Hello & welcome to my blog for Day Two of The Royal Meeting, the weather is set fair for another excellent day's racing on what should be drying proper Flat racing ground. After a slow sedate opening betting wise yesterday 3 of my main bets of the week run on Wednesday with a couple of other horses that I have had in mind for a couple of the other races so its a proper punting day.
Opening the card is The Jersey Stakes for 3yo's which has attracted a huge field once more over the straight 7f. Anjaal heads the field, he failed to stay behind stablemate Toormore in The Craven on his seasonal debut. Useful on his first few runs last season culminating in winning the July Stakes, he then had issues before a lacklustre reappearance in the Dewhurst, others will be stronger in this.
Sudirman ran just ok on his seasonal debut last time behind Due Diligence, stamina for the 7th furlong is a concern here. Great White Eagle has been outclassed on both his runs this year so far, better ground will help but this looks tough in such a big field.
Mustajeeb ran a decent race behind Kingman in the Irish Guineas last time bringing the best form of any runner in this, first time he has been in such a big field. Better ground should be ok for him & he has a good high draw. Aeolus bounced back to form to win well at Haydock last time, he clearly has ability but whether he's up to the demands of a race like this from the lowest draw of all is debatable. Big Time many people's outside bet for The Irish Guineas last time was eventually well beaten in 5th, looking back though it was not a bad effort on ground that did not suit over a trip I don't think he stayed, chances.
Brazos won nicely over course & distance in a decent handicap last time, he has useful pattern race juvenile form & could easily improve to be involved.
Giovanni Boldini has been beaten on all 3 starts this season, as so many of the riders did in the UAE Derby Ryan Moore gave GB too much to do & he did well to finish as close as he did, his next 2 runs have been on ground that would not be in his favour so back on better ground here it would be no surprise to see him bounce back.
Stablemate Michaelmas has not looked good enough in either of his starts & he will find this a shade too competitive. Coulsty surprised when winning a race that is a decent trial for this last time, staying on strongly it was a step up on his juvenile handicap form, respected on that run but will need another step forward here.
Glorious Empire is unbeaten in 2 AW starts winning in the style of a horse with potential both times, steps into the unknown here for a first Turf start up in grade.
Musical Comedy backed up a good run on debut at Ascot with a win in Listed company over 6f at Newbury last time, he shapes as though the 7th furlong will be fine for him & if you do get to look at him in the paddock he is a fine specimen.
Muwaary brings more Classic form into the race, he broke his maiden in style in a race that has worked out nicely, he went straight into Group 1 Classic company in the French 2000 Guineas last time where he excelled himself finishing an excellent 4th after failing to settle at the start, should be hard to keep out of the frame.
Redbrook comes from Alain De Royer Dupre in France with Frankie Dettori on board he won an ordinary Listed race in good style last time looking as though the 7f were perfect for him, respected from a good stable. Shining Emerald is not up to this class on what he has shown this season. Parbold has taking 4 runs to come to the boil this season with an excellent run last time at Epsom finishing like a train to only just fail to catch That Is The Spirit, has some quality Juvenile form to his name & is a good stamp of a horse, interesting player at a price on hopefully good fast ground.
Passing Star is yet another to make his Turf debut in this on Wednesday, he was unbeaten in 3 starts before finishing a good 2nd on AW Finals Day behind Ertijaal, work to do on his first start in 2 months. That Is The Spirit is unbeaten in 3 starts including when stepped up to Listed grade last time at Epsom where he just lasted from Parbold, he wears his heart on his sleeve by making all in his races & will need to pretty special to dominate this field. Upped in grade I will be surprised if he can win this as he didn't have a lot left last time out. Toofi is entitled to respect on his last run finishing 2nd to Coulsty, he does however to me seem to always be well fancied but struggles to get his head in front.
Windfast ran an excellent race behind Coulsty & Toofi last time up against the rails fading towards the finish, it was a step back in the right direction after an ok run back from a long time off in The Greenham on debut, he should be much fitter here on his 3rd run back & can make his presence felt from what looks an excellent high draw (last year was Brian Meehan's number 1 Coventry hope). Waltzing Matilda is unexposed after just 2 runs this season winning on her debut on desperate ground before running ok upped in grade last time, will most likely find this coming too soon in her development.
I think Windfast (4th) 33/1 E/W Betvictor / Skybet has had Jersey Stakes written all over so far this season so he will do at a price. As it such a big field I also like Parbold (Unplaced) 18/1 E/W 888Sport who showed much more last time.
The 2yo fillies step out over 5f in The Queen Mary, Adulation was behind Al Fareej on her debut at Ripon when running green, she will improve but this is a tough 2nd day at the office. Al Fareej has been 2nd on both her starts showing promise both times this is a big step up though. Al Ghuwairiyah has identical form to Al Fareej with two 2nds to her name, the last of those was actually disappointing as she was turned over at short odds, tough task here. Anthem Alexander improved from a green debut to win by 7 lengths at Tipperary last time out in a good time, she is quite short in the betting on the back of that but looks a filly to respect. Arabian Queen looked in need of her debut run in what looked a hot Ascot maiden a month ago, she ran green but improved to just get the better of Al Fareej at Windsor, deserves a step up but will need to improve to get involved.
Blue Aegean showed a real nice turn of speed on debut to take the lead before greenness took over & she faded to finish a good 3rd, she confirmed that promise by easily accounting for her rivals at Nottingham last time on soft ground, respected at a price.
Cloud's Rest is very speedy & whoever gets in front of her will know they've had a race, has won her last 2 starts in good style but may be vulnerable to more progressive rivals. On what Coto has shown so far she needs more to get involved.
Dangerous Moonlite looked a speedy typical 2yo who was ready to run on her debut, it was surprising how big a price she was but she bounced out to make all winning comfortably (Arabian Queen in behind), Queen Mary was put up after that race & I was impressed with her that night so even though she is deserted by Richard Hughes on Wednesday I fancy her to run a big race.
Free Entry has been 2nd on both her starts just failing both times behind Cloud's Rest & Effusive, clearly capable of running a decent race but will probably find 1 or 2 too good. Harry's Dancer won readily on her debut in an ordinary race at Thirsk, shorter than she ought to be in the betting on the back of her high profile owners, will need to improve but that is clearly possible after just one start.
Ko Cache caused a surprise last time at 33/1, has already tried Listed grade but was well beaten & is passed over in this. La Cuesta was well behind an emphatic winner on debut at Bath who could be useful, she was green in the early stages before getting the hang of it late on, Olivier Peslier is an interesting booking but this will demand more.
Lady Gemini was a cheap purchase who will have to b e very straight on her racecourse debut to have any chance which is highly unlikely. Lady Marita was last on her debut in soft ground at Goodwood looking extremely green, she has no chance in this.
Newsletter won a weak race on her debut at The Curragh (it has produced just 1 winner so far) since then she was short of room behind a good filly at Naas when finishing 5th, needs more in this. Littlemissblakeney broke her maiden at Kempton last time after a couple of decent efforts, this is a step up which she won't be up to. Similar comments apply to London Life who has work to do as does the once raced maiden Pastoral Girl who was well behind Harry's Dancer at Thirsk.
Polar Vortex improved from a decent debut to win an ordinary maiden at Nottingham in a slow time. Spanish Pipedream represents American trainer Wesley Ward, she has not been seen since late April when winning comfortably over 4.5 furlongs on polytrack at Keeneland, clearly all pace but faces some decent fillies here.
Tiggy Wiggy the choice of Richard Hughes has already shown very decent form she comes here following the same path as last year's winner Rizeena, she won the National Stakes easily at Sandown last time although that result may have been different had Cock Of North jumped on terms. She has shown a distinct liking to soft ground & I would not be convinced about her on a faster surface.
I was impressed by Dangerous Moonlite (UNPLACED) on her debut win last time & she is a decent E/W price at 12/1 Betvictor.
Day Two's feature event has attracted a small but select field, it may not be as good as previous years but we still have winners of the Arc, Irish 2000 Guineas, Breeders Cup Turf, Irish Champion Stakes, Beverly D & The Dubai World Cup runner up.
All eyes will be on Treve who lost her unbeaten record when getting worried out of it by old warrior Cirrus Des Aigles on her first start back in April. She of course won last year's Arc in grand style, she now makes her first start in the UK on what will be the fastest ground she has encountered which for me is a concern as Motivator's are best on a softer surface. Connections were vocal in their concerns of defeat last time which is always a concern & similar comments have been said regarding the faster ground on Wednesday. As with all fillies the worry is you never know how long they will stay interested so for me there are plenty of reasons to be taking her on, on Wednesday.
Magician is her chief rival according the the betting, a quality 3yo colt last season he returned from a long layoff to show a tremendous burst to just deny The Fugue in The Breeders Cup Turf. He has raced 3 times this year disappointing in Dubai then returning to Ireland to win quite cosily & then finishing 2nd on the bad ground which was against him last time out in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, back on a sounder surface here he needs respecting as he should be coming to the boil now.
Mukhadram rarely gets the credit he deserves after a string of top class efforts at this trip, he was only just collared late on when making all in this race last year, he followed that up with a interfered with 3rd in The Eclipse, won a Skybet before the ground went against him on Champions Day last year. He returned this year to again make all on his first Tapeta start to finish a strong 2nd in The World Cup.
He has been prepared for another tilt at a Prince Of Wales & with his rider now having been boosted by his first Classic winner on Taghroodha 2 weeks ago I expect Mukhadram to gain a deserved first Group 1 win with the help of Elkaayed who I assume is in there to make the early running so that Mukhadram does not expend too much energy. Elkaayed still has potential to be a good horse but has yet to show much this season.
Parish Hall is not up to this company anymore & would be a surprise winner.
The Fugue returns to these shores after a taking part in an unsuccessful world tour, she was unlucky again in The Breeders Cup & also in Hong Kong, at the age of 5 the worry is how long will she keep coming back in these top races & after a disappointing run in Dubai she may well need this.
Dank won twice in the US last year & has developed into a filly of the highest order, this will require another step forward especially against the boys in the field. She was a never nearer 3rd in The Dubai Duty Free but in truth she was running on through beaten horses.
Zambucca has some useful South African form to his name but has yet to win above Grade 2 class in fact his last 2 wins have been shocks winning at 33/1 & 22/1. One race stands out in Dubai over the winter a 3rd in Round 2 of The Al Maktoum Challenge although he was a long way behind the principles in 3rd that day, his other 2 runs were disappointing. A return to Turf will help here but he is a long way below what is required.
A huge fan of Mukahdram (APPALLING TACTICS MEANT HE FINISHED 4TH) & he can win this at rewarding odds 9/1 with BetBright.
A excellent renewal of The Duke Of Cambridge follows The Prince Of Wales's, last year's Champion 3yo filly Sky Lantern returns to action as a 4yo, she has to give 2lbs away to her rivals which must be a negative on her seasonal debut.
Certify (seen on the far left of the of the picture with the big white blaze working with Feedyah & Majeyda) returns to the track in England being caught up in the Al Zarooni doping scandal of last season, she returned in rude health with an impressive win in The Cape Verdi she was expected by all to follow up in the Balanchine but she showed for the first time some wayward tendencies at the start getting on her toes before failing to settle in the race itself & never challenged finishing a disappointing 4th.
I had be told she was due to be retired after that but connections have changed her mind & are giving her another chance, her work has been good recently & if she can remain calm she is huge threat to all.
Integral a filly always held in high regard by Sir Michael Stoute, she chased home Sky Lantern in The Sun Chariot last term from level weights. She has had a run already this term when just being denied by Esoterique (who was race fit & re-opposes here), it was an excellent first effort & this has been her target ever since, she is a strong fancy for me. Esoterique gained a deserved Group win last time at Newmarket battling well up the straight with Integral, her race fitness told & I would now take Integral to reverse form. L'Amour De Ma Vie was a revelation in Dubai winning the The Balanchine after a great run in The Cape Verdi, she was outclassed against the boys on her final Dubaian start but returns here as a respected runner.
Annecdote won last year's Sandringham in a very decent season, her first run was encouraging over 7f at Lingfield, this requires more. Gifted Girl is just below this class at her best & will require a career best to figure. Kenhope was 2nd to Sky Lantern in last year's Coronation, she has failed to win since & has been disappointing on all 3 starts this season including last time when dropped to Conditions level, a return to better ground will suit but has work to do. Masarah is not up to this level.
Peace Burg was hugely disappointing last time out after an excellent first run for Aidan O'Brien when she gave over a stone away to a useful 3yo filly, for me there were excuses last time she appeared to get worked up & raced on the outside of the pack with no cover, she is not far behind the best of these & could be worth an interest at rewarding odds each way. Princess Loulou is an improving filly but so far all her best form has been on soft ground so she has to show a better surface holds no fears.
Purr Along bounced back to her best last time on her first start for Johnny Murtagh, it was a surprising & impressive display considering the ground should not have suited, if that win has bred confidence she should be feared as she has some good back form.
On all known form Woodland Aria is not good enough to get involved.
Integral (WON) is one of my naps of the week & has been well found in the market at 100/30.
One of the Handicap spectacles of the week is next up with 30 runners spread right across the track in The Royal Hunt Cup. I have to start with the relief that Abseil has scraped in at the foot of the weights so my 25/1 ante post voucher is alive & well, gloriously he has gained a nice high draw so all is in place for a great run. He won at Epsom despite not handling the camber & he remains ahead of his mark, by the end of the season he should be competing at a much higher level than this.
Ocean Tempest heads the weights after a stellar first half of the season with a hat trick of victories in the Lincoln plus 2 Listed races at Ascot & Windsor, he ran a rare disappointing race last time upped to Group 3 company in Germany. This will be a huge performance from such a big weight if he can get involved but I for one wouldn't say he couldn't get placed. Chil The Kite bolted up after a disappointing winter in Dubai last time, this time last year he was contesting the Queen Anne on the opening day, clearly capable of being involved despite the weight. Farraaj was impressive in a race where few got into at Epsom last time, will the drop back to a mile be to his advantage though.
Here Comes When beat Abseil on vastly different ground at Chester but should struggle to confirm that form on these terms from a low draw.
Short Squeeze rattled up a hat trick last season looking a hugely improved animal, he wasn't beating much though so that could have been deceptive, he went off favourite for a well contested Group 3 on his last start & finished an honourable 5th. Still has potential as only a 4yo but this will take some effort 1st time out.
Trumpet Major ran much better than I expected last time but still faded late on, this is more his trip & as a former Group 2 winner he has the class angle I just don't think he can do it against improving handicappers in a race of this nature.
Godolphin run 2 horses Steeler & Artigiano; who promised a lot but were both unfortunately caught up in the doping scandal last season, they returned in Dubai over the winter & honestly they looked like headcases going off far to fast on all there UAE starts in Steeler especially who looked ungainly around the bend. I couldn't back him after those runs & from the reports that he is hard to handle even less appealing, if he could come back though then from this mark he could be well treated.
Artigiano at least ran a bit better on his UK return when staying on behind a well ridden winner. Gabrial's Kaka was in good form early in the season & does go well in these big field handicaps, could easily go well. Belgian Bill returns to defend his crown in what is a much classier race than last year's, on the plus side is his pedigree in big Ascot handicaps, he ran a great first race of the season when 3rd in The Victoria Cup last month. Olivier Peslier looks a live booking for Tales Of Grimm & could suit the horse extremely well as he needs to be carried into the race on the bridle to give himself a chance of one finishing burst, interesting from a high draw.
Field Of Dream is another big handicap regular who was 6th last year carrying less weight, he finds it hard to win & this is his seasonal debut. Similar comments apply to Prince Of Johanne who won this in 2012, he ran well on his seasonal debut which promised more for his next start. Rebellious Guest returns to the Turf after trying his hand on the AW in the winter series, he is effective at the mile but has been running over further this winter. He has form in these big handicaps but rarely finishes any closer than 6th or 7th. Old Santefisio looks weighted out of this as does Irish raider Regulation. Queensbury Rules has always been well backed in all of his starts but has been most disappointing so far but he was weak as a 3yo & after another winter on his back he could be a different proposition this time around, he is again being well backed at present with Ryan Moore onboard. Levitate prefers softer ground & remains a little high.
Pacific Heights won nicely at Chester last time, he races from a career high mark now which should put pay to his chances.
Burano is a rogue who doesn't know how to win as is Loving Spirit.
Sea Shanty is a early season wave horse who is again on a hat trick after a decent win on Saturday, he won 3 on the bounce early last season as well. Cannot be ignored in current form & is a player from a decent draw.
Ingleby Angel was disappointing upped in grade last time but could easily bounce back & run a big race as he shapes as though he has a good handicap in him.
Ayaar finished 4th in The Victoria Cup last time out over 7f, does he get the mile though? On form I would say it looks unlikely. Fort Bastion should finish wherever Ingleby Angel does on form from Thirsk, ground was against him last time but I do feel he has a job on from his new mark. Niceofyoutotellme has clearly been laid out for this as since his Newmarket win at the Guineas meeting, he is best fresh but the drop in trip is a concern. Stirring Ballad was a well backed favourite for this last year when on the receiving end of a shocking ride from Richard Hughes, she races from exactly the same mark as last year on her seasonal debut in fact its her first run since this race last year. Must have a chance if she retains all her ability. Starboard appears to have lost interest with the game. Sweet Lightning is a perennial campaigner in these races, has returned from Dubai in reasonable form but will struggle against some of the younger runners.
Red Avenger ran much better last time & has made it into the race due to Farraaj's absence, he could easily have a say from a very good looking mark.
Am already on Abseil (UNPLACED) at big odds so will not be going in again although Tales Of Grimm at 33/1 (6th) with Paddy Power makes E/W appeal.
The Sandringham Handicap allows 3yo fillies who are not upto Classic level or are improving to run at the Royal Meeting for Black type.
Majeyda ran a much better race than I expected in the 1000 Guineas, she drops back into a grade that should suit but has work to do from her mark.
Queen Catrine looks as though she has not trained on & has a lot on from her mark as does Coral Mist who showed little in The Fred Darling. Qawaseem made her belated seasonal debut at York recently, she was prominent until fading badly late on, she is entitled to come on for that & can be given a small chance.
This is Lady Lara's grade, she ran well at York last time behind Radiator but will need to pull out more to turn that form around & even though she tries hard she always finds 1 or 2 too good at the finish. Crowley's Law has hit a rich vein of improvement on her last 2 starts, she won easily in handicap company before an equally impressive performance back against her own sex last time, ground conditions seem no issue to her, if she had not have been drawn low she would be a single selection on her own as I have fancied her for this after her last run but the draw does make it complicated, I do hope she can complete the hat trick.
Queen Of Power has been outclassed on both her pattern starts so far & looks a little too high in the weights.
Feedyah missed her intended return at Goodwood due to ground, she ran well on both her starts in the UAE over the winter & brings useful course winning form to the table, respected from a stable now in much better form.
Secret Pursuit & Dutch Courage don't look up to this grade.
French raider Graceful Grit will find this much easier than her last 2 starts & if improving for the better ground she could easily go well. Muteela is unbeaten 3 from 3 showing a likeable attitude from the front each time, she deserves a step up in grade, dominating this size of field will be tougher but she does look a pattern class filly in the making from a good high draw.
Oxsana was disappointing in Dubai & needs more even at her best.
Adhwaa is a game filly who ran a rare bad race last time upped to this class, she has a battling course win & course 2nd to her name so is respected in that respect but in truth she will need to improve.
Odisseia improved for the step up to 10f last time so this drop back in trip looks a negative upped in grade. Alutiq has yet to prove she has the class for this or even stays this far. Hot Coffee is in good form & is a decent backup for the Tom Dascombe stable. Midnite Angel is not up to this class & her stamina is suspect.
Almunia has won her last 6 starts in lowly grade on the AW, her last 3 wins have been at Southwell which is hugely different to Ascot although her ability to handle Kempton & Wolverhampton gives her hope of handling Ascot's sand based track.
Psychometry has shaped as a non stayer on her last 2 starts so a drop back in trip looks right, she is on a nice mark but does have the lowest draw of all to contend with.
Stealth Missile makes her seasonal debut in a very hot race, she was disappointing upped in grade at the end of last year after breaking her maiden here, Clive is no stranger to producing a horse at the Royal meeting but you would prefer the stable to be in better form just 5 winners so far this season.
Nakuti is not up to this & neither is Polar Eyes.
Crowley's Law (UNPLACED (DRAWN WRONG)) 10/1 Betfred / Winner is another of my big fancies for the week so I will be all over her once the race is priced but as she is draw so low I will be also backing Muteela (WON) 10/1 Bet365 who is another filly on a sharp upward curve.
@fttfracing
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