although he doesn’t seem to have physically improved over the winter and my perception is he’ll find it tough against top class older horses.

Western Hymn has been a revelation this year. He proved to cope with quick ground at Sandown when winning the Brigadier Gerard Stakes last month. He’ll need to take another step forward to feature prominently in this race, though. The same goes for The Corsican. An improving sort, but much more is required here.

The Foreign Raiders

The French Ectot was a 6/1 fancy for last years Arc. For all the right reasons. A Group 1 winner over 1m as a juvenile, he stepped up to 1m 4f winning the Prix Niel as a prep for the big one. He was disappointing in the Arc itself and hasn’t been seen since then. That’s a major worry of course, but if he’s fit, healthy and improved, he’s a major player.

The other French horse Gailo Chop has been beaten by Solow on his seasonal reappearance last month. He’s a good middle-distance horse, but has, however, doubts about his ability on this top level as well as on fast ground.

Potentially the most interesting raider from overseas is Australia’s Criterion. His record in Group races is staggering. He won big races from 6 furlongs up to 1m 4f and has been competitive against internationals before. After smashing his opposition in the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 10 furlongs at Randwick, connections came up with the idea to ship him out for some of the big races in overseas.

First step was Hong Kong. Criterion was far from disgraced in the QEII at Sha Tin, finishing a fine third. He’s now over in England, reportedly has settled well in to his new surroundings and a big run is expected. He’d probably prefer a bit of rain, however his Hong Kong performance proved he can be competitive on quick ground as well.

The Japanese send out Spielberg. He’s a Group 1 winner at home, beat super mare Gentildonna back in November and acts on fast ground. He’s a serious horse & also stays further, though usually seem to take a while to hit top gear and that might find him out around Ascot.

Verdict: Assuming Dermot Weld has worked his magic again, one would think it takes a special horse to beat exciting Free Eagle. If you want to say something negative about him, then it is the form of his Leopardstown win, which isn’t great. Whether he has improved from three to four is another question mark. Nonetheless I am seriously tempted to take the 3/1 on offer as I thought he’d be a bit shorter. But….

…. I find it impossible not to have a bet on Criterion @ 11/1, which is way too big in my book. Fast ground isn’t ideal, but he handles it fine. He has a high cruising speed and is likely to be in the perfect position turning for home, chasing the pace. He’s able to sustain a high tempo for a lengthy period of time and Ascot as a track may suit absolutely perfectly. He’s the value for me.

Criterion @ 11/1 VCbet – 5pts Win