bowles10 Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Your analysis & selections for the days racing in here please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowles10 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 2.30 plenty of contenders here & i really liked Ashram at Sandown last time out when 2nd to Border Patrol in a listed race over a mile. Came with every chance to win that day & when it hit the front, was passed by the fast finishing winner. With Godolphn suffering today is it worth a chance they can win this? The horse was beaten a long way in the 2000 Guineas but does have the potential. Gosden's, Meehans, Tate's & Hills' horses all have a chnace as well making this race a difficult one to stake too much. Ashram 10/1 Bet365 4.20 The hunt cup, for me revolves round 2 trend selections for me, Ellemujie & Dunn'o, i dont understand why Ellemujie is available at 50's. It was beaten 4.5L by Dunn'o at Sandown & is 9lb better off for that defeat, so i have them much closer together for this race. Dunn'o won again at Sandown beating weekend winner Kavachi 1.5L & race off same terms again. Kavachi did well at the weekend but this race may come too soon for the 4th placed horse last year. Axiom is better off at the weights with both but has a middle draw of 18/33 which may not be ideal. Ellemujie 50/1 Bet365 Dunn'o 18/1 Ladbrokes That'll do for me on a tricky day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedthewolf Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 4.20 NANTON 28/1 E/W WH Very big price for the Goldie trained horse who may still be improving ran a cracker off this mark lto over 10F but drop back to 8F shouldn't be a problem good honest horse who will bounce of the ground. Really fancy it to go close as long as there isn't to much of a difference in the draw. Got the winner of this last year at a massive early price so :hope for today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jug Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 3.45 Ascot - Virtual I'm gonna go with Virtual each way if prices stay at 14/1. Gosden has entered him in a race that is 2f more than his optimum distance but has already proven he can deal with more than 1m and Gosden wouldn't enter him in a race that he knows he has no chance in. The ground should be ideal for him too which is another plus and Fortune has a great record on board which reads 22130131 4.55 - Ceedwell I've mentioned her in another thread and is one of my horses to watch this season. Expect a big run from her tomorrow as she may end up being the surprise winner tomorrow. Although she been racing in group 5, she's won both of them in very good fashion winning her last one at Catterick with top weight. Furthermore the trainer (Bryan Smart) has a very good record in 2 year old races who has sent out winners for the Coventry, Windsor Castle and Chesham stakes and now he might be able to add the Queen Mary Stakes with that appealing record :ok I reckon Ceedwell and Virtual would make a good each way double bet! Virtual - 14/1 Ceedwell - 12/1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevet1859 Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 3:45 Royal Ascot: Twice Over 2pts e/w 9/1 VC Bet Ran probably his best race of the season here last year and was also went well in the Lockinge with first day winner Paco Boy behind. He had to make the running that day on softish ground. Put up a cracking time last year only losing out to Henrythenavigator deep inside the final furlong. Trainer Henry Cecil is in fine form. 4:20 Royal Ascot: Roaring Forte 2pts e/w 17/2 William Hill (Bog) Was a comfortable winner last time out and is only up 6lb for that. William Haggas seems to do well in these big handicaps and Roaring Forte looks likely to go very close. Has won over a mile as well as seven furlongs last time. 4:55 Royal Ascot: Capercaillie 2pts e/w 13/2 Bet365 Bog Capercaillie has won both her outings at Musselburgh. The form has been franked and Mark Johnson does well here and has a twenty percent strike rate in the past two weeks. Frankie Dettori takes the ride and while there are a whole host of improvers / dangers in opposition I am happy to side with this northern raider. 5:30 Royal Ascot: Say No Now 2pts e/w 10/1 Bet365 (Bog) Ran well at Goodwood behind Moneycantbuymelove but may improve again dropped back in trip here. Looking through her form she ran well in the same race as the 1000 Guineas winner at Kempton, and with her trainer having his small string in good form 10/1 looks a fair price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonesy Knows Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 2.30 - Infiraad EW @6.00 William Hill ** & Ocean's Minstrel EW @17.00 Betfred * This race is a difficult one to sum up so I have had a look at the last 10 years running and based my selections on those. No horse has won this race carrying more than 9st 1lb -Ashram No horse has won the race with less than RPR 109 - Saucy Brown 7 had won previously over the distance - Aranel - Deposer - Gallagher - Instalment - Jobe - Loch Linnhe - Nasri - Total Gallery 7 had odss of less than 20/1 - Patrician's Glory This leaves us with 5: Awinnersgame / Donativum / Infiraad / Ocean's Minstrel / Ouqba The last 4 winners had won last time out - Awinnersgame - Donativum - Ouqba This leaves us with 2: Infiraad & Ocean's Minstrel 3.05 - Heaven Sent Win @3.75 William Hill **** Only 5 years stats to go off however one compelling stat is that there has only ever been 2 x 6 year olds to contest this race, 1 was a 100/1 outsider who finished last in the first year it ran the other was Soviet Song who contested this race as a 5 year old in 2005 where it finished 3rd to Peeress. Soviet Song then went on to win the race as a 6 year old in 2006. Heaven Sent is the only 6 year old in the field and contested this race last year as a 5 year old just being collared on the line by Sabana Perdida! This race has not been a great race for favourites only 1 clear favourite has won it Soviet Song in 2006. No horse has won this with more than 8st 12lb - Lush Lashes All previous winners had won over the distance - Royal Confidence All previous winners had won a Class 1 race in the UK - Chantilly Tiffany - Proviso - She's Our Mark. Based on the 6 year old stat and that Heaven Sent who is trained by a Master in Sir Michael Stoute with older horses, I believe he'll have Heaven Sent cherry ripe for this. 3.45 - Tartan Bearer Win @2.88 William Hill **** This race has been won by some great horses in the last 10 years and this years race is rather disappointing on quality. 6 of the last 10 winners and won their previous race - Estejo - Tazeez - Trincot - Twice Over. All 10 previous winners had won a class 1 race in the UK previous to winning this race - Never On Sunday - Vision D'Etat. This leaves us with 2: Tartan Bearer & Virtual. Based on previous winners having gone over this distance and most winning at this distance and further, Tartan Bearer is the selection. Virtual has not ran this far and he came here last year and ran down the field in a 1m Hcp and Gosden openly stated that Ascot did not suit him! 4.20 - Dunn'o EW @19.00 Ladbrokes* - Soccerjackpot EW @26.00 VC Bet* - Axiom EW @16.00 William Hill * (They are under the 16/1 or less threshold with most other bookmakers) An absolute minefield of a race this! 8 of the previous 10 winners of this race had 9st or less - Smokey Oakey - Lovelace - Philario - Alfathaa - Mia's Boy - Bushman - Quinmaster - Forgotten Voice. 9 of the previous 10 winners have been either 4 or 5 years old - Royal Power - Nanton - Final Verse - Luisant - Lucky Dance - Kavachi - King's Point. 8 of the 10 winners had won previously over the distance - Military Power - Alan Devonshire. 8 of the last 10 winners were priced 16/1 or less - Mahadee - Manassas - Jack Junior - Huzzah - Light From Mars - Ellemujie - Bencoolen - Flawed Genius. This leaves us with 6: Roaring Forte / Docofthebay / Dunn'o / Cadre / Soccerjackpot / Axiom. Based on this being a real hustle and bustle race and due to them not having any form in big field handicaps I'm dropping - Roaring Forte - Cadre. Docofthebay has no form this season some I'm dropping him. Which leaves me with: Dunn'o / Soccerjackpot / Axiom. :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WoodyTHFC Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 2.30 Infiraad 5/1 bet3 bog 20 pts (NAP of the meeting) Really keen on this one who looks a 7f specialist and should really enjoy these conditions. He showed promise on his only run at 2 in a decent maiden behind the likes of Evasive and Makaamen and has really stepped up on that this year at hq with two wins from two. He won his hq maiden well a few subsequent winners and then was really impressive once again to win off 90 in a handicap by an easy 4 lengths. That form received a bit of a boost when the second one afterwards and really this one deserves the step up in class now. He still has it to find with some of these on OR. However I have some doubts as to some of those ratings for horses mainly getting them on their 2 yr old form (Donativum, Gallagher) and who haven’t done it yet at 3 or aren’t certs for the specialised trip today. Ouqba comes from the same yard and was hills’ choice in the guineas and yet despite being 12 pounds officially better than my pick, Hills has still picked Infiraad and that says a fair bit for me. He is on a real upward curve, suited to this trip and ground and can run a mighty race from a wide draw. 3.05 Heaven Sent 11/4 bet3 bog 20 pts This one was second in this last year when narrowly denied after Moore arguably delivered his challenge a fraction too soon. However she comes back now and I think can run a fine race. LL is the class act and could well defy a penalty but I still prefer here a little bit more at 10f myself especially if this race became tactical and arguably still has to prove her current form this season albeit last run best ignored in the ground. So I’m going for Stoute’s horse who has come up a touch short at this level before but I think this could just be her opportunity. She is now 6 but she has still stayed in training and she showed her well being lto when winning a race she was entitled to at hq. As I say I felt she was a bit unlucky not to win this last year when Moore committed a bit too early imo and she just got nailed last on. She could go one better today. 3.45 Tartan Bearer 15/8 pp bog 20 pts This one was was impressive on his reappearance when he seemingly had things not go all his way and could complete a first group 1 today. He was running in a group 3 without much pace over 10f yet he stayed on to catch Pipedreamer right at the line. That confirmed that he has returned as a 4 yr old in good form from a good 3 yr old camapaign. In that campaign he won the dante (showing he wasn’t short of speed) and was a gallant runner up to a top class derby winner with the pair nicely clear. He was then mucked around in an unfortunate ire derby but he came back well lto and demonstrated that if the race turned tactical, he can cope. This is a step up again from that but he could well be capable and full of improvement still as a 4 yr old in typical stoute older horse tradition. There looks to me to be at least two possible front runners so hopefully it wont be a complete farce and I think he can go close here to what would be a deserved group 1. 4.20 Roaring Forte 9/1 lad 7.5 pts e.w I suppose a slight concern here is that whilst there is same pace higher, there is a lot more assured pace low but I still think this one could run a good race here. He has always been quite well thought of and his last two wins on different surfaces have shown genuine class. He bolted up on the a.w off 86 by 6 lengths and its rare for a horse to win by so far on such a surface. Then he came back and showed turf, especially when its quick turf, is no problem either with an easy couple of length victory of what seemed a promising horse for stoute. There were earlier suggestions he maybe more an a.w type (in itself no bad thing at all at asc) but lto he showed on quick ground what he can do. He should find a step back up to a mile fine for him (has run over 9f) and he seems the type to travel for a long way here in good style and then becoming very dangerous if unleashing anything like the turn of foot shown in his last two wins. Soccerjackpot 25/1 cor 7.5 pts e.w Another horse with some a.w (again no bad thing to have round asc.)and one who has found good recent form for his new and bang inform trainer. He showed some ability a year or so back including on better ground but he appears to have improved for moving to Cox’s yard. He was well backed on his first start back for ages when winning by 4 lengths at kem and then followed up at Wolverhampton when seeing off tartan gigha who subsequently has won a couple of times since. He does have a lower draw where there is a fair amount of pace including himself but he seems to have found improvement of late and there is definite hope he could translate that back to turf. Manassas 40/1 sj bog 5 pts e.w 5 places I backed this fto this season when a big winner of the spring mile at donc and whilst things haven’t gone to plan since, he is still well overpriced imo to bounce back to some form. He showed in the spring mile that a mark of 92 was fine for him that day and 5 pounds more still seems fair for an horse who is pretty unexposed like this one. He struggled in soft ground afterwards and then found a listed race/the extra distance too far after that. However on his spring mile win he is a real threat here. Previously he has shown promise at both 2 and at 3 in a race at sand which included some now pattern performers. Could easily bounce back to form. 4.55 Misheer 12/1 sj bog 7.5 pts e.w This is what I said about this one before its win lto, ‘This is one where the ground is an unknown. However I was really keen on this won after its very impressive yarm win, she showed some really impressive pace that day to make all comfortably in an 8 length romp. Its a bit disappointing that the second didn’t run well afterwards to give the form added substance but really when you win 8 lengths on your debut you can’t ask for much more and deserve the move up in class. That was on quicker ground so changing ground here would by a question mark as it is for loads of these. Looking at pedigree she’s by oasis dream who liked quicker ground but he has produced some in the past year or two who go with some cut no problem and fairly close relation of classy first trump who could go with some cut so some hope there. Whilst ground could be a question mark, she was so impressive on her first win Im going for her.’ As it was she handled that ground fine that day and won. Today she is back on quicker ground which already she has proved herself on. She clearly needs to step up but she looks capable enough of doing so and running a fair race. Crown 20/1 sj bog 7.5 pts e.w Another one her needs to step up but connections have always held her in some regard and their 2 yr old winner yesterday who they held in decent regard as well didn’t exactly to to bad did he. She took a while to find her feet with a fifth and seventh but after those two runs she has looked more straight forward and started to improve and perform. She has twice won at wind., once beating tawaabb who is highly regarded colt who runs later in the week and after that winning an novice event when again beating some colts. Clearly that form alone is not good enough but she seems to be going in the right direction and could run a bold race. 5.30 Photographic 11/2 tote 10 pts e.w This is what I said about this one before its run lto, ‘The main thing here is the drop back in trip. So far has won twice at a mile and do nicely on both occasions. However looking at her pedigree, I think she has it in her to cope with the drop back in trip and also there is hope on the way she has run so far in that regard. On her second start, where she won cosily for me, it was reasonably slowly run race considering how quick conditions were that day and turned into a bit of a sprint yet she coped with it fine. As I say on pedigree there are indications 7f could be fine and also possibly significant that hills is on this one rather than a horse hills thought was good enough for a group 3 on his last start.’ As it was at York that she travelled so well once again only to be caught to then plugged on again. On that returning to a mile cant be a bad thing and certainly her ability to travel should really help her here and she should be there or thereabouts. Moonlife 10/1 spo 10 pts e.w Nearly went for Wajahaa as well but a bit concerned about the ground for that one so went for this filly instead as an e.w alternative to the fav. She had some decent form as a 2 year old. Once she just came second in a group 3 which had some substance to it with the likes of super sleuth in it as well. Then she came fifth when not that far beaten in respectable group 2 so she has a class edge for this race as well. However it was her re appearance that encouraged me most. I felt she was a bit of an unlucky loser that day as she travelled extremely well only to be hampered for room for a while and just go down by a narrow margin. In truth her head carriage didn’t completely convince me that day so the e.w part is important here but she showed that unlike so many from her yard, she has translated her 2 yr old form to 3 and hopefully on the back of that wont bomb out here like the yard’s runners yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowgli77 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 3.05 Ascot Windsor Forest Stakes Gp 2 1m Gd-Fm The outsiders look also outclassed and it is easy using form study and concentrating on classes of races to dispose of Rosaleen, Chantilly Tiffany, Royal Confidence and She's Our Mark. Spacious has run in 4 Group 1 races and finished 4th, 4th, 4th and 2nd. I can't see why today will be any different. It was 3rd in a Group 3 on seasonal return and needs better form than that to win this race. Proviso has placed in a few Group 1 races, including here at Ascot but has not run on ground quicker than good and nearly always performs well on soft ground, can't see it liking this ground or having the class to win. Heaven Sent will go on the ground but has had 3 runs at Group 1 level and finished 3rd, 4th and 5th. There are possible tales of it being an unlucky loser, getting bumped or hampered but I feel it simply wasn't good enough. It has place prospects but I can't see it winning and I don't want to back it each way at 11/4. Eva's Request looks outclassed and has no Group 1 or Group 2 placed form and could only manage 8th in last years Irish 1000 Guineas but its last 2 runs have been impressive, winning a listed race and a Group 3 race. The Group 3 win saw it finish 5 lengths in front of Spacious and it could grab place money today in this better contest. That leaves us with just Lush Lashes to cover. This horse for me is the only proven top class Group 1 performer in the race and I can see this being well backed today in singles and doubled up with Tartan Bearer. It has won from 8f to 12f, has beaten Spacious by over 4 lengths in a Group 1 race, lost by a head over 10f in a Group 1 race when short of room, and finished 2nd in France in a Group 1 race on gd-sft ground. It was 3rd last time out on heavy ground but I felt it needed to be backed when back on a firmer surface and that is today. Hard to oppose this one, even with a Group 1 penalty in this Group 2 race, as long as it gets the breaks in running I can't see past it winning with Eva's Request/Spacious/Heaven Sent possibly a few lengths back in 2nd. Suggested Bets: 20pts WIN - Lush Lashes 13/8 >Bet365 BOG 2.5pts EW Eva's Request 9-1 >PaddyPower 1/4 odds first 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raid5 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June Hi I dont know if this helps anyone but Stan James are paying out on 1-5 places in the 16:20 Not spamming ..delete if inappropriate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowgli77 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June Hi I dont know if this helps anyone but Stan James are paying out on 1-5 places in the 16:20 Not spamming ..delete if inappropriate There are 6 bookies paying first 5 places for this race, Bet365, Tote, Boylesports, PP, Skybet and Stan James. :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verisimilitude Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June TARTAN BEARER 3.45 Ascot. 1 point win. Did very last time in my opinion and can improve a bit for that run. The trip and ground wouldn't be a problem and Ryan Moore knows how to ride these races to perfection. I think he's the best horse in the race and so should be very tough to beat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raid5 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June There are 6 bookies paying first 5 places for this race' date=' Bet365, Tote, Boylesports, PP, Skybet and Stan James. :ok[/quote'] oops :$ :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainbow Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June heaven sent 305 ascot. 1 pt win. obviously has lush lashes to beat, but on recent efforts i think hs can get the better of it today. the trip and ground looks suitable and should get the race run to suit more than the favourite. i can only see these two fighting out the finish, and at the odds i think we are the bet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris34 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June Been one hell of a busy few hours mates draggin me to pub last night and then up at 5.30 but did get to squeeze hour in to study the first race in detail and here my conclusion!! 2.30 Aranel- Likes good ground only 2 wins over 1m comes from spain many unknowns about this horse but is sure to stay the trip unlike some of these today! Liekly to be held up effort 3f out 3/10 Ashram- Way back in guinease effort when ocean and ouqba finished in front on same terms he is 3lbs worse of today on them, has won a group 3 race last year on good/firm yard seriously out of luck/form Can be lazy dwell normally recovers to track leaders effort 2f out 4/10 Awinnersgame- Murtagh rides seems more at home over 7f/6f nut sure to get trip, ouqba has beaten him hen ouqba was 2lbs better off not sure thats enough to turn things around? 3/10 Deposer- Only won once over 6f on all weather, 3rd over 1m1/2f ocean has beaten on same terms over 7f Keen racer possibly lead push on from 2f out 4/10 Donativum- Won at 6f, 7f and 1m in Sanita Anita poss 2nd string with detori on ashram, has beaten Nasri on same terms but nasri beat him when nasri was 4lbs better off on that Dona should be infront of nasri Held up effort 2f out 5/10 Gallagher- Not sure to get trip breeding doesnt suggest either, was placed in a valuable group 6f race 1/10 Infiraad- Winner over 7f good/firm ground looks as though 1m is well within reach. Could try and make all will defenetily need to be tracking leader 6/10 Installment- Winner over 6f on good and good/firm ground, Patician has beaten installment on same terms, trip a concern Race keenly track leaders driven out 2f 3/10 Jobe- Won twice over 6f out on good/soft ground, winnersgame fin infront on same terms, total gallery also beat when jobe was 3lbs better off, Oceans and gallagher beat him on same terms little chance of form reversal Front runner 1/10 Loch Linnhe- Possible improvement after one race class 4 maiden beating seaways by 8 lengths, this is a much tougher contest but may just be capable, Made all last time 6/10 Nasri- Has beaten Dona over 7f when nasri was 4lb better off, oceans has beaten hi over 7f when nasri was 4lb better off Towards rear effort 2f out 4/10 Oceans Minstrel- Has 1m, 1m2f and 7f on good ground and all weather Is one of few who is sure to stay the trip and should have sound place claims having some of these finishing behind him before! Likely to lead and can see the trip out! 6/10 Ouqba-Trip concern but did win well over 7f recently when beating winners when 2lb better off 5/10 Patricia- Can stay a mile has a small chance Hold up driven at about 4f out 4/10 Savey Brown- Trip major concern but reeding does suggest its within reach 1/10 Total Gallery- Trip again a concern but breeding again suggests he could 1/10 My bets: 2pt Win Infaared (9/2 vcbet BOG) 1pt Win Loch linnhe (7/1 vcbet BOG) 0.5pt e/w Oceans Minstrel (16/1 bet365 BOG) Will put some more briefer ones up in a bit once ive had a shower and cleared my head lol!! Not really good idea during ascot week drinking lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aykay1 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 305 Ascot - Lush Lashes - @ 2.7 betfair (£3,564 available to back) Has the best form on paper and can be excused flopping last time out as that was on heavy ground that she wouldnt have liked. Has won over course and distance on this type of ground and is the most likely winner. 455 Ascot - Dont Tell Mary - @ 9/2 VCBet A competitive race but I have gone for her on the basis of her last run, which she won, beating 12 previous winners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshman443 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 2.30 JERSEY STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 3) (3-Y-O) - 7f 1. ASHRAM (ch c Indian Haven - Tara's Girl) Form: 1216-02 Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor Owner: Godolphin Jockey: Frankie Dettori Smart colt for John Hills last year, overcoming greenness to make a winning debut before being denied a clear run in a conditions event at Kempton on his next outing; put that behind him to go on and score in the Group 3 Somerville Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket next time, showing a good turn of foot to come with a well-timed challenge from behind, eventually scoring by 4½ lengths from Control Zone. He was forced to race wide when a never to land a blow in the Dewhurst, finishing an ever staying on sixth behind Intense Focus; debut run for current connections not so good, when beating just a couple home in the 2000 Guineas, weakening tamely after a short lived effort. However, the drop back to Listed company over 1m at Sandown in the Heron Stakes last time seemed to have the desired effect, showing a lot more and finding only the highly progressive Border Patrol too good for him; actually lead going into the final furlong before succumbing to the winner's finishing kick. This step back to 7f beneficial and the first time headgear should also help straighten out his tendency to hang left under pressure; Group 3 penalty a worry, but otherwise a solid contender here, albeit yard form still patchy, especially with their three-year olds. 2. ARANEL (ch c Hawk Wing - Antinnaz) Form: 151 Trainer: Mauricio Delcher Sanchez Owner: Cuadra Miranda Jockey: Christophe Lemaire Spanish raider, who is a dual winner in his native country over 1m, though at a significantly lower level; interesting that trainer, who was responsible for last year's King's Stand winner Equiano believes this colt is good enough to attempt another upset, but likely to find this too hot, as he did when fifth in a Listed Race over in France the other month. 3. AWINNERSGAME (b c Kyllachy - Polish Descent) Form: 116-235 Trainer: Jeremy Noseda Owner: Saeed Suhail Jockey: Johnny Murtagh Fairly early sort last season who won a decent maiden at York before running a creditable sixth behind Art Connoisseur in the Coventry Stakes at this meeting next time; went on to scoop a massive pot when winning a valuable sales race at Doncaster from Damien, showing a good turn of foot to lead close home. Came up short in the Goffs Million at the Curragh next time, finishing sixth behind Soul City, but resumed this season with a promising effort behind Ouqba in the Free Handicap at the Newmarket Craven meeting, finishing second and followed that with a third placing behind Border Patrol in a 6f Listed contest at Newbury, never able to land a blow back in third. He again was unable to get himself involved last time, again in a 6f Listed Race, this time at Haydock, when finishing 5th of seven behind Danehill Destiny; hardly surprising to see a visor being applied and, if it has a positive effect, a place isn't beyond him, though would liked to have seen more rain that actually fell. 4. DEPOSER (b c Khelyef - Bezant) Form: 47-9243 Trainer: John Best Owner: Kent Bloodstock Jockey: Robert Winston Still only a maiden win to his name but has run creditably at a decent level, including when fourth behind stablemate Square Eddie in a Grade 1 over in the US at Keenleand last autumn. He made his seasonal reappearance in the Kentucky Derby Trial Stakes at Kempton when racing keen, coming wide off the band and running into trouble before making modest late gains to finish ninth behind Mafaaz; put in his place next time by Ocean's Minstrel in a 7f Listed Race at Lingfield. He ran well when attempting to make all in the Dee Stakes at Chester back on turf, his attempt ove 10f, finishing a close up fourth behind South Easter, and employed similar tactics in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes at Epsom against the older horses, remaining in front until well inside the final furlong when fading and finishing third behind Mac Love. This demands plenty more, won't find it easy to dictate matters here and is basically exposed. 5. DONATIVUM (gr/ro g Cadeaux Genereux - Miss Universe) Form: 27111-4 Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor Owner: Godolphin Jockey: Ted Durcan Improved no end for a gelding operation, returning last autumn following three promising runs earlier in the season to win a Yarmouth maiden before going on to land the valuable Tattersalls Timeform Million at Newmarket from subsequent Racing Post Trophy winner Crowded House. He himself then went on to land a Group 1 prize when coming from off the pace under a well judged Frankie Dettori ride to land the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf from Westphalia. Subsequently transferred to current yard and, in keeping with the common theme of the yard's reappearing three-year olds, ran as though in need of the run, finishing fourth in the Listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket last month behind Alyarf, pulling hard and not being asked any serious questions when it was clear his winning chance had gone. He should strip a lot fitter for that outing, the run also should have taken the freshness out of him; hard to understand why he has been overlooked by stable jockey Dettori and looks a major player here. 6. GALLAGHER (ch c Bahamian Bounty - Roo) Form: 612224- Trainer: Brian Meehan Owner: Brimacombe, McNally, Rickman & Sangster Jockey: Martin Dwyer Highly rated colt who got off the mark in good style on his second run at Chepstow, but ran up a sequence of second placings thereafter, firstly when slightly unlucky when chasing home Prolific in the Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. He put in a career best performance when running on well to take second behind top class juvenile Bushranger in the Prix Morny over in France at Deauville, but didn't improve upon that when again coming off second best back down in grade in the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, finding Lord Shanakill too strong at the finish despite displaying a fine turn of foot before his effort flattened out close home. His final outing of the season came in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket and seemed to take a backward step, finishing a well-held fourth behind Bushranger, who he had run quite close in the Morny earlier in the season, again proving weak at the finish. He hasn't been seen so far this season and was slightly disappointing last season, beginning to look exposed with questions surrounding his ability to see out his races; this extra furlong not sure to suit either as he shapes like a sprinter and that likely to ensure that he struggles here. 7. INFIRAAD (ch c Haafhd - Razzle) Form: 3-11 Trainer: Barry Hills Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Jockey: Richard Hills This well bred son of the yard's 2000 Guineas winner's first crop made a highly promising start to his career when chasing home smart duo Evasive and Makaamen in a 7f maiden at Newmarket last October. He made a promising return to action following an operation when returning over the same course and distance to land a competitive maiden by 2 lengths from Invincible Heart, showing a good turn of foot to take it up passing the two furlong marker and maintain the advantage. He once again returned to Newmarket over 7f for a competitive handicap on 2000 Guineas day and he showed he was a very classy prospect with a comfortable 6 length win over the useful Firebet, making all and kicking clear inside the final furlong to win in convincing fashion. This is obviously a big step up from handicap company to Group 3 level, but he has looked an above average sort who could well progress into a pattern performer; a similar sort, Aqlaam, won this last season, and it would be a surprise if this son of Haafhd did go very close to making it back-to-back Jersey Stakes for owner and jockey. 8. INSTALMENT (b g Cape Cross - New Assembly) Form: 10672-1 Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: The Queen Jockey: Richard Hughes He made the perfect start to his career when winning a decent 6f maiden at Newbury last May, but went out like a light in the Coventry Stakes next time when going off pretty fast early on. His form didn't really improve a great deal thereafter, running down the field in both the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and the Solario Stakes at Sandown, staying on both times but lacking the gears to get himself into a challenging position; rounded off his juvenile campaign with a second behind Rileyskeepingfaith in a conditions event at Salisbury. He made a winning return to action last month in a 6f handicap at Salisbury, displaying a willing attitude under pressure to take up the running entering the final furlong and holding on well when challenged. This requires much more, though, and he does look a little more exposed than most in this line up, both his wins also coming over 6f; could well be he's best when caught fresh (been off for 45) so that could work in his favour, but more needed to provide Her Majesty with another royal winner following on from Free Agent's Chesham win last year. 9. JOBE (b c Johannesburg - Bello Cielo) Form: 86-7316 Trainer: Kevin Ryan Owner: J & L Duddy A Bailey B McDonald A Heeney Jockey: Neil Callan He was a useful sprint juvenile last term, winning his maiden impressively at Ayr by 7 lengths the useful Quannah Parker; followed that with a good third placing in the Gimcrack at Newbury next time behind Shaweel, but was outclassed when beating one home in the Middle Park, then shaped as a non-stayer when sixth in the Horris Hill Stakes at Newbury over this trip behind Evasive. He endured a terrible time of it on his reappearance run this season in a 1m Listed contest on the all weather at Lingfield, rearing at the stalls, then losing his footing and persistently hung right throughout, eventually ending up well beaten back in seventh. He then finished third behind Total Gallery in a Listed Race back over 6f at Ascot before a drop down to conditions company saw him gain his second career win in a 6f contest at Hamilton, though hardly won with plenty to spare; put in his place in a Haydock Listed contest last month and highly unlikely to be featuring here now stepping back up a furlong and doubtful there's much scope for improvement. 10. LOCH LINNHE (b g Elusive Quality - Firth Of Lorne) Form: 1 Trainer: John Gosden Owner: H R H Princess Haya Of Jordan Jockey: Jimmy Fortune Nicely bred, but already gelded, though it made absolutely no difference as he simply bolted up on his debut in a 7f maiden at Newmarket last month, making all and coming clear with such ease from a fair yardstick in Seaway (admittedly beaten again since), scoring by 8 lengths and showed a very strong turn of foot. That is, of course, a million miles away from what is required here, but it would be very surprising if there wasn't more improvement left in him yet, also notable that a maiden winner won this last season. His trainer wouldn't bring him here if he didn't truly believe he had a chance and definitely one of the more likelier ones here. 11. NASRI (b c Kyllachy - Triple Sharp) Form: 139-623 Trainer: Brian Meehan Owner: Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar Jockey: Jamie Spencer He won a maiden and then a nursery at Newbury last summer, beating Definightly on both occasions, before running a big race to finish third behind subsequent Group 1 winners Donativum and Crowded House in the Tattersalls Timeform Million at Newmarket. He disappointed on his final start when pulling hard and offering little in the Horris Hill at Newbury in the testing conditions, which may not have suited him, though connections were happy enough for him encounter them again over the same course and distance in the Greenham Stakes on his comeback run this season, in which he finished sixth. The son of Kyllachy put in a much better performance when chasing home Alyarf in the King Charles II Stakes next time, gaining on him all the way to the line, and didn't appear to handle Epsom's contours last time in a Listed contest, finishing third, the slow start hardly a help either. He seems to appreciate a straight track and a strong pace from which to drop in behind, something he'll probably get here; form doesn't suggest that he is open to as much improvement as some, but certainly not done with yet and he could run a big race here at likely decent odds. 12 OCEANS MINSTREL (b c Pivotal - Minstrel's Dream) Form: 451-101 Trainer: John Ryan Owner: Ocean Trailers Ltd Jockey: Jerry O'Dwyer Front runner; had the run of things when causing a 25/1 shock in a Listed Race at Lingfield in April, beating Deposer by comfortably enough, but totally outclassed in the 2000 Guineas when attempting to make all but being left behind when the tempo increased, though did manage to beat five horses home to his credit. He was again allowed to do his own thing in front last time when winning the Listed Surrey Stakes at Epsom from maiden Ermine And Velvet, staying on well to score. However, highly unlikely he'll be allowed to do his own thing here, and also unlikely to be good enough anyway to repel challengers of this calibre either. 13. OUQBA (b c Red Ransom - Dancing Mirage) Form: 9419-10 Trainer: Barry Hills Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Jockey: Tadgh O'Shea He had plenty of racing last year, starting off in May, but could only win at conditions/novices race level, winning a couple of small field events at Newmarket (July) and Salisbury; he did run a creditable fourth behind Westphalia in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster over this trip last September, but a no-show on his final juvenile outing when towards the rear in the Dewhurst. However, he made an impressive return to action with a clear-cut victory in the Free Handicap at the Newmarket Craven meeting, staying on well to pull away close home and score by 2¾ lengths from Awinnersgame. Then, somewhat surprisingly given how much speed he has, was allowed to take his chance in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, but, predictably, didn't see out the trip, though was in trouble long before stamina became an issue. He is better than that, this step back to 7f will suit, but yet to prove himself at this level and vulnerable to improvers, of which there are plenty in opposition. 14. PATRICIAN'S GLORY (b c Proud Citizen - Landholder) Form: 136-2 Trainer: Tom Tate Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay Jockey: Olivier Peslier Highly regarded by previous trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam but was allowed to go off a 25/1 chance when making a winning debut in a 7f maiden at Newbury last July; followed up with a commendable third behind Sri Putra in the Group 3 Solario Stakes next time, running on strongly to snatch a place, though the slow ground wouldn't have favoured him. He pulled far too hard for his own good in the Royal Lodge Stakes here next time, eventually dropping back to finish sixth, though was hampered as he weakened. He started this season in the care of Tom Tate, making a promising start for him when chasing home the Hampton Court Stakes contender Four Winds in a 1m conditions event at Newmarket last time, making good ground to challenge before fading away inside the distance. It's probably a wise move to step him back to this trip, but he does seem to lack that extra gear when he needs it, usually getting going too late and hard to see him being good enough on the balance of his overall form so far. 15. SAUCY BROWN (b c Fasliyev - Danseuse Du Bois) Form: 96-3013 Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: The Heffer Syndicate Jockey: Ryan Moore This colt finished fifth in the Windsor Castle here last year following a polished performance on his debut; runner up in a weak Listed contest next time out but limitations exposed thereafter in similar company. He was all out to hold off the challenge of Exceptional Art (an impressive winner since) in a 7f conditions event at Doncaster, but a one paced third in a similar contest when dropped back to 6f at the same venue next time. It is doubtful whether he has much improvement forthcoming and another who is vulnerable to improvers here. 16. TOTAL GALLERY (br c Namid - Diary) Form: 1521-15 Trainer: Stan Moore Owner: Coleman Bloodstock Limited Jockey: Liam Keniry Very highly rated by the yard and not a bad sort in fairness. He won a Beverley maiden as he pleased before acquitting himself well when fifth in the Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood; unlucky in running second behind Magic Cat in a 5f Listed Race next time out. However, atoned for that defeat with a gutsy win in the value Redcar 2-Y-O Trophy, finding plenty to score by a neck from Favourite Girl; continued in a similar vein with hard fought success in a 6f Listed contest at Ascot, holding on by a head from Enderby Spirit. However, disappointed slightly last time when fifth in the Group 2 Temple Stakes behind Look Busy, unable to quicken once the tempo increased; first go at this trip and that is the big concern here. VERDICT: Very little genuine Group form to go on here, most of the contenders all having potential rather than solid form in the book. Gallagher would probably just about be the form pick, but the Brian Meehan representative is making his seasonal reappearance and looked for all the world a sprinter last season. Stablemate Nasri should be suited by the likely strong pace here, but INFIRAAD looked a serious horse when bolting up by 6 lengths in a Newmarket handicap last month, quickening well and staying on powerfully. He, too, will be suited by a strong pace off which to quicken and can continue his progress through to pattern company. Loch Linnhe looked a horse of immense potential when skating up on his debut and is a contender, for all this is a massive step up in grade. Ouqba should be suited by this step back to 7f after bombing out in the 2000 Guineas last time, weakening before stamina could even become an issue. The Godolphin pair of Ashram and Donativum have the form and ability to win, though the form of the yard's three-year olds has been dire to say the least, and the latter has to carry a 4lbs penalty. However, Donativum is entitled to run a big race here after looking in need of his reappearance last month, pulling too hard and being given an easy time of it. Also, he escapes a penalty for his Breeders' Cup Juvenile victory last autumn. Selection: Infiraad Alternative: Donativum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshman443 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 3.05 WINDSOR FOREST STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (4-Y-O+ FILLIES & MARES) - 1m 1 LUSH LASHES (4 b f Galileo - Dance For Fun) Form: 21120-3 Trainer: Jim Bolger Owner: Mr.s Jackie Bolger Jockey: Kevin Manning An incredibly tough filly who thrived on a busy schedule last season, starting off in the 1000 Guineas when failing to handle the track before bouncing back in the Musidora Stakes at York, her first attempt over 10f, when winning as she pleased by 5 lengths. She could only manage fifth in the Oaks but then went on to win the Coronation Stakes at this meeting last year back over a 1m, scoring by 3¼ lengths from Infallible; narrowly beaten by Halfway To Heaven in the Nassau Stakes when finding trouble in running before resuming winning ways in the Yorkshire Oaks and then showed great determination to out battle Nahoodh by a neck in the Group 1 Matron Stakes at the Curragh. Had to overcome trouble in running and had too much to do when runner up in the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp next time, and she was probably over the top when an eased down last in the Hong Kong Vase. The ground conditions went against him when third of 5 behind Casual Conquest in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last month, but that should have brought her on and, now back against her own sex and on better ground, should be very hard to beat, even with a penalty here. 2. CHANTILLY TIFFANY (5 ch m Pivotal - Gaily Royal) Form: 2121-07 Trainer: Ed Dunlop Owner: Ballygallon Stud Jockey: Richard Hughes She has progressed with racing, as you would expect with a filly who was unraced at two, and won a Listed Race at Dusseldorf and returned to Germany later in the year to land a Group at Baden Baden, scoring by 2 lengths from Rock Of Rachelle. However, the pick of her British form falls well short of what is required - a second behind Royal Confidence in a Listed contest at Doncaster last season her best effort - and needs a lot more to score after two non-descript performances this season. 3. EVAS REQUEST (4 ch f Soviet Star - Ingabelle) Form: 1-37011 Trainer: Mick Channon Owner: Liam Mulryan Jockey: Eddie Creighton She has been highly tried for most of her career but has acquitted herself well in the main, a confirmed Listed performer bordering Group 3 class. Mainly held in Group races at three but has improved this season, acquitting herself with credit in Dubai this winter in Group company before returning to these shores when disappointing in the Lincoln Handicap. However, she has done nothing but improve since, winning a Listed Race at Goodwood in clear-cut fashion from Lady Francesca, showing an impressive turn of foot to burst clear. She then improved again last time when taking the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom on Derby day, fighting on tenaciously, though was undoubtedly helped by the runner up hanging badly down the camber when coming with a strong challenge. She is progressing, but this another step up and more required now. 4. HEAVEN SENT (6 ch m Pivotal - Heavenly Ray) Form: 12345-1 Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Jockey: Ryan Moore She has served connections so well over the years and been one of those to benefit from the new race structuring for more fillies and mares races to be introduced at a higher level. Made steady progress from the handicap ranks, finishing second in the Wolferton Stakes in 2007 before chasing home Cesare back here next time on her first run in pattern company. She made strong progress last year, kicking off with a couple of wins in a Listed Race at Kempton, then a Group 3 at Newmarket, seeing off Harvest Queen as she pleased; sent off favourite for this next time out, but found Sabana Perdida far too good for her, finishing three quarters of a length back in second. Didn't enjoy a successful second half to the season at the top level thereafter, though should have finished closer than fourth in the Nassau Stakes when staying on late to finish fourth. Made a successful reappearance in the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket last month, winning it for the second successive year, though was made to work harder than ideal, eventually stretching nicely clear to win in commanding fashion. You cannot knock her consistency, but she does seem to come up short on these big occasions, readily put in her place in this last season, and the suspicion is Lush Lashes is a top class filly, so will need to make the very most of the 5lbs she gets from her. 5. PROVISO (b f Dansili - Binche) Form: 3317-15 Trainer: Andre Fabre Owner: Khalid Abdulla Jockey: Stephane Pasquier Looked a top class filly in the making at two, winning the Group 3 Prix Calvados, but the bubble was somewhat burst when running into Listen in the Fillies' Mile here next time out when a red hot favourite. She proved to be very disappointing last season in the main, flopping on her comeback run before showing shoots of a revival with a fourth behind the brilliant Zarkava in the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) but her only success of 2008 came in a modest Listed contest at Bordeaux le Buscat. She started this season with victory in a mile race at Longchamp on her second outing this season, but again firmly put into her place when venturing into Group 1 company in the Prix Ganay, finishing a well-held fifth behind Never On Sunday. This will prove to be a bit easier than that contest, also racing back against her own sex, but been a disappointing sort overall; quicker ground also a concern and probably a minor place prospect and nothing more. 6. ROSALEEN (4 b f Cadeaux Genereux - Dark Rosaleen) Form: 85180-1 Trainer: Brian Meehan Owner: Exors Of The Late Tom Wilson Jockey: Martin Dwyer Has operated at a fairly useful level throughout her career, winning a Listed contest at Sandown last July, following on from a promising effort at this meeting the time before when a running on fifth in the Sandringham Hanidcap the run before. However, with a penalty thereafter, not showing a great deal on either of her starts at Sandown or Ascot; started this season with a comfortable enough victory in a very weak Listed contest at Pontefract. All she could do was win that day, but a career best by some way is needed here. 7. ROYAL CONFIDENCE (4 b f Royal Applause - Never A Doubt) Form: 0510-46 Trainer: Barry Hills Owner: D M James Jockey: Michael Hills She was a useful juvenile, winning twice and placing third in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket at the end of her two-year old career; never really went on after finishing third on her reappearance the following season, when third behind Stimulation in the Free Handicap. However, came right back to form when landing a 7f Listed Race for fillies and mares at Doncaster, getting up close home to edge out Chantilly Tiffany. However, limitations at this level exposed in both the Challenge Stakes last season and the John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock last time, finishing sixth behind Main Aim; stayed on that day, but far from certain to actually stay this trip (seventh in the 1000 Guineas in her only attempt at the trip), and doubtful a massive amount of improvement is on its way. 8. SHE'S OUR MARK (5 ch m Ishiguru - Markskeepingfaith) Form:723-712 Trainer: Patrick Flynn Owner: B & M Syndicate Jockey: Jamie Spencer Tough, consistent sort who quickly progressed from handcaps to a Group 3 success within a few months, lifting the Group 3 Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown; came up short when she has been stepped up to pattern level in the past, though has remained a model of consistency at Listed level. She gained her first victory in almost 18 months when outpointing Chinese White in a 9f Listed Race at Gowran Park; got going too late when chasing home Deauville Vision latest, but work to do to trouble some of these. Trip and ground unlikely to prove advantageous for her either. 9. SPACIOUS (4 b f Nayef - Palatial) Form: 24144-3 Trainer: James Fanshawe Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Jockey: Johnny Murtagh This daughter of Nayef looked a nice sort when supplementing her impressive debut win with a game success in the Group 3 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster at two. She continued her progress when finding only Natagora too good for her in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, but was most disappointing at this meeting last year when well fancied to resume winning ways in the Coronation Stakes, finishing a lacklustre fourth behind Lush Lashes. It has been a slippery slope ever since for her, looking less than keen when scraping home from Moyenne Corniche in a conditions contest at Doncaster, but then ran a really good race when a staying on fourth behind Halfway To Heaven in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes back at Newmarket. However, she couldn't go on from that, and has since been beaten twice more, the latest disappointment coming in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom when firmly put in her place by Eva's Request, finishing third, beaten 5 lengths; hard to see any reason why she should reverse the placings, even counting the fact she was giving away fitness (goes well fresh), and a place looks her very best hope. VERDICT: Not much strength in depth here. Heaven Sent, second in this to Sabana Perdida 12 months ago, is sure to run her usual, honest race, but that is unlikely to be good enough here if LUSH LUSHES returns to her summer form from last season. Jim Bolger's tough-as-teak mare took a busy schedule in her stride last season, bagging three Group 1 contests, so a 5lbs penalty in a weak Group 2 is unlikely to prove a barrier to success. What would put a spanner in the works if it were to rain heavily overnight, all her best form coming on a sound surface. Alternatives other than the two aforementioned look few and far between, so perhaps this will provide Proviso with the perfect chance to nick some black type in what has been an ultimately disappointing career that promised so much at two. Saying that, Eva's Request is in the form of her life and, although she requires a career best to do so, a place may not be beyond her in a weak looking contest outside of the front two in the market. Selection: Lush Lashes Alternative: Heaven Sent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshman443 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 3.45 PRINCE OF WALES'S STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (4-Y-O+) - 1m 2f 1. ESTEJO (5 b h Johan Cryuff - Este) Form: 61510-6 Trainer: R Rhone Owner: Giovanni Martone Jockey: Daniele Porcu German raider who likes to front run and won a Group 1 over 10f in his Italy, where he does most of his racing, last autumn; attempted to make all but beat just fresh air home when last in the Hong Kong Cup subsequently. He was down the field for his reappearance run and looks out of his depth here. 2. NEVER ON SUNDAY (4 gr c Sunday Break - Hexane) Form: 2111-51 Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget Owner: D-Y Treves Jockey: Christophe Lemaire A smart horse on his day, steadily improving last season over this trip, beating fellow compatriot Russian Cross by 5 lengths in a mile contest at Chantilly before seeing off in game style in a Group 3 over at Longchamp in September, which had followed on from a Listed win at Chantilly. He looked in need of his reappearance run when fifth behind Trincot in the Group 1 Prix d'Harcourt, staying on well from off the pace, doing all his best work at the finish; certainly came on a lot for that, landing the Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan last time, showing a good change of pace to seal matters in good fashion to score by a length from Gris de Gris, though favourite Goldikova ran well below her best. This looks a tougher contest, and quite possible he wants slower ground than he's likely to get here, so probably playing for places at best here. However, his trainer, fresh from success on Sunday in the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) with the potentially top class Stacelita, is in incredible form, and it's hard to ignore anything coming from that yard at present. 3. TARTAN BEARER (4 ch c Spectrum - Highland Gift) Form: 2/1123-1 Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Ballymacoll Stud Jockey: Ryan Moore Bred to be smart, being a full brother to King George winner and Derby runner up Golan; built on gritty maiden win at Leicester to rally gamely and out battle Frozen Fire to land the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York, setting him up for a crack at the Derby. He was held up towards the rear at Epsom but made eyecatching headway down the centre of the track to sweep past Casual Conquest into the lead, but, as he did so, New Approach was charging down the inside to take it up and hold on well from the rallying Tartan Bearer. It was a tremendous run considering his relative inexperience, and he was well fancied to atone for his defeat in the Irish version; however, things didn't really go his way, getting a hefty bump from the errant Alessandro Volta, allowing Frozen Fire to sweep by and score, while he finished fourth, though was promoted to third, replacing Alessandro Volta. He was off for the rest of the season after that, making his reappearance in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown in April, winning in gutsy fashion after being made to work hard, also looking less than 100% wound up. He had to battle to see off Pipedreamer who, for all is a questionable stayer over10f is a smart horse, but showed a great attitude to battle on up the hill that day and score by a head. He is obviously going to have improved for the outing - his work at home said to be very good - and he has superb battling qualities, along with a touch of class, and that's just what you need in a good horse. A false gallop may well find him out, but yard adept at improving their older horses no end and it would something of a surprise if this colt wasn't involved at the business end of the race. 4. TAZEEZ (5 b/br g Silver Hawk - Soiree Russe) Form: 1401-19 Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Jockey: Richard Hills Late maturing sort who looked nothing more than a useful handicapper in the making when landing a 10f handicap at Newmarket (July) last August, but soon proved to be just a bit better than that when pulling clear with Nanton before staying on best in a dual to take the Cambridgeshire Handicap by a length. He isn't up to the class of stablemate Pipedreamer, who took the event the previous year, but made a winning return this season when taking advantage of Twice Over's lack of fitness to land the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton at Newmarket back over the same course and distance he'd won the Cambridgeshire over. However, proved very disappointing last time when finishing last of nine in the Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan over in France at Longchamp, though testing conditions wouldn't have really suited him that day; however, clearly needs to improve plenty here and, although this is hardly a brilliant renewal of this race, it really would be a sad indictment on the rest of the field if he were good enough to prevail. 5. TRINCOT (4 b c Peintre Celebre - Royal Lights) Form: 310-812 Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor Owner: Godolphin Jockey: Frankie Dettori He was formerly trained by Phillipe Demercastel as recently as last month. proving a progressive sort; won a Group 3 at Chantilly before running well enough back in seventh behind Vision D'Etat in the French Derby next time. He came good to land the Group 2 Prix Dollar at Longchamp a couple of outings later, staying on well to hold off the strong challenge of Loup Breton, holding off his advances by a head. The son of Peintre Celebre never figured in the Hong Kong Cup, nor in his reappearance run when finishing down the field in the Group 3 Prix Exbury; showed the benefit for the outing when showing an impressive turn of foot to score by 3 lengths from The Bogberry in the Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt. After that taking performance, Godolphin quickly moved in to make him one of their many buys in recent times; ran just a fair race last time on his debut for them, running on into second behind in an Group 2 over in Italy last time, form that leaves him well short here, although on the form of his Prix Dollar victory would look an interesting contender. 6. TWICE OVER (4 b c Observatory - Double Crossed) Form: 3172-33 Trainer: Henry Cecil Owner: Khalid Abdulla Jockey: Tom Queally A much hyped colt over the winter of 2007/08 after two runs and two wins at Newmarket in maiden and Listed company meant he was in demand for both classics, his reappearance run doing nothing to quell the storm of support when gamely seeing off Raven's Pass to land the Craven Stakes at Newmarket. However, he bypassed a tilt at the 2000 Guineas to go down the Derby route (trainer always believed he he needs 10f+ to be at his best) but proved slightly disappointing when a one paced third behind Tartan Bearer and Frozen Fire, though time has shown that there was little disgrace in the reverse he suffered that day. He was dropped back to a mile for the St James's Palace at this meeting 12 months ago, finishing third behind top class pair Henrythenavigator and Raven's Pass, but finally got the win he deserved when staying on well to win the Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam at Maisons-Lafitte from fellow raider City Leader. However, he endured a nightmare passage in a Group 2 at Deauville next time before rounding off his campaign chasing home the top class New Approach in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket, going down by 6 lengths, but was staying on all the way to the line. He ran below par in the Earl Of Sefton on his reappearance, still on the bit approaching the two furlong marker before emptying at an alarming rate to finish third behind Tazeez; stepped up considerably on that when just losing out in a three way dual to the line with the re-opposing Virtual and the since disappointing Alexandros. His trainer has always believed this is his trip, but there is no denying the fact he has had three attempts at this level and has never looked like winning any of them, even last time when officially being beaten just half a length; trip and ground should be fine, but likely to find a couple too good once more. 7. VIRTUAL (4 b c Pivotal - Virtuous) Form: 0111-31 Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Jockey: Jimmy Fortune This colt has done nothing but improve since disappointing on fast ground in the Britannia Handicap 12 months ago at this meeting, the fast ground to blame for the below par effort. He reappeared a few months later to land a decent 1m handicap at Doncaster, but stepped up on that effort when overcoming all sorts of traffic problems to run on close home and outpoint Lady Deauville to score by a cheeky neck in a 9f Listed Race over at Maisons-Laffitte in testing conditions. His final outing came in the Group 3 Joel Stakes when again relishing the soft conditions run on well from off the pace and see off the useful enough General Elliot by a half length. He made his reappearance in the Sandown Mile in April, finishing third behind subsequent Queen Anne winner Paco Boy, racing prominent for most of the way but seemingly unsuited by the quicker conditions, weakening in the closing stages too. However, he bounced back in great style to land the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury next time, though the testing ground obviously played its part; he made his challenge towards the centre of the track, gamely responding to pressure to see of Alexandros by a nose. It was a tremendously brave performance, but, it is becoming increasingly clear that he is in need of considerable ease in the ground to be seen at his best, something he looks unlikely to get here; step up to 10f also a worry and will do well to make it back-to-back wins at the top level, though trainer seemed pretty confident of his ability to cope with this step in trip after the Lockinge. 8. VISION D''ETAT (4 b c Chichicastenango - Uberaba) Form: 1115-31 Trainer: Eric Libaud Owner: Jacques Detre Jockey: Olivier Peslier He was unbeaten in four starts when winning the French Derby last June, taking up with just over a furlong to run and holding off the late challenge of Famous Name to score by a neck. He followed that up with victory in the Prix Niel, a recognized Arc trial, which he won by a nose from Ideal World, responding well for pressure to lead right on the line; fair to say he probably wasn't at full tilt that day after a mid-season break and with other targets in mind. His next outing came in the big race itself - the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe; he was held up in behind the pace and looked to be coming with a good challenge at one point before being slightly hampered and faded thereafter to finish fifth behind the brilliant Zarkava. He didn't exactly show a huge amount of encouragement on his reappearance when finishing third behind Trincot in the Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt, but looked back to something like his best when landing an admittedly sub-standard renewal of the Prix Ganay at Longchamp, overcoming trouble in running and being interfered with by a rival to quicken up smartly and come charging home to score by ¾ length from Loup Breton. He is a very smart colt on his day, and he had plenty more left to give last time, seeming to pull up and idle once hitting the front, but the turn of foot he showed that day marked him down as a top class colt to be reckoned with; this his first taste of action outside of France, but this looks one of the more winnable Prince Of Wales's to be run and it would be hugely disappointing not to see him involved. He, like Tartan Bearer, would probably appreciate a strong gallop here, but it could well be that the French challengers turn of foot will be the deciding factor. VERDICT: A decent enough renewal, though it lacks strength in depth. Virtual comes here in the form of his life after holding on well to win the Lockinge Stakes last time, but worries over the ground and trip means he is likely to be found out here. Tartan Bearer is a warm order to give Sir Michael Stoute his first win in the race since Stagecraft in 1991, and the flashy chestnut certainly found plenty to see off Pipedreamer at Sandown last time. However, he will need a truly run race to be seen at his best, something that could be said of VISION D'ETAT too, and it could well be that last year's French Derby winner possesses a more the more potent turn of foot. Eric Libaud's four-year old had plenty left in the tank when winning the Prix Ganay at Longchamp last time and he looks the one to beat here if the pace is strong; also better value of the two. Twice Over has, based on the evidence so far, looked just shy of top class, though ran a fair race in the Lockinge last time, and his trainer is adamant this trip is what he needs to be seen at his very best. Never On Sunday hails from a yard, that of Jean-Claude Rouget, who can do no wrong at the moment in top events, though his form needs improving upon and he would also like to see plenty of rainfall between now and post time. Selection: Vision D'Etat Alternative: Tartan Bearer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshman443 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June Posted: 17 Jun 2009 09:05 Post subject: 4.20 ROYAL HUNT CUP (CLASS 2) (HERITAGE HANDICAP) (3-Y-O+) - 1m Always a tricky race to sort out. However, that hasn't stopped the bookmakers going as short as 9/2 about the Jeremy Noseda trained Forgotten Voice, though the lightly raced son of Danehill Dancer has looked an exciting prospect to date, currently unbeaten on all three of his outings. He had made a promising start to his career when making a winning debut in a 7f maiden on the polytrack at Lingfield when picking up in the style of a very good horse to score by half a length from Formation. That was in November 2007, but he wasn't seen again until April of this year when strongly backed for his reappearance run which came in a competitive 1m handicap at Kempton; he was waited with at the back and found plenty of trouble in running, but came through to challenge strongly inside the final furlong, again displaying a powerful turn of foot under hand driving to score by a short head from Tourist. He was definitely value for a lot further given the problems he endured in running and also the long absence he was returning from. He made maintained his 100% record last time out back at Kempton in a 1m handicap there last month, again held up at the back before coming through with a strong challenge, though was go easily and only had to be shaken up to draw clear with ease inside the final 150 yards, scoring by 3 lengths from Multakka. There is absolutely no doubting this colt could be much better than a handicapper, but it must also be pointed out that he has been beating horses who are not up to this standard, and his style of running is fraught with danger; has the inside draw, usually handy, but sure to be dropped in and brought with a late run once more. He has gone up 11lbs for his last win and, although he could well be as good as his Sussex Stakes entry suggests, this is a wide open race in which he could find plenty of trouble against significantly better horses than he's been running against to date. This is also his turf debut. Cadre hasn't seen much of the course for a four-year old, but the John Gosden trained gelding is another who isn't short on ability, as displayed last time when seeing off a handful of rivals in a 1m handicap at Yarmouth last month, travelling strongly throughout and only having to be be nudged clear to score easily by 3¼ lengths from Tartan Gigha, winner of a valuable handicap at Epsom since. He had shown promise on his sole outing at two in an above average Newmarket maiden, but hadn't been seen again for over a year when landing the odds as he pleased in a 7f maiden at Kempton; he reportedly went lame when being eased down off the home turn when tailed off on his reapperance in a 1m handicap at Lingfield in April. The reason why he is current second favourite is because of the eyecatching nature of his run when a staying on sixth of 13 behind Dunn'o in a 1m handicap at Sandown last time, being held on to for far too long before getting going all too late. He is clearly capable of better, remains unexposed and comes from a yard who have shown a real penchant for these big handicaps in recent times, including this very race with Royal Oath in 2007, reasonably drawn and is sure to run a nice race here. His one downfall is the fact he does tend to get buzzed up beforehand and that could take the sting out of him during the race. The William Haggas trained Roaring Forte was favourite for the Lincoln before injury ruled him out, and the son of Cape Cross looks another who is open to improvement. He endured a frustrating time of it on the turf last season, usually finding one or two too good for him, but ended his campaign on a high note lost September when making all to win a 1m handicap at Great Leighs by 6 lengths, being committed plenty early enough but finding plenty. His reappearance came back on turf in a 7f handicap at Newmarket, many questioning his ability back on grass considering he was still a maiden on it; dispelled those fears with a classy front running performance once more, travelling really well and quickening away to score by 2½ lengths from the much vaunted Tryst. He does now have to prove his effectiveness in a field of this size, and that he can also adapt tactically, as it is highly unlikely he'll be able to dictate matters here from stall 20 with a couple of pacesetters drawn low. He is up 6lbs for that, and though he promises to go on again, he is high drawn and the fact all his improvement has come when being allowed to dictate suggests he may struggle here. The Luca Cumani trained Axiom is sure to be popular given his trainer's past record in big handicaps, though he notably trained red hot favourite to finish only fifth in this last season. However, his representative here looks to be improving all the time, finishing a running on second behind Dunn'o at Sandown last time; had won a couple of mile handicaps at Doncaster and Leicester, albeit on a surface with a bit of give in it, something that seems to suit him. Stall 18 hardly a brilliant either, so easy to have doubts. The Chris Dwyer trained Mia's Boy has never fulfilled his true potential (rated classic material as a juvenile when with Peter Chapple-Hyam) and it seems he has lost the winning thread after winning a small field handicap at York last May when outspeeding Lang Shining to score. However, he has run some creditable races in defeat, most notably when fourth behind Expresso Star in the Lincoln, leading home the stands side group, keeping on well towards the finish. He has run a couple of encouraging races at York the last twice, putting in a typically late flourish to grab third behind Yamal in the race he had won 12 months ago, then last time ran second behind Regal Parade in a 7f, again staying on well, albeit under pressure. He clearly likes a straight mile, particularly when the ground is riding good; turn of foot could get him into a place late on and well drawn in stall four. Although quirky, Docofthebay is certainly a talented individual, as he showed when going agonizingly close in this last season, being collared by Mr Aviator in the closing stages; didn't really show a lot thereafter, nor has he again this campaign, though did run a decent enough race when seventh in behind Scintillo in the Lingfield Winter Derby. This race seemed to spark some life into him last year, and connections will be hoping for much of the same off a 6lbs lower mark, though form going into this year's renewal suggests he won't be repeating last season's feat, or bettering it. The Clive Cox trained Dunn'o has improved no end this season for switching to front running tactics at Sandown, winning twice, including last time out when holding on in game fashion from Axiom to prevail by half a length; made the most of a kind draw that day, and has been favourably drawn this around in stall six. However, 5lbs penalty to carry for his latest success and unlikely to be as effective making all in a race of this nature, so probably had his day for the season. Nanton was just a fair 70-80's horse in his time for Paul Cole, but since joining Jim Goldie has done nothing but improve, the Pinnacle of his achievements coming last autumn when chasing home Tazeez in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket. He had been in very good form last season, placing on several occasions and landing a 10f handicap Doncaster in August, scoring by 3 lengths from Granston; ended last season with a victory on the all weather in a 9f handicap at Wolverhampton, taking advantage of a 7lbs lower mark than his turf rating, though had to share the honours, dead-heating along with the useful Suits Me. He didn't offer a great deal of encouragement on his reappearance in the Spring Mile at Doncaster, but back to his best when finding only the highly progressive Kingdom Of Fife too good for him in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar last time. There is a slight suspicion that he is better over slightly further than a mile these days, though, but commands respect with big field handicap experince behind him, and a truly run race would suit him here, Soccerjackpot looked a nice enough sort in 2007 when running with credit in a couple of decent handicaps, but lost his way last season, tailing off in a couple of outings; joined the Clive Cox yard this season and couldn't have made a better start when making a winning debut for them in March, pulling 4 lengths clear of Pegasus Again in a 1m handicap at Kempton. He didn't have to improve to follow up 10 days later off a 6lbs penalty at Wolverhampton over an extended mile when making all and winning as he pleased; is another whose improvement has come on an artificial surface when being allowed to dictate, but he won with such ease on both occasions this season that he may be open to more improvement. The Barry Hills trained Huzzah has experience of these big field handicaps, winning a couple of decent handicaps at Newbury and Chester at the beginning of last season, continuing to run with credit without being quite good enough of his revised mark of 99 behind the likes of Fifteen Love and Virtual. He made a promising reappearance when fifth in the Lincoln on the opening day of the season, racing down the centre of the track throughout, finishing a staying on fifth behind Expresso Star; couldn't sustain his challenge in the Spring Mile at Newbury when last seen, but has been dropped back to a mark of 96, though that is still 3lbs higher than his last winning mark. He would like to see some rain, but does have a favourable draw in stall five, and this son of Acclamation could go well at a price if returning to something like his best. Military Power was a slowly progressive handicap sort for John Hills last season, winning a 10f maiden at Redcar in clear-cut fashion before going on to land a competitive handicap at York over the same trip next time; a good second in a valuable 10f handicap at Glorious Goodwood followed, though ended the season on a low note when down the field in the Cambridgeshire. He joined the Dubai yard of the talented Mubarak BIn Shafya and showed promise in a 1m handicap at Nad Al Sheba, but disappointed during the Carnival, a fifth to Presvis proving to be his best effort; returned to winning ways with a win in 9f handicap at Jebel Ali, seeing off the useful Moonquake. He returned to these shores in the care of Saeed Bin Suroor and ran a fair race when fourth behind Kingdom Of Fife in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar last time; quick pace is likely to suit given he needs a tow into a race and he is sure to be tucked in nicely just off the pace, but 10f is probably his optimum trip. Philario has been running well so far this season, finishing sixth on in the Lincoln following a couple of promising enough efforts at a higher level on the all weather; chased home Yamal in a decent 1m handicap at York before coming good to land a 1m handicap at the Curragh from Rock And Roll Kid. He probably found giving weight all round beyond him last time when third behind Tartan Gigha over an extended mile at Epsom last time; clearly in good heart, but been allocated the highest draw and is also running off a near career high mark. The Dandy Nicholls duo of Jack Junior and Royal Power, who finished third in this last year, both have ability but don't look the most straightforward of horses; of the two, the latter looks interesting as, for his profile is all or nothing, he certainly put in one of his best performances off this mark of 95 when third in this, and his latest fourth at Epsom suggested he was about to him form once again, so could be interesting at a price despite a high draw. Much was expected of the William Haggas trained Alfathaa last season, starting off in the 2000 Guineas, in which he finished 13th of 15; ran a fair race in the 10f Listed Hampton Court Stakes at this meeting last season, finishing sixth behind stablemate Collection before running second to Generous Thought in a 1m conditions event. He ended his 2008 campaign with a sixth behind Yaddree in a 9f contest at Newbury; draw not been too kind, mark of 103 looks a tough starting point and this a baptism of fire for his handicap debut. Lovelace, from the Mark Johnston yard, looks interesting here considering some of his best recent form has come in big race and big field handicaps, as proved when winning a valuable contest at Sandown last July. He followed that with a second placing in the Bunbury Cup and then went on to win a German Group 2 and has since raced at pattern level; now back down to a mark of 109, meaning he gives weight all round here, but clearly happy in a big field scenario, and if box 25 isn't a major hindrance, there is no reason why he shouldn't go well here at a decent price. A few others to mention in short, and Kavachi comes here fresh from his win in a 9f handicap at York on Saturday for which he picked up a penalty to qualify him for this race but, ironically, it will probably be enough to stop him following up; Manassas returns to handicap company following another unsuccessful foray into Listed company at Windsor last time; he had won the Spring Mile at Doncaster on his reappearance, though showed nothing like that form in the Spring Cup afterwards and has a bit to prove off a mark of 97, while Quinmaster, a half brother to the 2007 winner of this race Royal Oath finished a well-held second on his latest outing in a Listed contest at Leopardstown, perhaps showing signs that he is on the way back to something like his best. VERDICT: A typically open contest where, since the realignment of the track, it has paid to be drawn as low as possible. Forgotten Voice has looked a smart prospect to date, and fancy entries suggest connections feel this colt is much better than just a handicapper, but on pure form he still has a bit to prove, though is more than likely to prove better than what he's achieved so far. However, he's too short in the context of this race and it could be best to side with CADRE (NB)who should have finished a lot closer than he did last time at Sandown and still has scope for considerable improvement after just five runs and hails from a yard who have a habit of winning these big handicap races recently. Roaring Forte would be of more interest if he hadn't been given such a high draw, though he also has to prove is versatile tactically, his two wins coming from the front in small fields. Mia's Boy looks a standout Each Way bet as he seems to thrive in a big field on a straight course, while Lovelace, although giving weight all round, is another well suited to a big field scenario. One other to mention is last season's third Royal Power, who looked to be returning to form last time at Epsom and could sneak a place again off the same mark he ran off to finish third last year. Selection: Cadre Alternative: Mia's Boy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshman443 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 4.55 QUEEN MARY STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (2-Y-O FILLIES) - 5f 1. CAPERCAILLIE (ch f Elusive Quality - Silent Eskimo) Form: 11 Trainer: Mark Johnston Owner: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Jockey: Frankie Dettori She is a very speedy filly who showed plenty of pace on her debut in a 5f maiden at Musselburgh, though had to hold off the late challenge of Exgray, and did so, scoring by a neck. She returned to Musselburgh last time for a decent 5f conditions event, a race which last year's subsequent Norfolk Stakes winner South Central won, and she put in a more polished performance, showing good pace up the stands rail, eventually leading inside the final furlong and staying on powerfully to score from easy maiden winner Reignier. She is very highly regarded by connections and has done very little wrong so far, this stiff 5f should also suit her very well, but not the best drawn and may already want 6f now. 2. CEEDWELL (ch f Exceed And Excel - Muja Farewell) Form: 11 Trainer: Bryan Smart Owner: Prime Equestrian Jockey: Tom Eaves This filly is very highly regarded by connections, trainer Bryan Smart remarking this could be the best filly he has ever trainer. That bold statement came after she made a winning debut in a 5f maiden at Carlisle, needing to be rousted along early to keep tabs, but she was soon back on and even keel, travelling well down the centre of the track; soon emerged out of the pack and quickened up well in the style of a smart sort, running out a comfortable enough winner from Mr Smithson. Her latest outing came in a novices' event at Catterick, for which she had to carry a penalty, and was again slow to warm to the task, needing to be cajoled along early to keep up with the pace, but once again was soon travelling easy at the halfway stage, taking it up passing the two furlong marker before showing an impressive turn of foot to scamper clear by 5 lengths. She clearly has a lot to do on the formbook, but she has looked in need of the experience so far, so it's testament to her natural ability that she remains unbeaten with two ultimately impressive victories to her name. The doubt with her here is that a sluggish start to a race would leave her on the back foot from the off as they are unlikely to be hanging around here, but it is a stiff test this 5f course here and that will suit her as she is sure to be staying on strongly when others are fading. Needs to improve on what she has achieved so far, but surely going to and a major player here from a good draw. 3. CHANTILLY CREME (b f Johannesburg - Creme De La Creme) Form: 1 Trainer: Robert Gibson Owner: L B Robbins Jockey: Stephane Pasquier French raider who made a winning start to her career in a 5f contest at Longchamp last month, scoring by a length from previous winners Quintalina and Irish Cat, so clearly a useful sort, but form hard to equate and this looks a lot tougher. 4. CROWN (b f Royal Applause - Bolivia) Form: 5711 Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: Julie Wood Jockey: Richard Hughes She was slightly disappointing on her first two outings at Bath and Newmarket (favourite) but came good when landing a 5f maiden at Windsor from impressive subsequent winner Tawwaab, who drifted under pressure allowing her to score by a length, though it would have been closer had he stayed on a true line. However, she confirmed she was progressive when showing good speed to see of Red Avalanche in a 5f novices' event at Windsor last time, coming from last to stay on strongly and win going away. However, this demands much more and, while she has looked progressive, looks nothing out of the ordinary and others look open to more improvement than her. 5. DON'T TELL MARY (b f Starcraft - Only In Dreams) Form: 11 Trainer: Tom Dascombe Owner: Keith Trowbridge Jockey: Richard Kingscote Very highly spoken of by connections and didn't disappoint when making a winning debut in just an ordinary maiden at Bath when scoring by 3¼ lengths from Toga Tiger, who had the benefit of experience. However, she stepped up on that when being held up and coming with a strong challenge to dispute the lead before quickening away in impressive fashion to come 4 lengths clear from The Hermitage. It was a striking performance, but the form already looks pretty modest and probably needs more to emulate 2003 winner Attraction who took a similar route to her. 6. GRAND ZAFEEN (ch f Zafeen - Majestic Desert) Form: 12 Trainer: Mick Channon Owner: Jaber Abdullah Jockey: Tony Culhane First foal of a smart and precocious mare for the yard and this filly, like her dam, made a winning debut in a 5f maiden at Pontefract when quickening well to score by half a length from Anjomarba. However, she was mugged close home last time when looking the likely winner of a four runner 5f conditions event at Goodwood, but Desert Auction snuck up the rail to stick his neck out and just get up close home. Obviously that needs improving on, but yard have won this three times in the past 11 years and it would be folly to dismiss her on the back of a defeat in a muddling event last time, though probably playing for places at best. 7. HIGH SPICE (b f Songandaprayer - Erin Moor) Form: 16 Trainer: Robert Cowell Owner: Khalifa Dasmal Jockey: Eddie Ahern It was probably more a case that she was the most forward of the field when making a winning debut against the colts in a 5f maiden at Newmarket on 1000 Guineas day when making all to score in good style from subsequent winners Radiohead and Izaaj. However, there was denying she was unlucky when missing the kick in the Listed National Stakes at Sandown, finding all the trouble going when attempting to get closer, making some headway before inevitably weakening. She was very unlucky not finish closer, but that was a weak contest anyway and needs to improve again. 8. ITWASONLYAKISS (b f Exceed And Excel - Reem One) Form: 52 Trainer: John Hills Owner: Gary and Linnet Woodward Jockey: Michael Hills She clearly had learnt plenty from her debut run at Windsor when just failing to reel back Above Limits in a 5f maiden at Sandown last time, coming with a sustained challenge throughout the final furlong but had the time to go past, and the fact she didn't suggests she won't be anyway near good enough to win this. 9. JEALOUS AGAIN (b f Trippi - Chi Sa) Form: 12 Trainer: Wesley Ward Owner: R Abrams, R Brewer, M Dutko, W Ward Jockey: John Velazquez She made a highly impressive winning debut when showing devastating early speed to land a Keenland 5f event in the US by 11 lengths: same tactics didn't come off when headed close home in a Grade 3 at Churchill Downs next time. Hard to know what she has achieved in comparison to her rivals, but obvious has plenty of early speed and the Windsor Castle showed that front runners are always sitting ducks, but likely this filly will be, just as she was last time back in the US; entitled to respect of the back of the yard's success on the opening day but doubtful she'll last home over this stiff 5f. 10. LADY OF THE DESERT (ch f Rahy - Queen's Logic) Form: 1 Trainer: Brian Meehan Owner: Jaber Abdullah Jockey: Martin Dwyer Certainly bred for the job, top class dam won this in 2001 before going on to be unbeaten throughout her career, and her daughter of Rahy looked a very nice sort when making a winning debut in just an average 5f fillies' maiden at Leicester last month, starting slowly but soon up with the pace before being brought with a challenge before quickening clear to score by 1¾ lengths, this despite edging left and running very green. The form of that race isn't working out too well, but she did it well, suggesting she was some way above her rivals that day, and it would be hugely disappointing if she could make a bold bid to emulate her dam's victory in this very race. Her potent turn of foot will take her far in the game. 11. LADY ROYAL OAK (b f Exceed And Excel - Enclave) Form: 3 Trainer: Marco Botti Owner: Gute Frendue Partnership Jockey: Ryan Moore Well-bred filly who made a promising start when finishing third behind White Daffodil in a 5f fillies' maiden at Nottingham earlier this month, attempting to make all and only being reeled in close home, the front two's experience the telling factor. She is likely to have learnt plenty, but this a massive hike in class, and though rookie trainer's decision to make such a dramatic step up in class is respected, especially with Ryan Moore booked, this looks a big ask. 12. MISHEER (b f Oasis Dream - All For Laura) Form: 11 Trainer: Clive Brittain Owner: Saeed Manana Jockey: Neil Callan Another well-bred filly who looked a smart prospect when showing plenty of speed to score by 8 lengths from Tiradito on her debut in a 5f maiden at Yarmouth; followed up with a game display in a 5f fillies' Listed contest at York, responding really well for pressure to prevail by a head from Aaslmeer (a winner since) but form of that race, as ever, pretty weak and notable that Don't Tell Mary had a few of them even further behind in the Hilary Needler, but trainer confident she is a better filly on faster ground and she did show a willing attitude. However, likely to be found wanting in the class department if this is an up to standard renewal and probably needs to improve again here. 13. ROSE BLOSSOM (b f Pastoral Pursuits - Lamarita) Form: 1 Trainer: Richard Fahey Owner: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing (Blossom) Jockey: Paul Hanagan This filly's trainer was very confident prior to her debut in a 5f auction maiden at Hamilton last month, showing plenty of speed to break the track record when scoring by 4½ lengths from Dazeen. Her trainer said afterwards that she was probably the best filly he has ever had, and she has since been bought privately by Highclere Thoroughbred, who will be hoping for better luck than they enjoyed with 2007 purchase Regal Step. She is clearly a very nice filly in the making, and the track record she broke had stood for more than three decades, so clearly well above average, but price looks pretty low, mostly because of the bullish comments from her trainer, the form of her debut win looking nothing special. However, whatever her price and the form of those in behind her on debut, she's obviously a very quick filly who could be very good; is entitled to plenty of respect. VERDICT: This year's renewal looks up to scratch with plenty of this held in the highest regard, none more so than Hilary Needler winner Don't Tell Mary, but the form of her latest win doesn't look anything out of the ordinary, meaning Misheer is another who needs to improve again, given she beat a few of the same fillies when winning a Listed Race at York. Rose Blossom is held in the highest regard by connections and broke the 37 year track record when blitzing her rivals at Hamilton, but this looks between Ceedwell and LADY OF THE DESERT (NAP), the marginal vote going to the latter who looked a very nice sort when overcoming greenness and a slow start to win going away in a Leicester maiden last month. Her dam won this in 2001 and her yard were successful in 2002 with Romantic Liason. Ceedwell is a very nice sort, but does have a tendency to take her time to warm up, something she will be made to pay for here, though it's doubtful anything will be finishing as strong as her in the closing stages. The Mark Johnston trained Capercaillie is another who should go well after winning a decent conditions event against colts at Musselburgh last time. Grand Zafeen looks a likely long shot if forgiven for her narrow defeat in a small field event at Goodwood last time. Selection: Lady Of The Desert Alternative: Ceedwell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshman443 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 4.55 QUEEN MARY STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (2-Y-O FILLIES) - 5f 1. CAPERCAILLIE (ch f Elusive Quality - Silent Eskimo) Form: 11 Trainer: Mark Johnston Owner: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Jockey: Frankie Dettori She is a very speedy filly who showed plenty of pace on her debut in a 5f maiden at Musselburgh, though had to hold off the late challenge of Exgray, and did so, scoring by a neck. She returned to Musselburgh last time for a decent 5f conditions event, a race which last year's subsequent Norfolk Stakes winner South Central won, and she put in a more polished performance, showing good pace up the stands rail, eventually leading inside the final furlong and staying on powerfully to score from easy maiden winner Reignier. She is very highly regarded by connections and has done very little wrong so far, this stiff 5f should also suit her very well, but not the best drawn and may already want 6f now. 2. CEEDWELL (ch f Exceed And Excel - Muja Farewell) Form: 11 Trainer: Bryan Smart Owner: Prime Equestrian Jockey: Tom Eaves This filly is very highly regarded by connections, trainer Bryan Smart remarking this could be the best filly he has ever trainer. That bold statement came after she made a winning debut in a 5f maiden at Carlisle, needing to be rousted along early to keep tabs, but she was soon back on and even keel, travelling well down the centre of the track; soon emerged out of the pack and quickened up well in the style of a smart sort, running out a comfortable enough winner from Mr Smithson. Her latest outing came in a novices' event at Catterick, for which she had to carry a penalty, and was again slow to warm to the task, needing to be cajoled along early to keep up with the pace, but once again was soon travelling easy at the halfway stage, taking it up passing the two furlong marker before showing an impressive turn of foot to scamper clear by 5 lengths. She clearly has a lot to do on the formbook, but she has looked in need of the experience so far, so it's testament to her natural ability that she remains unbeaten with two ultimately impressive victories to her name. The doubt with her here is that a sluggish start to a race would leave her on the back foot from the off as they are unlikely to be hanging around here, but it is a stiff test this 5f course here and that will suit her as she is sure to be staying on strongly when others are fading. Needs to improve on what she has achieved so far, but surely going to and a major player here from a good draw. 3. CHANTILLY CREME (b f Johannesburg - Creme De La Creme) Form: 1 Trainer: Robert Gibson Owner: L B Robbins Jockey: Stephane Pasquier French raider who made a winning start to her career in a 5f contest at Longchamp last month, scoring by a length from previous winners Quintalina and Irish Cat, so clearly a useful sort, but form hard to equate and this looks a lot tougher. 4. CROWN (b f Royal Applause - Bolivia) Form: 5711 Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: Julie Wood Jockey: Richard Hughes She was slightly disappointing on her first two outings at Bath and Newmarket (favourite) but came good when landing a 5f maiden at Windsor from impressive subsequent winner Tawwaab, who drifted under pressure allowing her to score by a length, though it would have been closer had he stayed on a true line. However, she confirmed she was progressive when showing good speed to see of Red Avalanche in a 5f novices' event at Windsor last time, coming from last to stay on strongly and win going away. However, this demands much more and, while she has looked progressive, looks nothing out of the ordinary and others look open to more improvement than her. 5. DON'T TELL MARY (b f Starcraft - Only In Dreams) Form: 11 Trainer: Tom Dascombe Owner: Keith Trowbridge Jockey: Richard Kingscote Very highly spoken of by connections and didn't disappoint when making a winning debut in just an ordinary maiden at Bath when scoring by 3¼ lengths from Toga Tiger, who had the benefit of experience. However, she stepped up on that when being held up and coming with a strong challenge to dispute the lead before quickening away in impressive fashion to come 4 lengths clear from The Hermitage. It was a striking performance, but the form already looks pretty modest and probably needs more to emulate 2003 winner Attraction who took a similar route to her. 6. GRAND ZAFEEN (ch f Zafeen - Majestic Desert) Form: 12 Trainer: Mick Channon Owner: Jaber Abdullah Jockey: Tony Culhane First foal of a smart and precocious mare for the yard and this filly, like her dam, made a winning debut in a 5f maiden at Pontefract when quickening well to score by half a length from Anjomarba. However, she was mugged close home last time when looking the likely winner of a four runner 5f conditions event at Goodwood, but Desert Auction snuck up the rail to stick his neck out and just get up close home. Obviously that needs improving on, but yard have won this three times in the past 11 years and it would be folly to dismiss her on the back of a defeat in a muddling event last time, though probably playing for places at best. 7. HIGH SPICE (b f Songandaprayer - Erin Moor) Form: 16 Trainer: Robert Cowell Owner: Khalifa Dasmal Jockey: Eddie Ahern It was probably more a case that she was the most forward of the field when making a winning debut against the colts in a 5f maiden at Newmarket on 1000 Guineas day when making all to score in good style from subsequent winners Radiohead and Izaaj. However, there was denying she was unlucky when missing the kick in the Listed National Stakes at Sandown, finding all the trouble going when attempting to get closer, making some headway before inevitably weakening. She was very unlucky not finish closer, but that was a weak contest anyway and needs to improve again. 8. ITWASONLYAKISS (b f Exceed And Excel - Reem One) Form: 52 Trainer: John Hills Owner: Gary and Linnet Woodward Jockey: Michael Hills She clearly had learnt plenty from her debut run at Windsor when just failing to reel back Above Limits in a 5f maiden at Sandown last time, coming with a sustained challenge throughout the final furlong but had the time to go past, and the fact she didn't suggests she won't be anyway near good enough to win this. 9. JEALOUS AGAIN (b f Trippi - Chi Sa) Form: 12 Trainer: Wesley Ward Owner: R Abrams, R Brewer, M Dutko, W Ward Jockey: John Velazquez She made a highly impressive winning debut when showing devastating early speed to land a Keenland 5f event in the US by 11 lengths: same tactics didn't come off when headed close home in a Grade 3 at Churchill Downs next time. Hard to know what she has achieved in comparison to her rivals, but obvious has plenty of early speed and the Windsor Castle showed that front runners are always sitting ducks, but likely this filly will be, just as she was last time back in the US; entitled to respect of the back of the yard's success on the opening day but doubtful she'll last home over this stiff 5f. 10. LADY OF THE DESERT (ch f Rahy - Queen's Logic) Form: 1 Trainer: Brian Meehan Owner: Jaber Abdullah Jockey: Martin Dwyer Certainly bred for the job, top class dam won this in 2001 before going on to be unbeaten throughout her career, and her daughter of Rahy looked a very nice sort when making a winning debut in just an average 5f fillies' maiden at Leicester last month, starting slowly but soon up with the pace before being brought with a challenge before quickening clear to score by 1¾ lengths, this despite edging left and running very green. The form of that race isn't working out too well, but she did it well, suggesting she was some way above her rivals that day, and it would be hugely disappointing if she could make a bold bid to emulate her dam's victory in this very race. Her potent turn of foot will take her far in the game. 11. LADY ROYAL OAK (b f Exceed And Excel - Enclave) Form: 3 Trainer: Marco Botti Owner: Gute Frendue Partnership Jockey: Ryan Moore Well-bred filly who made a promising start when finishing third behind White Daffodil in a 5f fillies' maiden at Nottingham earlier this month, attempting to make all and only being reeled in close home, the front two's experience the telling factor. She is likely to have learnt plenty, but this a massive hike in class, and though rookie trainer's decision to make such a dramatic step up in class is respected, especially with Ryan Moore booked, this looks a big ask. 12. MISHEER (b f Oasis Dream - All For Laura) Form: 11 Trainer: Clive Brittain Owner: Saeed Manana Jockey: Neil Callan Another well-bred filly who looked a smart prospect when showing plenty of speed to score by 8 lengths from Tiradito on her debut in a 5f maiden at Yarmouth; followed up with a game display in a 5f fillies' Listed contest at York, responding really well for pressure to prevail by a head from Aaslmeer (a winner since) but form of that race, as ever, pretty weak and notable that Don't Tell Mary had a few of them even further behind in the Hilary Needler, but trainer confident she is a better filly on faster ground and she did show a willing attitude. However, likely to be found wanting in the class department if this is an up to standard renewal and probably needs to improve again here. 13. ROSE BLOSSOM (b f Pastoral Pursuits - Lamarita) Form: 1 Trainer: Richard Fahey Owner: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing (Blossom) Jockey: Paul Hanagan This filly's trainer was very confident prior to her debut in a 5f auction maiden at Hamilton last month, showing plenty of speed to break the track record when scoring by 4½ lengths from Dazeen. Her trainer said afterwards that she was probably the best filly he has ever had, and she has since been bought privately by Highclere Thoroughbred, who will be hoping for better luck than they enjoyed with 2007 purchase Regal Step. She is clearly a very nice filly in the making, and the track record she broke had stood for more than three decades, so clearly well above average, but price looks pretty low, mostly because of the bullish comments from her trainer, the form of her debut win looking nothing special. However, whatever her price and the form of those in behind her on debut, she's obviously a very quick filly who could be very good; is entitled to plenty of respect. VERDICT: This year's renewal looks up to scratch with plenty of this held in the highest regard, none more so than Hilary Needler winner Don't Tell Mary, but the form of her latest win doesn't look anything out of the ordinary, meaning Misheer is another who needs to improve again, given she beat a few of the same fillies when winning a Listed Race at York. Rose Blossom is held in the highest regard by connections and broke the 37 year track record when blitzing her rivals at Hamilton, but this looks between Ceedwell and LADY OF THE DESERT (NAP), the marginal vote going to the latter who looked a very nice sort when overcoming greenness and a slow start to win going away in a Leicester maiden last month. Her dam won this in 2001 and her yard were successful in 2002 with Romantic Liason. Ceedwell is a very nice sort, but does have a tendency to take her time to warm up, something she will be made to pay for here, though it's doubtful anything will be finishing as strong as her in the closing stages. The Mark Johnston trained Capercaillie is another who should go well after winning a decent conditions event against colts at Musselburgh last time. Grand Zafeen looks a likely long shot if forgiven for her narrow defeat in a small field event at Goodwood last time. Selection: Lady Of The Desert Alternative: Ceedwell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshman443 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 5.30 SANDRINGHAM HANDICAP (CLASS 1) (LISTED RACE) (3-Y-O) (0-110) - 1m A tough finale and certainly not an easy getting out stakes for punters. Photographic has looked a useful sort so far for the Barry Hills yard, making a winning debut at Kempton before making a winning start in handicaps with a game victory in a 1m contest at Newmarket, travelling strongly and quickening well to score by half a length from the fast finishing Shampagne. Didn't seem to appreciate the step back to 7f when sharing second behind Brief Encounter in a good handicap at York and should be better suited by the step back up to this trip, especially back against her own sex. The Michael Bell trained Moneycantbuymelove comes here off the back of a convincing win in the 10f Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood, travelling well and coming with a strong challenge down the outside to overhaul Fallen In Love close home and score by 1½ lengths. She had shown good form at a similar level prior to that, but the big concern here would be the step back down in trip given she was doing all her best work at the finish last time; yard won this with Red Evie in 2006. Moonlife was a smart juvenile last season, placing in the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket behind Souter's Sister, but couldn't cope with the step up to Group 2 company when a one paced fifth in the Rockfel Stakes next time. Some questioned her attitude when carrying her head high under pressure and looking less than willing when second behind Nashmiah, though also fair to say she had an interrupted passage also; should have come on for that run, though, and rates a live contender, though attitude perhaps a slight concern. Golden Stream looked a nice filly in the making when getting off the mark at the first time of asking in a 7f fillies' maiden at Newmarket (July) last August, travelling well and also showing a good turn of foot to score by a length from Uvinza. However, she disappointed when upped in class significantly when fifth in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile here next time, weakening tamely after holding a prominent position turning in; didn't offer much encouragement on her comeback run last month in the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket, finishing sixth and again finding little for pressure, though was eased when beaten. She is now tried in headgear and plenty to prove now. Damaniyat Girl looks a filly open to plenty of progress, the daughter of Elusive Quality unfortunate not to make a winning debut when racing on the 'wrong side' of the track in a 6f maiden at Haydock; atoned for that when easily accounting for her rivals in a 6f maiden at Kempton next time, only having to be shaken up to assert with ease. Interesting that William Haggas deemed her good enough to start off in the Nell Gwyn this season, and she found only the smart Fantasia too good for her that day, running well in second and finishing nicely clear of the rest. She was slightly disappointing against older horses last time at Lingfield at Listed level, though went out pretty fast and left herself little to finish with; should stay this extra furlong, and clearly a useful filly on her day, but a mark of 100 does look steep, and that could be enough to stop her from winning here. Lahan's half sister Wajaha was well-touted prior to her debut run in a 7f maiden at Newmarket last October, but ran green and finished fourth behind Ra Junior; coasted home at her leisure next time in a far easier race at Great Leighs next time over 1m. She made an impressive winning reappearance back on polytrack, this time in a 1m handicap at Kempton when quickening really well to put the race to bed in a matter of strides and was eased down close home. No surprise to see her promptly upped into pattern company, going for the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket, a race her half sister, Lahan, won before winning the 1000 Guineas; however, she came nowhere near to emulating her, weakening once the tempo increased, although also fair to say it was the first time she had been asked to race proper. She may well still be learning, and this represents a big drop in class, and, off fair looking mark of 93 and on ideal ground, she should go well here. Of some of the others, Rose Diamond looks to build on her third placing here last time behind Apple Charlotte, Say No Now is entlted to get closer to Moneycantbuymelove, whom she finished third behind over 10f at Goodwood, not looking to stay; Good Again returns here after finishing fouth in a valuable handicap at Haydock last time behind Desert Creek having won a fillies and mares handicap over course and distance the time before, the Brian Meehan trained Arabian Mirage looks to build on her fourth placing in the Nell Gwyn in April, though hasn't been seen since, but the step up to a mle should suit her, while the Hughie Morrison trained King's Starlet isn't one to give up on just yet, the daughter of King's Best building on the promise shown at two to land a 1m at Kempton on her reappearance, displaying an impressive turn of foot to win going away from Flora Trevelyan. The rain that fell prior to the Oaks trial she ran in at Newbury last time wouldn't have suited and, now back over a mile on better ground, could go well at a price despite running from out of the handicap. VERDICT: An open race with plenty of possibilities. Photographic looks sure to be suited by this return to a mile, looking a useful sort when winning a 1m handicap at Newmarket last month. Moneycantbuymelove looked to improve for the step up to 10f last time and, although she shouldn't have many problems with the step back to 1m, does have to prove she is as effective over this shorter trip. However, WAJAHA looks worth another chance to build on her impressive handicap win on the all weather in April at Kempton when clearing away to score with any amount in hand. She was possibly asked too much too soon in the Nell Gwyn last time, and should still be improving after just four outings. Others to consider include Say No Now, third behind Moneycantbuymelove after appearing not to stay the 10f trip at Goodwood, King's Starlet, another who should be suited by the step back in trip as well as the quicker ground, and Damamiyat Girl, though her mark of 100 looks fairly excessive for what she has actually achieved though is open to improvement still. Selection: Wajaha Alternative: Photographic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattmcandrew Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 4:20 Getting on Huzzah in the Hunt Cup. He's always thereabouts in these heritage handicaps and from stall 5 I think he's got a blinding chance. He runs well fresh and he really ran a cracker in the Lincoln (second in the stand side group of 7, half a length behind Mia's Boy). He is 3lbs better off with Mia's Boy today and is arguably better drawn than he was at Doncaster. Ground seems ideal today and his last effort is best ignored even though it wasn't too bad in the circumstances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris34 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 3.05 Lush lashes was far from disgraced in her seasonal reappearance given the awful conditions, todays should suit far more better! She is at home over 8f and everything is set right for her today. Also like the look of Eva request having landed to valuable races at epsom and goodwood and although she might enjoy a stiffer test but has won here before over 8f any cut in ground would suit! 3pt win Lush Lashes (13/8 BOG hills) 0.5pt e/w Eva's request (9/1 paddy BOG) 3.45 Tartan bearer looks to have reginited himself after a 10month break and looks to swamp home ground on his side aswell. Biggest threat i feel comes from never on sunday a real progressive sort having won some very valuable races in france may prefer a bit more of a cut in the ground though 2pt win Tartan Bearer (7/4 hills BOG) 1pt Win never on sunday (4/1 hills BOG) 4.20 Tough looking handicap with a big field not my typical race, ive had a quick scan and i shall have a small dabble! Dunn'o recently beat axiom by 1/2 length both in good form and dunn'o does shoulder a 5lb penalty for that success both have solid place claims perhaps a bit more cut in ground would suit better, Forgotten voice has a perfect draw from stall 1 but does have to carry a 11lb rise handicap after recent victory concern is her 3 runs/victories to date do come on the allweather Murtagh rides. Other one of interest is roaring forte shoulders a 6lb rise in handicap for recent success at newmarket over 7f but does have good form over 1m on the all weather not ideal draw. 1pt Win Forgotten Voice (9/2 BOG hills) 0.5pt e/w Axiom (16/1 BOG hills) 0.5pt e/w Dunn'o (18 BOG hills) 0.5pt e/w Roaring Forte (8/1 BOG hils) 4.55 Another race i would usually avoid unless at ascot lol Rose blossom looked amazing when running on strongly at hamilton in her only start the other one like the look of is Jealous again from america you dont travel horses about without a little bit of hope having run to 2 good races at Keeneland is a front runner and will likely to try and make all but this is her first turf turnout which is interesting! 1pt win Rose blossom (4/1 Stanjames BOG) 0.5pt e/w Jealous again (10/1 BOG hills) 5.30 Have a note in my notebook for a horse in this race and that is Good again (would have won lto with a decent jockey on board sorry really dont rate seb sanders) please to see Eddie back on today and this horse just seems to keep improvement and I expect more again today always runs a good race here! Also like the look of Moneycantbuymelove worry is the shorter trip with a horse that looks to need spencers hold up tactics big field is he gonna get the gaps when he needs them and will spencer get it right??!! No penalty for recent win on fast ground at goodwood over 1m2f. Another that caught my eye is moonlife ok we know theyre not in form but surely theyve gotta have one winner could this be it?? Was 5th in a group 2 race and 2nd in group 3 race and 2nd recently in a listed event at york on good/soft ground first try at handicap in at a reasonable mark could go with interest! 0.5pt e/w Good again (8/1 hills BOG) 0.5pt e/w moneycantbuymelove (13/2 BOG hills) 0.5pt e/w Moonlife (10/1 bog hills) Good luck everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowgli77 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 3.45 Ascot 1m2f Gp 1 Gd-Fm The previous winners of this race read like a who's who of top class horses with horses like Azamour, Manduro, Ouija Board, Dubai Millenium and Fantastic Light having taken this race. Tartan Bearer could follow in their footsteps today and has some top class form already. It has never been out of the first 3, won the 2008 Dante (beating Frozen Fire and Twice Over), was 2nd in the 2008 Derby (form there with Frozen Fire, Casual Conquest and New Approach) and was then 3rd in the Irish Derby when it looked to be the winner and was carried across the track by Alessandra Volta (form again with Frozen Fire and Casual Conquest). It won a Group 3 on this years seasonal debut, just getting up to deny Pipedreamer but it is well known that Stoute does well with older horses and Ask has highlighted that already this year. Ryan Moore has been on board every time except its maiden win and knows the horses capabilities and how best to ride it. It has won on gd-sft, gd and gd-fm so there are no excuses there today. Never On Sunday seems to be progressing well and finally won a Group 1 race in France over 9f last time out but before that was beaten by around 5 lengths by the Godolphin horse Trincot and that one is around 16-1 today. Trincot followed up with a 2nd in an Italian Group 1 since and looks a big price but it is hard to be fully confident after Godolphins poor show yesterday, especially in the first race. Twice Over could still be open to some improvement and looks a decent ew bet at around 10-1 but I can't see it winning so might be worth a place only bet on the exchanges. Virtual is now a Group 1 winner but possibly needs softer ground than this and is also progressive. Vision D'Etat looks to be a real danger and is a Group 1 and Group 2 winner but has only ever raced on ground described as good or softer. It was 5th in the Arc and that form was boosted by fine performances recently by Youmzain and Ask. The usual jockey does not ride today and O Peslier takes over in the saddle. It has also just been announced that Vision D'Etat normally wears a tongue strap but won't be wearing one today as it has not been declared in one, there could have been a very costly mix up here. All the money seems to be for Tartan Bearer and it should be spot on for this race, which it can take on the road to more Group success this season. Trincot seems a big price despite the stables poor form and has already beaten Vision D'Etat and might be worth ew or place money. Suggested Bets: 20pts WIN - Tartan Bearer 7/4 >Bet365 BOG 2.5pts EW Trincot 16/1 >Bet365 BOG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hackett01 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June PLacepot gone (*)(*)s up at the first call .... Gallagher / Infiraad Lush Lashes / Heaven Sent Never on Sunday / Vision D'ets Roaringforte / Soccerjaclpot Capercaillie / Rose Blossom Moonlife / Moneycantbuylove Oh well back to the £ placepot tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jug Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June dont know what happened to Infiraad, was travelling well then just faded away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonesy Knows Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June I think something was wrong with Infiraad the way it trailed in last. Just my luck the other one Hills deserts goes and wins it! 12th in the 2,000 Guineas Ouqba and taking a big drop in class here today and wins nicely! Can't believe I didn't see this on the quotes section of the RP for this horse: 15Apr09 Newmarket (7GF ,RPR112) I don't know quite where he will go but he is in the French 2,000. He is not in the English 2,000 but the Jersey Stakes would be a race that springs to mind as one that would suit him well. He had a good temperament. He is very laid back and does it well. - Barry Hills, trainer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipster5000 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June 3.45 PRINCE OF WALES'S STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (4-Y-O+) - 1m 2f 1. ESTEJO (5 b h Johan Cryuff - Este) Form: 61510-6 Trainer: R Rhone Owner: Giovanni Martone Jockey: Daniele Porcu German raider who likes to front run and won a Group 1 over 10f in his Italy, where he does most of his racing, last autumn; attempted to make all but beat just fresh air home when last in the Hong Kong Cup subsequently. He was down the field for his reappearance run and looks out of his depth here. 2. NEVER ON SUNDAY (4 gr c Sunday Break - Hexane) Form: 2111-51 Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget Owner: D-Y Treves Jockey: Christophe Lemaire A smart horse on his day, steadily improving last season over this trip, beating fellow compatriot Russian Cross by 5 lengths in a mile contest at Chantilly before seeing off in game style in a Group 3 over at Longchamp in September, which had followed on from a Listed win at Chantilly. He looked in need of his reappearance run when fifth behind Trincot in the Group 1 Prix d'Harcourt, staying on well from off the pace, doing all his best work at the finish; certainly came on a lot for that, landing the Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan last time, showing a good change of pace to seal matters in good fashion to score by a length from Gris de Gris, though favourite Goldikova ran well below her best. This looks a tougher contest, and quite possible he wants slower ground than he's likely to get here, so probably playing for places at best here. However, his trainer, fresh from success on Sunday in the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) with the potentially top class Stacelita, is in incredible form, and it's hard to ignore anything coming from that yard at present. 3. TARTAN BEARER (4 ch c Spectrum - Highland Gift) Form: 2/1123-1 Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Ballymacoll Stud Jockey: Ryan Moore Bred to be smart, being a full brother to King George winner and Derby runner up Golan; built on gritty maiden win at Leicester to rally gamely and out battle Frozen Fire to land the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York, setting him up for a crack at the Derby. He was held up towards the rear at Epsom but made eyecatching headway down the centre of the track to sweep past Casual Conquest into the lead, but, as he did so, New Approach was charging down the inside to take it up and hold on well from the rallying Tartan Bearer. It was a tremendous run considering his relative inexperience, and he was well fancied to atone for his defeat in the Irish version; however, things didn't really go his way, getting a hefty bump from the errant Alessandro Volta, allowing Frozen Fire to sweep by and score, while he finished fourth, though was promoted to third, replacing Alessandro Volta. He was off for the rest of the season after that, making his reappearance in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown in April, winning in gutsy fashion after being made to work hard, also looking less than 100% wound up. He had to battle to see off Pipedreamer who, for all is a questionable stayer over10f is a smart horse, but showed a great attitude to battle on up the hill that day and score by a head. He is obviously going to have improved for the outing - his work at home said to be very good - and he has superb battling qualities, along with a touch of class, and that's just what you need in a good horse. A false gallop may well find him out, but yard adept at improving their older horses no end and it would something of a surprise if this colt wasn't involved at the business end of the race. 4. TAZEEZ (5 b/br g Silver Hawk - Soiree Russe) Form: 1401-19 Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Jockey: Richard Hills Late maturing sort who looked nothing more than a useful handicapper in the making when landing a 10f handicap at Newmarket (July) last August, but soon proved to be just a bit better than that when pulling clear with Nanton before staying on best in a dual to take the Cambridgeshire Handicap by a length. He isn't up to the class of stablemate Pipedreamer, who took the event the previous year, but made a winning return this season when taking advantage of Twice Over's lack of fitness to land the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton at Newmarket back over the same course and distance he'd won the Cambridgeshire over. However, proved very disappointing last time when finishing last of nine in the Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan over in France at Longchamp, though testing conditions wouldn't have really suited him that day; however, clearly needs to improve plenty here and, although this is hardly a brilliant renewal of this race, it really would be a sad indictment on the rest of the field if he were good enough to prevail. 5. TRINCOT (4 b c Peintre Celebre - Royal Lights) Form: 310-812 Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor Owner: Godolphin Jockey: Frankie Dettori He was formerly trained by Phillipe Demercastel as recently as last month. proving a progressive sort; won a Group 3 at Chantilly before running well enough back in seventh behind Vision D'Etat in the French Derby next time. He came good to land the Group 2 Prix Dollar at Longchamp a couple of outings later, staying on well to hold off the strong challenge of Loup Breton, holding off his advances by a head. The son of Peintre Celebre never figured in the Hong Kong Cup, nor in his reappearance run when finishing down the field in the Group 3 Prix Exbury; showed the benefit for the outing when showing an impressive turn of foot to score by 3 lengths from The Bogberry in the Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt. After that taking performance, Godolphin quickly moved in to make him one of their many buys in recent times; ran just a fair race last time on his debut for them, running on into second behind in an Group 2 over in Italy last time, form that leaves him well short here, although on the form of his Prix Dollar victory would look an interesting contender. 6. TWICE OVER (4 b c Observatory - Double Crossed) Form: 3172-33 Trainer: Henry Cecil Owner: Khalid Abdulla Jockey: Tom Queally A much hyped colt over the winter of 2007/08 after two runs and two wins at Newmarket in maiden and Listed company meant he was in demand for both classics, his reappearance run doing nothing to quell the storm of support when gamely seeing off Raven's Pass to land the Craven Stakes at Newmarket. However, he bypassed a tilt at the 2000 Guineas to go down the Derby route (trainer always believed he he needs 10f+ to be at his best) but proved slightly disappointing when a one paced third behind Tartan Bearer and Frozen Fire, though time has shown that there was little disgrace in the reverse he suffered that day. He was dropped back to a mile for the St James's Palace at this meeting 12 months ago, finishing third behind top class pair Henrythenavigator and Raven's Pass, but finally got the win he deserved when staying on well to win the Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam at Maisons-Lafitte from fellow raider City Leader. However, he endured a nightmare passage in a Group 2 at Deauville next time before rounding off his campaign chasing home the top class New Approach in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket, going down by 6 lengths, but was staying on all the way to the line. He ran below par in the Earl Of Sefton on his reappearance, still on the bit approaching the two furlong marker before emptying at an alarming rate to finish third behind Tazeez; stepped up considerably on that when just losing out in a three way dual to the line with the re-opposing Virtual and the since disappointing Alexandros. His trainer has always believed this is his trip, but there is no denying the fact he has had three attempts at this level and has never looked like winning any of them, even last time when officially being beaten just half a length; trip and ground should be fine, but likely to find a couple too good once more. 7. VIRTUAL (4 b c Pivotal - Virtuous) Form: 0111-31 Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Jockey: Jimmy Fortune This colt has done nothing but improve since disappointing on fast ground in the Britannia Handicap 12 months ago at this meeting, the fast ground to blame for the below par effort. He reappeared a few months later to land a decent 1m handicap at Doncaster, but stepped up on that effort when overcoming all sorts of traffic problems to run on close home and outpoint Lady Deauville to score by a cheeky neck in a 9f Listed Race over at Maisons-Laffitte in testing conditions. His final outing came in the Group 3 Joel Stakes when again relishing the soft conditions run on well from off the pace and see off the useful enough General Elliot by a half length. He made his reappearance in the Sandown Mile in April, finishing third behind subsequent Queen Anne winner Paco Boy, racing prominent for most of the way but seemingly unsuited by the quicker conditions, weakening in the closing stages too. However, he bounced back in great style to land the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury next time, though the testing ground obviously played its part; he made his challenge towards the centre of the track, gamely responding to pressure to see of Alexandros by a nose. It was a tremendously brave performance, but, it is becoming increasingly clear that he is in need of considerable ease in the ground to be seen at his best, something he looks unlikely to get here; step up to 10f also a worry and will do well to make it back-to-back wins at the top level, though trainer seemed pretty confident of his ability to cope with this step in trip after the Lockinge. 8. VISION D''ETAT (4 b c Chichicastenango - Uberaba) Form: 1115-31 Trainer: Eric Libaud Owner: Jacques Detre Jockey: Olivier Peslier He was unbeaten in four starts when winning the French Derby last June, taking up with just over a furlong to run and holding off the late challenge of Famous Name to score by a neck. He followed that up with victory in the Prix Niel, a recognized Arc trial, which he won by a nose from Ideal World, responding well for pressure to lead right on the line; fair to say he probably wasn't at full tilt that day after a mid-season break and with other targets in mind. His next outing came in the big race itself - the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe; he was held up in behind the pace and looked to be coming with a good challenge at one point before being slightly hampered and faded thereafter to finish fifth behind the brilliant Zarkava. He didn't exactly show a huge amount of encouragement on his reappearance when finishing third behind Trincot in the Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt, but looked back to something like his best when landing an admittedly sub-standard renewal of the Prix Ganay at Longchamp, overcoming trouble in running and being interfered with by a rival to quicken up smartly and come charging home to score by ¾ length from Loup Breton. He is a very smart colt on his day, and he had plenty more left to give last time, seeming to pull up and idle once hitting the front, but the turn of foot he showed that day marked him down as a top class colt to be reckoned with; this his first taste of action outside of France, but this looks one of the more winnable Prince Of Wales's to be run and it would be hugely disappointing not to see him involved. He, like Tartan Bearer, would probably appreciate a strong gallop here, but it could well be that the French challengers turn of foot will be the deciding factor. VERDICT: A decent enough renewal, though it lacks strength in depth. Virtual comes here in the form of his life after holding on well to win the Lockinge Stakes last time, but worries over the ground and trip means he is likely to be found out here. Tartan Bearer is a warm order to give Sir Michael Stoute his first win in the race since Stagecraft in 1991, and the flashy chestnut certainly found plenty to see off Pipedreamer at Sandown last time. However, he will need a truly run race to be seen at his best, something that could be said of VISION D'ETAT too, and it could well be that last year's French Derby winner possesses a more the more potent turn of foot. Eric Libaud's four-year old had plenty left in the tank when winning the Prix Ganay at Longchamp last time and he looks the one to beat here if the pace is strong; also better value of the two. Twice Over has, based on the evidence so far, looked just shy of top class, though ran a fair race in the Lockinge last time, and his trainer is adamant this trip is what he needs to be seen at his very best. Never On Sunday hails from a yard, that of Jean-Claude Rouget, who can do no wrong at the moment in top events, though his form needs improving upon and he would also like to see plenty of rainfall between now and post time. Selection: Vision D'Etat Alternative: Tartan Bearer Nice one mate :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowgli77 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Re: Royal Ascot Weds 17th June Capercaillie/Misheer 4.55 Ascot I saw Misheer first hand at York and thought it did well on ground that was probably softer than ideal. Little Scotland was 3rd in that race and finished 4th yesterday here at Royal Ascot in the Windsor Castle Stakes. I backed Dispol Keasha in that race and followed it again when it was totally outclassed by the impressive Capercaillie at Musselburgh. Mark Johnstone feels this is his best 2 year old for a while and best chance of a Royal Ascot winner, the Musselburgh race was quicker than standard and the horse remains unbeaten so far. Misheer turned over the odds on Thomas Baines that led to much criticism of Jamie Spencer but this horse can't be underestimated, performed well on ground softer than ideal and will be better now for that run and is a listed winner. Suggested Bets: 5pts EW Capercaillie 6-1 5pts EW Misheer 12-1 1pt Rev F/C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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