Ascot Aftermath

[billy the punter]

Ascot Aftermath Forget Yeats, Ghanaati and Canford Cliffs. Impressive as they were they're unlikely to represent value next time out, and I doubt they will make us rich from now to season end. What about the less obvious promising performances in behind? Below are a few horses who ran better than the formlines suggest. Hopefully these will gain compensation in the near future and due to the fact that the majority (odds compilers included) often get race reading wrong, these are likely to be over priced when next seen. Xtension (Coventry) Plenty of good late work, passed all but one of the field to finish 2nd. Rakaan (Coventry) Although his formlines suggest he is consistent (223), he is actually improving with every run. Slaughtered his Goodwood conqueror (Fremont) here. Always Bold (Ascot Handicap) Did well to finish 8th after losing his position badly inside the final mile. In good heart over hurdles recently and remains of interest on either code. Gallagher (Jersey) Ran a blinder to finish 4th on his first start in over 8 months, and even threatened at the one pole. A quality horse and a decent prize is on the horizon if placed accordingly. Lovelace (Hunt Cup) Those on the far side held little chance and it was a great performance to finish 1st of that group (9th overall) after an unclear passage. Is in fine form this season and well treated - only 2lb higher than when unlucky in the Bunbury last year. Crown (Queen Mary) Taken off her feet early but showed good speed to cut trough plenty of the field mid-race. Tawaabb (Norfolk) Travelled well despite seeing plenty of daylight. Progressing nicely. Nosedive (Norfolk) One of the most inexperienced in the field and it showed. Got behind early and found plenty of trouble. Flew when in the clear to finish 4th. Diamond Johnny G (Norfolk) Like Nosedive had just the one run under his belt prior to this (2nd in Lingfield maiden). Again he shaped with promise, finishing his race well in 6th place. Highland Glen (King George V) There were many ill-judged Ryan Moore rides to choose from last week but this ranks highly. Ran on well into 6th place after given too much to do. Brunston (King George V) Did well to finish 9th considering how keen he was early on. Native Ruler (King Edward VII) Did best of those who travelled up with the lightning quick gallop. Still bang there until the final furlong before unsurprisingly weakening into 7th. Rainbow View (Coronation) 2nd best horse on the day for me and this was a most encouraging run. Redford (Buckingham Palace) Travelled better than most before finishing 3rd. This was his best effort on fast going and it proves his well being. Surprised the handicapper still has him as a sub-100 horse and looks sure to find a big prize when the juice is in the ground. Multheeb (Buckingham Palace) By far the most inexperienced in the line-up and that may have been his undoing. Carried left inside the last but kept on well for 4th place. A decent effort against these battle-hardy types and, as mentioned previously on this blog, is a nice prospect. Markab (Wokingham) Like many 7f horses before him, Markab ran a blinder in the Wokingham. Arguably unlucky in 4th as for the first time this week the near side rail was not the place to be. The far side ground when said to be quicker, fuelling watering rumours, and all the other pace horses were drawn, or switched to, the far side. As a result Markab raced alone for the entire race but looked the winner until the far side gained the upper hand late on. Crackentorp (Duke of Edinburgh) Suffered a bruised foot two days before the race and despite connections stating he had recovered I have my doubts. He is much better than he showed on Saturday. Newmarket, Goodwood, York........here we come!

[billy the punter]

Re: Ascot Aftermath Agree or disagree with any? Or anyone got any others for discussion/inclusion?