We've made it to the final day of #RoyalAscot2014, once again Hello & welcome to my last blog for the week, I hope your week's been profitable & thoroughly enjoyable.
I am a fan of the Chesham Stakes as a race as the more backward type of 2yo's who can hopefully go on to stay further as an older horse appeal to me. Berkshire did what I thought he was capable of in last year's renewal & unfortunately due to an acute case of colic has been unable to run since his disappointment in The Greenham, one hopes he makes a full recovery so we can see him back on the track next year.
Caprior Bere is by a Japanese sire who I know little about other than that he never won despite decent runs in some good races, Caprior Bere made a decent debut over 6f at Redcar in what looked an ordinary race, doubtful that he is good enough.
Cordero is due to make his racecourse debut in this for American trainer Wesley Ward, owned by 'The Coolmore Lads' by Giant's Causeway X Half Queen (Dam was a maiden special weight winner in the US back in 1999, her own dam At The Half was a Grade 3 in 1993), will no doubt be fairly short but is hard to weigh up (One word of caution as reported via @DubaiRaceNight on Twitter that Cordero was highly strung when getting saddled & walking out onto the Rowley Mile doing work yesterday...which is a worry as there was no one around).
Follow this link to watch a video of Cordero, Crown The Kitten & Sunset Glow working on the Rowley Mile on Tuesday
Crown The Kitten will also take his chance for America's leading owners Ken & Sarah Ramsey. He has raced once already in the States finishing an extremely promising 2nd to another stablemate Sunset Glow (who runs on Friday) over a trip which would have far too sharp for this son of Champion US Turf horse Kitten's Joy, would be the one I would prefer out of the 2 Ward runners (Also again via @DubaiRaceNight Crown The Kitten was fully extended in his work yesterday).
Dick Whittington broke his maiden on his 3rd start after running into some useful types, only beaten a head on debut by Cappella Sansevero (since been 2nd in Coventry). This trip should suit well from a stable who has only had 1 winner in the last years considering the talent he has at his disposal.
Groor has work to do on his 2 down the field runs to date.
Franklin D is another to be making his racecourse debut, he should be fairly sharp for this as he was bought at the Breeze up sale back in April for £75,000 see his breeze via this link Franklin D. To me he looks a very well made & smart individual who really extends, could be a big player in this. Toscanini looks a real useful maiden after 2 decent runs, just behind Dick Whittington on debut when he showed a nice turn of foot to get involved before just getting tired. Stepped straight up into Listed company next out where he split Kool Kompany & War Envoy, the step up in trip should suit & he could be underestimated. Jaganory steps up to a trip that should suit well on pedigree after a useful win in just an ok time at Salisbury last time, will find 1 or 2 of these too classy for him. Justice Wall is not bred to have won over 6f on debut so it was impressive that he could, step up in trip should suit him & should be respected.
Follow this link to watch a video of Cordero, Crown The Kitten & Sunset Glow working on the Rowley Mile on Tuesday
Crown The Kitten will also take his chance for America's leading owners Ken & Sarah Ramsey. He has raced once already in the States finishing an extremely promising 2nd to another stablemate Sunset Glow (who runs on Friday) over a trip which would have far too sharp for this son of Champion US Turf horse Kitten's Joy, would be the one I would prefer out of the 2 Ward runners (Also again via @DubaiRaceNight Crown The Kitten was fully extended in his work yesterday).
Dick Whittington broke his maiden on his 3rd start after running into some useful types, only beaten a head on debut by Cappella Sansevero (since been 2nd in Coventry). This trip should suit well from a stable who has only had 1 winner in the last years considering the talent he has at his disposal.
Groor has work to do on his 2 down the field runs to date.
Franklin D is another to be making his racecourse debut, he should be fairly sharp for this as he was bought at the Breeze up sale back in April for £75,000 see his breeze via this link Franklin D. To me he looks a very well made & smart individual who really extends, could be a big player in this. Toscanini looks a real useful maiden after 2 decent runs, just behind Dick Whittington on debut when he showed a nice turn of foot to get involved before just getting tired. Stepped straight up into Listed company next out where he split Kool Kompany & War Envoy, the step up in trip should suit & he could be underestimated. Jaganory steps up to a trip that should suit well on pedigree after a useful win in just an ok time at Salisbury last time, will find 1 or 2 of these too classy for him. Justice Wall is not bred to have won over 6f on debut so it was impressive that he could, step up in trip should suit him & should be respected.
Marmalad made an encouraging debut in a race that has been working out well, he ran as well again next time in bottomless ground. The better ground here will suit but has work to do. Nafaqa is an unraced son of a handicap winner who was rated 90 at her best for William Haggas in 2008 & it will be interesting to see what kind of reputation she has. Richard Pankhurst was expected to make a winning debut at Newmarket at the end of May, he was outpaced for most of the race before gradually staying towards the finish, not a bad type out of a mare who was a maiden winner in 2010 & was rated 83 at her best.
Via Via stayed on to win on debut at Ripon before going to Sandown for the National Stakes over 5f, he never got into the race unsurprisingly & on pedigree this trip could suit well, could easily run a nice race. Juventas improved from his debut to win an ordinary maiden at Newmarket, doesn't look up to this on what he's shown so far.
Loretta Martin is another from the Channon stable who won a distinctly average Bath maiden over 5f, steps up a full 2f now & on the time she clocked does not look good enough.
Loretta Martin is another from the Channon stable who won a distinctly average Bath maiden over 5f, steps up a full 2f now & on the time she clocked does not look good enough.
Not a race I have a strong opinion in, Cordero & Crown The Kitten are extremely interesting runners especially at current odds.
The Duke Of Edinburgh for older horses over 1m4f, perhaps surprisingly the fast improving Arab Spring takes in another handicap under a welter burden of 9-10 after completing the hat trick in a similar handicap at York last time, he is not flashy but gets the job done. I had expected him to take the step up in The Hardwicke for his next race but Sir Michael sticks to the more competitive handicap, if he is to be a Group horse then he should still be competitive in this & I believe that he will be.
Groundbreaking is a lightly raced Godolphin 4yo, he made a mockery of his mark on his seasonal debut winning by 7 lengths, as a result he has been hit by the handicapper with a 13lb rise in the weights, as a big strong horse he should be able to cope but he will need to be Group class if he is to win & he faces a horse with an equally progressive profile in Arab Spring. Aussie Reigns is a very game horse but will struggle to win from a mark which rarely drops, should be in the first 6 as he is tough.
Dashing Star is the type who will go on improving the further he goes but for win purposes he is far too high in the weights.
Elidor won the 3yo handicap at this meeting last year, he is tough & pretty useful, ran well in a Listed race at Goodwood last time but may just be a few lbs too high to win again here. Viewpoint is paying for a good winter on the AW & prefers ground with juice in it. Blue Surf has been running consistently so far this season, he comes from a race at Epsom on Derby Day which has been a good prelude to this event, probably does not want rattling fast ground so if the watering that will likely happen over night takes the jar out of the ground he will have a decent chance.
Waidi Al Hattawi bolted up at York on his seasonal debut, he is up 11lbs in a better race but warrants respect as he could be much better than this grade similar to the top 2. Squire Osbaldeston has some quirks & looks to be in the handicappers grip at present.
Continuum is a horse who has been on my radar after 2 very useful runs in Listed company this season on ground that would not have been perfect for him, big horse who should be able to win from his mark especially with a talented claimer taking 3lbs from his back, definite outside chance. Havana Cooler was favourite to win The Melrose on his last start last season, he has not run since & returns still with potential although he is on quite a stiff mark. Lahaag has shown very little this season as a result he now on his last winning mark & was 5th in this race last season from a 3lb lower mark than he is now. Hamelin looked laboured on soft ground when he couldn't get to Godolphin's Al Saham, better ground here will suit & he should strip fitter from a nice draw.
Beacon Lady ran as well as could be expected in The Coronation Cup last time, she would have a chance if this was at Epsom or Brighton but has work to do in this top class handicap. Salutation has been out of form since winning the Roseberry earlier in the season, tough ask. Macbeth's best form has been on soft ground in Ireland, now with a new trainer he showed little on his first start for the stable.
Elhaame showed little on his return to action this season after pulling too hard, will be better for that & remains on the mark that he was a close 2nd behind Godolphin's improved Excellent Result in a course & distance handicap last season, player.
Estihaal was 3rd in the same handicap Elhaame was 2nd in last season, it was one of a few shining lights in a chequered campaign. He was most disappointing on his return to action this year as a result he is on a favourable mark but does need to improve.
One Pursuit has crept in at the bottom of the weights is an improved performer in the last year or so on soft ground, deserves a chance in this grade but will need a huge performance to get involved.
Groundbreaking is a lightly raced Godolphin 4yo, he made a mockery of his mark on his seasonal debut winning by 7 lengths, as a result he has been hit by the handicapper with a 13lb rise in the weights, as a big strong horse he should be able to cope but he will need to be Group class if he is to win & he faces a horse with an equally progressive profile in Arab Spring. Aussie Reigns is a very game horse but will struggle to win from a mark which rarely drops, should be in the first 6 as he is tough.
Dashing Star is the type who will go on improving the further he goes but for win purposes he is far too high in the weights.
Elidor won the 3yo handicap at this meeting last year, he is tough & pretty useful, ran well in a Listed race at Goodwood last time but may just be a few lbs too high to win again here. Viewpoint is paying for a good winter on the AW & prefers ground with juice in it. Blue Surf has been running consistently so far this season, he comes from a race at Epsom on Derby Day which has been a good prelude to this event, probably does not want rattling fast ground so if the watering that will likely happen over night takes the jar out of the ground he will have a decent chance.
Waidi Al Hattawi bolted up at York on his seasonal debut, he is up 11lbs in a better race but warrants respect as he could be much better than this grade similar to the top 2. Squire Osbaldeston has some quirks & looks to be in the handicappers grip at present.
Continuum is a horse who has been on my radar after 2 very useful runs in Listed company this season on ground that would not have been perfect for him, big horse who should be able to win from his mark especially with a talented claimer taking 3lbs from his back, definite outside chance. Havana Cooler was favourite to win The Melrose on his last start last season, he has not run since & returns still with potential although he is on quite a stiff mark. Lahaag has shown very little this season as a result he now on his last winning mark & was 5th in this race last season from a 3lb lower mark than he is now. Hamelin looked laboured on soft ground when he couldn't get to Godolphin's Al Saham, better ground here will suit & he should strip fitter from a nice draw.
Beacon Lady ran as well as could be expected in The Coronation Cup last time, she would have a chance if this was at Epsom or Brighton but has work to do in this top class handicap. Salutation has been out of form since winning the Roseberry earlier in the season, tough ask. Macbeth's best form has been on soft ground in Ireland, now with a new trainer he showed little on his first start for the stable.
Elhaame showed little on his return to action this season after pulling too hard, will be better for that & remains on the mark that he was a close 2nd behind Godolphin's improved Excellent Result in a course & distance handicap last season, player.
Estihaal was 3rd in the same handicap Elhaame was 2nd in last season, it was one of a few shining lights in a chequered campaign. He was most disappointing on his return to action this year as a result he is on a favourable mark but does need to improve.
One Pursuit has crept in at the bottom of the weights is an improved performer in the last year or so on soft ground, deserves a chance in this grade but will need a huge performance to get involved.
Am a big fan of Arab Spring (WON 11/4) & with the way the week has gone he must have a huge chance as the likely hot favourite.
Up next is perhaps not the best renewal of The Group 2 Hardwicke there has ever been, Camborne is not up to this class on what he has shown so far but may not need to be as it is a weak renewal, even so his best form is on softer ground than he will encounter here. The well travelled Dandino who ended last season with an excellent 5th in The Melbourne Cup after a narrow defeat in The Caulfield Cup. He was an excellent 2nd in this race last year & is well capable of getting involved on his seasonal debut.
Ektihaam is a disappointing animal overall he has not made the leap forward that has been expected of him, usually finds at least 1 or 2 that are better than him.
Eye Of The Storm drops back in trip after trying staying trips on his last 2 starts, he was a decent 3rd in last season's Long Distance Cup on soft ground. Would need more improvement against the best of these back at this trip but has to be respected from a trainer with a decent record in the race.
Forgotten Voice came back after an unsuccessful Australian raid last season when the ground never came for him, he ran an excellent first race at Newbury & even at the age of 9 is respected in a weak renewal. Hillstar has got his ground as he returns to the scene of his greatest triumph in last season's King Edward, with the aid of the run at Chester behind him he must go well with Frankie booked.
Joshua Tree has looked badly out of form so far this season admittedly in races that he had no chance of getting involved in, he is back in a more realistic grade for him & could easily bounce back. Pether's Moon must have a excellent chance of burgling a Group 2, ran above himself behind Gospel Choir at Newmarket on debut & was always going to be held by Gatewood giving him 3lbs last time out but he still went down fighting.
Sharestan is just an a useful animal who wouldn't have be my first choice Godolphin horse for this race, has stamina to prove at 12f as well in better company, soft ground also suits him much better than better ground.
Few will be giving Telescope another chance after 2 defeats behind Noble Mission on soft ground so far this season, he has looked laboured both times but if he is not truly handling the ground he is entitled to look that way, better ground here is much more in his favour & lightly enough raced to be given a chance even if he will never be quite top class, Ryan Moore has chosen him which tells you that connections still have faith in this horse.
Forgotten Voice came back after an unsuccessful Australian raid last season when the ground never came for him, he ran an excellent first race at Newbury & even at the age of 9 is respected in a weak renewal. Hillstar has got his ground as he returns to the scene of his greatest triumph in last season's King Edward, with the aid of the run at Chester behind him he must go well with Frankie booked.
Joshua Tree has looked badly out of form so far this season admittedly in races that he had no chance of getting involved in, he is back in a more realistic grade for him & could easily bounce back. Pether's Moon must have a excellent chance of burgling a Group 2, ran above himself behind Gospel Choir at Newmarket on debut & was always going to be held by Gatewood giving him 3lbs last time out but he still went down fighting.
Sharestan is just an a useful animal who wouldn't have be my first choice Godolphin horse for this race, has stamina to prove at 12f as well in better company, soft ground also suits him much better than better ground.
Few will be giving Telescope another chance after 2 defeats behind Noble Mission on soft ground so far this season, he has looked laboured both times but if he is not truly handling the ground he is entitled to look that way, better ground here is much more in his favour & lightly enough raced to be given a chance even if he will never be quite top class, Ryan Moore has chosen him which tells you that connections still have faith in this horse.
Not a race I am planning to get involved with but what would you rather take 5/2 Telescope V 9/2 Hillstar?
The big race on Saturday is The Diamond Jubilee Stakes which unfortunately this year been badly affected by the lack of overseas raiders especially the Australians.
Aljamaaheer has clearly been aimed at this ever since his first start at sprint distances when a fast finishing 3rd in The Abernant way back in April. He is a classy horse who should be ok as a sprinter but I'll be honest for me its a huge negative that he has not raced since April as he was clearly inconvenienced by the lack of sprinting experience as he fell out of the stalls before which he cannot afford to here, low draw is a negative too.
American Devil is just a useful French sprinter on soft ground, he has won his last 2 races over 7f nicely but needs much more in this company.
American Devil is just a useful French sprinter on soft ground, he has won his last 2 races over 7f nicely but needs much more in this company.
Darwin is a intriguing horse dropped back to sprinting, forget his first try at the discipline as the ground was wrong for this ex American horse. He has yet to confirm his reputation that he came to these shores with but perhaps this distance could be the making of him on proper fast ground, like Aljamaaheer would have preferred if he had another try at sprinting though before backing him in this.
Gordon Lord Byron returns to these shores after a successful foray to Australia in the early spring, he got off the plane to win a Group 1 over the mile at Rosehill on his favoured soft ground, he then went to The TJ Smith at the inaugural Championships meeting at Randwick, he was well beat back at 6f that day behind the best sprinter in the world Lankan Rupee who will hopefully be coming over to next year's Royal Meeting.
Versatile & tough he is top class at his best but whether he truly wants proper fast ground is a worry, he was 4th in a much better renewal last year & if he can get away with the ground then he has a chance.
Stablemates Hawkeyethenoo & Jack Dexter try again in a top sprint; Hawkeyethenoo is not good enough even if he was in form while Jack Dexter is at least a better quality sprinter than his stablemate however he struggles on this really fast ground as he showed when only 7th in Tuesday's Kings Stand.
Medicean Man finished with his usual rattle on Tuesday in The Kings Stand to continue his great form from Dubai in the winter, he loves Ascot & fast ground, 6f is fine for him has to be involved.
Montiridge failed to set the world alight on his first try at sprinting at Windsor, he was given the archetypal easy introduction just showing enough to make you think that he could do ok as a sprinter, again as with the 2 horses I have mentioned before with little top sprinting experience he may just find this too much.
Music Master is now a huge price after a relatively disappointing run at Windsor on his last start. I can forgive that run as he had not run since early April after missing The Duke Of York due to ground, he looked very fresh in the paddock & in the race where he went of too fast, he paid for it at the end. He will better for that run on & can go close on his preferred ground.
Slade Power is a proper sprinter now after finally winning a big one of Champions Day last year, he hacked up at The Curragh on his first start this season looking as though he has improved. Ground no issue & will be extremely hard to beat.
Tawhid is yet another horse to be dropping back to sprinting, he is a quirky talented individual who loves soft ground, couldn't fancy him in this.
Tropics has looked a shadow of the horse he was last season so far this time around under a penalty for his win in The Bengough Stakes last year. Off levels today he could easily bounce back but it does need a leap of faith to support him after his last tailed off run.
Gordon Lord Byron returns to these shores after a successful foray to Australia in the early spring, he got off the plane to win a Group 1 over the mile at Rosehill on his favoured soft ground, he then went to The TJ Smith at the inaugural Championships meeting at Randwick, he was well beat back at 6f that day behind the best sprinter in the world Lankan Rupee who will hopefully be coming over to next year's Royal Meeting.
Versatile & tough he is top class at his best but whether he truly wants proper fast ground is a worry, he was 4th in a much better renewal last year & if he can get away with the ground then he has a chance.
Stablemates Hawkeyethenoo & Jack Dexter try again in a top sprint; Hawkeyethenoo is not good enough even if he was in form while Jack Dexter is at least a better quality sprinter than his stablemate however he struggles on this really fast ground as he showed when only 7th in Tuesday's Kings Stand.
Medicean Man finished with his usual rattle on Tuesday in The Kings Stand to continue his great form from Dubai in the winter, he loves Ascot & fast ground, 6f is fine for him has to be involved.
Montiridge failed to set the world alight on his first try at sprinting at Windsor, he was given the archetypal easy introduction just showing enough to make you think that he could do ok as a sprinter, again as with the 2 horses I have mentioned before with little top sprinting experience he may just find this too much.
Music Master is now a huge price after a relatively disappointing run at Windsor on his last start. I can forgive that run as he had not run since early April after missing The Duke Of York due to ground, he looked very fresh in the paddock & in the race where he went of too fast, he paid for it at the end. He will better for that run on & can go close on his preferred ground.
Slade Power is a proper sprinter now after finally winning a big one of Champions Day last year, he hacked up at The Curragh on his first start this season looking as though he has improved. Ground no issue & will be extremely hard to beat.
Tawhid is yet another horse to be dropping back to sprinting, he is a quirky talented individual who loves soft ground, couldn't fancy him in this.
Tropics has looked a shadow of the horse he was last season so far this time around under a penalty for his win in The Bengough Stakes last year. Off levels today he could easily bounce back but it does need a leap of faith to support him after his last tailed off run.
Astaire represents the younger generation, he ran an outstanding race in The Duke Of York which has perennially been the best trial for this race, seems fairly straightforward & honest so should be involved if finishing more improvement which is possible.
Due Diligence put up an excellent display winning easily at Naas against his age group last time, another former US horse now with Aidan O'Brien. It was a performance that had many salivating with a few comments of he's the best sprinter we have in Ireland banded about. 3yo's have a decent record in this & must be respected as he looks very fast.
I have long been a fan of Music Master (Most unlucky 4th) & at odds I believe he has an excellent chance in this at 25/1 E/W Boylesports.
The Wokingham is one of the toughest handicaps of the year but over the years has been subject to a few massive coups. This years race looks very classy with Group 3 winner Hamza heading the weights from his stablemate last year's winner York Glory.
Hamza is very fast & extremely tough, he will need all those attributes to defy the draw & his welter burden. York Glory won the big handicap he had long promised when winning this last year, this time around he is 9lbs higher which as he is improved should not be a problem, his low to middle draw does however present his jockey with a problem in which side does he go.
Professor drops back to handicap company for the first time since May last year when he won a 7f Ascot handicap off 98, he is around Listed grade but no higher & will need a big performance to win this. Rocky Ground bounced back to form at Windsor on his last start, looks too high on his first handicap start. Annunciation is drawn low & looks in the handicapper's grip. Old Hoof It is still capable but not at the level he once was, Sirius Prospect is doubly declared for both sprints, too high here & the trip is a bit too sharp for him now. Baccarat has a fantastic looking draw, he has performed with credit in both starts this year just going down to a well handicapped filly at York last time. He has been raised a few lbs from that but that rise has been offset by the 3lb claim of his talented rider George Chaloner, respected. Alben Star a stablemate of Baccarat's has saved the best of his form for the AW but that could help him on Ascot's sand based surface, he should enjoy the helter skelter of this race & is another with a chance.
Rivellino has promised a lot but has yet to deliver on Turf, middling draw presents issues for his jockey so I would pass over. Glen Moss cannot be left out considering the form he has been in this season, dropping back in trip could well suit & he will blaze a trail on the far side from his low draw, not discounted if he stays against the far side rail.
Ninjago has been threatening to win one of these so its no surprised he has been backed in during recent days (as I predicted in last week's preview), draw looks fine for a stand side assault & he ran an eye-catching race on his seasonal debut, must be considered.
Old Jimmy Styles is not as good as he was at the age of 10 & has work to do as does Nocturnal Affair who has a decent looking draw but looks a little long in the tooth for this. Lancelot Du Lac is another improved Dean Ivory sprinter, draw could have been kinder & has yet to fire this season. Arnold Lane threatens to win but never quite manages it. Dandy Boy blitzed home in this 2 years ago form a much higher mark but is another to have allowed old father time to catch up, draw does not look great.Saayerr has the lowest draw, ran ok on his seasonal debut but this is much tougher from a stiff looking mark. Trinityelitedotcom has had an excellent winter on the AW improving from a mark of 89 to now sit on 101, this has been the target & is yet another who has a chance from what looks a decent draw. Boomerang Bob is capable but does look to be on a fairly tight mark in this kind of competitive handicap after a bad run last time out. Absolutely So's best form has been on the AW & on softer conditions when tried on Turf just the twice, he remains open to improvement on his first try on faster surface from what looks a decent mark with the apprentice of the moment Oisin Murphy on board he will be popular. Racy does not stay & doesn't win. Dungannon showed nothing in Dubai, an improved sprinter last year at this trip he is a useful 2nd string for trainer Andrew Balding. Seeking Magic must go close if getting the gaps after a fabulous run in Epsom's Dash last time out from his high draw. One at big odds who shapes as if there is big win in him is Don't Bother Me, took the drop back to 6f well last time travelling well but was carried right when beginning to make his challenge, got as close as he could in the end. Has what looks a great draw & warrants some money being chucked at him. Barracuda Boy has not been seen since early April when winning at Wolverhampton, decent in his own right but looks set to struggle from his low draw.
Secret Asset can never be trusted to run a race when you think he will, passed over.
Fast Shot is the last horse in the race has been in decent form in the early part of the year, ran as well as ever last time out when 4th. Has a low draw & may just find this race a little too tough.
Professor drops back to handicap company for the first time since May last year when he won a 7f Ascot handicap off 98, he is around Listed grade but no higher & will need a big performance to win this. Rocky Ground bounced back to form at Windsor on his last start, looks too high on his first handicap start. Annunciation is drawn low & looks in the handicapper's grip. Old Hoof It is still capable but not at the level he once was, Sirius Prospect is doubly declared for both sprints, too high here & the trip is a bit too sharp for him now. Baccarat has a fantastic looking draw, he has performed with credit in both starts this year just going down to a well handicapped filly at York last time. He has been raised a few lbs from that but that rise has been offset by the 3lb claim of his talented rider George Chaloner, respected. Alben Star a stablemate of Baccarat's has saved the best of his form for the AW but that could help him on Ascot's sand based surface, he should enjoy the helter skelter of this race & is another with a chance.
Rivellino has promised a lot but has yet to deliver on Turf, middling draw presents issues for his jockey so I would pass over. Glen Moss cannot be left out considering the form he has been in this season, dropping back in trip could well suit & he will blaze a trail on the far side from his low draw, not discounted if he stays against the far side rail.
Ninjago has been threatening to win one of these so its no surprised he has been backed in during recent days (as I predicted in last week's preview), draw looks fine for a stand side assault & he ran an eye-catching race on his seasonal debut, must be considered.
Old Jimmy Styles is not as good as he was at the age of 10 & has work to do as does Nocturnal Affair who has a decent looking draw but looks a little long in the tooth for this. Lancelot Du Lac is another improved Dean Ivory sprinter, draw could have been kinder & has yet to fire this season. Arnold Lane threatens to win but never quite manages it. Dandy Boy blitzed home in this 2 years ago form a much higher mark but is another to have allowed old father time to catch up, draw does not look great.
Secret Asset can never be trusted to run a race when you think he will, passed over.
Fast Shot is the last horse in the race has been in decent form in the early part of the year, ran as well as ever last time out when 4th. Has a low draw & may just find this race a little too tough.
The price is going on Ninjago 11/1 (Never involved) Boylesports but he must have a huge chance & will be even shorter tomorrow. At bigger prices from an excellent high draw I will also back Don't Bother Me 25/1 E/W (Close up 6th, should win soon) generally available.
The finale of the meeting is the UK's longest race, The Queen Alexandra Conditions Stakes over 2m5f has attracted a full field of 17.
Statutory showed little in Dubai over shorter distances, this is more like his trip but needs to show more to be backed with confidence. Dark Ranger has work to on these figures, stamina no issue. Dollar Bill is a poor NH hunt performer & has no chance.
El Salvador is not very good & needs this extended trip to bring out improvement. First Avenue is another badly treated on all known form.
Mubaraza should have decent chance on decent ground to avenge his Chester Cup defeat (One word of caution is the stable form which is poor, just 6 winners so far this season). Petara Bay was a decent staying handicapper but has not been seen on a racecourse since 2012 when he finished 12th in this race.
Pique Sous will be well found in the market with the Mullins / Moore combination & has to be respected. Romeo Montague has shown nothing in 2 starts this year, was 3rd in this from a 3lb higher mark in 2012, player if bouncing back.
Swinging Hawk improved over the winter when hurdling, work to do back on the flat. Tiger Cliff was an unlucky 2nd in last season's Ascot Stakes last year, he never made it to the racecourse over the winter but returned to the flat with an excellent run upped in grade in The Yorkshire Cup first time up, he didn't look great last time & duly ran a disappointing race although he was held up in a race where horses at the front dominated. Must be hard to beat if he's ok. Whiplash Willie finished in front of Tiger Cliff last time out when running an excellent race upped in grade after a win on his return to the racecourse form a long layoff at Salisbury. Should be involved if he handles this much faster ground which is a worry. Argent Knight is not up to this even if he was back to anywhere near his best. Brass Ring is a most intriguing runner after 2 disappointing runs in pattern company so far this season. Should get 2 miles on breeding but whether he will stay the extra 5f is anyone's guess.
Number One London finally won on his 14th start stepped up to 2 miles for the first time off a lowly rating, always had ability but has issues as well.
Royal Irish Hussar will be very popular from down the bottom of the weights on this better ground, he showed decent early juvenile form in the early part of the NH season but was well beaten since he returned from a break at the major festivals. Should stay but can he live with horses like Tiger Cliff & Mubaraza.
Petaluma has no chance even if she started today.
Have never had a bet in this & will not start now.
Mubaraza should have decent chance on decent ground to avenge his Chester Cup defeat (One word of caution is the stable form which is poor, just 6 winners so far this season). Petara Bay was a decent staying handicapper but has not been seen on a racecourse since 2012 when he finished 12th in this race.
Pique Sous will be well found in the market with the Mullins / Moore combination & has to be respected. Romeo Montague has shown nothing in 2 starts this year, was 3rd in this from a 3lb higher mark in 2012, player if bouncing back.
Swinging Hawk improved over the winter when hurdling, work to do back on the flat. Tiger Cliff was an unlucky 2nd in last season's Ascot Stakes last year, he never made it to the racecourse over the winter but returned to the flat with an excellent run upped in grade in The Yorkshire Cup first time up, he didn't look great last time & duly ran a disappointing race although he was held up in a race where horses at the front dominated. Must be hard to beat if he's ok. Whiplash Willie finished in front of Tiger Cliff last time out when running an excellent race upped in grade after a win on his return to the racecourse form a long layoff at Salisbury. Should be involved if he handles this much faster ground which is a worry. Argent Knight is not up to this even if he was back to anywhere near his best. Brass Ring is a most intriguing runner after 2 disappointing runs in pattern company so far this season. Should get 2 miles on breeding but whether he will stay the extra 5f is anyone's guess.
Number One London finally won on his 14th start stepped up to 2 miles for the first time off a lowly rating, always had ability but has issues as well.
Royal Irish Hussar will be very popular from down the bottom of the weights on this better ground, he showed decent early juvenile form in the early part of the NH season but was well beaten since he returned from a break at the major festivals. Should stay but can he live with horses like Tiger Cliff & Mubaraza.
Petaluma has no chance even if she started today.
Have never had a bet in this & will not start now.
@fttfracing
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