The 2nd Classic for the 3yo fillies appears to be all about Rizeena who has been well backed over the last month, she was a fabulous 2 year old winning at Royal Ascot & The Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, she also finished placed in a Morny Group 1 & a Fillies Mile Group 1. She will stay the mile fine & as long as she has progressed from 2 - 3 she must be in there at the death, I am slightly concerned that she ran 8 times as a 2yo which is a lot for a potential Classic winner, my other concern is that Clive has only had 1 winner from 21 runners so far this year.
The booking of dual champion jockey Richard Hughes is also eye catching as I can't remember him having ridden that many for Clive over the years, Rizeena is an uncomplicated filly so he should be ok on her but with such a big field she will need luck in running given how he likes to ride.
On a much more positive note I am lucky enough to be sitting on a 50/1 ante post bet for the 1000 Guineas after her Ascot maiden win as a 2yo so whatever happens now I cannot beat that.
The booking of dual champion jockey Richard Hughes is also eye catching as I can't remember him having ridden that many for Clive over the years, Rizeena is an uncomplicated filly so he should be ok on her but with such a big field she will need luck in running given how he likes to ride.
On a much more positive note I am lucky enough to be sitting on a 50/1 ante post bet for the 1000 Guineas after her Ascot maiden win as a 2yo so whatever happens now I cannot beat that.
Ihtimal has made hay over the winter in Dubai winning the 1000 Guineas & Oaks in effortless fashion, she hasn't grown a lot & may be vulnerable to fillies with more scope. She also has 2 lengths to find with Rizeena on their running in last season's Fillies Mile & on a whole her form is below the best of these, only just but it is below.
Her stablemate Majeyda was well backed on her return in The Nell Gwyn when she went down by half a length in 3rd. It was a good run by a useful filly but that is about as good as she is.
Lucky Kristale is the fairytale result of the race for George Margarson's small stable, she was a fabulous 2yo, she won her first 2 starts in lesser company before being blown away behind Kiyoshi at the Royal Meeting. Her next start was a surprise win over Rizeena in The Cherry Hinton when everything went right for her but it was the complete opposite for Rizeena. LK then won the Lowther easily but the form is again below the standard of the majority of the opposition as J Wonder was very much below par (she has come out & won a Fred Darling first time out this year). I also remember after her Lowther win George Margarson saying that she would probably not be a Guineas filly next year as she doesn't come to hand that early. Clearly things change but its a comment that has stuck in the memory, stamina also has to a big doubt. The draw has also done her few favours.
Miss France has now become the forgotten filly of the race after a disappointing run in The Prix Imprudence on her first start this year but her trainer had stated before the race that she would need it badly.
The fact that he is bringing her over would suggest she is now firing on all cylinders as Monsieur Fabre is not one to waste money. I was at Newmarket when the won the Oh So Sharp Stakes, she had Guineas winner written all over her that day. Her price means that she is now of huge interest.
The fact that he is bringing her over would suggest she is now firing on all cylinders as Monsieur Fabre is not one to waste money. I was at Newmarket when the won the Oh So Sharp Stakes, she had Guineas winner written all over her that day. Her price means that she is now of huge interest.
Tapestry is bred in the purple & has long been thought of as the best filly at Ballydoyle, she was unlucky in many eyes in The Moyglare when Kiyoshi interfered with her. Before that she had won her previous 2 starts nicely. A fascinating contender who has the potential to improve past several of these.
Her stablemate Bracelet has been well backed in the last few days & it would appear that she may end up the stable number 1 on Sunday, she was easily beaten on debut by Sandiva at Naas when she looked very green, she won her next start & was not seen out until winning The Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial comfortably looking like she had improved from 2 - 3, however on a line through the 5th of that race Avenue Gabriel she has work to do with Tapestry & Rizeena.
Betimes comes into a Guineas on the back of an easy Lingfield win in December, this is a huge step up which is unlike her trainer, Be a massive effort if she finishes in the first 10 in such a hot race.
Euro Charline has come from 2 easy wins at Wolverhampton to a fast finishing 2nd behind Sandiva in The Nell Gwyn. This is another step up but she is still relatively unexposed although I would be fairly surprised if she was up to it.
(far left in green colours (middle Sandiva & far right is Majeyda))
Joyeuse has been living in the shadow of her illustrious half brother Frankel, she has shown a useful level of form so far winning at Listed level & finishing 3rd at Royal Ascot. Her run in The Fred Darling finishing 3rd was excellent as she looked in need of the run & was short of room at one stage. She was the one filly that I took out of all the trials & is overpriced stepping up to a mile.
Lady Lara ran a great race in The Fred Darling to finish 4th, she led just over 1f out but then fitness & possibly class told. She is useful but it would be a shock if she were to get anywhere near the places let alone win.
(bottom left of the pic with Red cap (finishing behind J Wonder)
(bottom left of the pic with Red cap (finishing behind J Wonder)
Lamar runs for trainer James Tate she is rated 96, her best run was her 4th in The Nell Gwyn on her first start this year & she has no hope in this.
Lightning Thunder is fancied by her connections but I can't see it, she scrambled home at Doncaster from the useful but no where near pattern class Justice Day, she then got the run of the race at Newmarket on her next start but was still collared comfortably by Miss France, on her next start she was expected to win The Rockfel but was a disappointing 4th behind a filly who I don't rate in Al Thakira (who is the size of a pony).
Lightning Thunder is fancied by her connections but I can't see it, she scrambled home at Doncaster from the useful but no where near pattern class Justice Day, she then got the run of the race at Newmarket on her next start but was still collared comfortably by Miss France, on her next start she was expected to win The Rockfel but was a disappointing 4th behind a filly who I don't rate in Al Thakira (who is the size of a pony).
Princess Noor was given a fabulous ride from the front by the now retired Johnny Murtagh when nearly nicking The Cheveley Park Stakes, previous to that she had surprised when winning The Princess Margaret. She is a small filly & I doubt there is much improvement from 2 - 3.
Sandiva won the Nell Gwyn but it looked hard work & Frankie lifted her over the line with her stamina appearing to ebb away, she is a useful filly in a lesser grade but will be exposed against the classier opposition here.
Vorda is last season's Cheveley Park heroine, she looks like a sprinter & races like one, on her only try at the distance in America last year when really fancied to win she was a disappointing 7th. She has been out this year in The Prix Imprudence when she finished 2nd, she looked fit enough too me & was worn down by a better staying filly for me. Cannot have her in this especially with her outside draw.
Alutiq is useful in a much lesser grade, she won't stay & is in there for me to ensure a decent gallop for her owner mate Kiyoshi.
Manderley is rated a few lbs higher than Alutiq (I can't see how personally) she is another who has no right to be contesting a Classic over a distance that will stretch her.
A renewal that looks right up to scratch in which I believe it's significant that Andre Fabre is allowing Miss France 8/1 (WON 7/1) to take her chance & she will do for me.
At bigger prices I can see Joyeuse 22/1 E/W hitting the frame.
The card opens with a 1m4f handicap with 14 runners, Urban Dance for the boys in blue heads the weights, an improving 3yo last season, he looked over the top on his last in Listed company in November & resumes on a mark that requires more.
Viewpoint has been in fantastic form on the AWT winning on Finals day a few weeks ago, his mark has risen as a result & I would leave him alone back on turf.
Bancnuanaheirann is a cracking old handicapper but the trip would appear to be a little out of reach for him, he tried it once before many moons as a young horse & did not stay.
Asbaab progressed through maidens last year to chasing home the useful Viking Storm only going down by 3/4's of a length, I think he might just be a couple of lbs too high as a result though.
Elhaame looks to be on a fair mark judged on his 2nd in what is always a top 3yo handicap at Ascot in September behind the improved Excellent Result (Now a Group 2 winner in Dubai). In behind Elhaame at Ascot was Cafe Society who was given far too much to do on that occasion by Martin Lane, he should have won & is a horse to take very seriously this season especially with his trainer going along nicely.
Salutation is so hit & miss he won first time out then finished last next time at Epsom, who knows?
Ray Ward is a stablemate of Cafe Society, he was tried over staying distances last season in Group company on a couple of occasions. He still has time on his side but I think further will see him in a better light.
Buckland was progressive on the AWT at the start of last season before excelling himself by finishing 4th in The Sagaro to Estimate, he is steadily coming down the weights but I feel he is still vulnerable.
Centurius hasn't really gone on the turf so he would not be of interest to me.
Amralah has a verdict over Urban Dance last season when in receipt of almost a stone, he is now receiving of 7lbs so if he has resumed his progress he should still confirm that form.
Van Percy comes from that Amralah & Urban Dance race last year, they race on similar marks her & with Van Percy already having had a run he could easily reverse that form especially as when they last met it was at the end of a long season for Van Percy.
Mighty Yar was most disappointing on his first start back this year when upped to Listed company, off the bridle early he found nothing. He looks pretty harshly judged on his handicap win at a lower level at Sandown last year, work to do.
Miss Marjurie will have to up her game to be involved in a very decent looking race.
Think you have to be with Cafe Society in this who looks like he should make up for last year over the next few months.
The older fillies have their chance to shine in The Dahlia Stakes Group 3, Sir Michael Stoute is the trainer to follow saddling 5 winners in the last 7 years.
This year he saddles Integral whose dam Echelon won this race back in 2007, Integral was thrown in at the deep end in last year's Nassau Stakes after 2 lesser wins, she came unstuck that day but did meet interference, she dead heated at Sandown after & finished the season with a strong 2nd over course & distance to Sky Lantern. She should be a forced to be reckoned with in fillies & mares races this season. As this is her first start she can be forgiven for being ring rusty.
Estoterqiue hails from the Andre Fabre stable, well thought of last season she only just failed in the French 1000 Guineas behind Flotilla & then ran a disappointing 7th behind the wonder mare Treve in the French Oaks. She has already run twice this season finishing 4th both times which on paper looks disappointing but she was in a bunch finish both times against colts looking like the mile was too short.
Back up in trip & against her own sex on Sunday makes her a player.
Quaduna comes over from Andrea Wohler's stable having already won a Listed race at Hoppegarten in taking style, she has a 3lb penalty for a Group 3 win at the end of last season to contend with but does have a fitness edge.
Boonga Roogeta won the Suffolk Stakes on the 2000 Guineas card last year when she was in the form of her life, she ran a decent race a day later in this race, beaten on several occasions since she faces an uphill battle this time around.
Gifted Girl progressed throughout the last campaign with her highlight being an excellent 2nd in The Beverly D at Arlington in Chicago, stepped up in trip after she failed to stay both times so the drop back in trip should suit her.
Odeliz represents the in form Karl Burke stable, she ran a huge race on her seasonal debut giving away over a stone to Dermot Weld's promising Vote Often, only going down by a head. Soft ground has so far seen her produce her very best form but she should be more than capable of coping with faster ground. Her stable continues in excellent form.
This is a big step up for Princess Loulou who is only rated 93, I doubt she can cope with at least 4 of these. Madame Defarge has not been seen since finishing last in last season's Oaks, previous to that she had been 3rd on this card in The Pretty Polly. This is a tough assignment on her first start back & is best watched.
Zurigha is an interesting filly, she clearly has ability & handles the AWT at Kempton well as she showed on her seasonal debut when easily accounting for the useful filly Ribbons, in between those runs are some mediocre ones plus a fourth in a French 1000 Guineas when she was miles behind & a surprise win over a mile on this course last backend in a race that suited closers. Ability is there & maybe now as a 4yo she can blossom, the fitness edge will be a factor in this.
If I have a bet in this it will be price determined so check back nearer the time.
An decent full field of 21 sprinters are up next over the 6f, this is one of my favourite sprints of the year, this year's renewal might lack a little bit of the class of previous times but it should still produce a few winners. 4 & 5yo's have dominated in recent years carrying between 8-11 - 9-4, only Maarek has carried more than 9-4 to victory in recent years, its also beneficial to get a low to middling draw;
Jimmy Styles is a grand old horse but far too much weight.
Everything went right for Alben Star on Finals day at Lingfield on Good Friday but this is much tougher from the highest draw. Zanetto is probably one of the best horses you will find to look at, he has a good level of ability too. With his excellent apprentices claim he is a player if getting on the lead they may not catch him.
Ninjago never really threatened to go on & win again after easily accounting for Zanetto at Ascot early last year, that form was easily reversed at Newbury a month or so later. Usually fancied for these big sprints he looks to be too high in the handicap at present.
Seeking Magic is a vastly improved handicapper last year, he starts the season from his highest ever mark & should remain competitive but is passed over from his high draw.
Zero Money took ages to get his head back in front but has been hit hard once more so will be better later in the year.
Ashpan Sam's best form is on a softer surface, couldn't fancy here.
Tamayuz Star was highly tried last year before reverting back to handicaps & ran with credit on each occasion. He starts the season with a new stable & on an excellent looking mark, one to take seriously. Pearl Acclaim is another to have been highly tried last year without any success, first run this year was just ok & his mark looks a little high.
Secretinthepark showed good form in a bundle of Newmarket summer handicaps last year & he hated the soft ground in the autumn. Starts the year on a decent mark, type to make a much better 4yo. Secondo is still unexposed as a sprinter, his best run came on his last start & respected form shrewd yard. Out Do is still much higher than his last winning mark & looks like he needs some help from the handicapper.
Yeeoow has been given a chance by the handicapper, comes here fit & from a stable that is banging in winners. Had little luck in two AWT starts & again not the clearest of runs when staying on best latest in a race that is working out. Definite player from an excellent draw.
Kimberella needs more from his mark judging on his in behind runs throughout last year, he won on seasonal debut but in much lesser grade. Goldream is a frustrating sort who has all the ability but never goes through with his run. At least he starts the year from a good mark. Baddilini has been in good form in the early part of the year, he has got the form to get involved. Swiss Cross is a useful sprinter on his day who has slipped to an attractive mark, player if ready. Crew Cut was the winner of last year's Grey's horse race, upped in class here as is Hadaj who has ability but not always that willing while Go Far & Hannahs Turn are out of their depth.
Don't see a bet this year but if I was to put up a shortlist it would include Yeeoow for his in form stable, Tamayuz Star, Secretinthepark & Zanetto.
Sunday also sees an Oaks trial this time in the shape of The Pretty Polly Stakes which since its inception has produced 3 Oaks winners Dunfermline in 1977, Ouija Board in 2004 & last year's winner Talent.
Countless classy fillies have also graduated from the race namely;
Indian Skimmer 1987 (Triple Group 1 winner (Phoenix Park Champion Stakes / Dubai Champion Stakes & Prix D'Isaphan)
All At Sea 1992 (Prix Du Moulin Group 1)
Wind In Her Hair 1994 (Aral Pokal Group 1 also 2nd Energizer Oaks Group 1)
Pricket (2nd Vodafone Oaks Group 1 1996)
Midnight Line 1998 (Long Island Handicap Grade 2)
Melikah 2000 (3rd Vodafone Oaks Group 1 & 2nd Kildangan Stud Irish Oaks Group 1)
Mot Juste 2001 (2nd Darley Stud Irish Oaks Group 1 & 2nd Prix De L'opera Group 1)
A select field lineup this year with all of them holding Oaks entries but all eyes will be on Taghrooda who steps into Listed company after an eye catching debut win as a 2yo, she was due to contest a handicap off a very favourable mark last week at Sandown but was pulled out due to deteriorating ground conditions.
She has already been out on the Rowley Mile in a piece of work at the Craven meeting when she impressed many judges. She is bred to stay & it will be fascinating to see how she gets on, If you fancy her for the Oaks then get on now as she will only shorten if winning impressively.
She won't have it all her own way though as there are at least 3 other potentially useful rivals starting with Surcingle, trained by Sir Michael Stoute she was an impressive Leicester maiden winner, she was then stepped up in grade when favourite in Listed company, the soft ground was against this easy actioned filly though & she found it hard going on only her 2nd start finishing 7th. Another who could be anything.
Another potentially useful filly is Godolphin's Sound Reflection, she is a big girl who has long been held in high regard by her trainer Charlie Appleby (she was named as his Oaks & potentially best filly last year). From what I have heard she has done well from 2 - 3 & the step up will be the making of her. She is bred to be smart as her dam Echoes In Eternity was pacey enough to win The Sun Chariot & had the stamina to win a Park Hill, so far the best horse she has bred is Whispering Gallery who won The DRC Gold Cup Group 3 & has won a couple of times over hurdles.
One to note is the debutant Night Fever (Galileo X Ask For The Moon) making her a full sister to Derby 3rd & Dee Stakes winner Astrology. It is most unusual for John Gosden to send a unraced horse straight into pattern company (especially as he already has Taghrooda in the race) so she has obviously been showing the right signs on the gallops.
Jordan Princess is another Oaks entry who also holds a Ribblesdale entry, she won an average Newcastle maiden on soft last year & this represents a step up especially against 4 potentially useful looking rivals. She is a half sister to Listed winner Qewy.
Uchenna completes the lineup, she was thrown in at the deep end in The Fillies Mile last year & duly finished well beaten, she has over 3 lengths to find with Sound Reflection on that form. On breeding the extra distance should help but I don't see her in the same class as her rivals.
Not a race I would be keen to have a bet in as I am already on both Taghrooda & Sound Reflection at decent odds for the Oaks, so would rather let them run.
The Makfi Future Stars maiden usually produces a reasonable horse so here is a run through the runners & relations;
Aktanbary (Oasis Dream x Splashdown) made £388,500 as a yearling Tatts Book 1, Dam a Listed winner of Lord Weinstock Memorial Stakes.
Alpine Affair (Invincible Spirit x Demi Voix) half brother too 3 winners.
Barchan (War Front x Malamado) made $475,000, dam a winner of a maiden claimer at Santa Anita, black type winners further back in her pedigree.
Big McIntosh (Bushranger x Three Decades) finished 6th on debut behind Mind Of Madness, made £89,250 at Tatts Book 1 October, half brother to Melbourne Memories (Listed winner).
Billyoakes (Kodiac x Reality Check) £36,142 Goffs, November Foal (2012).
£45,898 Yearling, Goffs, Orby (Oct 2013). Half brother to 1 winner.
Brazen Spirit (Zebedee x Never Say Deya) once raced 6th in a Leicester maiden, made £16,800 Foal, Tattersalls, December Foal (Nov 2012). £20,000 Yearling, DBS, Premier (Aug 2013).
Fit The Bill (Iffraaj x Najam) dam half sister to Rugged Cross & Lundy's Lane (pattern placed) & Blue Monday (Group 3 winner).
Forcible (Stimulation x Least Said) £7,350 Foal, Tattersalls, December Foal (Nov 2012)
£17,000 Yearling, DBS, Premier (Aug 2013), related to 1 winner.
Kassbaan (Kodiac x Town And Gown) £18,900 Foal, Tattersalls, December Foal (Nov 2012) £160,000 Yearling, DBS, Premier (Aug 2013), half brother to 1 winner
Lightning Stride (Equiano x Fame Is The Spur) £43,050 Foal, Tattersalls, December Foal (Nov 2012). £68,429 Yearling, Goffs, Orby (Oct 2013)
Shackled N Drawn (Candy Ride x Cajun Flash) Dam 3 time winner, £16,713 Foal, Keeneland, November Breeding Stock (2012).£36,941 Yearling, Fasig-Tipton, Kentucky Fall Yearlings (Oct 2013)
Sky Steps (Strategic Prince x Best Dancing) £3,843 Yearling, Tattersalls Ireland, September Yearling (2013), half brother to 2 winners.
Symbolic Star (New Approach x Epitome) half brother to Synopsis (Group 3 winner) & Epic Smile (pattern placed).
Wet Sail (Henrythenavigator x Aljawza) half brother to useful stayer Alsadaa, £33,380 Yearling, Goffs, Orby (Oct 2013)
Elite Gardens (Speightstown x Flagrant) $140,000 at Keeneland Sept Yearling 2013, half sister to Furthest Land (Breeders Cup Dirt Mile Grade 1).
@fttfracing
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