Hello again & welcome along to my blog for Day Two of Newmarket's July Festival where the fillies take centre stage on a Super Friday of action with The Group 1 Falmouth Stakes the highlight.
The meeting kicks off with a 7f fillies handicap; Godolphin's Wedding Ring heads the weights & she showed a little bit more spark on soft ground in a higher grade over this course last time out it is still not enough to be interested in here back in a handicap though. Hot Coffee got lost in the mass of the Sandringham last time so that can be excused, her mark is fair back against her own sex dropping in trip & she should go well. Aertax was improving until taking on the boys last time & getting lit up, her mark does demand more though after that. Bragging is a most beautiful powerful filly to look at, the ground went against her at Nottingham last time so she can be forgiven that, she has risen from 82 to 87 after that which is harsh & most likely on reputation than substance, she promises to be much better than an 87 rated handicapper with the drop in trip & better ground in her favour. The step up to 7f for Our Queenie is far from certain to suit & she looks in the handicappers pocket. Etaab has improved on each start from a good maiden run to 2 wins on the bounce (beat Bragging on her 2nd start), she won an ordinary handicap at Yarmouth last time beating the boys in comfortable fashion, 6lb rise is fair & must be respected. Little Shambles has more on her plate than when making all in an average Catterick handicap last time (both her wins have come at the North Yorkshire venue), up against some nicely bred improving fillies she has a place chance at best. Provenance won impressively on debut when sent off a 12/1 shot over a mile at Kempton (3 winners have come from that race so far), she then went straight into a ordinary looking handicap against the boys last time where she pulled too hard off an extremely slow pace, she did well to finish 3rd in the end & is better than that, dropping back in trip could be a slight issue as she looked to stay the mile well on her debut but either way from a mark of 84 she commands huge respect. She is a half sister to Integral who runs later on the card & is out of the excellent Echelon who won 8 times in Listed or Group company. Nakuti has struggled upped in grade since her Leicester win earlier in the season & looks set to struggle. Rekdhat is on a mark of 80 which demands more of what she has shown so far, her debut maiden was an awful race, she was then well beaten on her first try on turf at Doncaster & came back to form but in truth was always being held last time back at Kempton. Gown made an encouraging return to action last week in a much lesser race & will improve for that, she was highly tried after winning a Nursery last season & remains with potential in this kind of race.
Free Rein a half sister to speedy champion 2yo Reckless Abandon, she from her improved from a decent debut to hold a late challenger at Newcastle last time over this trip, opening mark is extremely fair maybe slightly lenient although its worth remembering that last win at Newcastle came in a poor looking maiden.
Free Rein a half sister to speedy champion 2yo Reckless Abandon, she from her improved from a decent debut to hold a late challenger at Newcastle last time over this trip, opening mark is extremely fair maybe slightly lenient although its worth remembering that last win at Newcastle came in a poor looking maiden.
Interesting race but not one to get involved in for me.
2yo fillies are up next in The Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge or as you & i know it The Cherry Hinton. Basically the strongest trend for this race is The Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot with 6 winners in the last 10 years coming from that race to win here, 3 winners of the Albany have followed up here. Albany Stakes winner Cursory Glance has not been declared so in truth the race looks well below standard & is up for grabs.
Arabian Queen was 6th behind Cursory Glance last time, in the context of this race it is decent form & she has a chance.
Diamond Creek has won twice but in truth her form & figures she has clocked so far are well below what are required to win at this level.
High Celebrity represents Andre Fabre whose cross channel raiders always need respecting, she made all on debut at Chantilly 21 days ago over 7f drawing further & further clear to win eased down by 2 lengths. Drop back in trip should be fine & she could be a class above these.
I Am Beautiful showed improved form when making all to win a Group 3 at The Curragh last time out when an unfancied 12/1 shot, wouldn't need to have improved that much from that run to be winning this but in the French filly she could be facing a better type of animal than she has come across so far.
Parsley stepped on what she had shown when a decent 2nd in a Listed race over course & distance last time, she has place chances.
Tongue Twista represents Nick Lttmoden's small stable, she ran fine on her debut in a 3 runner Windsor conditions event behind runaway winner Dangerous Moonlite & needs a bucket load of improvement to even be considered a contender.
Arabian Queen was 6th behind Cursory Glance last time, in the context of this race it is decent form & she has a chance.
Diamond Creek has won twice but in truth her form & figures she has clocked so far are well below what are required to win at this level.
High Celebrity represents Andre Fabre whose cross channel raiders always need respecting, she made all on debut at Chantilly 21 days ago over 7f drawing further & further clear to win eased down by 2 lengths. Drop back in trip should be fine & she could be a class above these.
Parsley stepped on what she had shown when a decent 2nd in a Listed race over course & distance last time, she has place chances.
Tongue Twista represents Nick Lttmoden's small stable, she ran fine on her debut in a 3 runner Windsor conditions event behind runaway winner Dangerous Moonlite & needs a bucket load of improvement to even be considered a contender.
Not a betting race with so few runners.
A small but extremely select field go to post for what looks a cracking edition of The Falmouth Stakes Group 1 in which perhaps surprisingly horses that come from The Windsor Forest at Royal Ascot having a shocking record with only 1 winner coming from that race to win here, 15 have tried (including 7 winners) & failed in the last 10 years which is a huge negative for runaway Windsor Forest winner Integral, the other huge negative against her is her owners record in the race who have been unsuccessful from all 5 of their runners since 1998.
She won at Ascot in hugely convincing style & has long looked a Group 1 filly, all stats are there to be broken & you should never be afraid of them but if you're taking short odds about her then its worth bearing in mind.
Certify showed nothing at Ascot behind Integral & has it all to prove now on what is likely to be her last chance.
Purr Along was poorly placed in The Windsor Forest, she got going too late to get seriously involved but did grab 3rd, she has come back as a 4yo a better filly since the switch to Johnny Murtagh's yard & warrants respect.
Sky Lantern last year's 1000 Guineas heroine & controversial loser from this race last year is on a revenge mission. She failed to fire behind Integral at Ascot but that was not unexpected as she was carrying a penalty & needed her first start last year but I didn't see any particular spark to give you hope going forward, I wonder if all those hard races over the last 2 years have caught up with her.
Rizeena was a smooth winner of The Coronation last time, she was the best 2yo filly around in my eyes last year & fully deserved that win, this is tougher against older fillies but Coronation Stakes winners have a good record.
Kiyoshi showed nothing when badly disappointing in The Coronation last time out, that was her first run of the year so she is entitled to improve but my god she will need too. Peace Burg has gone backwards since a very promising first start for Aidan O'Brien & looks hopelessly outclassed in this on her last 3 runs.
Rizeena 9/2 (2nd) was impressive last time & can take this against her elders with the stats against the short price favourite.
A field of 20 go to post for a 6f 3yo sprint handicap headed by Gamesome who ran a huge race against his elders last time out at Windsor, he has paid for that in the weights & his new mark demands more. Supplicant does not look to have trained on so far & is finding it difficult in these races despite his young riders 5lb claim he is best watched. Major Crispies is paying for some good winter AW form & is probably best in small fields. See The Sun was an impressive winner of a similar race at York last time, he is now up to a rating of 97 but these Tim Easterby 3yo sprinters need respecting as they can go on improving. Sleeper King has yet to truly convince at 6f but there is no real reason why he should not last & the application of first time blinkers makes him interesting.
Eastern Impact remains capable from this mark, he didn't get involved till late on last time after a troubled passage, player. Suzi's Connoisseur has failed to stay the mile & 7f on his last 2 starts, he drops back sprinting to the trip he won a Baden-Baden Listed race over last August, remains a few lbs to high for me.
High On Life bids to atone for the same connections defeat of Toast Of New York in New York last Saturday here, he is a rapid rise & gives all out on the lead, respected in current mood upped in grade from his new mark.
Little grey Kickboxer is admirably consistent finishing no worse than 6th on all 8 starts so far this season, in behind a couple of these a few starts back he should remain competitive from a mark of 95 & will be in there pitching at the end. Almargo once again bounced back on his last start after to below par runs, he is hardy & runs almost every week, the drop back to 6f caught him out behind See The Sun a few starts back & a similar outcome awaits here.
No Leaf Clover was behind Kickboxer in a 5 runner race last time, he has little room for manoeuvre off this mark in a handicap.
Remember came back to form when the weights favoured her in a course & distance fillies conditions event last time, she has more on her plate in against the boys now though.
Royal Mezyan made a promising return to the racecourse behind See The Sun at York last time until getting tired, he has yet to win at 6f but has only had the 1 try so far, he remains on a feasible mark & can get involved.
Golden Steps beat his elders last time in good style, previously he had been beaten fair & square by Kickboxer receiving 7lbs (allowing for 5lbs of his riders claim) on soft ground, he is only in receipt of 4lbs on Friday with ground currently on the firm side which may not suit either of them that well. Royal Seal won nicely last Saturday over 7f, she drops back to sprinting here which may be an issue as she does not look like a sprinter to me & could get taken of her feet in this, theoretically she could be well in though judged on that win.
Divine must improve taking on the boys on what we have seen so far from this mark.Greeb appreciated the return to a faster surface last time when beating his elders at Doncaster, only raised a few lbs as a result & must go well.
Charles Molson failed to get competitive behind See The Sun as he got caught wide on the centre of the pack so that run is best ignored, previously he had been progressing nicely & from a lb lower mark than last time he should be respected at big odds.
Deeds Not Words has ability & is now only 4lbs above his last winning mark, could easily go well at extreme odds. The Hooded Claw has form that ties in with Kickboxer having beaten him on his penultimate start on soft at Chester before reappearing just over a month later on good ground when finishing behind him, ground looks an issue as his 2 wins have come on Heavy & Soft.
May be giving Charles Molson another chance depending on price.
A 7f 2yo colts & geldings is up next, it has an illustrious role of honour over the years;
True Story 2013 (Feilden Stakes Listed 2014).
Native Khan 2010 (Salario Grp 3 2010 / Craven Grp 3 2011).
Elusive Pimpernel 2009 (Acomb Stakes Grp 3 2009 & Craven Stakes Grp 3 2010).
Soul City 2008 (Prix De La Rochette Grp 3 2008).
Rio De La Plata 2007 (Vintage Grp 2 & Jean Luc Lagardere Grp 1 2007 / Pomfret Stakes Listed, Strensall Grp 3, Premio Vittorio Di Capua Grp 1 & Premio Roma Grp 1 2010).
Belenus 2004 (Sovereign Stakes Grp 3 2006).
Dubai Destination 2001 (Champagne Stakes Grp 2 2001 / Queen Anne Grp 1 2003).
Craigsteel 1st 1997 (Troy Stakes Listed 1998 & Princess Of Wales's Stakes Grp 2 1999) beat Victory Note (Greenham Stakes Grp 3 & French 2000 Guineas Grp 1 1998).
Bahhare 1996 (Champagne Stakes Grp 2)
Alhaarth 1st 1995 (Vintage Grp 2 / Solario Grp 3 / Champagne Grp 2 & Dewhurst Grp 1 '95, Prix Du Rond-Point Grp 2 '96, International Stakes Grp 2 (Curragh) & Prix Dollar Grp 2 '97) beat Mark Of Esteem (2000 Guineas Grp 1 / Celebration Mile Grp 2 & QEII Grp 1 '96)
This years crop are a well bred bunch as you would expect:
Basateen (Teofilo x Tasha's Dream) £250,000 at Tatts Book 1 last year, half brother to pattern placed Al Madina & Unquenchable Fire.
Best Of Times (Dubawi x Nabati) half brother to 2 minor winners.
Bollihope (Medicean x Hazy Dancer) £65,000 at Tatts Book 2 last year, first foal, grand dam is Shadow Dancing a Listed winner & pattern placed filly.
Dark Side Dream (Equiano x Dream Day) cheap purchase who is a half brother to 1 winner.
Fieldsman (Hard Spun x R Charlie's Angel) £120,000 at Craven breeze-ups, dam Listed placed a few times at Sunland Park.
Good Contact (Teofilo x Mayoress) half brother to 1 winner Landaman.
Grigolo has had 2 so far unsuccessful runs & is vulnerable here.
Kopassus (Holy Roman Emperor x Couverture) £120,000 Tatts Book 2 last year, half brother to Baciale (Listed winner in Italy) & Il Fortino (Listed winner in Italy).
Latharnach (Iffraaj x Firth Of Lorne) half brother to Etive (Listed winner & placed) & Falls Of Lora (UAE Oaks Grp 3 & Listed winner).
Lexington Times; 1 start to date a good 2nd, will improve & the best of the 2 who have run.
Prince Gagarin (Dubawi x Cara Fantasy) half brother to 6 individual winners including Palavicini (Strensall Stakes Grp 3 & Listed winner plus Listed & Grp 3 placed) & Elusive Pimpernel (Acomb Stakes / Craven Stakes Grp 3 & 2nd Racing Post Trophy Grp 1).
Snoano (Nayef x White Dress) £36,000 December Foal 2012, Dam unraced half sister to Rainbow Springs (3rd Prix Marcel Boussac Grp 1).
Space Age (New Approach x Historian) half brother to 3 winners including Antiquities (Grp 3 & Listed placed).
Typhoon Season (Kyllachy x Alovera) half brother to 3 winners including Corncockle.
Zamperini (Fast Company x Lucky Date) £35,000 Tatts Book 2 last year, half brother to 4 winners, Dam Listed placed.
She won at Ascot in hugely convincing style & has long looked a Group 1 filly, all stats are there to be broken & you should never be afraid of them but if you're taking short odds about her then its worth bearing in mind.
Certify showed nothing at Ascot behind Integral & has it all to prove now on what is likely to be her last chance.
Purr Along was poorly placed in The Windsor Forest, she got going too late to get seriously involved but did grab 3rd, she has come back as a 4yo a better filly since the switch to Johnny Murtagh's yard & warrants respect.
Sky Lantern last year's 1000 Guineas heroine & controversial loser from this race last year is on a revenge mission. She failed to fire behind Integral at Ascot but that was not unexpected as she was carrying a penalty & needed her first start last year but I didn't see any particular spark to give you hope going forward, I wonder if all those hard races over the last 2 years have caught up with her.
Rizeena was a smooth winner of The Coronation last time, she was the best 2yo filly around in my eyes last year & fully deserved that win, this is tougher against older fillies but Coronation Stakes winners have a good record.
Kiyoshi showed nothing when badly disappointing in The Coronation last time out, that was her first run of the year so she is entitled to improve but my god she will need too. Peace Burg has gone backwards since a very promising first start for Aidan O'Brien & looks hopelessly outclassed in this on her last 3 runs.
Rizeena 9/2 (2nd) was impressive last time & can take this against her elders with the stats against the short price favourite.
A field of 20 go to post for a 6f 3yo sprint handicap
High On Life bids to atone for the same connections defeat of Toast Of New York in New York last Saturday here, he is a rapid rise & gives all out on the lead, respected in current mood upped in grade from his new mark.
Little grey Kickboxer is admirably consistent finishing no worse than 6th on all 8 starts so far this season, in behind a couple of these a few starts back he should remain competitive from a mark of 95 & will be in there pitching at the end. Almargo once again bounced back on his last start after to below par runs, he is hardy & runs almost every week, the drop back to 6f caught him out behind See The Sun a few starts back & a similar outcome awaits here.
No Leaf Clover was behind Kickboxer in a 5 runner race last time, he has little room for manoeuvre off this mark in a handicap.
Remember came back to form when the weights favoured her in a course & distance fillies conditions event last time, she has more on her plate in against the boys now though.
Golden Steps beat his elders last time in good style, previously he had been beaten fair & square by Kickboxer receiving 7lbs (allowing for 5lbs of his riders claim) on soft ground, he is only in receipt of 4lbs on Friday with ground currently on the firm side which may not suit either of them that well. Royal Seal won nicely last Saturday over 7f, she drops back to sprinting here which may be an issue as she does not look like a sprinter to me & could get taken of her feet in this, theoretically she could be well in though judged on that win.
Divine must improve taking on the boys on what we have seen so far from this mark.
Charles Molson failed to get competitive behind See The Sun as he got caught wide on the centre of the pack so that run is best ignored, previously he had been progressing nicely & from a lb lower mark than last time he should be respected at big odds.
Deeds Not Words has ability & is now only 4lbs above his last winning mark, could easily go well at extreme odds. The Hooded Claw has form that ties in with Kickboxer having beaten him on his penultimate start on soft at Chester before reappearing just over a month later on good ground when finishing behind him, ground looks an issue as his 2 wins have come on Heavy & Soft.
May be giving Charles Molson another chance depending on price.
A 7f 2yo colts & geldings is up next, it has an illustrious role of honour over the years;
True Story 2013 (Feilden Stakes Listed 2014).
Native Khan 2010 (Salario Grp 3 2010 / Craven Grp 3 2011).
Elusive Pimpernel 2009 (Acomb Stakes Grp 3 2009 & Craven Stakes Grp 3 2010).
Soul City 2008 (Prix De La Rochette Grp 3 2008).
Rio De La Plata 2007 (Vintage Grp 2 & Jean Luc Lagardere Grp 1 2007 / Pomfret Stakes Listed, Strensall Grp 3, Premio Vittorio Di Capua Grp 1 & Premio Roma Grp 1 2010).
Belenus 2004 (Sovereign Stakes Grp 3 2006).
Dubai Destination 2001 (Champagne Stakes Grp 2 2001 / Queen Anne Grp 1 2003).
Craigsteel 1st 1997 (Troy Stakes Listed 1998 & Princess Of Wales's Stakes Grp 2 1999) beat Victory Note (Greenham Stakes Grp 3 & French 2000 Guineas Grp 1 1998).
Bahhare 1996 (Champagne Stakes Grp 2)
Alhaarth 1st 1995 (Vintage Grp 2 / Solario Grp 3 / Champagne Grp 2 & Dewhurst Grp 1 '95, Prix Du Rond-Point Grp 2 '96, International Stakes Grp 2 (Curragh) & Prix Dollar Grp 2 '97) beat Mark Of Esteem (2000 Guineas Grp 1 / Celebration Mile Grp 2 & QEII Grp 1 '96)
This years crop are a well bred bunch as you would expect:
Basateen (Teofilo x Tasha's Dream) £250,000 at Tatts Book 1 last year, half brother to pattern placed Al Madina & Unquenchable Fire.
Best Of Times (Dubawi x Nabati) half brother to 2 minor winners.
Dark Side Dream (Equiano x Dream Day) cheap purchase who is a half brother to 1 winner.
Good Contact (Teofilo x Mayoress) half brother to 1 winner Landaman.
Grigolo has had 2 so far unsuccessful runs & is vulnerable here.
Kopassus (Holy Roman Emperor x Couverture) £120,000 Tatts Book 2 last year, half brother to Baciale (Listed winner in Italy) & Il Fortino (Listed winner in Italy).
Latharnach (Iffraaj x Firth Of Lorne) half brother to Etive (Listed winner & placed) & Falls Of Lora (UAE Oaks Grp 3 & Listed winner).
Lexington Times; 1 start to date a good 2nd, will improve & the best of the 2 who have run.
Snoano (Nayef x White Dress) £36,000 December Foal 2012, Dam unraced half sister to Rainbow Springs (3rd Prix Marcel Boussac Grp 1).
Space Age (New Approach x Historian) half brother to 3 winners including Antiquities (Grp 3 & Listed placed).
Typhoon Season (Kyllachy x Alovera) half brother to 3 winners including Corncockle.
@fttfracing
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