Hmm - tomorrow isn't looking too good - the annual staff appraisal in the morning followed by the annual bookmakers' benefit in the afternoon...
The opening Queen Anne Stakes over a mile is missing both Creachadoir (injured) and Ramonti (going for the Sussex at Goodwood). Both the fillies, Darjina and Finsceal Beo, are in with a shout on their best form; of the two I prefer Jim Bolger's Finsceal Beo who looked to be coming back to her best last time out behind Duke Of Marmalade. Having said that, a filly hasn't won this in the last ten years. Cesare is consistent, has won over course and distance and will run his race but at the age of seven may find one or two too good; four year olds have the best record in this event. I'm going to take a chance with Tariq who looked unlucky in running and was staying on in the Lockinge at Newbury - connections feel the trip shouldn't be a problem.
Fleeting Spirit will be all the rage in the King's Stand following her win at Haydock last time where she broke the track record. The form is in the book but I'm cautious - she is not one to bet at short odds. Haydock's fast five furlongs is rather different to the stiff five at Ascot; in addition older horses have a better record.
Henrythenavigator is the form horse in the St James's Palace Stakes but he will be long odds-on.
In Raceform Update's Royal Ascot Guide, using his own ratings, Peter May makes a case for Mick Channon's Orizaba in the Coventry at 4.20. The market has provided a good indicator to this over the last twenty years and Orizaba should be thereabouts.
Monday, June 16, 2008
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A disappointing effort from Tariq (5/1) in the opener; the selection failed to quicken at the furlong pole and then faded to finish ninth behind Haradasun who held the two fillies, Darjina and Finsceal Beo, a head and three quarters of a length at the line. I guess you'd have to conclude he didn't truly stay this stiff mile.
The caution about Fleeting Spirit was not misplaced as she finished third behind Equiano (22/1) and Takeover Target.
4/7f Henrythenavigator proved himself the top three year old miler beating Raven's Pass and Twice Over.
11/4 favourite Orizaba reared at the start and with that appeared to have lost his winning chance; he stayed on to finish fifth. 8/1 shot Art Connoiseur won this six furlong sprint by two and a half lengths going away - a most impressive performance.
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