Pressed for time, so rather brief notes this evening...
Dual purpose handler Ian Williams has some interesting runners around the country tomorrow.
At Chester Swinging Hawk tries to repeat last year's victory in the Kozel Handicap at 4.15; he faces a stiff enough task off a rating six pounds higher. Swnymor, ninth behind runaway winner Our Conor in the 2013 Triumph Hurdle, has his first run for J. J. Quinn in the same race.
Gifted Leader is getting on a bit these days but took a Class 3 Market Rasen hurdle with the minimum of fuss off a mark of 120 last month. Rated 82 on the Flat he makes some appeal as an each-way wager in Newmarket's 5.15 and George Downing can claim five but 10/1 isn't particularly generous. The gelding finished second behind Veiled in the 2011 running of this race; Veiled went on to win the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot that year.
Williams saddles two at Stratford's evening meeting. Sonofagun arrives in good form to contest the Severn Cider Handicap Chase at 7.25 while the consistent Fredo, entered in the three and a half mile handicap chase at 6.25, should be thereabouts.
Five Star Wilsham did the blog a favour at Ffos Las last week and goes again in that 6.25 race; trainer Twiston-Davies certainly isn't letting the grass grow... With the benefit of hindsight, the gelding was well in that day and has been raised seven pounds for his trouble; this looks much more competitive but likely favourite Oscarslad is taking on seasoned handicappers here and makes a market which contains several credible winners.
I'm going to stay loyal to Five Star Wilsham who holds a better chance of conceding weight all round on drying ground and should certainly see out the trip.
Showing posts with label royal ascot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label royal ascot. Show all posts
Friday, May 30, 2014
Friday, June 21, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Saturday
Two selections for the final day of Royal Ascot...
In the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05) Mount Athos could well be sent off favourite but there's a question as to whether this is his optimum trip these days. A four-year-old has won the last five renewals while a six-year-old has won twice in the past decade; course and distance winner Ektihaam gets the vote. The favourite has obliged on five occasions in the last ten years.
The concluding Queen Alexandra Stakes is the longest race in the Flat calendar.
Last year Shahwardi finished seven lengths adrift of Simenon, a gallant second in this year's Gold Cup. On that form Shahwardi has an obvious chance but I like to pick one with NH form. Nicky Henderson won this in 2009 with Caracciola (as well as the Ascot Stakes with Veiled in 2011) and saddles Courtesy Call here. This one was second in a Newmarket Cesarewitch trial last September when trained by Mark Johnson and finished fourth behind Irish Saint in the Adonis at Kempton on his first run for the yard. He took an ordinary novices' hurdle at Taunton last month off a mark of 123 and has the look of one prepared for this race.
Mad Moose is appropriately named and not certain to consent to face the starter while at the age of ten Junior's best days are probably behind him.
First Avenue won the Imperial Cup at Sandown in March but wouldn't be certain to appreciate the additional six furlongs here. That comment also applies to Rebecca Curtis' Meganisi - booked jockey Brendan Powell booted home Glen Countess to win the Grimsby and Immingham Stevedores Novices' Handicap Chase at Market Rasen for his father earlier today.
Cloudy Spirit is a grey mare who will stay the trip but she's unlikely to be quick enough.
I'm tempted by Meganisi but in a Weekender Stable Tour last October the handler described a trip of two and a half miles as 'possibly a little too far for him as he has bags of speed'. The fitting of a first time tongue-tie could help the cause but I'm going to take an each-way interest in Courtesy Call (9/1 with several layers this evening). For the brave, double those odds are available about Meganisi with Coral.
In the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05) Mount Athos could well be sent off favourite but there's a question as to whether this is his optimum trip these days. A four-year-old has won the last five renewals while a six-year-old has won twice in the past decade; course and distance winner Ektihaam gets the vote. The favourite has obliged on five occasions in the last ten years.
The concluding Queen Alexandra Stakes is the longest race in the Flat calendar.
Last year Shahwardi finished seven lengths adrift of Simenon, a gallant second in this year's Gold Cup. On that form Shahwardi has an obvious chance but I like to pick one with NH form. Nicky Henderson won this in 2009 with Caracciola (as well as the Ascot Stakes with Veiled in 2011) and saddles Courtesy Call here. This one was second in a Newmarket Cesarewitch trial last September when trained by Mark Johnson and finished fourth behind Irish Saint in the Adonis at Kempton on his first run for the yard. He took an ordinary novices' hurdle at Taunton last month off a mark of 123 and has the look of one prepared for this race.
Mad Moose is appropriately named and not certain to consent to face the starter while at the age of ten Junior's best days are probably behind him.
First Avenue won the Imperial Cup at Sandown in March but wouldn't be certain to appreciate the additional six furlongs here. That comment also applies to Rebecca Curtis' Meganisi - booked jockey Brendan Powell booted home Glen Countess to win the Grimsby and Immingham Stevedores Novices' Handicap Chase at Market Rasen for his father earlier today.
Cloudy Spirit is a grey mare who will stay the trip but she's unlikely to be quick enough.
I'm tempted by Meganisi but in a Weekender Stable Tour last October the handler described a trip of two and a half miles as 'possibly a little too far for him as he has bags of speed'. The fitting of a first time tongue-tie could help the cause but I'm going to take an each-way interest in Courtesy Call (9/1 with several layers this evening). For the brave, double those odds are available about Meganisi with Coral.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Friday
Victory for The Queen's filly Estimate (7/2f) in the Gold Cup earlier today went down well with plenty of punters; it was only slightly less well-received chez moi as the favourite battled on dourly to hold blog selection Simenon a neck on the line...
I'm still looking for a first winner at this year's meet and tomorrow's card looks decidedly difficult.
Battle Of Marengo, beaten two lengths into fourth in the Epsom Derby 20 days ago, is the clear form choice in the King Edward VII Stakes but the colt offers no value and there is a danger he may not have fully recovered from those exertions.
Lady Cecil recorded a poignant victory with Riposte in the Ribblesdale earlier today and saddles Disclaimer in the Queen's Vase In Memory Of Sir Henry Cecil. Coolmore's Leading Light, sired by Montjeu, has to give weight to all his rivals but has the more favourable draw and is well clear on ratings. This is a tough race over two miles for these three-year-olds and will prove even more so if the forecast rain gets into the ground. Disclaimer (9/2) offers some value against favourite Leading Light and is the suggestion in a difficult-looking contest.
Those considering a wager on either of the top two in the feature Coronation Stakes, Just The Judge and Sky Lantern, should note that they have both been drawn wide, in stalls 17 and 16 respectively.
I'm still looking for a first winner at this year's meet and tomorrow's card looks decidedly difficult.
Battle Of Marengo, beaten two lengths into fourth in the Epsom Derby 20 days ago, is the clear form choice in the King Edward VII Stakes but the colt offers no value and there is a danger he may not have fully recovered from those exertions.
Lady Cecil recorded a poignant victory with Riposte in the Ribblesdale earlier today and saddles Disclaimer in the Queen's Vase In Memory Of Sir Henry Cecil. Coolmore's Leading Light, sired by Montjeu, has to give weight to all his rivals but has the more favourable draw and is well clear on ratings. This is a tough race over two miles for these three-year-olds and will prove even more so if the forecast rain gets into the ground. Disclaimer (9/2) offers some value against favourite Leading Light and is the suggestion in a difficult-looking contest.
Those considering a wager on either of the top two in the feature Coronation Stakes, Just The Judge and Sky Lantern, should note that they have both been drawn wide, in stalls 17 and 16 respectively.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Thursday: jumpers for Ladies' Day?
The Ascot Gold Cup is one of my favourite races on the Flat - this year's renewal looks very open with 18 set to face the starter. The Queen's filly Estimate gets her allowance and is bound to be popular but this looks a tough ask. Colour Vision had Saddler's Rock half a length and a neck behind in third when winning last year's renewal but the latter-named appeared unfortunate that day while Dermot Weld's 2010 winner Rite Of Passage is talented but fragile. Earlier in the week I fancied Simenon for this but the threat of rain is a worry; nonetheless Willie Mullins' charge won the Ascot Stakes and the Queen Alexandra Stakes four days later at last year's meeting so it's no surprise to see connections going for gold. Much of the value has disappeared from Simenon's price (7/1) and on official ratings he has enough to find with a few in the field. I'll stay loyal to Simenon but Saddler's Rock had both Colour Vision and the selection behind in last year's Goodwood Cup (run over two miles) so I'm considering a saver on Saddler's Rock...
Away from the posh coats and fancy frocks of Royal Ascot, I intend to chance Awaywiththegreys on his first try over fences at Ffos Las (7.05). Propsect Wells will make the market but in a Weekender Stable Tour (published 03.04.13-07.04.13) handler Peter Bowen said:
'He won a couple of novice hurdles in June and October last year, ending up with a rating of 133, but he will be much better over fences and has schooled brilliantly. He has had a break for the past few months but will be back for the summer and is definitely one to follow first time out which will be in early May.'
Propsect Wells was rated 149 when winning the Game Spirit at Fontwell in February but was turned over at odds of 1/4 on his chasing debut at that track and may not be the most natural chaser in the making.
Away from the posh coats and fancy frocks of Royal Ascot, I intend to chance Awaywiththegreys on his first try over fences at Ffos Las (7.05). Propsect Wells will make the market but in a Weekender Stable Tour (published 03.04.13-07.04.13) handler Peter Bowen said:
'He won a couple of novice hurdles in June and October last year, ending up with a rating of 133, but he will be much better over fences and has schooled brilliantly. He has had a break for the past few months but will be back for the summer and is definitely one to follow first time out which will be in early May.'
Propsect Wells was rated 149 when winning the Game Spirit at Fontwell in February but was turned over at odds of 1/4 on his chasing debut at that track and may not be the most natural chaser in the making.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Wednesday
The highlight is the Prince of Wales's Stakes at 3.45. Al Kazeem appeared to beat Camelot fair and square in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh. The Fugue has the fillies' allowance, conditions to suit and would appeal as an each-way wager at a slightly bigger price. Maxios looks a value play (11/2 or bigger) in a race French-trained runners have won three times in the past six years - the favourite has obliged on five occasions in the past decade.
The Duke of Cambridge Stakes is usually run as the Windsor Forest Stakes. There have been some big priced winners in the past ten years including Peeress (14/1 in 2005), Spacious (10/1 in 2009), Lolly For Dolly (11/1 in 2011) and Joviality (11/1 last year); the favourite has won on just two occasions. On official ratings Lady Cecil's Chigun has one pound in hand over Duntle while both fillies have won over the course and distance; Chigun gets the vote.
The Duke of Cambridge Stakes is usually run as the Windsor Forest Stakes. There have been some big priced winners in the past ten years including Peeress (14/1 in 2005), Spacious (10/1 in 2009), Lolly For Dolly (11/1 in 2011) and Joviality (11/1 last year); the favourite has won on just two occasions. On official ratings Lady Cecil's Chigun has one pound in hand over Duntle while both fillies have won over the course and distance; Chigun gets the vote.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Tuesday
Things will be different at Royal Ascot this year...
Firstly, Sir Henry Cecil, with 75 winners the most successful trainer of all time at this meeting, will not be present. His passing has been mourned by racing people around the world.
Above all else I will always associate the trainer with the Ascot Gold Cup at a time when the race and the great stayers were adored by the public. Le Moss beat stablemate Buckskin in 1979 and repeated the trick the following year beating Ardross three quarters of a length in a thrilling duel inside the final two furlongs.
Ardross was subsequently sold out of Kevin Prendergast's yard in Ireland and in 1981 turned up to collect the spoils, this time trained by H.R.A. Cecil. The following year the horse came back to win the same race on his fourth run of the season, breaking the track record in the process. Marvellous memories indeed...
This year sees Channel 4 cover the meeting for the first time, with every race scheduled to be shown live; presenter Clare Balding received an OBE for services to Broadcasting and Journalism in the Queen's Birthday Honours on Saturday.
Traditionalists have bemoaned the arrival of Royal Ascot coverage interrupted by advertisements but times have changed... The racecourse has struck its first sponsorship deal for this meeting in 302 years - Swiss watchmaker Longines is Royal Ascot's 'official partner' in a five year deal worth £7 million.
Reassuringly, other things are likely to remain much the same as ever, such as the below-par performance of the blog's tips. Here are brief comments for Tuesday's card...
In the opening Queen Anne Stakes 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom looks the one to beat but he'll be no price. Those looking to oppose will point out the trip is shorter than ideal and connections wouldn't relish soft ground if rain came. The each-way value about Elusive Kate disappeared in the week.
Shea Shea will be a warm order for the King's Stand but only two favourites have obliged in the past decade (Miss Andretti 3/1 2007 and Scenic Blast 11/4 2009). Currently priced at around the 2/1 mark, I'm not tempted.
It was a surprise to many to see Dawn Approach declared for the St James's Place Stakes after his performance in the Epsom Derby two and a half weeks ago. Aidan O'Brien's Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician looks a threat but a minor setback in the past few days is a concern - Coolmore has also declared Mars, sixth in the Derby, as insurance. Connections have long been sweet on Toronado but he has enough to find on the book. Dawn Approach, racing back over a mile, is the percentage call but you couldn't have foreseen that performance at Epsom on Derby day - I'll watch from the sidelines. The favourite has obliged on six occasions in the past ten years.
My each-way chance in the Coventry is Wahaab at around 12/1.
I always like one with NH form in the Ascot Stakes (5.00). Last year Simenon took the spoils for Willie Mullins and then four days later added the Queen Alexandra Stakes for good measure; I'll look closely at Simenon if he goes in Thursday's Gold Cup - he met trouble in running last time in the Chester Cup. This year Mullins saddles Midnight Oil, rated 135 over hurdles in Ireland, and the Motivator gelding is the each-way suggestion at 10/1. On a line through Bondage this one wouldn't have much in hand over Philip Hobbs' Big Easy (fifth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham off a mark of 136) but Hobbs' charge was slightly outpaced that day and that is a concern here.
Firstly, Sir Henry Cecil, with 75 winners the most successful trainer of all time at this meeting, will not be present. His passing has been mourned by racing people around the world.
Above all else I will always associate the trainer with the Ascot Gold Cup at a time when the race and the great stayers were adored by the public. Le Moss beat stablemate Buckskin in 1979 and repeated the trick the following year beating Ardross three quarters of a length in a thrilling duel inside the final two furlongs.
Ardross was subsequently sold out of Kevin Prendergast's yard in Ireland and in 1981 turned up to collect the spoils, this time trained by H.R.A. Cecil. The following year the horse came back to win the same race on his fourth run of the season, breaking the track record in the process. Marvellous memories indeed...
This year sees Channel 4 cover the meeting for the first time, with every race scheduled to be shown live; presenter Clare Balding received an OBE for services to Broadcasting and Journalism in the Queen's Birthday Honours on Saturday.
Traditionalists have bemoaned the arrival of Royal Ascot coverage interrupted by advertisements but times have changed... The racecourse has struck its first sponsorship deal for this meeting in 302 years - Swiss watchmaker Longines is Royal Ascot's 'official partner' in a five year deal worth £7 million.
Reassuringly, other things are likely to remain much the same as ever, such as the below-par performance of the blog's tips. Here are brief comments for Tuesday's card...
In the opening Queen Anne Stakes 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom looks the one to beat but he'll be no price. Those looking to oppose will point out the trip is shorter than ideal and connections wouldn't relish soft ground if rain came. The each-way value about Elusive Kate disappeared in the week.
Shea Shea will be a warm order for the King's Stand but only two favourites have obliged in the past decade (Miss Andretti 3/1 2007 and Scenic Blast 11/4 2009). Currently priced at around the 2/1 mark, I'm not tempted.
It was a surprise to many to see Dawn Approach declared for the St James's Place Stakes after his performance in the Epsom Derby two and a half weeks ago. Aidan O'Brien's Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician looks a threat but a minor setback in the past few days is a concern - Coolmore has also declared Mars, sixth in the Derby, as insurance. Connections have long been sweet on Toronado but he has enough to find on the book. Dawn Approach, racing back over a mile, is the percentage call but you couldn't have foreseen that performance at Epsom on Derby day - I'll watch from the sidelines. The favourite has obliged on six occasions in the past ten years.
My each-way chance in the Coventry is Wahaab at around 12/1.
I always like one with NH form in the Ascot Stakes (5.00). Last year Simenon took the spoils for Willie Mullins and then four days later added the Queen Alexandra Stakes for good measure; I'll look closely at Simenon if he goes in Thursday's Gold Cup - he met trouble in running last time in the Chester Cup. This year Mullins saddles Midnight Oil, rated 135 over hurdles in Ireland, and the Motivator gelding is the each-way suggestion at 10/1. On a line through Bondage this one wouldn't have much in hand over Philip Hobbs' Big Easy (fifth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham off a mark of 136) but Hobbs' charge was slightly outpaced that day and that is a concern here.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Randomly noted...
Hot on the hooves of the Godolphin doping scandal, this week jockey Eddie Ahern received a 10 year ban for breaching three BHA rules, a ban he will contest with the support of the Professional Jockeys' Association.
In other news...
Dettori's return to the track following a six month ban has been delayed but he remains hopeful of riding in the Epsom Derby on June 1st.
In Wednesday's Racing Post Lee Mottershead reported that in the period from January 1st to April 27th 2013 viewing figures for Channel 4 Racing were down on 22 of the 25 broadcast days, while the audience for The Morning Line fell 277,000 during the Cheltenham Festival.
And Royal Ascot has appointed its first 'official partner' - Swiss watchmakers Longines. Chris Cook of The Guardian wonders, quite wryly, whether this partnership will lead to the publishing of acccurate sectional times at the track...
Enough.
Last weekend's post made mention of Oliver Sherwood's mare Luci Di Mezzanotte. She didn't run at Bangor but did turn up for a Wetherby Maiden Hurdle yesterday and obliged at odds of 4/1.
Tomorrow sees the traditional Bank Holiday card at Cartmel; these meets are something of an institution in their own right but I'm afraid the place has never been particularly kind to me.
Down the country a bit and across to the left, the 6.40 novice hurdle at Ffos Las has caught my eye. The David Pipe trained Third Of The Third, owned by course boss Dai Walters, is likely to be sent off favourite but both Groomed and top weight Lord Grantham are closely matched on ratings. RPR/ OR ratings show Third Of The Third 132 / 113, Groomed 131 / 112 and Lord Grantham 129 / 120.
Granted, Lord Grantham has to give weight to all his rivals but Jake Greenall's three pounds allowance offsets some of the burden and Henry Daly's charge looks likely to stay the trip better than Groomed; I'll consider opposing the favourite with Lord Grantham at around the 3/1 mark.
Finally it's interesting to see the well-named Mad Moose running in a listed event on the Flat (2.20 York). After refusing to race at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals this spring, Mad Moose appears to have taken a a bit of a liking to the Flat game and his recent second at Chester behind Mount Athos (probably bound for the Melbourne Cup in November) reads well enough, although that form should be treated with plenty of caution.
Trainer's son Sam Twiston-Davies rides 'The Moose' over the sticks; brother Willie takes over here. Songcraft is the class act and the percentage call in the race; it remains to be seen whether Mad Moose can confirm recent improvement.
In other news...
Dettori's return to the track following a six month ban has been delayed but he remains hopeful of riding in the Epsom Derby on June 1st.
In Wednesday's Racing Post Lee Mottershead reported that in the period from January 1st to April 27th 2013 viewing figures for Channel 4 Racing were down on 22 of the 25 broadcast days, while the audience for The Morning Line fell 277,000 during the Cheltenham Festival.
And Royal Ascot has appointed its first 'official partner' - Swiss watchmakers Longines. Chris Cook of The Guardian wonders, quite wryly, whether this partnership will lead to the publishing of acccurate sectional times at the track...
Enough.
Last weekend's post made mention of Oliver Sherwood's mare Luci Di Mezzanotte. She didn't run at Bangor but did turn up for a Wetherby Maiden Hurdle yesterday and obliged at odds of 4/1.
Tomorrow sees the traditional Bank Holiday card at Cartmel; these meets are something of an institution in their own right but I'm afraid the place has never been particularly kind to me.
Down the country a bit and across to the left, the 6.40 novice hurdle at Ffos Las has caught my eye. The David Pipe trained Third Of The Third, owned by course boss Dai Walters, is likely to be sent off favourite but both Groomed and top weight Lord Grantham are closely matched on ratings. RPR/ OR ratings show Third Of The Third 132 / 113, Groomed 131 / 112 and Lord Grantham 129 / 120.
Granted, Lord Grantham has to give weight to all his rivals but Jake Greenall's three pounds allowance offsets some of the burden and Henry Daly's charge looks likely to stay the trip better than Groomed; I'll consider opposing the favourite with Lord Grantham at around the 3/1 mark.
Finally it's interesting to see the well-named Mad Moose running in a listed event on the Flat (2.20 York). After refusing to race at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals this spring, Mad Moose appears to have taken a a bit of a liking to the Flat game and his recent second at Chester behind Mount Athos (probably bound for the Melbourne Cup in November) reads well enough, although that form should be treated with plenty of caution.
Trainer's son Sam Twiston-Davies rides 'The Moose' over the sticks; brother Willie takes over here. Songcraft is the class act and the percentage call in the race; it remains to be seen whether Mad Moose can confirm recent improvement.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot 2011 reviewed
Over Royal Ascot week the blog's highlighted suggestions turned in a small loss (to recorded SPs) of 0.43 points; two winners (Canford Cliffs 11/8 and Veiled 11/2) with one each-way second (Harris Tweed 12/1) from 11 selections resulted a win strike rate of 18.18%.
First day highlights included Canford Cliffs' defeat of Goldikova and Frankel's victory in the St James's Palace Stakes; there is now a distinct possibility the two horses will clash in the Sussex Stakes at the Glorious Goodwood meeting on July 27th.
Rewilding's neck defeat of 4/11 favourite SoYou Think in Wednesday's Prince Of Wales's Stakes (one recorded bet on the favourite of £20,000-£45,000) provided plenty of drama and a nine day ban for winning jockey Frankie Dettori whose action in hitting his mount 24 times in the final two furlongs has re-ignited the debate surrounding misuse of the whip.
Fame And Glory stole the show in Thursday's Gold Cup; comparisons with the great Yeats were inevitable. Brown Panther took the concluding King George V Stakes in some style; in the immediate aftermath winning owner Michael Owen was spotted wiping a tear from his eye. Connections now appear to be considering the German Derby as well the Doncaster St.Leger. The high fashion of Ladies' Day was lowered considerably when eight men set about knocking nine bells out of each other in a full-blown brawl behind the grandstand. One imagines Her Majesty would not have been amused...
Less than a fortnight after Pour Moi had crossed La Manche to claim the Epsom Derby, France recorded a 1-2 in Friday's feature with Immortal Verse beating Nova Hawk two and a quarter lengths in the Coronation Stakes.
On the final day Await The Dawn recorded an impressive victory on ground that didn't suit in the Hardwicke; connections are still dreaming of the Breeders' Cup Classic while in the space of 40 minutes trainer James Fanshawe landed a 220/1 double, sending out Society Rock to win the Golden Jubilee Stakes at 25/1 and Deacon Blues the Wokingham at 15/2.
So, what of Royal Ascot?
Rick Broadbent, writing as Couch Potato in The Times, '...remains undecided as to whether live coverage of a Middle England bender is actually sport.'
Nonetheless there remains something quaintly reaassuring in the fact that this particular meeting can generate plenty of correspondence to the same paper's letters page. On Thursday Michael Cole of Woodbridge, Suffolk wrote, 'The preponderance of black stovepipe hats is making Royal Ascot look like an undertakers' convention. The grey topper is more suitable to a summer race meeting...' Saturday's Times published seven replies making several points on various aspects of social etiquette but perhaps Brian Smith of Wells, Somerset, asked two questions on the lips of the silent majority when inquiring, 'Why is it necessary to wear this ridiculous garb to watch a horse race? Why can't people wear normal clothes?'
Finally, a jumps note to finish on. John Francome pointed out on Saturday's Morning Line that 2011 will be a year to remember for amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen. Three months after riding Long Run to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Sam walked down the aisle to marry Annabel Ballin. Francome reported that the classic car due to take the happy couple on their way unfortunately failed to start and then went on to express his hope that a similar problem wasn't repeated later in the bridal suite...
First day highlights included Canford Cliffs' defeat of Goldikova and Frankel's victory in the St James's Palace Stakes; there is now a distinct possibility the two horses will clash in the Sussex Stakes at the Glorious Goodwood meeting on July 27th.
Rewilding's neck defeat of 4/11 favourite SoYou Think in Wednesday's Prince Of Wales's Stakes (one recorded bet on the favourite of £20,000-£45,000) provided plenty of drama and a nine day ban for winning jockey Frankie Dettori whose action in hitting his mount 24 times in the final two furlongs has re-ignited the debate surrounding misuse of the whip.
Fame And Glory stole the show in Thursday's Gold Cup; comparisons with the great Yeats were inevitable. Brown Panther took the concluding King George V Stakes in some style; in the immediate aftermath winning owner Michael Owen was spotted wiping a tear from his eye. Connections now appear to be considering the German Derby as well the Doncaster St.Leger. The high fashion of Ladies' Day was lowered considerably when eight men set about knocking nine bells out of each other in a full-blown brawl behind the grandstand. One imagines Her Majesty would not have been amused...
Less than a fortnight after Pour Moi had crossed La Manche to claim the Epsom Derby, France recorded a 1-2 in Friday's feature with Immortal Verse beating Nova Hawk two and a quarter lengths in the Coronation Stakes.
On the final day Await The Dawn recorded an impressive victory on ground that didn't suit in the Hardwicke; connections are still dreaming of the Breeders' Cup Classic while in the space of 40 minutes trainer James Fanshawe landed a 220/1 double, sending out Society Rock to win the Golden Jubilee Stakes at 25/1 and Deacon Blues the Wokingham at 15/2.
So, what of Royal Ascot?
Rick Broadbent, writing as Couch Potato in The Times, '...remains undecided as to whether live coverage of a Middle England bender is actually sport.'
Nonetheless there remains something quaintly reaassuring in the fact that this particular meeting can generate plenty of correspondence to the same paper's letters page. On Thursday Michael Cole of Woodbridge, Suffolk wrote, 'The preponderance of black stovepipe hats is making Royal Ascot look like an undertakers' convention. The grey topper is more suitable to a summer race meeting...' Saturday's Times published seven replies making several points on various aspects of social etiquette but perhaps Brian Smith of Wells, Somerset, asked two questions on the lips of the silent majority when inquiring, 'Why is it necessary to wear this ridiculous garb to watch a horse race? Why can't people wear normal clothes?'
Finally, a jumps note to finish on. John Francome pointed out on Saturday's Morning Line that 2011 will be a year to remember for amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen. Three months after riding Long Run to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Sam walked down the aisle to marry Annabel Ballin. Francome reported that the classic car due to take the happy couple on their way unfortunately failed to start and then went on to express his hope that a similar problem wasn't repeated later in the bridal suite...
Friday, June 17, 2011
Royal Ascot 2011 - Saturday
Saturday is the final day of Royal Ascot...
Await The Dawn will be a warm favourite in the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05) but I intend to have an each-way wager on Harris Tweed. The gelding was beaten ten lengths by St Nicholas Abbey in the Ormonde at Chester run on fast ground - that one has since gone on to claim Epsom's Coronation Cup. Willie Haggas' charge is better on soft and although he has improvement to find with several in the field he rates a value bet at 16/1.
At two miles five furlongs and 159 yards Ascot's finale, the Queen Alexandra Stakes, is the longest race in the Flat calendar; Bergo took this last year - I'm concentrating on horses with form over the jumps.
American Spin, second in a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter last time, is priced up at 150/1 and has the look of a social runner. Lady Green's brown mare Dayia has form in Irish bumpers and finished fourth in this race last year. Degas Art appears to have been sold out of Howard Johnson's yard after winning a Hexham seller; now with Lucinda Russell, he went on to take a handicap hurdle at Perth off a rating of 120. Willie Mullins saddles Deutschland who was eighth in this last year and has had a couple of warm-ups while Font is something of a character who bounced back to form on his first run for Lawney Hill. Tim Vaughan's Grand Art has been mixing codes and racing over a variety of distances but hasn't won since May 2009 while Halla San found the obstacles getting in the way last winter. Ladies Best appears best on fast ground and won an Exeter maiden hurdle last month; the King's Best gelding has his first run here for James Given. Not Til Monday, owned by The Three Honest Men, races from the front and has a 19 furlong Lingfield Novice Hurdle on soft ground to his name as well as K.Fallon in the plate. Overturn will be popular for obvious reasons but it's worth noting he isn't guaranteed to stay this trip. Swingkeel may prefer better ground while Kayef ran well last time at Haydock but didn't appear to stay Sandown's stiff two miles on heavy ground in January. Elyaadi was second behind Junior in last year's Ascot Stakes and has the look of a mare laid out for this.
In the past 10 years the winner has come from the top five in the market on nine occasions. Those of interest are Elyaadi, Overturn, Dayia, Swingkeel, Degas Art and Deutschland. Dayia is discounted as she hasn't seen a racecourse since last October and Swingkeel as he appears to prefer top of the ground. After Overturn Degas Art is the highest-rated horse in the race but it's difficult to envisage the recent winner of a Hexham seller coming home first here. I prefer Elyaadi to Overturn as the Singspiel mare has winning form over two and a half miles and Overturn was allowed a relatively easy time up front in May's Chester Cup. Elyaadi is the pick with Willie Mullins' Deutschland the each-way suggestion for those looking for something at a bigger price.
Await The Dawn will be a warm favourite in the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05) but I intend to have an each-way wager on Harris Tweed. The gelding was beaten ten lengths by St Nicholas Abbey in the Ormonde at Chester run on fast ground - that one has since gone on to claim Epsom's Coronation Cup. Willie Haggas' charge is better on soft and although he has improvement to find with several in the field he rates a value bet at 16/1.
At two miles five furlongs and 159 yards Ascot's finale, the Queen Alexandra Stakes, is the longest race in the Flat calendar; Bergo took this last year - I'm concentrating on horses with form over the jumps.
American Spin, second in a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter last time, is priced up at 150/1 and has the look of a social runner. Lady Green's brown mare Dayia has form in Irish bumpers and finished fourth in this race last year. Degas Art appears to have been sold out of Howard Johnson's yard after winning a Hexham seller; now with Lucinda Russell, he went on to take a handicap hurdle at Perth off a rating of 120. Willie Mullins saddles Deutschland who was eighth in this last year and has had a couple of warm-ups while Font is something of a character who bounced back to form on his first run for Lawney Hill. Tim Vaughan's Grand Art has been mixing codes and racing over a variety of distances but hasn't won since May 2009 while Halla San found the obstacles getting in the way last winter. Ladies Best appears best on fast ground and won an Exeter maiden hurdle last month; the King's Best gelding has his first run here for James Given. Not Til Monday, owned by The Three Honest Men, races from the front and has a 19 furlong Lingfield Novice Hurdle on soft ground to his name as well as K.Fallon in the plate. Overturn will be popular for obvious reasons but it's worth noting he isn't guaranteed to stay this trip. Swingkeel may prefer better ground while Kayef ran well last time at Haydock but didn't appear to stay Sandown's stiff two miles on heavy ground in January. Elyaadi was second behind Junior in last year's Ascot Stakes and has the look of a mare laid out for this.
In the past 10 years the winner has come from the top five in the market on nine occasions. Those of interest are Elyaadi, Overturn, Dayia, Swingkeel, Degas Art and Deutschland. Dayia is discounted as she hasn't seen a racecourse since last October and Swingkeel as he appears to prefer top of the ground. After Overturn Degas Art is the highest-rated horse in the race but it's difficult to envisage the recent winner of a Hexham seller coming home first here. I prefer Elyaadi to Overturn as the Singspiel mare has winning form over two and a half miles and Overturn was allowed a relatively easy time up front in May's Chester Cup. Elyaadi is the pick with Willie Mullins' Deutschland the each-way suggestion for those looking for something at a bigger price.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Royal Ascot 2011 - Friday
Pressed for time this evening so I have concentrated on the Queen's Vase, a two mile race for three-year-olds which is due off at 5 o'clock. The current going is good to soft, soft in places, and with further rain forecast this will represent a tough test for these young horses.
Henry Cecil has won seven previous renewals and Aidan O'Brien two of the last four runnings while Mark Johnson has trained the winner of this race on five occasions in the past decade - he saddles three this year. On official ratings likely favourite Regent Street is the one to beat. The Galileo colt won his maiden over 11 furlongs in December and his third behind Recital in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial reads well given Recital subsequently finished sixth in the Epsom Derby, beaten under five lengths. He doesn't appear entirely straightforward, having tried blinkers for the first time last time out; here connections have opted to try cheekpieces for the first time. Namibian looks the pick of Mark Johnson's runners, beaten under two lengths trying to concede 16lbs to stablemate Eternal Heart at Musselburgh a fortnight ago. Namibian has been kept busy in contrast to the same stable's relatively unexposed Halifax. Henry Cecil's Solar Sky, another Galileo colt, merits attention. His second to World Domination on his racecourse debut caught the eye but he was only workmanlike the next time when winning a Haydock maiden at odds of 2/13. The Weeknder reports Cecil holds this one in some regard; World Domination runs in the King Edward VII Stakes at 3.05 and may provide a pointer to Solar Sky's chance. Of the remainder Roger Varian's Ittirad looks intriguing and has shown he can handle soft ground.
The Mark Johnson stable is respected but a strike rate of 7/79 (8.86%) in the past fortnight is a little below par. Ittirad, a Janaury foal, has enough to find on ratings but is less exposed than one or two of these and rates the tentative each-way suggestion (8/1 with William Hill this evening).
Henry Cecil has won seven previous renewals and Aidan O'Brien two of the last four runnings while Mark Johnson has trained the winner of this race on five occasions in the past decade - he saddles three this year. On official ratings likely favourite Regent Street is the one to beat. The Galileo colt won his maiden over 11 furlongs in December and his third behind Recital in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial reads well given Recital subsequently finished sixth in the Epsom Derby, beaten under five lengths. He doesn't appear entirely straightforward, having tried blinkers for the first time last time out; here connections have opted to try cheekpieces for the first time. Namibian looks the pick of Mark Johnson's runners, beaten under two lengths trying to concede 16lbs to stablemate Eternal Heart at Musselburgh a fortnight ago. Namibian has been kept busy in contrast to the same stable's relatively unexposed Halifax. Henry Cecil's Solar Sky, another Galileo colt, merits attention. His second to World Domination on his racecourse debut caught the eye but he was only workmanlike the next time when winning a Haydock maiden at odds of 2/13. The Weeknder reports Cecil holds this one in some regard; World Domination runs in the King Edward VII Stakes at 3.05 and may provide a pointer to Solar Sky's chance. Of the remainder Roger Varian's Ittirad looks intriguing and has shown he can handle soft ground.
The Mark Johnson stable is respected but a strike rate of 7/79 (8.86%) in the past fortnight is a little below par. Ittirad, a Janaury foal, has enough to find on ratings but is less exposed than one or two of these and rates the tentative each-way suggestion (8/1 with William Hill this evening).
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Royal Ascot 2011 - Thursday is Gold Cup Day
The highlight on Ladies' Day is the Gold Cup run over two and a half miles; fifteen go to post. Last year's 20/1 winner Rite Of Passage unfortunately misses the event through injury.
The market has something of a lop-sided look with layers going 6/1 the field bar one; the one in question is Aidan O'Brien's Fame And Glory. The breeding boys believe the Ballydoyle bay should stay but I don't feel inclined to find out at odds of just 7/4. He didn't impress everyone when taking the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown two and a half weeks ago and has a further six furlongs to travel here but on official ratings the favourite has at least five pounds in hand over all tomorrow's opponents.
As I've done with several long distance Flat races this term, I'm concentrating on horses with previous form over the jumps. Blue Bajan finished down the field in the 2009 Champion Hurdle behind Punjabi; he was subsequently off the track for over a year but appears rejuvenated in the care of David O'Meara. Connections have supplemented the gelding for this after his victory in Sandown's Henry II Stakes. Kasbah Bliss has finished second to Inglis Drever and fourth to Big Buck's in two renewals of Cheltenham's World Hurdle but has never quite lived up to the potential and came home sixth in this last year. The Betchworth Kid has bit and pieces of form - a close fourth to Recession Proof in Newbury's totesport Trophy last Feburary reads well but he isn't consistent and doesn't really strike me as the winner. If in the mood he'll stay and appears to have shown better form with some cut in the ground.
I'm not convinced I've mentioned the winner, so I'll have an each-way wager on Blue Bajan. He has form with a couple of the more fancied runners - William Hill's 14/1 looks reasonable value.
The market has something of a lop-sided look with layers going 6/1 the field bar one; the one in question is Aidan O'Brien's Fame And Glory. The breeding boys believe the Ballydoyle bay should stay but I don't feel inclined to find out at odds of just 7/4. He didn't impress everyone when taking the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown two and a half weeks ago and has a further six furlongs to travel here but on official ratings the favourite has at least five pounds in hand over all tomorrow's opponents.
As I've done with several long distance Flat races this term, I'm concentrating on horses with previous form over the jumps. Blue Bajan finished down the field in the 2009 Champion Hurdle behind Punjabi; he was subsequently off the track for over a year but appears rejuvenated in the care of David O'Meara. Connections have supplemented the gelding for this after his victory in Sandown's Henry II Stakes. Kasbah Bliss has finished second to Inglis Drever and fourth to Big Buck's in two renewals of Cheltenham's World Hurdle but has never quite lived up to the potential and came home sixth in this last year. The Betchworth Kid has bit and pieces of form - a close fourth to Recession Proof in Newbury's totesport Trophy last Feburary reads well but he isn't consistent and doesn't really strike me as the winner. If in the mood he'll stay and appears to have shown better form with some cut in the ground.
I'm not convinced I've mentioned the winner, so I'll have an each-way wager on Blue Bajan. He has form with a couple of the more fancied runners - William Hill's 14/1 looks reasonable value.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Royal Ascot 2011 - Wednesday
Wednesday's feature is the Prince of Wales's Stakes at 3.45 in which seven are set to face the starter. So You Think was seriously impressive in Australia and has continued in the same vein on two starts for Aidan O'Brien. He'll be no price so I'm gong to oppose with Planteur who has a decent turn of foot and may well prove a better colt at four than he was at three. Dylan Hill points out in the Weekender Royal Ascot Guide that the last two Prix Garnay winners to contest this have won, so Planteur, 4/1 in places, gets the nod.
In the opening Jersey Stakes Henry Candy's Codemaster is the one to beat on official ratings. This race has been the target - last time out the colt won the listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket, breaking the seven furlong course record in the process. Codemaster is likely to appreciate drying ground and is the selection.
The Windsor Forest at 3.05 looks extremely competitive - Seta (4/1) rates nothing more than a tentative suggestion - while as a matter of principle I never bet the annual cavalry charge that is the Royal Hunt Cup - 31 declared and layers go 6/1 the field. For those tempted, note that most bookmakers are offering a quarter the odds five places but amongst those only paying four are William Hill, Coral, Stan James and totesport.
In the opening Jersey Stakes Henry Candy's Codemaster is the one to beat on official ratings. This race has been the target - last time out the colt won the listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket, breaking the seven furlong course record in the process. Codemaster is likely to appreciate drying ground and is the selection.
The Windsor Forest at 3.05 looks extremely competitive - Seta (4/1) rates nothing more than a tentative suggestion - while as a matter of principle I never bet the annual cavalry charge that is the Royal Hunt Cup - 31 declared and layers go 6/1 the field. For those tempted, note that most bookmakers are offering a quarter the odds five places but amongst those only paying four are William Hill, Coral, Stan James and totesport.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Royal Ascot 2011 - Tuesday
Tuesday's Royal Ascot card looks the best of the entire week, the highlight being the St James's Palace Stakes due off at 3.45. Frankel, trained by Sir Henry Cecil who was awarded a knighthood in the recent Queen's Birthday Honours List, made all to blow away his rivals in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket a little over six weeks ago. He'll be no price and there are fears in some quarters the race may have left its mark. Recent rain should benefit Dream Ahead - Dream Ahead each way (14/1) is the suggestion.
Queen Anne held the first Ascot races in 1711, 300 years ago; the first race of the meeting is named after the monarch. On paper this year's renewal looks a clash between Canford Cliffs and Goldikova. Last year the mare Goldikova beat Paco Boy, trained by Richard Hannon, a neck. Hannon also trains Canford Cliffs and word is the handler considers Canford Cliffs a better horse so Canford Cliffs has to be the selection.
In the Ascot Stakes over two and a half miles, I'm going to follow a theme discussed on the blog in recent weeks and concentrate on horses with jumps form.
Top weight Junior won this off a 10 pound lower mark last year; he took the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival by an astonishing 24 lengths in March so it's not surprising to see layers mark up David Pipe's charge favourite. Paul Webber's Australia Day likes to race from the front and finished fourth in the one and a half mile Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at this meeting last year before going on to take the competitive totescoop6 handicap hurdle at Market Rasen later in the summer; the grey gelding has never won beyond 17 furlongs. Sunwise moved from John Oxx to Paul Nicholls but didn't appear in love with jumping; on his inaugural run for Willie Haggas, he finished fourth in a York claimer and has enough to find. The last time we saw Tyrells Wood, owned by Dr Marman Koukash and now trained by Ian Williams, was in this event a year ago when he finished eleventh - the booking of Jamie Spencer catches the eye. Charlie Mann's Unleashed has never won beyond 12 furlongs and finished down the field last year while Brian Ellison's Palomar has been kept busy but strikes me as a horse who has to have things fall just right. Private Story has had just one run for Tim Vaughan; he finished seventh in last year's Queen's Vase, beaten under ten lengths, and could improve for the extra half mile. Nicky Henderson's mare Veiled warrants every respect; Fallon won cosily on this one at Newmarket last time and the second that day, Gifted Leader, obliged at Sandown yesterday. Phoenix Flight will stay but doesn't appeal while La Estrella's last run over hurdles saw him finish fourth in a Stratford seller in 2008; he didn't appear to stay two miles three furlongs that day. Rattan, once with Henry Cecil and now with Willie Mullins, merits attention but bottom weight Alsadaa tries this trip for the first time.
As a play against probable favourite Junior, who is unlikely to be allowed an easy time up front, Veiled is suggested (has won at Cheltenham over two mile five furlongs) while Willie Mullins' Rattan is the each-way wager at 14/1 (Richard Hughes in the plate).
And finally, for those who must have a bet in the King's Stand Stakes at 3.05, I'd be prepared to give Overdose, aka the 'Budapest Bullet', another chance. The entire disappointed at Haydock the last time but recent rain should have helped; Coral offer 16/1 which some may feel merits each-way support.
Queen Anne held the first Ascot races in 1711, 300 years ago; the first race of the meeting is named after the monarch. On paper this year's renewal looks a clash between Canford Cliffs and Goldikova. Last year the mare Goldikova beat Paco Boy, trained by Richard Hannon, a neck. Hannon also trains Canford Cliffs and word is the handler considers Canford Cliffs a better horse so Canford Cliffs has to be the selection.
In the Ascot Stakes over two and a half miles, I'm going to follow a theme discussed on the blog in recent weeks and concentrate on horses with jumps form.
Top weight Junior won this off a 10 pound lower mark last year; he took the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival by an astonishing 24 lengths in March so it's not surprising to see layers mark up David Pipe's charge favourite. Paul Webber's Australia Day likes to race from the front and finished fourth in the one and a half mile Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at this meeting last year before going on to take the competitive totescoop6 handicap hurdle at Market Rasen later in the summer; the grey gelding has never won beyond 17 furlongs. Sunwise moved from John Oxx to Paul Nicholls but didn't appear in love with jumping; on his inaugural run for Willie Haggas, he finished fourth in a York claimer and has enough to find. The last time we saw Tyrells Wood, owned by Dr Marman Koukash and now trained by Ian Williams, was in this event a year ago when he finished eleventh - the booking of Jamie Spencer catches the eye. Charlie Mann's Unleashed has never won beyond 12 furlongs and finished down the field last year while Brian Ellison's Palomar has been kept busy but strikes me as a horse who has to have things fall just right. Private Story has had just one run for Tim Vaughan; he finished seventh in last year's Queen's Vase, beaten under ten lengths, and could improve for the extra half mile. Nicky Henderson's mare Veiled warrants every respect; Fallon won cosily on this one at Newmarket last time and the second that day, Gifted Leader, obliged at Sandown yesterday. Phoenix Flight will stay but doesn't appeal while La Estrella's last run over hurdles saw him finish fourth in a Stratford seller in 2008; he didn't appear to stay two miles three furlongs that day. Rattan, once with Henry Cecil and now with Willie Mullins, merits attention but bottom weight Alsadaa tries this trip for the first time.
As a play against probable favourite Junior, who is unlikely to be allowed an easy time up front, Veiled is suggested (has won at Cheltenham over two mile five furlongs) while Willie Mullins' Rattan is the each-way wager at 14/1 (Richard Hughes in the plate).
And finally, for those who must have a bet in the King's Stand Stakes at 3.05, I'd be prepared to give Overdose, aka the 'Budapest Bullet', another chance. The entire disappointed at Haydock the last time but recent rain should have helped; Coral offer 16/1 which some may feel merits each-way support.
Friday, June 10, 2011
When Saturday comes
With Ascot just around the corner I intend to watch from the sidelines tomorrow.
Tuesday's card at the royal meeting looks exceptional with the reappearance of the 2000 Guineas winner Frankel in the St James's Palace Stakes an eagerly awaited highlight; connections of the favourite have indicated different tactics are likely be adopted in this race. The opening Queen Anne Stakes, set to feature a clash between Canford Cliffs and Goldikova, together with the five furlong King's Stand Stakes, provide strong support to the main event.
If I'm tempted off the straight path when Saturday comes, I'll look at horses with previous jumps form in the concluding handicap at Sandown run over one and threequarter miles. Top weight Right Stuff is a dual purpose horse who hasn't won since April 2009; last time out he finished third off a rating of 112 in a Fontwell handicap hurdle so he is respected here with a mark of 85. Owned by Malcolm Denmark Kid Charlemagne hasn't run over hurdles since 2008 when Carl Llewellyn was training; subsequently the gelding was off the track for over two years. His third behind Illustrious Blue at odds of 80/1 in the2010 Goodwood Cup reads well and the latest effort after a break can be forgiven. The gelding has clearly been difficult to train and sports a first-time tonuge-tie tomorrow - if the tissue price of 50/1 becomes available, I'll take an each-way interest. Kazzene, owned by Terry Neill, had the Triumph Hurdle as a target at one stage. David Pipe's charge has since shown signs of reluctance in his races and has been described by his handler as 'a bit of a character but he's got an engine.' Rated 123 over hurdles, he goes off a mark of 83 tomorrow so on bare figures makes more appeal than the top weight. Gifted Leader finished eighth at York earlier today - I'd be surprised to see him in tomorrow's line-up.
Tuesday's card at the royal meeting looks exceptional with the reappearance of the 2000 Guineas winner Frankel in the St James's Palace Stakes an eagerly awaited highlight; connections of the favourite have indicated different tactics are likely be adopted in this race. The opening Queen Anne Stakes, set to feature a clash between Canford Cliffs and Goldikova, together with the five furlong King's Stand Stakes, provide strong support to the main event.
If I'm tempted off the straight path when Saturday comes, I'll look at horses with previous jumps form in the concluding handicap at Sandown run over one and threequarter miles. Top weight Right Stuff is a dual purpose horse who hasn't won since April 2009; last time out he finished third off a rating of 112 in a Fontwell handicap hurdle so he is respected here with a mark of 85. Owned by Malcolm Denmark Kid Charlemagne hasn't run over hurdles since 2008 when Carl Llewellyn was training; subsequently the gelding was off the track for over two years. His third behind Illustrious Blue at odds of 80/1 in the2010 Goodwood Cup reads well and the latest effort after a break can be forgiven. The gelding has clearly been difficult to train and sports a first-time tonuge-tie tomorrow - if the tissue price of 50/1 becomes available, I'll take an each-way interest. Kazzene, owned by Terry Neill, had the Triumph Hurdle as a target at one stage. David Pipe's charge has since shown signs of reluctance in his races and has been described by his handler as 'a bit of a character but he's got an engine.' Rated 123 over hurdles, he goes off a mark of 83 tomorrow so on bare figures makes more appeal than the top weight. Gifted Leader finished eighth at York earlier today - I'd be surprised to see him in tomorrow's line-up.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
After the Derby
French-trained colt Pour Moi took an enthralling renewal of the Derby. 19-year-old Mickael Barzalona, riding in the race for the first time, brought his mount from last to first to beat 25/1 chance Treasure Beach a head with the Queen's Carlton House threequarters of a length adrift in third. There were a few raised eyebrows immediately afterwards as Barzalona stood bolt upright in his irons to salute the victory before he'd actually passed the winning post. Connections of Carlton House were left to rue their luck but to this observer the better horse won on the day. The victory doesn't appear to have impressed official handicapper Phil Smith who has tentatively given Pour Moi a rating of 122, the lowest rating since Sir Percy won in 2006. On several occasions through the afternoon the BBC's coverage of the royal angle verged on the ridiculous while the Court of Appeal ruled that Kieren Fallon could not ride in the race, a decision the jockey likened to 'being knocked out in the first round at Wimbledon.'
Those disappointed Carlton House didn't oblige for the Queen may want to bid for a painting of Her Majesty instead. Sir Alfred James Munnings' A Study for HM The Queen and Aureole will be sold at Christie's on June 15th; the auctioneers place a £60,000-£80,000 price tag on the piece...
Whatever you think of Fred Done, you can't argue with the man's sense of timing. The day after it was announced Betfred's bid for the Tote had been successful, he appeared on the Morning Line and offered to refund all losing singles on the Derby (up to a maximum of £500) if the Queen's Carlton House won. A nice stunt, and in the event it didn't cost him a penny.
I wasn't paying full attention but I sensed Clare Balding nearly had another Liam Treadwell moment when she informed viewers before Friday's Oaks that one particular jockey, an Everton fan, had a tattoo on his back that had been unfortunately misspelt (reading Eeverton instead of Everton). Who was that jockey?
Finally, for those interested, Royal Ascot is a little over a week away; the Weekender / Raceform Update Royal Ascot Ultimate Guide 2011 went on sale Friday 3rd June.
Those disappointed Carlton House didn't oblige for the Queen may want to bid for a painting of Her Majesty instead. Sir Alfred James Munnings' A Study for HM The Queen and Aureole will be sold at Christie's on June 15th; the auctioneers place a £60,000-£80,000 price tag on the piece...
Whatever you think of Fred Done, you can't argue with the man's sense of timing. The day after it was announced Betfred's bid for the Tote had been successful, he appeared on the Morning Line and offered to refund all losing singles on the Derby (up to a maximum of £500) if the Queen's Carlton House won. A nice stunt, and in the event it didn't cost him a penny.
I wasn't paying full attention but I sensed Clare Balding nearly had another Liam Treadwell moment when she informed viewers before Friday's Oaks that one particular jockey, an Everton fan, had a tattoo on his back that had been unfortunately misspelt (reading Eeverton instead of Everton). Who was that jockey?
Finally, for those interested, Royal Ascot is a little over a week away; the Weekender / Raceform Update Royal Ascot Ultimate Guide 2011 went on sale Friday 3rd June.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Quick points
Haydock's Swinton Hurdle looked extremely competitive beforehand but Nicky Henderson's Eradicate ran out an impressive 13 length winner and in the process became the first horse to win consecutive runnings of the race.
In Ireland overall attendance at the Punchestown Festival was, remarkably, higher than last year while Paul Townend claimed his first champion jockeys' title.
The decsion of connections to go to Royal Ascot with 2000 Guineas winner Frankel means Thursday's Dante Stakes at York should prove informative. At the time of writing, 11 are declared; in the ante-post market layers seem unable to choose a favourite from World Domination, Seville and Carlton House, owned by The Queen.
My mate Mike Cattermole didn't appear at the top of his game during Channel Four's coverage from Ascot on Saturday. Immediately after three pound claimer Gary Bartley had ridden Hawkeyethenoo to victory in the Victoria Cup, Cattermole used the rather dodgy link... 'Let's find out what it was like on top - Emma's with the winning jockey.' He then went on to call 5/1 favourite Horseradish the fourth horse home when in fact the favourite had been pipped a nose for that spot by 9/1 chance Brae Hill. I'm not going to be too harsh on uncle Mike - I'm sure he'll improve as the season progresses...
Finally, for reasons beyond comprehension, last week's royal wedding continues to haunt. A couple of days ago a colleague approached and asked if I'd appointed Angela Rippon to work as a correspondent for the blog. It transpires the lady in question has been appointed PG Tips' Official Royal-Tea Expert. I suspect that on current form Ms Rippon has more chance of tipping you a winner than me; in the words of songwriter Irving Berlin:
'There may be trouble ahead
But while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance.'
After that I'm off for a lie-down.
In Ireland overall attendance at the Punchestown Festival was, remarkably, higher than last year while Paul Townend claimed his first champion jockeys' title.
The decsion of connections to go to Royal Ascot with 2000 Guineas winner Frankel means Thursday's Dante Stakes at York should prove informative. At the time of writing, 11 are declared; in the ante-post market layers seem unable to choose a favourite from World Domination, Seville and Carlton House, owned by The Queen.
My mate Mike Cattermole didn't appear at the top of his game during Channel Four's coverage from Ascot on Saturday. Immediately after three pound claimer Gary Bartley had ridden Hawkeyethenoo to victory in the Victoria Cup, Cattermole used the rather dodgy link... 'Let's find out what it was like on top - Emma's with the winning jockey.' He then went on to call 5/1 favourite Horseradish the fourth horse home when in fact the favourite had been pipped a nose for that spot by 9/1 chance Brae Hill. I'm not going to be too harsh on uncle Mike - I'm sure he'll improve as the season progresses...
Finally, for reasons beyond comprehension, last week's royal wedding continues to haunt. A couple of days ago a colleague approached and asked if I'd appointed Angela Rippon to work as a correspondent for the blog. It transpires the lady in question has been appointed PG Tips' Official Royal-Tea Expert. I suspect that on current form Ms Rippon has more chance of tipping you a winner than me; in the words of songwriter Irving Berlin:
'There may be trouble ahead
But while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance.'
After that I'm off for a lie-down.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Ascot aftermath
Hmmm... not very chuffed at all. Blogger has just 'lost' my post, no draft saved. Re-typed shortened version below.
Punters came out on top at Royal Ascot. Coral spokesman Dave Stevens 'It has been carnage.'
Blog's highlighted selections - just two wins from eleven selections resulting in loss of 6.28 points over the five days.
Best performance - Starspangledbanner in the Golden Jubilee. July Cup is next target.
The Form Book Jumps Annual 2009/10 published Friday 25th June. 35% off RRP at Amazon.
Emma & Jamie Spencer split after jockey admits affair with leading lady rider Hayley Turner.
Finally a quick question & answer from Wednesday's Times:
What are the Queen's Plate, Prince Of Wales Stakes and Breeders' Stakes collectively called? Answer in the comments section.
Punters came out on top at Royal Ascot. Coral spokesman Dave Stevens 'It has been carnage.'
Blog's highlighted selections - just two wins from eleven selections resulting in loss of 6.28 points over the five days.
Best performance - Starspangledbanner in the Golden Jubilee. July Cup is next target.
The Form Book Jumps Annual 2009/10 published Friday 25th June. 35% off RRP at Amazon.
Emma & Jamie Spencer split after jockey admits affair with leading lady rider Hayley Turner.
Finally a quick question & answer from Wednesday's Times:
What are the Queen's Plate, Prince Of Wales Stakes and Breeders' Stakes collectively called? Answer in the comments section.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Royal Ascot 2010 - Saturday
You know it's been a right wretched Royal Ascot when your first winner of the meeting is in the penultimate race on the penultimate day - my grateful thanks to Johnny Murtagh who got Mikhael Glinka home a nose in front of Jeremy Noseda's Theology.
In tomorrow's Hardwicke Stakes Harbinger is the clear form choice and will be priced accordingly. Those looking for an each-way alternative could do worse than consider the game mare Barshiba. Blind in one eye, she's as tough as old boots and outbattled Duncan over course and distance in May - Duncan didn't appear to go through with his effort that day but I think there were valid excuses afterwards. Since then the mare, who likes to go off in front and undeniably has her own way of doing things, has been well beaten on good to soft ground at Haydock; that probably accounts for Ladbrokes offering 33/1 about her chance this evening while they go 16/1 about John Gosden's charge. Two additional points of potential interest - Petara Bay is registered to Mrs Bernie Ecclestone (but she's now divorced from him if my memory serves me right) and favourites have won just two of the last ten runnings...
The finale is the longest race in the Flat calendar. Jumpers to catch the eye include Sentry Duty (marked up favourite this evening but would probably prefer more cut), Bergo and Ringaroses. The last-named is usually ridden by A P McCoy but he couldn't do the weight here so George Baker (six winners in the last fortnight) takes over. Ladbrokes offer 16/1 about Jonjo O'Neill's charge who won a three-mile graded handicap hurdle at Aintree in April. Ringaroses looks reasonable value at 16s and is worth an each-way interest at that price.
In tomorrow's Hardwicke Stakes Harbinger is the clear form choice and will be priced accordingly. Those looking for an each-way alternative could do worse than consider the game mare Barshiba. Blind in one eye, she's as tough as old boots and outbattled Duncan over course and distance in May - Duncan didn't appear to go through with his effort that day but I think there were valid excuses afterwards. Since then the mare, who likes to go off in front and undeniably has her own way of doing things, has been well beaten on good to soft ground at Haydock; that probably accounts for Ladbrokes offering 33/1 about her chance this evening while they go 16/1 about John Gosden's charge. Two additional points of potential interest - Petara Bay is registered to Mrs Bernie Ecclestone (but she's now divorced from him if my memory serves me right) and favourites have won just two of the last ten runnings...
The finale is the longest race in the Flat calendar. Jumpers to catch the eye include Sentry Duty (marked up favourite this evening but would probably prefer more cut), Bergo and Ringaroses. The last-named is usually ridden by A P McCoy but he couldn't do the weight here so George Baker (six winners in the last fortnight) takes over. Ladbrokes offer 16/1 about Jonjo O'Neill's charge who won a three-mile graded handicap hurdle at Aintree in April. Ringaroses looks reasonable value at 16s and is worth an each-way interest at that price.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Royal Ascot 2010 - Friday
Something of a shock with 20/1 chance Rite Of Passage taking the Gold Cup earlier today...
I'm short on time this evening so here's a couple of quick selections for Friday's card.
Buzzword is the top-rated in the 3.05. Supplemented for the Derby at a cost of £75,000, he wasn't certain to stay and ran eighth there. Connections must feel he's worth perservering with at this distance.
Jacqueline Quest goes in the Coronation Stakes (3.45). She was unfortunate to be demoted in the English 1000 Guineas but the draw did for a number of horses that day. Mick Channon's Music Show was beaten a head and a neck in the Irish Guineas, Anna Salai taking second. That filly took the race by the scruff of the neck, going on well over a furlong out and could be considered unlucky to get caught on the line. A tight race - Anna Salai is the suggestion.
On ratings Mikhail Glinka has five pounds and upwards in hand over most of the field for the Queen's Vase (5.00). Dermot Weld's Alburj (no rating) is probably worth a second look given Rite Of Passage's performance in the Gold Cup. Mikhail Glinka get the vote.
I'm short on time this evening so here's a couple of quick selections for Friday's card.
Buzzword is the top-rated in the 3.05. Supplemented for the Derby at a cost of £75,000, he wasn't certain to stay and ran eighth there. Connections must feel he's worth perservering with at this distance.
Jacqueline Quest goes in the Coronation Stakes (3.45). She was unfortunate to be demoted in the English 1000 Guineas but the draw did for a number of horses that day. Mick Channon's Music Show was beaten a head and a neck in the Irish Guineas, Anna Salai taking second. That filly took the race by the scruff of the neck, going on well over a furlong out and could be considered unlucky to get caught on the line. A tight race - Anna Salai is the suggestion.
On ratings Mikhail Glinka has five pounds and upwards in hand over most of the field for the Queen's Vase (5.00). Dermot Weld's Alburj (no rating) is probably worth a second look given Rite Of Passage's performance in the Gold Cup. Mikhail Glinka get the vote.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Royal Ascot 2010 - Thursday
Thursday is Ladies' Day and the feature on Ladies' Day is the Ascot Gold Cup run over two and half miles. Aidan O'Brien's Yeats has been something of a standing dish winning the previous four runnings but the great horse is in retirement now and the race has an unusually open look to it. Henry Cecil's Manifest is the market leader but at the prices he doesn't really make much appeal. Ballydoyle run Age Of Aquarius but the yard hasn't been in the best of form and this colt doesn't look certain to get the trip. Sir Michael Stoute is on record as saying this is a stiff ask for Ask on his first run of the season - Kieren Fallon has a good word for the horse in today's Weekender. Kasbah Bliss was beaten three quarters of a length by Frankie Dettori's mount Kite Wood the last time at Longchamp; connections will fancy their chances of reversing that form over another four and a half furlongs, although at the age of eight many will feel the best years are behind Francois Doumen's charge. There was a time I was sure a Cheltenham World Hurdle would come the way of this one but Inglis Drever and Big Buck's had different ideas.
Question marks surround many of the market principals so I'm tempted to look elsewhere although that approach hasn't served me at all well so far this meeting. John Dunlop's Akmal likes to race from the front and wouldn't be without a chance especially if he's given a soft lead. Akmal and Tastahil (just beaten in the Chester Cup from a poor draw) are officially rated on the same mark. Granted, Akmal receives two pounds here, yet the books have John Dunlop's gelding at 12/1 while Barry Hills' charge is 66/1! Hills' son Richard prefers to ride the Dunlop horse (I assume he would have opted for his father's horse if he thought it good enough); that being the case I'll chance an each-way wager on Akmal.
Question marks surround many of the market principals so I'm tempted to look elsewhere although that approach hasn't served me at all well so far this meeting. John Dunlop's Akmal likes to race from the front and wouldn't be without a chance especially if he's given a soft lead. Akmal and Tastahil (just beaten in the Chester Cup from a poor draw) are officially rated on the same mark. Granted, Akmal receives two pounds here, yet the books have John Dunlop's gelding at 12/1 while Barry Hills' charge is 66/1! Hills' son Richard prefers to ride the Dunlop horse (I assume he would have opted for his father's horse if he thought it good enough); that being the case I'll chance an each-way wager on Akmal.
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