Derby winner Auguste Rodin runs on Sunday in the Irish Derby, looking to become a double Derby winner, will he be successful? The 3 day Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh started yesterday & now the action turns to the Group action over the next 2 days, so this will be a rolling blog post….
There is plenty for Rich & Jamie to get their teeth into as they are fresh having had a week or so away, let’s get cracking..
Jamie –
Newcastle –
2:05 – Northumberland Plate (Heritage Handicap)
Selection: Law Of The Sea
A cracking renewal of the ‘Pitman’s Derby’ sees Royal Ascot & Chester Cup form clash in abundance. There are several with really strong claims but as at Ascot last week I am going to side with Law Of The Sea, who has dropped into a solid each way price. Law Of The Sea contested the 2m 4f Ascot Stakes on the opening day and didn’t let connections down, running a fine race in fourth despite being up with the pace for most of the race. That run confirmed the promise he had shown when an unlucky fourth in the Chester Cup and in another Class 2 Handicap at Haydock. The only question mark is whether or not Ian Williams’ stayer will be as effective on the all weather as he has proven on the turf. However, looking back through his form he did win as a 2YO at Kempton and of course he has matured a great deal physically and mentally since then. At 12/1 in places I think there is worse each way bets today. I hope my selection can ease out a bit more improvement today. Shop around as some bookies may offer an extra place or two. – UNPLACED
*Each way advised*
The Curragh –
3:25 – Yulong Pretty Polly Stakes (G1)
Selection: Above The Curve
This Group 1 for Fillies & Mares has been won by some great champions in the past. Who will join the roll of honor this year? It does seem significant that Ryan Moore has chosen to ride Above The Curve ahead of the 3YO Never Ending Story. Joseph O’Brien’s 4YO was a top level scorer in France last year when taking the Prix Saint-Alary, showcasing her class and good, genuine attitude. Another plus for my selection is that she has won over C&D, that victory came on Irish Champions Weekend last September beating a solid field in the G2 Blandford. Above The Curve looked badly in need of the run first time out this season when last of 7 in the Mooresbridge Stakes but she was just over a length behind Luxembourg on that occasion, so the form isn’t all bad. She progressed lovely from that run to win a G2 comfortably in the end at Saint-Cloud towards the back end of May. With C&D form and good ground in her favour I think she will be right there making her presence felt in the closing stages. At 9/4 in places I would be tempted. There’s no doubt the jockey is at the top of his game right now! I think if Insinuendo bounces back to somewhere near her best form she would be a very nice each way proposition. 3RD
Rich –
Curragh – 1.40 Maiden – 2yo Only – 7f… City of Troy – Justify X Together Forever colt. Full brother to Bertinelli & half brother to Group 7f 2yo winner, Military Style, who makes race course debut. – WINNER 6/4SP DANGERS – School of Law – Inns of Court X Dover Vision colt – 1 length runner up on debut in a C&D maiden on June 7th & Huxley – Galileo X Strawberry Fledge colt, who was a 6 length 7th in the same maiden as School of Law, having been hampered in the closing stages..
2.15 Airlie Stud Stakes – Fillies’ Group 2 – 2yo Only – 6f… Matrika – No Nay Never X Muravka filly. C&D winner on debut in a 6f Maiden on May 28th before finishing a 1 length 2nd in the Group 3, 6f Albany Stakes to Porta Fortuna at Royal Ascot on June 23rd. – WINNER 2/5SP DANGER – Grand Job – Justify X Sure Route filly. 3/4’s of a length 2nd to Matrika over C&D on May 28th in above maiden.
Footnote – 3.25 Pretty Polly Stakes – Never Ending Story : Was a 4 length 2nd to Blue Rose Cen in the Group 1 Prix de Diane over 1m 2f at Chantilly on June 18th.
Sunday –
Jamie –
1:50 – Gain Railway Stakes (G2)
Selection: His Majesty
As the market suggests there isn’t a lot between the fancied runners here. Whilst Ryan Moore has chosen to ride Unquestionable I think His Majesty offers excellent value considering the form he brings into this G2. It was a winning start for this son of No Nay Never who took out a listed contest over 5F here. Beaten into second and third that day were Norfolk winner Valiant Force and his stablemate Unquestionable. His Majesty (no not that one!) returned to the Curragh a few weeks later to contest the Marble Hill Stakes over today’s C&D, unfortunately for his backers that day he got going too late and was a fast finishing third only beaten a half length. It was perhaps slightly surprising to see the Ballydoyle team opting to drop him back to 5F in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. I guess the confidence behind River Tiber in the Coventry was pretty high. Despite being drawn on the wrong side of the track His Majesty ran a blinder in fourth. He really was thundering home inside the final furlong and won the race on his side of the track very easily. It was a very eye-catching run. The ten day gap between Ascot and here is not ideal but that experience will have toughened him up. Back at 6F and on slightly slower ground I think His Majesty can reign over the Curragh. Has Ryan chosen the wrong one? 3RD
A dozen horses line up to vie for a valuable stakes success in this 1m heat. I like the claims of Didn’thavemuchtodo who makes plenty of each way appeal in my book. Owned by JP McManus and trained on ‘the hill’ by Joseph O’Brien, this daughter of the mighty Highland Reel has raced seven times and been successful on two of those occasions. She does bring in some decent form to this race with a listed second at Gowran Park last August behind the smart Paris Peacock followed by a not far away (three lengths) sixth in the Blandford Stakes on Champions Weekend last September behind Above The Curve. It was another listed race in which Didn’thavemuchtodo made her 2023 reappearance at Navan. She was a solid if not unspectacular third, it was a decent run and she will come on a good deal for it. The winner had 11lbs in hand too. The galloping nature of the Curragh will really suit this horse I feel and at double figure odds I think she is excellent each way value in what is an open looking race. She has winning form on good or slower ground. It will be fascinating to see how Hellsing fares today. I think he could develop into a top 3YO in the Autumn.
Rich –
Curragh – 3.40 Irish Derby – 3yo Only – Group 1 – 1m 4f… Auguste Rodin – Deep Impact X Rhododendron Colt. Having won the Futurity Trophy Group 1 at Doncaster on his final 2yo start in October by 3 & 1/2 lengths, their was high hopes that the colt could go on in 2023 & land the Triple Crown but when he made his season return in May in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, he sadly failed to fire & finished a disappointing 22 length 12th, so he was stepped up in trip & headed to Epsom for the Derby in June. He won the 1m 4f Group 1 by 1/2 a length from King of Steel, who won the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes on June 23rd & also 6th placed Waipiro. won the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes on June 22nd – The form of the race is stacking up…. WINNER 4/11SP The DANGER – White Birch – Ulysses X Diagnostic Colt. the 2023 Ballysax winner in April was beaten a neck by The Foxes in the Group 2 Dante at York in May before coming from a long way back to finish 5 & 1/4 lengths 3rd to Auguste Rodin in the Derby at Epsom in June.
4.15 Handicap – 3yo+ – 1m… Arniemac – Fascinating Rock X Theola Gelding. Has only had 3 career starts. He finished 4th of 13 on his debut in November 2022 in a 6f Naas Maiden before changing yards in the winter. Made season return in a maiden over 5 & 1/2f at Sligo in April, finishing a 3 & 1/4 length runner up of 5 before being stepped up in trip to 1m in May at Killarney, where he beat a field a field of 11 by 4 & 1/2 lengths – NON RUNNER
Thanks to everyone who has popped in, we really appreciate it.
And just like that, we are in June, the Guineas & the Derby have gone, we are now hurtling our way to Royal Ascot & before we know it, York, Goodwood, Doncaster etc & the season will be done!
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The late Queen Elizabeth II
After a short break for reasons that we won’t go in to, we are back with a full 5 days of the Royal meeting. It will be the first Royal meeting at the course since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II & we would like to take a moment to thank the late Queen for her service to the country & racing. It will also be the first Royal meeting for over 70 years, when the King has been present – A moment in history!
Frankie in his Final season
Frankie Dettori is in his final season in the saddle, as of 2022, the legendary jockey had 77 Royal Ascot winners, how many will he finish with as the Frankie Farewell Tour continues….
Tuesday –
Rich –
3.40 Kings Stand – Group 1 – 3yo+ – 5f…. Dramatised – Showcasing X Katie’s Diamond 3yo filly 5 runs, 3 wins & 1 place. A double Group 2 winner ( Queen Mary Stakes & Temple Stakes). The winner of the Queen Mary over C&D last year made a winning return last month when landing the Temple Stakes at Haydock by 1 length from Equilateral. The filly had a blip when 5th in the Lowther at York mid season before finishing 2nd in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland last November. Carries 8s 12Lbs as the only filly in the race. – EACH WAY – UNPLACED
4.20 St James’ Palace Stakes – Group 1 – 3yo Only – 1m…
The battle of a pair of 2000 Guineas winners, with Chaldean ( 2000 Guineas) & Paddington ( Irish 2000 Guineas ), we can add Issac Shelby, French 2000 Guineas runner up to the mix & we have a fascinating context. I think the 2 Guineas winners will be the first 2 & the battle for the minor’s will be Shelby, Mostabashir & the experienced Royal Scotsman.. Reverse Forecast – Chaldean & Paddington – WINNER
Jamie –
2:30 – Queen Anne Stakes (G1)
Selection: Inspiral
A cracking Queen Anne kicks off proceedings at the royal meeting for 2023. A dozen milers go to post and I think Inspiral can get Frankie Dettori off to a perfect start on his Royal Ascot swansong. Inspiral was an unbeaten 2YO and as a 3YO last year she was electric when winning the Coronation Stakes, showing that rapid change of gear to maximum effect. That win came on the round mile course whilst today’s assignment is on the straight mile, on which Inspiral was well beaten in the QEII on Champions Day. However, I wouldn’t stress too much about it as she was slowly away and pulled too hard, it was a messy race for my selection. The Gosden’s will have Inspiral hard fit for her first race of the season and crucially she gets the fast ground which will bring out the best in her. Lockinge and multiple Breeders Cup winner ModernGames is undoubtedly the main danger whilst I can’t see Chindit finishing out of the first three, he makes a nice each way selection in my opinion. – 2ND
5:00 – Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
Selection: Law Of The Sea
My goodness, this is a really tricky puzzle to solve but I am going to throw a dart at the board for this marathon 2m 4f staying contest. Whilst many will think Bring OnThe Night is a good thing for this race I believe that Law Of The Sea will give him a good run for his money. My selection, trained by Ian Williams who won this in 2019 and 2021 struggled in a couple of Meydan outings during the winter months with local trainer Satish Seemer, where he didn’t take to the climate out there at all. Law Of The Sea has run well twice since being switched to the Williams stable in April. He was an unlucky fourth in the Chester Cup, where he was denied a clear run inside the final 50 or 60 yards. He was only beaten a length and three quarters and was coming home strongly over 2m 2 1/2f on soft ground. Ian Williams next sent his 5YO charge for a Class 2 Handicap at Haydock over 2m. This time on good to firm ground Law Of The Sea rallied well in the closing stages but could not quite get to the winner and had to settle for 2nd. I think the step up to 2m 4f looks tailor made for this horse and he looks one of the more assured stayers. At around 12/1 in places he makes quite a bit of each way appeal.
*Each way advised* 4TH – Up to 7 Places at some bookies
The Ascot Gold Cup
Wednesday –
Jamie –
2:30 – Queen Mary Stakes (G2)
Selection: Relief Rally
A maximum field of 28 2YO Fillies line up for the 45th running of the Queen Mary. There are so many obvious chances but I have to say that I liked the way Relief Rally has got the job done on both starts so far. William Haggas & Tom Marquand once again team up with this Kodiac Filly who opened her account by shedding her maiden tag at the first time of asking at Windsor. She won by a comfortable two lengths in the end, the form of the race hasn’t quite worked out but it was the manner of victory that caught many people’s eye as a Filly going places. A bit more experience was needed for Ascot so the Haggas team decided to send Relief Rally to contest a Fillies Conditions Stakes at Salisbury, where she made stylish headway into the meat of the race and then showed a nice change of gear to kill the race off, beating the reopposing Juniper Berries. Relief Rally is in top hands and if she can take another leap forward I think she will be bang there. Quick ground should be okay as well. The step down to 5F should be ideal for Launch who I like at a big price for each way purposes. 2ND
6:10 – Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)
Selection: Maximum Attack
I’m topping and tailing today’s card as I like one in the Windsor Castle very much. Maximum Attack, owned by the growing force of Amo Racing, makes plenty of appeal to me and I’ll explain why. Firstly, on his racecourse debut at Leicester back in April Maximum Attack bolted up by a dozen lengths to win a six runner Novice Stakes. Perhaps the winning margin was exasperated a bit by the heavy ground on that occasion but he still did it very well. Next up for this son of Havana Grey was a Conditions race (on Ascot trials day) over today’s course and distance. With good ground underfoot Maximum Attack showed he had possessed a nice turn of foot, helping him to win going away a few lengths at the line. The form is unknown as only one of his four rivals that day, the fifth home has run since and was well beaten. I think the quicker ground will bring out more in him and he is drawn around quite a few of the fancied runners. I’d love to see Amo racing and Kevin Stott on the board this week. C&D winner and I can’t see Maximum Attack being far away on all known form. UNPLACED
Rich –
3.40 Duke of Cambridge Stakes – Fillies & Mares’ Group 2 – 4yo+ – 1m…
Rogue Millennium – Dubawi X Hawaafez 4yo filly. Placed in all 3 starts this season starting on April 1st, when finishing a 3 length 2nd to Foxes Tail at Kempton (AW) in the Magnolia Listed Stakes before heading to Longchamp on April 30th, where the filly finished a 1 & 1/2 length 3rd to India in the Group 3 Prix Allez France( F&M) before her last start on May 18th in the Group 2 Middleton Stakes at York, where She finished a 1/2 length 2nd to Free Wind. All her runs have been over 1m 2f & 1m 4f, today she drops to a mile for the first time & I think they maybe planning to front run.. – EACH WAY – WINNER 10/1sp
The winning post…
Thursday –
Jamie –
4:20 – Ascot Gold Cup (G1)
Selection: Emily Dickinson
The showpiece race of the week has drawn a field of 14 and it is wide open! I think the step up to this extreme trip of 2m 4f could bring out the best in Ballydoyle’s EmilyDickinson. This race has long been the plan for the daughter of Dubawi and she has been building up to the Gold Cup with two prep races. The first of those came in Navan’s Vintage Crop Stakes back in April, it looked a lovely starting point for Emily and she coped with the testing ground very well to beat good horses like French Claim & Bolshoi Ballet comfortably by five lengths in the end. Last time out she weakened quickly up the home straight at Leopardstown in a G3, however I think that was a real ‘prep’ run and you will see a much fitter and sharper horse today. Judging by the way she finishes off her races I expect my selection to relish the step up to this extreme distance. It looks like she will stay all day. Their may be classier horses in this race but they will have to prove they can stay, I don’t think Aidan O’Brien’s hope will have that problem. The ground is a slight concern but she does a little bit of form on good or faster. Her stablemate Broome could be the each way value, he will love the quick-ish ground and is a tough sort. – 4TH
5:00 – Britannia Handicap (3YO C&G)
Selection: Royal Cape
I think there is nearly more chance of finding the proverbial needle in a haystack than backing the winner of this 30 runner cavalry charge. There are a couple in here with smart form and one I like at double figure odds is Royal Cape. This son of Gleneagles (I know what your thinking!) has snuck in the Britannia off a lovely low weight of 8-11. With four runs under his belt Royal Cape doesn’t have as much experience as some of his opposition today but the form of his most recent run does stand out. That came in Haydock’s Silver Bowl Handicap where Royal Cape finished second to the exciting Covey, who is 5/2 for Saturday’s Jersey Stakes. It reads well and he could be dangerously handicapped right now. He is drawn around some of the fancied horses including the favourite Quantum Impact and Docklands under race specialist Hayley Turner. The ground is ideal for Hughie Morrison’s charge and I am finding it hard to ignore an each way punt at 18/1. Can Royal Cape put the Royal into Ascot? – 6TH
*Each way advised*
Rich –
2.30 Norfolk Stakes – Group 2 – 2yo Only – 5f…. His Majesty – No Nay Never X Czabo colt. winner on debut in the 5f First Flier Listed Stakes on May 1st by 3/4’s of a length on soft ground. Finished 3rd of 6 by 1/2 a length on his last start on May 29th, when stepping up to 6f in the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes, with Noche Magica in 2nd. Drops back to 5f – EACH WAY-4TH
5.35 Hampton Court Stakes – Group 3 – 3yo Only – 1m 2f…. Caernarfon – Cityscape X Royal Ffcanci Filly. 8 turf runs, with 2 wins & 4 places. The filly was unplaced in her first 2 starts in July last year. She landed the 1m Montrose Listed Stakes at Newmarket on her final start last season in October. Seasonal return came at Newmarket in the Group 1 1,000 Guineas on May 7th, when finishing a 10 & 1/2 length 4th to Mawj before stepping up to 1m 4f in the Group 1 Oaks at Epsom on June 2nd, where she ran home in 3rd, 2 lengths behind Soul Sister & now having run really well in the pair of Group 1 races against her peers, she is pitted against the boys, with her fillies’ allowance & a drop in Grade. Likely to outrun her odds – EACH WAY – 6TH SAVER – Drumroll – Deep Impact X Maybe filly. 2 wins & 1 place from 3 runs, won last time out on May 28th in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes over 1m 2f, she finished 2nd by a head but took the race after interference from winner Teutates, who was demoted on May 28th. Top breeding. – UNPLACED
Friday –
Jamie –
2:30 – Albany Stakes (G2)
Selection: Matrika
Team Ballydoyle took this race last year with Breeders Cup hero Meditate and I think they have a strong chance of repeating the feat with Curragh maiden winner Matrika. This daughter of No Nay Never won that maiden with her ears pricked as Ryan Moore pushed her out hands and heels. She looks a very straightforward ride and stayed arrow straight up the Curragh home straight which is a positive sign. The form has been boosted by the third winning a Cork maiden last week. Being by No Nay Never, Matrika will relish racing on this fast ground and I think she will take a big step forward today having pace to aim at. It’s always a good sign when one of Aidan’s wins first time out. She is drawn on the same side as several of the fancied horses too. Persian Dreamer could go well at a big price… 2ND
5:35 – King Edward VII Stakes (G2)
Selection: King Of Steel
A small but select field of 6 line up for the Royal Ascot Derby as Animal Rising would say! There is plenty of Derby form on offer here with all bar one runner having contested either the Epsom or French Derby in recent weeks. King Of Steel is one of my strongest bets of the week and whilst he is plenty short enough I could not leave him out of the blog today. My selection ran a huge race at 66/1 in the Derby when runner up to Auguste Rodin, in fact for a couple of seconds in the home straight it looked like he might be away before Auguste Rodin wore him down. That was King Of Steel’s first run of the year so he is entitled to come forward from the Derby and he will take all the beating if in similar form. The quick ground is right up his street and further improvement seems likely from this unexposed Colt. A few of these may prefer softer conditions… WINNER
Rich –
3.05 – Commonwealth Cup – 3yo Only – Group 1 – 6f… Little Big Bear – No Nay Never X Adventure Seeker colt. Last years Windsor Castle winner, who went on to win the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes over 6 & 1/2f before landing the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes over 6f, both wins at the Curragh. Returned in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, plenty went wrong & best left there. A return to 6f followed at Haydock, where LBB won the Group 2 6f Sandy Lane Stakes on May 27th.. 2ND EACH WAY – Shaquille – Charm Spirit X Magic colt. 2 from 2 this term & comes fresh from landing the 6f Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury on May 20th by 2 lengths.. WINNER
4.20 Coronation Stakes – Fillies’ Group 1 – 3yo Only – 1m… Tahiyra – Siyouni X Tarana filly. 3 wins from 4 starts. Won the Group 1 7f Moyglare Stakes by 2 & 1/4 lengths last September from Meditate. Made season return at Newmarket on May 7th, when finishing a 1/2 length 2nd to Mawj in the 1000 Guineas before landing the Irish 1000 Guineas on May 28th, when beating Meditate by1 & 1/2 lengths at the Curragh. It will not surprise you that Meditate ( No Nay Never X Pembina) is the DANGER, as this is the 3rd time the pair have met, with Tahiya winning both, although Meditate has been closer each time, is it enough to overturn the form? Maybe! – Reverse Forecast – 1st & 4th…
The sun sets on Royal Ascot 2023
Saturday –
Rich –
2.30 Chesham Stakes – Class 1 Listed – 2yo Only – 7f… La Guarida – New Bay X Whispered Dreams filly. Finished a 2 length 3rd of 10 on debut at Newmarket on May 20th, in a 6f Class 2 Novice Stakes behind Jabaana before winning just 7 days later at Goodwood in a 6f Class 4 Maiden, beating Indespensible by 2 & 1/4 lengths, who along with HellFire Bay & Neverstopdreaming have all won since. Steps up to 7f & that should be no issue – EACH WAY – UNPLACED
5.00 Wokingham Stakes – Class 2 – Heritage Handicap – 3yo+ – 6f… Kape Moss – Equiano X Chrissycross 4yo filly. 1 win from 4 runs this season, which was at Southwell (AW) on seasonal return in March. A 3rd to Lihou followed at Epsom in a 5f Class 3 Handicap in April by 1/4 length. He ran twice in May, on the 6th, when finishing a 1 & 3/4 length 4th to Azure Blue at Newmarket in the Fillies & Mares’ Ellen Chaloner Stakes & Last time out, May 26th, at Haydock. The filly finished a close up 2nd in the 6f F&M Cecil Frail Listed Stakes. If she can mix it with the boys, she has a good chance of grabbing a place or more! – EACH WAY – Unplaced
Best of the rest – 3.05 Covey – Unplaced 3.40 Wellington & Big Invasion Unplaced 4.20 Free Wind Unplaced 5.35 Knockbrex
Jamie –
3:05 – Jersey Stakes (G2)
Selection: Covey
The Jersey is one of my favourite races of the royal meeting and I think this is an intriguing renewal as 15 go to post. I was impressed with Covey’s latest win at Haydock and I am going to side with him today. This could be Frankie Dettori’s best chance of a winner on what will be an emotional day for the legendary Italian as he bids farewell to Royal Ascot. Covey did not race as a juvenile and was given time to find his feet. It was a low key debut for Covey at Southwell in April, he got the hang of things late on but was just edged out by the reopposing Zoology and had to settle for second. After confirming that promise with an easy Newmarket maiden success, Covey gained valuable further experience with a novice stakes victory up north at Newcastle. Last time out Covey contested the Silver Bowl Handicap at Haydock. He made the running on this occassion just like Newcastle and was still much the best and won under hands and heels, confirming that he was a group horse in the making. The form is questionable but the second home did run well when sixth in the Royal Hunt Cup. A stiff 7f on good to firm ground looks tailor made for Covey who hasn’t reached his ceiling yet and is a worthy favourite. I will also note that Quar Shamar could be a solid each way play. UNPLACED
4:25 – Ulster Derby (3YO Premier Handicap)
Selection: Ibrahimovic
I am very much looking forward to being in attendance for Northern Ireland’s most valuable flat race. I think this is an excellent edition of the Ulster Derby with some unexposed types clashing with more battle hardened and exposed types. For a while I was torn between Tower of London and Ibrahimovic, whilst I very much like Tower Of London as a type I have a gut feeling that the horse named after the Swedish football great may take home the crown jewels at about 4:30pm. It is significant that Michael Bell is sending Ibrahimovic over from Newmarket on just his fourth career start. The son of Le Havre raced once as a 2YO when a respectable if unspectacular fifth at Chelmsford in November of last year. Ibrahimovic’s best form came from his first outing this season at Newmarket in a 1m 2f maiden. My selection was a five length third of ten behind Thursday’s Hampton Court winner Waipiro. He looked outpaced two furlongs out before staying on well to claim third late on. The form was further boosted by the fourth winning next time out. Last time out Ibrahimovic was just edged out over 10f at Salisbury where Dylan Browne-McMonagle travelled over to ride him, suggesting that today’s was a long term plan. He looks ready for the step up to 1m 5f judged on his previous outings and the good ground will ideal. Big chance. I would suggest a reverse forecast with Tower Of London. 2ND & RF LANDED
The last day wasn’t what we hoped for but we landed a few decent winners this week. Thanks for joining us, we will see you soon!
A huge thanks to the Lads for their hard work this week & to you guys for popping by, we really appreciate your support. Thank you for making this week really special.
Neil Watson was again at Haydock on Saturday, here he is with his run down of the meeting & 3 horses to add to your tracker..
Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton was certainly something of a Houghton Weaver on Saturday at Haydock although whether or not she has ever tried the local Wigan sweet delicacy of Uncle Joe’s Mint balls is another thing as Jumby jet settled home to land the afternoon’s feature contest, the G3 John O’Gaunt Stakes over 7f.
On what looked a trappy affair on paper with a mix of an Australian raider plus a top quality 3yo sprinter last year in El Caballo in the line up , it was a race with a wide open look about it.
Australian raider, The Astrologist, set out to make all under Ryan Moore but he hadn’t gambled on Charlie Bishop aboard Jumby to fly over the top and come around the outside to take spoils in convincing style, he found this race to be much easier than his recent task in the Lockinge at Newbury and is a real 7f specialist.
This was his sixth win in his career but his first one around a bend, plenty options remain open for him now and it’s probably hard to decide where his next engagement will be.
The late, great Lester Piggott Statue
Without doubt the most poignant and popular winner on the card came in the G3 Lester Piggott Stakes, known more formerly as The Pinnacle Stakes and this year it was Newmarket bound as trainer William Haggas provided wife and assistant trainer, Maureen, with an afternoon at Haydock to remember for obvious reasons as Sea Silk Road under Tom Marquand delivered a perfect performance in the Haydock sun.
A winner of two races last spring she struggled a little bit after and now looks to be coming to hand, picking up some more black type here it would be no surprise to see her miss Royal Ascot and come here next month for the Lancashire Oaks, 1m4f is definitely her trip now and she can improve a lot more.
As for the rest of the card it wasn’t quite high calibre but there were a few which stood out so let’s check out the Wattyspots.
1 – Nomadic Empire – 5yo Bay Gelding – Trainer : David O’Meara.
A nice third in the 6f handicap on the card looked to be a step in the right direction for this lad, he ran in the same race at York which was won by Regional who landed the Achilles Stakes earlier in the day.
He seems to save his best for the second half of the season and is one to keep onside, like all these sprint handicappers his time will come it’s just a case of knowing when to strike with him.
2 – Prydwin – 5yo Bay Gelding – Trainer : George Scott.
Apprentice wonderboy Billy Loughnane would have most definitely said a few words to himself after this because he was running a superb race in the 1m4f handicap until he got stuck in traffic towards the end.
He could be an ideal type for something like a race at the Shergar Cup in August.
3 – El Caballo – 4yo Bay Colt – Trainer : Karl Burke.
Last season’s Sandy Lane winner looked to have the world at his hooves but things didn’t quite pan out after that, a poor run at Royal Ascot in the Commonwealth Cup led to the stumps being pulled up early on his 3yo campaign.
So far a poor run on heavy at Doncaster probably made things a little tricky to work out what to do with him but he ran a very promising race in the John O’Gaunt behind Jumby to suggest maybe it might be worth having a go over 7f now and while he does clearly like Haydock then a potential return here in September for the Sprint Cup might be possible.
A shorter than normal write up than usual, next up on my travels will be a trip to Doncaster on the 30th, the last time I graced the Town Moor was March 2020 during Festival Week then about five days later the PM locked us all down, hopefully things will be a bit different this time!
Till then, Happy punting and good luck during Royal Ascot.
Here we are, the first weekend in June & the Oaks, Derby & Prix Du Jockey Club are upon us. I always mention this, sadly it fails to sink in OR nobody cares & they really are lazy… The Derby is at Epsom, it’s NOT the Epsom Derby as some people keep referring to it as. The Guineas is at Newmarket, not the Newmarket Guineas, or the Doncaster St Leger, it’s just the St Leger!( It’s like calling the FA Cup, the Wembley Cup…. Which is also on Saturday!)
Epsom – Home of the Oaks & Derby
Anyway… Welcome to Arseonlineracing. The 100% independent racing website with NO affiliate links…
This is a rolling blog, which will be updated & retweeted daily, so you all can keep up to date with things. Jamie has an Oaks & Derby selection, while Neil will pop in on Saturday. Rich will have Epsom (Both days) & Chantilly(Sunday) covered, so let’s get cracking…
The going currently at Epsom is – Good, Good to Firm in Places
Epsom (Friday) –
Jamie –
4:30 – Oaks (G1)
Selection: Running Lion
The finest three year old Fillies in Europe do battle across the helter-skelter Epsom Downs. I always look for horses who are straightforward and uncomplicated as they are more likely to handle the course and the big atmosphere on the Downs. Running Lion ticks those boxes in my mind and plenty more. The daughter of the late Roaring Lion enjoyed a fine but low key Juvenile campaign with two wins from three starts in Novice Stakes company. She opened up her 2023 season with a Class 2 Conditions Stakes victory at Kempton, aptly running on well to score. Then came her Oaks prep in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket, where she made stylish progress from midfield to run out an easy winner, I have to say I was impressed. Ground on the tight side of good should be okay and I think 6/1 is very generous odds indeed. She looks certain to give her running. WITHDRAWN
Rich –
Epsom –
2.00 – Woodcote Stakes – Class 2 – 2yo Only – 6f 3yds…
Valour and Swagger – Blue Point X Music Chart colt. Made a winning debut at Windsor on April 17th, when beating a field of 3 by 6 & 1/2 lengths on soft ground in a Class 5 5f Novice Stakes. Finished a 1 length runner up on May 13th at Ascot, in a Class 3 5f Novice Stakes, again on soft ground. Steps up in trip – Each Way – 10th..
4.30 Oaks – Fillies’ Group 1 – 3yo Only – 1m 4f 6yds…
Eternal Flame – Teofilo X Voice of Truth filly 3 runs to date, all on the All Weather. The filly made her debut at Wolves in a 1m 1f 109yd Class 4 Novice Stakes, finishing 3rd of 7 by 1 length from Crack of Light on February 13th, she ran again 12 days later (25th February) at Chelmsford in a 1m 2f class 4 Maiden, winning this time by 1 & 1/2 lengths. Given a 77 day break before returning at Lingfield in the 1m 4f Oaks Trial, which was held on the All Weather track, due to a Waterlogged Turf course. The filly beat Be Happy by 1 & 3/4 lengths & if she can transfer the AW form to the turf, she could be hard to beat … 7th, stopped very quickly The DANGER is obviously Savethelastdance (According to the bookies), who won the Cheshire Oaks by 22 lengths on soft ground but i am more taken by another AOB trained filly, Be Happy, who was 2nd to Eternal Flame & could be the improver at a tasty each way price! NON RUNNER
The Derby Trophy
The going at Epsom is Good to Firm…
Saturday –
Jamie –
1:30 – The Derby (G1)
The ultimate prize in British flat racing and the race that the thoroughbred depends on. As it has been for the last couple of years this is a wide open Derby with runners whom you could all give some sort of a chance too. Despite a poor run in the 2000 Guineas I am still keeping the faith with Auguste Rodin. Now, there was a lot of talk heading into the Guineas that this could be the type of horse to attempt the Triple Crown, considering what he achieved as a 2YO. Sadly that dream was over a long way out in the Guineas as Auguste Rodin suffered interference 6F out and soon it was apparent that he was never travelling, finishing 22 lengths behind Chaldean. We saw last weekend that Aidan can get horses such as Little Big Bear & Luxembourg back to top form after a bad performance on their previous runs. I think Auguste Rodin may just be the best horse in the race and the step up to 1m 4f will likely bring out the best in him considering his pedigree (Deep Impact x Rhododendron). The team at Ballydoyle seem to be happy with how he has been going at home. Like many, I think White Birch could be the each way play up in trip… WINNER & 3RD
Neil – Has 2 today – 1 at Epsom & 1 at Hexham
1.30 Epsom, Betfred Derby, 1m 4f, 3yo.
For the first time in many a year the build up and interest in the blue ribband of the turf has been bigger than ever. This has been due to a few points of interest, first up the off time of 1.30pm, some three hours earlier than it’s normal off time due to ITV’s coverage of the FA Cup Final which was moved back to a 3pm kick off due to police advice and the other matter being some pink t shirt wearing vegans who plan to protest and cause a rumpus, hopefully all will be ok on that front.
As for the race it looks an absolutely wide open renewal for the class of 2023, I’ll be honest I think getting the Grand National winner was far easier!
A lot of the trials were run on soft ground, some on the sand and others on good and with the forecast for a dry day means that Epsom will be very quick for Derby. Plenty horses stand out here, I was at Chester for the Dee Stakes and was impressed with the Aidan O’Brien trained San Antonio has he dug in deep for what were very tough conditions and he is one of many for the Ballydoyle maestro. Frankie who seems to be riding out of his skin in what’s his final Derby ride up to now, has a very good chance on what could be the appropriately named ARREST, but after yesterday’s Oaks, maybe the Chester trials aren’t as strong as we thought on first impression? Going back through the Dante and one horse who really stands out for each way punters is the John Joseph Murray trained silver shadow, WHITE BIRCH.
This son of Ulysses began his season at Leopardstown in April where he caused a bit of a surprise when landing the Ballysax over 10f at 22-1, he showed that to be no fluke when he finished with a wet sail down the wide outside at York in the Dante and was showing no signs of stopping towards the end and shaped as if the extra two furlongs will suit him. The Derby is a big ask for any horse but many bubbles will be burst come 1.35 and I can see this one going about his business quietly and hopefully coming from the clouds to surprise people like Eamonn Andrews and Michael Aspel used to do on ITV with the big red book. 3RD
2.55 Hexham, 3yo Hurdle, 3yo.
Just like Epsom this very important 3yo only race is ran on a very undulating uphill and downdale course although the stud fees for the winner won’t be offered due to the logistical reasons which won’t get mentioned about.
Trainer David Pipe has a very good record in this race and he’ll be very hopeful of his horse WAITARA obliging at the first time of asking.
A winner of two races on the flat, both over 1m2f, this filly landed a claimer at Toulouse in March and since that win she has made the switch to the West Country to be with the master of Pond House, she’s sure to have been well schooled and can make a winning debut here. NON RUNNER
Rich –
Epsom –
1.30 – The Derby – Group 1 – 3yo Only – 1m 4f 6yds Arrest – Frankel X Nisriyna colt Winner of 3 of his 5 starts with 2 places. Ended 2022 finishing a head 2nd to Dubai Mile in the Group 1 Crit St-Cloud Stakes over 1m 2f on heavy ground, the front 2 were 6 lengths clear of 3rd Adelaide River. Made seasonal return on May 10th at Chester in the Group 3 Chester Vase over 1m 4f 63yds, beating Adelaide River by 6 & 1/2 lengths. The good to firm ground is no issue, with Arrest winning a class 4 maiden at Sandown on the ground last August. UNPLACED I also like White Birch ( Ulysses X Diagnostic), who has 2 wins from his 4 starts & won the Group 3 1m 2f Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on season return in April before finishing a neck 2nd to The Foxes in the 1m 2f 56yd Dante Stakes at York on May 18th. He gave the impression that day, as he was closing that a bit further, he could have won & is a decent Each Way shout. 3RD
3.20 ‘Dash’ Handicap – Class 2 – 3yo+ – 5f…. Lihou – Mayson X Kodiac Island 7yo gelding. 43 turf runs with 4 wins & 9 places. Has run 4 times on turf this season since April, winning once with 2 places. His win came over C&D in a Class 3 Handicap in April (Soft) by a neck from a mark of 82 & his last run was on May 26th in a Class 3 5f Handicap at Goodwood, finishing a 3/4’s of a length 2nd from todays mark of 84 – Each Way – Missed break, Lost an Iron. LAST
Chantilly – Home of the Prix Du Jockey Club ( French Derby)
Sunday – Chantilly
Rich – The going at Chantilly is currently – Good, Soft to Good (France Galop)
The shortlist for Prix Du Jockey Club day
1.08 – Prix La Fleche Listed Stakes – 2yo Only – 5f.. Dorothy Lawrence – Soldier’s Call X Festoso filly. 3 & 1/4 length runner up to Persian Dreamer in a 5f Class 2 Maiden at Newmarket on April 19th before finishing 2nd again in the 5f Marygate Fillies’ Listed Stakesat York on May 19th to Love A Grey.. 3RD 1.43 Grand Prix de Chantilly – Group 2 – 3yo+ – 1m 4f.. Simca Mille – Drops to Group2 level, finished 2nd in Prix Ganay, Group 1 on April 30th. C&D winner. Likely to be odds ON. WINS 2/5 ON
3.05 Prix du Jockey Club – Group 1 – 3yo Only – 1m 2f 96yds..
This could well be a cracking race, with French Guineas winner, Marhaba Ya Sahafi (Top Rated 114) & 4th that day, American Flag lock horns, the form has flip flopped with these two & could well be going at each other, if they stay the extra 2 furlongs. Rajapour, who was an unbeaten 2yo has yet to fire in 2 starts as a 3yo & was 2 &1/2 lengths behind American Flag in the Group 3 Fontainebleau & was 19 & 1/2 lengths behind Big Rock in the Group 3 Prix de Guiche. Big Rock is 4 from 4 since moving yards & has won a pair pf Group 3 Stakes over 1m 1f, with him winning by 5 lengths in the Prix de Guiche at this course on May 9th. He is likely to go off as Favourite for this race too. Two other’s whose form ties in with Big Rock are Flight Leader, a Group 3 winner over 1m 2f but was 21 lengths behind Big Rock on May 9th, while Padishakh has been behind Big Rock on his last 2 starts, the last time by 14 & 1/2 lengths.
Feed the Flame is an interesting runner, despite only having 2 runs, with both over 1m 2f 151yds & was supplemented for this race, he is unbeaten. He won 2 stakes races but his last run had the form franked by Runner UP First Master, who landed a 1m 3f Group 3 on May 28th. Another who is unbeaten is Ace Impact, who won the 1m 2f Listed De Suresnes Stakes at this course on May 4th by 1 & 3/4 lengths. An outsider, who stays 1m 4f is Winter Pudding, he was a runner up in a Saint-Cloud 1m 2f Listed Stakes before winning the De L’avre Listed but this could be on the sharp side & maybe one to note come October. Of the 2 UK & Irish raiders, Epictetus is a Epsom Listed winner over 1m 2f but was 5th behind The Foxes in the Dante at York 7 has a fair bit to improve, as for AOB’s Continuous, who was 3rd in the Dante & will likely improve a lot for the run & I expect him to finish ahead of Epictetus…
Inconclusion, although Big Rock is the Likely favourite with Feed The Flames, I’m going for Continuous to land a Derby Double for Team O’Brien with Winter Pudding at a big Each Way price….
Result : 1 – ACE IMPACT – Still Unbeaten 2 – BIG ROCK… 3- Marhaba Ya Sanafi
3.50 Prix de Sandringham – Group 2 – 3yo Only – 1m… Sauterne – Kingman X Salicorne filly. 3 turf runs, with 1 win & 1 Place. Won the 7f Listed Du Pont Neuf Stakes on April 27th before finishing a 3 length 3rd to Blue Rose Cen in the 1m Group 1 Prix Poule d’Essai des Pouliches on May 14th.. 2ND 4.25 Prix de Royaumont – Group 3 – 3yo Only – 1m 4f… French Bob – Galileo X Parlour filly. 3 career runs, with 2 runs in 2023. Won on debut last December in a 1m 1f 97yd All Weather Maiden at Deauville, before returning to the same AW track in March, when finishing a 1/2 length 2nd. Ran a 1 & 3/4 length 2nd when last seen on April 14th in the 1m 2f Saint-Cloud 1m Derban Stakes to Left Seg… UNPLACED
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