Only five runners go to post for this race but it looks very difficult to solve and the ability to handle to the testing ground will ultimately determine who is victorious. After Mastercraftsman's Classic win yesterday, Aidan O'Brien will be hoping he can add yet more Group 1 glory to his name and he saddles French import Thewayyouare. There are three horses in the line-up most likely to take advantage if he fails, most notably Casual Conquest, who on form is entitled to plenty of respect.
Thewayyouare looks potentially a good price for his star trainer, who took this race last season with the immensely-talented Duke Of Marmalade. After being trained in France for Andre Fabre until this season, he was sent over to Ballydoyle during the summer and his former trainer believes he is a class horse and has a good future for O'Brien. After winning a Group 3 on his third start, he went on to win a Group 1 over a mile, underlining his ability with a battling win on soft ground. He only had two starts in his three-year-old season and after finishing sixth in the French 2,000 Guineas, he was stepped up to 1m 2f in the French Derby. He failed to make an impact in that race and finished well down the field, even though he was eased in the closing stages. He was sent to Ireland over the summer and made his seasonal reappearance in Prix Ganay in April. He ran very well that day considering he was expected to need the run and he made all the running, but he felt the lack of race fitness and he faded into a one-and-a-half length fourth. Most of O'Brien's horses have needed their first run this season and are entitled to huge respect on their next start. Johnny Murtagh rides this son of Kingmambo and he may make the running again, ensuring that it does not get tactical in the final stages. One crucial element is that he will definitely handle this heavy ground and should stay the trip, and if he combines both to good effect, Thewayyouare can top off a superb weekend for his brilliant stable and add another Group 1 to his name.
Casual Conquest has a good opportunity based on last season's form but he needs to put a poor run at Newmarket last time out firmly behind him. He does have ground concerns, considering that in his five career starts, the word soft hasn't entered the description once. After impressing on his second start last season, he went to the English Derby unbeaten and was installed as favourite. He ran a blinder that day to finish third behind New Approach and Tartan Bearer and he looked to stay the 1m 4f trip. Trainer Dermot Weld was delighted with that performance, especially as it was only the third run of his short career and he was still inexperienced. In hope of gaining compensation, he went on to contest the Irish Derby at this course. Again under Pat Smullen, he had to settle for second behind Frozen Fire. That race was a messy affair and he only just failed, as the winner swooped late to snatch victory. He was not seen for the rest of the season and he made his seasonal debut in the Jocky Club Stakes at Newmarket, only to be denied by John Gosden's Bronze Cannon. He had won first-time-out for the past two seasons and was well fancied to score in the three-runner race. However, things did not go to plan as he ran a very laboured race in second and looked to find the ground much too quick, as his action suggested that he was never comfortable during the race. He is being dropped back in trip to 1m 2f today and that may help him, but the forecast heavy ground will do him no favours. He seems much better suited to quicker ground but if he has come on for his last run, which he may have needed, he has the class to go close here.
Famous Name is officially the highest-rated horse in the race and unlike the rest, has no ground worries. On jockey bookings, Dermot Weld's runner looks to be second-string but this is not the case and should not be taken into account. After taking the 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown in good style last season, he went on to race against Thewayyouare in the French Derby. He ran a massive race that day, only losing out by a head to the classy Vision D'Etat. He bowed out with a win in a Listed race at Leopardstown in October over today's trip and on heavy ground. On his first run this season, he finished second behind Curtain Call in a Group 3, where he ran well but could close on the winner, who was given a canny ride by his jockey. He has a definite chance based on the fact that he will definitely travel in this bottomless ground and will have Mick Kinane to assist him.
Lush Lashes is a very tough filly but will struggle to go on the ground. She had an unbelievable season last year, where she won four Group 1 races, including the Coronation Stakes. She ran very well in English 1,000 Guineas and went on to win the Musidora Stakes in emphatic style, bounding clear to score by five lengths. She then went off favourite in the Oaks at Epsom but failed to handle the undulations and finished in fifth. Trainer Jim Bolger then sent her to Ascot, where she won the Coronation in good style, beating some high-class fillies in the process. She went on to run consistently well all season and certainly benefited for the step up in trip to middle distances. She seems highly effective over today's trip but it is a concern that all her best form has come on fast ground. She is making her first start of the season and this daughter of Galileo will do well to win against some race-fit colts who may handle the ground that bit better. She certainly has the class and guts to go well here and under usual pilot Kevin Manning, she may well make the placings.
Moiqen is the outsider but goes on the ground and will get the trip. He ran well behind Curtain Call and Famous Name last time and hopes to build on that. He looks up against it against the first four mentioned, though, and it would be a shock if he were to take the €173,000 prize.
Selections: 1st - Thewayyouare, 2nd - Famous Name, 3rd - Casual Conquest.
Result: 1st - Casual Conquest, 11/4, 2nd - Famous Name, 9/4 fav, 3rd, Lush Lashes, 4/1.
Casual Conquest proved his last run at Newmarket to be all wrong as he ran out an emphatic winner to give trainer Dermot Weld a 1-2 in the race. The winner had yet to run on soft ground during his career and he began to drift in the betting as support came for stablemate Famous Name, who was guaranteed to take to the heavy ground. Weld's stable jockey Pat Smullen had the choice between the two, but he stayed loyal to last year's English Derby third and his decision was vindicated as he routed his opposition to score by a wide margin. It is arguable to say he had the run of the race but he was sent off in front and set a good pace. Three furlongs out, the challengers began to close in behind, and it was Moiqen who came alongside Casual Conquest, aiming to put pressure on him. However, he was quickly swept aside as Smullen booted his mount clear in the final furlong and he stretched clear of Famous Name to score by five and a half lengths. Famous Name ran well for Mick Kinane but could never get close enough to challenge the winner. He is a consistent sort and if he is kept on soft ground, a Group race may come his way. Lush Lashes ran a good race considering she is much more at home on fast ground and had flopped on her only start on soft ground before. She is likely to be aimed at Royal Ascot and would be one to watch back on better ground. Moiqen ran as well as could be expected but he simply lacked the class to go with the first three. The disappointment of the race was Thewayyouare for Aidan O'Brien and Johnny Murtagh. He was prominent in the betting and had been expected to improve on his first start for his new stable, however he ran poorly. Murtagh had him settled nicely in third and looked to be moving well in behind the leader, but when asked for maximum effort, he weakened tamely and finished tailed off. He was eased close home but he has a lot to prove now and may have regressed from three to four.
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Friday, 22 May 2009
Preview - Curragh, 3:45 - Boylesports.com Irish 2,000 Guineas (Group 1) 1m.
Ireland's first Classic of the season and Aidan O'Brien holds a typically strong hand, having four runners in the nine-horse line-up. His first-string horse is Mastercraftsman, who has won four times at this course and looks set to go off a short-priced favourite. Brian Meehan sends his English 2,000 Guineas runner-up Delegator across the Irish Sea and he has sound claims if handling the likely testing ground. Lurking in the line-up is John Oxx's Rayeni, who is unbeaten after two starts and could well be anything.
Aidan O'Brien deserves huge respect in these races and today is no different as he aims to win this race for the fifth time in the last 10 years. After winning it last season with the classy Henrythenavigator, Mastercraftsman has the stable's weight on his shoulders as he aims to improve on his recent 2,000 Guineas fifth, where he finished five lengths behind the wildly-impressive Sea The Stars. This son of Danehill Dancer has won two Group 1 races in his six-start career and he has previous course form having won here last season. After making a winning debut, he went on to win a Group 2, where he beat subsequent Dewhurst winner Intense Focus. After those two wins, his trainer entered him in the Phoenix Stakes, one of the best two-year-old races in the calender, and he absolutely bolted up, proving that he had all the attributes to go right to the top. In September, despite worries over the heavy ground, he went on to take the National Stakes in determined fashion, where he held of Gimcrack winner Shaweel to prevail by a short-head. After a disappointing performance in France, where he was probably over the top after a hard season, he made his seasonal debut in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. He was relatively unfancied as his stable had Rip Van Winkle in the line-up. He ran well there that day, considering the ground was very quick and he stumbled two furlongs from home. He is re-united with Johnny Murtagh, who has partnered him to all four of his wins, and the heavy ground should inconvience him too badly having gone well on it in the past. All is in place for him to run a massive race.
Delegator makes the long trip over for Brian Meehan and has solid form claims after superb second in the Guineas behind Sea The Stars. He arrived at Newmarket as favourite after winning very easily in the Craven Stakes, even though he did not beat much there. His trainer was confident that his star would be up to Group 1 class and his beliefs were proved right as he found John Oxx's classy individual only too strong. Jamie Spencer rode him like a class horse that day and he loomed up going very well but he just failed to contain the winner. He looks like a proper miler, being equipped with a good deal of stamina but also a deadly turn of foot. In his five-race career, only soft has entered the going description once, and that was on his debut where he finished second. He looks ideally suited to quick ground so this bottomless ground holds serious cause for concern but his class may pull him through. This son of Dansili is an interesting runner and he is currently a good price with so many people concerned that the ground may catch him out.
Rayeni arrives here an unknown quantity having won both his starts to date, both in good style and on soft ground. John Oxx is a very shrewd trainer and will not enter a horse if he does not believe they have a serious chance of winning. Also, it is a tip in itself that he is willing to let him make his seasonal re-appearance in a Group 1, against arguably the best milers in the UK and Ireland. After making a fine debut towards the end of last season, where he routed his opposition to score by five lengths, his trainer sent him to Leopardstown to contest the Killavullan Stakes over 7f. That race being a Group 3, Rayeni won a length and half from his more-fancied stablemate and announced himself as a smart prospect. He won comfortably in the end after coming with a late run down the outside. He holds a good turn of foot to match his stamina and to add to his attributes, his stable have a good line of form associating him with the first two mentioned, Mastercraftsman and Delegator. Oxx's stable won the English Guineas equivalent with Sea The Stars, who is now heading the Derby betting. Oxx must know how good he rates Rayeni to those two and he must have a good chance based on reputation. He will handle the ground and trip but must be at his best to overcome the top two in the betting.
Soul City has each-way claims for Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes. He has some very good form to his name from his two-year-old season, including his Goffs Million win at this course where he had some useful types in behind him. He has not had a run this season because of an interrupted preparation but his stable have to run him here as if he wins, he gets a £1 million bonus because of his Goffs success. Recharge has some good form and could go well for Kevin Prendergast and Chrissy Hayes. After coming a close fourth in last year's Beresford Stakes, he went on to win the 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown in March, underlining his chances here. He does seem better suited by quicker ground but he is unexposed and could make the placings.
Selections: 1st - Rayeni, 2nd - Mastercraftsman, 3rd - Delegator.
Result: 1st - Mastercraftsman, 6/4 fav, 2nd - Rayeni, 5/1, 3rd - Soul City, 9/1.
Mastercraftsman produced a performance right out of the top drawer as he demolished this high-class field to score by four and half lengths. Heavily backed throughout the morning, he gave Aidan O'Brien yet another Classic winner and looks one to keep an eye on throughout the season, especially on soft ground. He made it five from five at the Curragh under Jonny Murtagh and the result was never in doubt. He was settled in mid-division for most of the race but Murtagh made a wise move to move him alongside his Ballydoyle pacemaker around three furlongs from home. He was cruising at the head of affairs and once asked to go on, he quickly put distance between himself and the rest of the field and galloped on relentlessly in the style of smart horse. He obviously appreciates some cut in the ground and he may well stay further. Rayeni ran on for second after looking unfortunate in-running. He was fairly weak in the betting, indicating that connections were unsure as to how he would shape in the race. He put up a very good performance considering this was only his third career start and his seasonal reappearance. He was held up under Mick Kinane and when he went to close on Mastercraftsman he was forced to switch and then had to wait for a gap to appear. When the split arrived, he quickened up nicely but the winner had already flown. He looks a useful prospect and will do even better when stepped up in trip. Soul City ran a good race in third as he was another making having his first start of the season. He travelled in second throughout and stayed on well to take third. He likes soft ground and stays well so he is one to keep an eye on this season. Recharge ran well considering his inexperience, finishing fourth after staying on down the outside. He was never getting to the winner but shaped as if he has a bright future. The disappointment of the race was English raider Delegator. He came into the race with a sound chance based on form but as expected, the ground was too soft for him and he could not pick up. He was fairly weak in the market prior to the race and the worries surrounding the conditions were proved right as when Jamie Spencer as for maximum effort, the response was limited as he could produce his trademark turn of foot. He still rates as a high-class horse and on better ground, he would be one to keep an eye on.
Aidan O'Brien deserves huge respect in these races and today is no different as he aims to win this race for the fifth time in the last 10 years. After winning it last season with the classy Henrythenavigator, Mastercraftsman has the stable's weight on his shoulders as he aims to improve on his recent 2,000 Guineas fifth, where he finished five lengths behind the wildly-impressive Sea The Stars. This son of Danehill Dancer has won two Group 1 races in his six-start career and he has previous course form having won here last season. After making a winning debut, he went on to win a Group 2, where he beat subsequent Dewhurst winner Intense Focus. After those two wins, his trainer entered him in the Phoenix Stakes, one of the best two-year-old races in the calender, and he absolutely bolted up, proving that he had all the attributes to go right to the top. In September, despite worries over the heavy ground, he went on to take the National Stakes in determined fashion, where he held of Gimcrack winner Shaweel to prevail by a short-head. After a disappointing performance in France, where he was probably over the top after a hard season, he made his seasonal debut in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. He was relatively unfancied as his stable had Rip Van Winkle in the line-up. He ran well there that day, considering the ground was very quick and he stumbled two furlongs from home. He is re-united with Johnny Murtagh, who has partnered him to all four of his wins, and the heavy ground should inconvience him too badly having gone well on it in the past. All is in place for him to run a massive race.
Delegator makes the long trip over for Brian Meehan and has solid form claims after superb second in the Guineas behind Sea The Stars. He arrived at Newmarket as favourite after winning very easily in the Craven Stakes, even though he did not beat much there. His trainer was confident that his star would be up to Group 1 class and his beliefs were proved right as he found John Oxx's classy individual only too strong. Jamie Spencer rode him like a class horse that day and he loomed up going very well but he just failed to contain the winner. He looks like a proper miler, being equipped with a good deal of stamina but also a deadly turn of foot. In his five-race career, only soft has entered the going description once, and that was on his debut where he finished second. He looks ideally suited to quick ground so this bottomless ground holds serious cause for concern but his class may pull him through. This son of Dansili is an interesting runner and he is currently a good price with so many people concerned that the ground may catch him out.
Rayeni arrives here an unknown quantity having won both his starts to date, both in good style and on soft ground. John Oxx is a very shrewd trainer and will not enter a horse if he does not believe they have a serious chance of winning. Also, it is a tip in itself that he is willing to let him make his seasonal re-appearance in a Group 1, against arguably the best milers in the UK and Ireland. After making a fine debut towards the end of last season, where he routed his opposition to score by five lengths, his trainer sent him to Leopardstown to contest the Killavullan Stakes over 7f. That race being a Group 3, Rayeni won a length and half from his more-fancied stablemate and announced himself as a smart prospect. He won comfortably in the end after coming with a late run down the outside. He holds a good turn of foot to match his stamina and to add to his attributes, his stable have a good line of form associating him with the first two mentioned, Mastercraftsman and Delegator. Oxx's stable won the English Guineas equivalent with Sea The Stars, who is now heading the Derby betting. Oxx must know how good he rates Rayeni to those two and he must have a good chance based on reputation. He will handle the ground and trip but must be at his best to overcome the top two in the betting.
Soul City has each-way claims for Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes. He has some very good form to his name from his two-year-old season, including his Goffs Million win at this course where he had some useful types in behind him. He has not had a run this season because of an interrupted preparation but his stable have to run him here as if he wins, he gets a £1 million bonus because of his Goffs success. Recharge has some good form and could go well for Kevin Prendergast and Chrissy Hayes. After coming a close fourth in last year's Beresford Stakes, he went on to win the 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown in March, underlining his chances here. He does seem better suited by quicker ground but he is unexposed and could make the placings.
Selections: 1st - Rayeni, 2nd - Mastercraftsman, 3rd - Delegator.
Result: 1st - Mastercraftsman, 6/4 fav, 2nd - Rayeni, 5/1, 3rd - Soul City, 9/1.
Mastercraftsman produced a performance right out of the top drawer as he demolished this high-class field to score by four and half lengths. Heavily backed throughout the morning, he gave Aidan O'Brien yet another Classic winner and looks one to keep an eye on throughout the season, especially on soft ground. He made it five from five at the Curragh under Jonny Murtagh and the result was never in doubt. He was settled in mid-division for most of the race but Murtagh made a wise move to move him alongside his Ballydoyle pacemaker around three furlongs from home. He was cruising at the head of affairs and once asked to go on, he quickly put distance between himself and the rest of the field and galloped on relentlessly in the style of smart horse. He obviously appreciates some cut in the ground and he may well stay further. Rayeni ran on for second after looking unfortunate in-running. He was fairly weak in the betting, indicating that connections were unsure as to how he would shape in the race. He put up a very good performance considering this was only his third career start and his seasonal reappearance. He was held up under Mick Kinane and when he went to close on Mastercraftsman he was forced to switch and then had to wait for a gap to appear. When the split arrived, he quickened up nicely but the winner had already flown. He looks a useful prospect and will do even better when stepped up in trip. Soul City ran a good race in third as he was another making having his first start of the season. He travelled in second throughout and stayed on well to take third. He likes soft ground and stays well so he is one to keep an eye on this season. Recharge ran well considering his inexperience, finishing fourth after staying on down the outside. He was never getting to the winner but shaped as if he has a bright future. The disappointment of the race was English raider Delegator. He came into the race with a sound chance based on form but as expected, the ground was too soft for him and he could not pick up. He was fairly weak in the market prior to the race and the worries surrounding the conditions were proved right as when Jamie Spencer as for maximum effort, the response was limited as he could produce his trademark turn of foot. He still rates as a high-class horse and on better ground, he would be one to keep an eye on.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Preview - Newmarket, 2:55 - Peters Elsworthy & Moore Chartered Accountants Handicap (Class 4) 1m 2f
A typically-competive handicap with only 5lbs covering the first six runners, the lowest rated 80, and with Talayeb carrying bottom weight of 8st 5lbs because of his current mark of 72. The return to quicker ground may bring out some improvement for any one of the horses in the line-up, as could the step up to a mile and a quarter. Bullet Man has it to prove after two lacklustre efforts this season and Special Reserve aims to build on his confidence-boosting success last-time out.
Bullet Man is worthy of consideration as he represents handicap master Luca Cumani but he does have to improve to overcome his current handicap mark of 80. He has improved for the step up trip during his career, and on his fourth start, he broken his maiden in a modest Lingfield contest over this trip. That was his first try at 1m 2f and despite being slowly away, he was able to recover and settle in midfield before staying on well to repel all challengers. He made his seasonal debut at Yarmouth in April and was 7lbs higher from his last winning mark. He fancied to go well that day but he ran a shocker, finishing well down the field after being off the bridle for a long way. He then went to Nottingham and ran creditably on ground softer than ideal. He plugged on that day and never threatened and it is hoped that today he will improve for the return to better ground. He is 2lbs lower from his Yarmouth run and with Ryan Moore booked, connections must believe that if back to the form of his only win, he could go close.
Special Reserve was finally rewarded for his consistency last time out, when he shed his maiden tag at 15th time off asking. He has been very expensive to follow and has finished second an incredible seven times, not for the want of trying it must be said. After some solid performances over this trip during his three-year-old season, he built on his first run of the season to score at Windsor by a length under Richard Hughes. He was given a good ride that day, being waited with to score fairly cosily. He has gone up 5lbs as a result and it will be interesting to see if his confidence has been boosted with a win finally under his belt. The trip should be ideal and the fast ground will play to his strengths. With Richard Hannon's string in top form, Special Reserve should give it his best shot.
Talayeb is still a maiden after nine starts and has a fairly lenient mark if he improves from his seasonal debut. After some consistent but uninspiring performances last season, he ran well at Ascot in April to finish third in 19-runner handicap over a mile. He was always prominent under Richard Hills but weakened in the final furlong. He is rated 15lbs lower on turf than on the all-weather and it will be disappointing if he cannot win a race sooner or later. It must be said that Talayeb's one and only start over today's trip resulted in him being beaten 13 lengths, so it remains to be seen whether this step up in trip will suit this son of Nayef. He could run well under Richard Hills but there are some doubts over him, as well as the form of his stable.
Spell Caster is an interesting runner for Ralph Beckett and Seb Sanders. She took a while to come to hand last season but after a good run at Newbury in July over this trip, she won a good handicap at Goodwood, a race worth £12,000. Over a trip of nine furlongs, she travelled well up the inside rail for William Buick, and despite having to wait for a gap to appear, she eventually got the opening and quickened up in impressive style to win by a length. Up 5lbs for that win, she was sent to Newmarket in September for another decent handicap but she failed to re-produce her Goodwood form and finished down the field. After a good break, she is making her seasonal reappearance her and could go well if fit enough. After two good runs over this distance before and with the fast ground firmly to her liking, she may well be able to overcome her stiff handicap of 84 and give her trainer yet another winner this season.
Baylini has shown all his best form on the all-weather and but does have some good runs to his name over this trip. He is 11lbs lower on turf than on polytrack and seems better suited by that surface. He is dropping back two furlongs today but it would be no surprise to see him run a big race. Wasp is an unknown quantity in terms of trip, as he stepping up to 1m 2f for the first time. He is another who has better form on the all-weather but has not had many opportunities on turf and could run well fresh from a recent run at Thirsk.
Selections: 1st - Spell Caster, 2nd - Special Reserve, 3rd - Bullet Man
Result: 1st - Bullet Man, 15/8 fav, 2nd - Baylini, 11/2, 3rd - Special Reserve, 11/4.
Bullet Man was given a very positive ride by Ryan Moore and he did not see a rival as he breezed to a comfortable length and half success. He was well backed throughout the day and the money was in the bag with two furlongs to go when Moore kicked Luca Cumani's charge on. He travelled well at the head of affairs and when asked to go and win the race he picked up in good style, it would be no surprise to see him follow up. The return to quicker ground definitely helped him and he would be one to side with if he gets similar conditions next time out. Baylini ran a solid race in second, staying on but never threatening the winner. Considering he is rated far better on the all-weather, he may be able to pick up a small race on turf. Special Reserve was bidding to follow up his sole win gained last time but he again had to settle for a place. He was always sat second under Richard Hughes and was travelling as well as the winner two furlongs out but could not find enough to get to Bullet Man. He travelled nicely but did not get a great run up the rail and he needs everything to fall right for him. Spell Caster ran a good race on her comeback, eventually finishing fourth after briefly looking a danger to the winner. She was in rear throughout but moved up with three furlongs to go but race-fitness began to tell as she weakened in the final furlong. It will be interesting where she goes next and with this race likely to bring her on, she would be worth a check in the betting. Wasp was well backed before the off but did not pick up when asked to go on.
Bullet Man is worthy of consideration as he represents handicap master Luca Cumani but he does have to improve to overcome his current handicap mark of 80. He has improved for the step up trip during his career, and on his fourth start, he broken his maiden in a modest Lingfield contest over this trip. That was his first try at 1m 2f and despite being slowly away, he was able to recover and settle in midfield before staying on well to repel all challengers. He made his seasonal debut at Yarmouth in April and was 7lbs higher from his last winning mark. He fancied to go well that day but he ran a shocker, finishing well down the field after being off the bridle for a long way. He then went to Nottingham and ran creditably on ground softer than ideal. He plugged on that day and never threatened and it is hoped that today he will improve for the return to better ground. He is 2lbs lower from his Yarmouth run and with Ryan Moore booked, connections must believe that if back to the form of his only win, he could go close.
Special Reserve was finally rewarded for his consistency last time out, when he shed his maiden tag at 15th time off asking. He has been very expensive to follow and has finished second an incredible seven times, not for the want of trying it must be said. After some solid performances over this trip during his three-year-old season, he built on his first run of the season to score at Windsor by a length under Richard Hughes. He was given a good ride that day, being waited with to score fairly cosily. He has gone up 5lbs as a result and it will be interesting to see if his confidence has been boosted with a win finally under his belt. The trip should be ideal and the fast ground will play to his strengths. With Richard Hannon's string in top form, Special Reserve should give it his best shot.
Talayeb is still a maiden after nine starts and has a fairly lenient mark if he improves from his seasonal debut. After some consistent but uninspiring performances last season, he ran well at Ascot in April to finish third in 19-runner handicap over a mile. He was always prominent under Richard Hills but weakened in the final furlong. He is rated 15lbs lower on turf than on the all-weather and it will be disappointing if he cannot win a race sooner or later. It must be said that Talayeb's one and only start over today's trip resulted in him being beaten 13 lengths, so it remains to be seen whether this step up in trip will suit this son of Nayef. He could run well under Richard Hills but there are some doubts over him, as well as the form of his stable.
Spell Caster is an interesting runner for Ralph Beckett and Seb Sanders. She took a while to come to hand last season but after a good run at Newbury in July over this trip, she won a good handicap at Goodwood, a race worth £12,000. Over a trip of nine furlongs, she travelled well up the inside rail for William Buick, and despite having to wait for a gap to appear, she eventually got the opening and quickened up in impressive style to win by a length. Up 5lbs for that win, she was sent to Newmarket in September for another decent handicap but she failed to re-produce her Goodwood form and finished down the field. After a good break, she is making her seasonal reappearance her and could go well if fit enough. After two good runs over this distance before and with the fast ground firmly to her liking, she may well be able to overcome her stiff handicap of 84 and give her trainer yet another winner this season.
Baylini has shown all his best form on the all-weather and but does have some good runs to his name over this trip. He is 11lbs lower on turf than on polytrack and seems better suited by that surface. He is dropping back two furlongs today but it would be no surprise to see him run a big race. Wasp is an unknown quantity in terms of trip, as he stepping up to 1m 2f for the first time. He is another who has better form on the all-weather but has not had many opportunities on turf and could run well fresh from a recent run at Thirsk.
Selections: 1st - Spell Caster, 2nd - Special Reserve, 3rd - Bullet Man
Result: 1st - Bullet Man, 15/8 fav, 2nd - Baylini, 11/2, 3rd - Special Reserve, 11/4.
Bullet Man was given a very positive ride by Ryan Moore and he did not see a rival as he breezed to a comfortable length and half success. He was well backed throughout the day and the money was in the bag with two furlongs to go when Moore kicked Luca Cumani's charge on. He travelled well at the head of affairs and when asked to go and win the race he picked up in good style, it would be no surprise to see him follow up. The return to quicker ground definitely helped him and he would be one to side with if he gets similar conditions next time out. Baylini ran a solid race in second, staying on but never threatening the winner. Considering he is rated far better on the all-weather, he may be able to pick up a small race on turf. Special Reserve was bidding to follow up his sole win gained last time but he again had to settle for a place. He was always sat second under Richard Hughes and was travelling as well as the winner two furlongs out but could not find enough to get to Bullet Man. He travelled nicely but did not get a great run up the rail and he needs everything to fall right for him. Spell Caster ran a good race on her comeback, eventually finishing fourth after briefly looking a danger to the winner. She was in rear throughout but moved up with three furlongs to go but race-fitness began to tell as she weakened in the final furlong. It will be interesting where she goes next and with this race likely to bring her on, she would be worth a check in the betting. Wasp was well backed before the off but did not pick up when asked to go on.
Preview - Sandown, 6:20 - Panmure Gordon Corporate Finance Handicap (Class 4) 1m 6f
A competitive handicap in which about five make appeal. The winner will need to stay this longer distance well and with three last-time-out winners in the line-up, it promises to be very tough. Most of the runners are stepping up in trip and it is not out of the question that one or two will improve massively for the extra couple of furlongs. Lively Fling and King Of Wands head the betting and both come here in good form, while Darley Sun has form over this distance having won over it last time.
Lively Fling looks interesting stepped up from 1m 4f last time, where he was second behind a horse of Mark Johnston's. He has only had three runs in his short career, and after making his debut in a hot 1m maiden at Doncaster last season, trainer John Gosden ran him in a race with four furlongs extra and he improved for the longer distance. Under Ryan Moore at Leicester that day, he took a while to get going but once his stamina kicked in, he stayed on strongly to win by two lengths. On his last start, he was upped in class in a three-runner race, again at Leicester, but he failed to contain Holberg, who looks a thorough stayer. Lively Fling is still entered in the Derby, and while that looks very ambitious, his connections obviously hold him in some regard and this step to 1m 6f may bring out some more improvement in this Dynaformer colt.
King Of Wands comes from the in-form yard of John Dunlop and on his first start in a handicap, looks sure to improve. He shed his maiden tag last time out at Folkestone over 1m 4f, a performance which indicated he is laden with stamina. He was well-backed that day and his three runs in his two-year-old season suggested he would appreciate middle-distances and that belief was vindicated as he galloped to a ready success. He showed a good attitude under Eddie Ahern as he kept finding for pressure and he should improve for the extra two furlongs. This son of Galileo found the ground plenty quick enough last time out and he encounters similar conditions today. He would prefer some ease in the ground but this faster surface shouldn't be a problem and may help him to get the trip. He looks an improving horse and he should go close.
Darley Sun arrives here fresh from a win at Nottingham over today's trip of 1m 6f and he looks sure to go well. He was another horse to improve for the step up to longer distances this season after running over shorter in his two-year-old career. He has gone up 6lb in the handicap for his two-length win last time and he could well find that within his grasp. Darryl Holland takes the ride again for trainer David Simcock, and, likely to be held up, will be staying on at the finish. He was impressive last time and showed huge improvement to win easily. He was in rear for most of the contest and with most of his rival's struggling with the strong headwind, he was angled for a run and powered home in the final furlong to win going away. That success came on fast ground and he has similar conditions today so a big run is expected. He does have to compete against some unexposed horses but he has solid form over the distance and should run into the placings at least.
Cry For The Moon is another who won on his last start, that over 1m 4f against some exposed sorts. He had some good form as a juvenile, finishing seven lengths being Delegator on his first start and running well over a mile thereafter. Trainer Amanda Perrett upped him up trip for his seasonal debut and he hung on by a neck to score. He was held up before staying on well to lead, and he was all out to repel the late challenge of Canmoss. He has gone up 5lbs in the handicap for that win but he may benefit for the extra two furlongs. Today's going of good will suit and he has Jim Crowley in the saddle.
Penang Princess finished behind Darley Sun last time and needs to improve to reverse the form. He has improved for the step up in trip and his handicap mark of 71 looks fair. El Bravo is an exposed runner and will do well to win off his current handicap mark. His mark of 77 looks tough to overcome and Gary Moore's runner's best form has been on the all-weather or on softer ground than today.
Selections: 1st - King Of Wands, 2nd - Darley Sun, 3rd - Lively Fling.
Result: - 1st - Penang Princess, 8/1, 2nd - King Of Wands, 7/2 joint-fav, 3rd - Cry For The Moon, 15/2.
A falsely-run affair which produced a game winner in Penang Princess, who held off the determined King Of Wands to score by half a length. A slow gallop early on resulted in many being too keen in behind and that forced Jimmy Fortune to stride on to quicken it up aboard Lively Fling. After increasing the pace, he slowed it right up again rounding the final turn and it resulted in somewhat of a sprint rather than a thorough test. Credit must go to the winner as she battled on well up the straight to overcome King Of Wands. The winner took a while to get going under Ted Durcan but once she hit top gear she stayed on strongly to win going away. She looked up against it to reverse Nottingham form with Darley Sun but she did so in good style. She may be able to pick up another race similar to this one. King Of Wands ran a good race in second and improved for the step up in trip. He raced in the mid-division throughout under Eddie Ahern and travelled strongly for most of the journey. He came there cruising two furlongs out and took over from a weakening Lively Fling and looked likely to win but found Penang Princess only too strong in the final 100 yards. He will win again if he keeps on improving. Cry For The Moon looked slightly unlucky as he was hampered when he was making his move. He was in rear under Jim Crowley and was moving up the field when he has checked. He stayed on nicely and should pick up another race. Darley Sun ran an odd race in fourth. He was always last under Darryl Holland and never looked likely to win but stayed on in taking fashion in the final furlong. He got going all too late and the leading pair were gone by the time he picked up. If he is ridden more prominently next time out he could go closer. Lively Fling ran disappointingly after making the running. He simply failed to pick up and weakened out of it. He may need a drop back to a mile and a half.
Lively Fling looks interesting stepped up from 1m 4f last time, where he was second behind a horse of Mark Johnston's. He has only had three runs in his short career, and after making his debut in a hot 1m maiden at Doncaster last season, trainer John Gosden ran him in a race with four furlongs extra and he improved for the longer distance. Under Ryan Moore at Leicester that day, he took a while to get going but once his stamina kicked in, he stayed on strongly to win by two lengths. On his last start, he was upped in class in a three-runner race, again at Leicester, but he failed to contain Holberg, who looks a thorough stayer. Lively Fling is still entered in the Derby, and while that looks very ambitious, his connections obviously hold him in some regard and this step to 1m 6f may bring out some more improvement in this Dynaformer colt.
King Of Wands comes from the in-form yard of John Dunlop and on his first start in a handicap, looks sure to improve. He shed his maiden tag last time out at Folkestone over 1m 4f, a performance which indicated he is laden with stamina. He was well-backed that day and his three runs in his two-year-old season suggested he would appreciate middle-distances and that belief was vindicated as he galloped to a ready success. He showed a good attitude under Eddie Ahern as he kept finding for pressure and he should improve for the extra two furlongs. This son of Galileo found the ground plenty quick enough last time out and he encounters similar conditions today. He would prefer some ease in the ground but this faster surface shouldn't be a problem and may help him to get the trip. He looks an improving horse and he should go close.
Darley Sun arrives here fresh from a win at Nottingham over today's trip of 1m 6f and he looks sure to go well. He was another horse to improve for the step up to longer distances this season after running over shorter in his two-year-old career. He has gone up 6lb in the handicap for his two-length win last time and he could well find that within his grasp. Darryl Holland takes the ride again for trainer David Simcock, and, likely to be held up, will be staying on at the finish. He was impressive last time and showed huge improvement to win easily. He was in rear for most of the contest and with most of his rival's struggling with the strong headwind, he was angled for a run and powered home in the final furlong to win going away. That success came on fast ground and he has similar conditions today so a big run is expected. He does have to compete against some unexposed horses but he has solid form over the distance and should run into the placings at least.
Cry For The Moon is another who won on his last start, that over 1m 4f against some exposed sorts. He had some good form as a juvenile, finishing seven lengths being Delegator on his first start and running well over a mile thereafter. Trainer Amanda Perrett upped him up trip for his seasonal debut and he hung on by a neck to score. He was held up before staying on well to lead, and he was all out to repel the late challenge of Canmoss. He has gone up 5lbs in the handicap for that win but he may benefit for the extra two furlongs. Today's going of good will suit and he has Jim Crowley in the saddle.
Penang Princess finished behind Darley Sun last time and needs to improve to reverse the form. He has improved for the step up in trip and his handicap mark of 71 looks fair. El Bravo is an exposed runner and will do well to win off his current handicap mark. His mark of 77 looks tough to overcome and Gary Moore's runner's best form has been on the all-weather or on softer ground than today.
Selections: 1st - King Of Wands, 2nd - Darley Sun, 3rd - Lively Fling.
Result: - 1st - Penang Princess, 8/1, 2nd - King Of Wands, 7/2 joint-fav, 3rd - Cry For The Moon, 15/2.
A falsely-run affair which produced a game winner in Penang Princess, who held off the determined King Of Wands to score by half a length. A slow gallop early on resulted in many being too keen in behind and that forced Jimmy Fortune to stride on to quicken it up aboard Lively Fling. After increasing the pace, he slowed it right up again rounding the final turn and it resulted in somewhat of a sprint rather than a thorough test. Credit must go to the winner as she battled on well up the straight to overcome King Of Wands. The winner took a while to get going under Ted Durcan but once she hit top gear she stayed on strongly to win going away. She looked up against it to reverse Nottingham form with Darley Sun but she did so in good style. She may be able to pick up another race similar to this one. King Of Wands ran a good race in second and improved for the step up in trip. He raced in the mid-division throughout under Eddie Ahern and travelled strongly for most of the journey. He came there cruising two furlongs out and took over from a weakening Lively Fling and looked likely to win but found Penang Princess only too strong in the final 100 yards. He will win again if he keeps on improving. Cry For The Moon looked slightly unlucky as he was hampered when he was making his move. He was in rear under Jim Crowley and was moving up the field when he has checked. He stayed on nicely and should pick up another race. Darley Sun ran an odd race in fourth. He was always last under Darryl Holland and never looked likely to win but stayed on in taking fashion in the final furlong. He got going all too late and the leading pair were gone by the time he picked up. If he is ridden more prominently next time out he could go closer. Lively Fling ran disappointingly after making the running. He simply failed to pick up and weakened out of it. He may need a drop back to a mile and a half.
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Preview - Goodwood, 3:25 - Cocked Hat Stakes (Listed Race) 1m 3f
With the Derby only two weeks away, this trial gives trainers another opportunity to test the water with their horses, even though it must be said that it would be a major upset if any of today's entries were to go close at Epsom. Free Agent is by far the most interesting horse in the race and is unexposed in terms of the distance but he does have to overcome a fitness battle. Chock A Block is likely to go well for Goldolphin and Sight Unseen looks to build on his pleasing run in the Chester Vase.
Free Agent is the likely favourite for Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes but his price is based more on reputation, even though he has been very impressive in his two starts to date. After winning his maiden in good style, where he beat subsequent Breeder's Cup Juvenile winner Donativum by five lengths, he went on to win the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. He was well fancied that day and was expected to improve for the step up to 7f and he won in the manner of a smart prospect. After being settled in rear early, he moved over to the stands' rail and came through with a powerful late run to win by two lengths, even though he wasn't stopping at the finish. The Queen-owned colt was due to run in the Dee Stakes at Chester but a bruised foot halted his preparation and he was ruled out of the race by connections. He is currently 33/1 for the Derby and if he wins today his odds will shorten considerably as he will state that he can stay this extended trip. He is going into unknown territory as he is up in distance by 4f and he does not have the benefit of a race this season. He will appreciate the quick ground and looks the type to improve with experience. He looks a good horse and should go close, providing he overcomes his immaturity.
Sight Unseen has a fitness edge over Free Agent having ran a nice race in the Chester Vase two weeks ago. After winning on debut at Newbury in the style of a smart performer, his trainer Henry Cecil chucked him straight into the Group 3 contest. He stayed on into fourth that day to finish five lengths behind the winner but he looked to find the course against him and inexperience may have taken its toll. Even though this track is tighter than most, he should find it more to his liking and the good ground will not hinder his chances. Being a son of Sadler's Wells, this trip holds no fears and he should see it out well under Tom Queally. He looks interesting on his third start and his trainer is no mug when training horses for big races, so he should be monitored closely in the betting before the race. If Free Agent fails to live up to his high expectations, Sight Unseen may be the one to capitalise.
Chock A Block is an intriguing runner for the back-in-form stable of Saeed Bin Suroor, and having only had one career start, he could be anything. He won on his debut in France over 1m 1f and looks as if he will improve for the step up in distance. He won easily that day and even though the form is hard to pin down, it can be guaranteed that Frankie Dettori will take no prisoners and may make the running to try and expose any flaws in Free Agent's stamina. Even though his debut win came on softer ground, it is unlikely that this quicker surface will pose any problems for him and it would be ignorant to rule him out.
Alwaary represents trainer John Gosden and owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and he comes here off the back of a decent run in Lingfield's Derby trial, won by Aidan O'Brien's Age Of Aquarius. He has had three starts to date, his first at Kempton where he finished third behind Dante flop Crowded House. He improved on his debut run to win next time out, where he won a modest Yarmouth maiden easily despite being easy to back. He was up in class massively for his seasonal debut at Lingfield and he looked out of his depth as he was outpaced in the straight. He stayed on at one pace but with that run under his belt, he could improve under Richard Hills. He is a big price for the Derby and is unlikely to play a part there but he may feature here, seeing as he will handle the ground and will stay this distance.
Selections: 1st - Free Agent, 2nd - Chock A Block, 3rd - Sight Unseen.
Result: 1st - Alwaary, 5/1, 2nd - Beauchamp Xerxes, 9/1, 3rd - Sight Unseen, 7/4 fav.
Only fine runners went to post for this weak-looking Listed race but it produced a very taking winner in Alwaary. Despite being keen early on due to the slow pace set by the front-running Chock A Block, he won pretty easily by three lengths. He travelled strongly for the whole journey behind the front three of Chock A Block, Free Agent and Sight Unseen and Richard Hills was forced to wait for a gap to appear, but when he found the split, Alwaary shot through and sprinted clear for a ready success. He is not entered for the Derby and trainer John Gosden indicated that he will go to Royal Ascot next. The form of this race may not look much to go on but after this victory, Alwaary must be taken seriously over or around this distance wherever he goes next. Beauchamp Xerxes was the outsider but ran a good race despite never threatening to spring a surprise. He was settled in rear under Ryan Moore but could only plug on up the straight, he should get further. Sight Unseen was well supported before the race and was aiming to build on an encouraging performance in the Chester Vase two weeks ago. He was always prominent for Tom Queally but he could never land a telling blow and was beaten about four lengths. He is another who will get further and he should not be ignored next time out. Free Agent ran well on his seasonal debut but he was a major market drifter before the off, suggesting that he would benefit from the run. He opened up at 2/1 but his starting price was around 5/1, however; he was not given a hard race when the winner had flown. Richard Hughes had the Queen's runner settled in second for most of the journey and he came to take over travelling well, only for race-fitness to catch him out. He stayed on well and was only pushed out with hands and heels, not even being shown the whip. He is expected to improve massively for this and connections believe he will stay further than this. Godolphin newcomer Chock A Block ran a poor race under Frankie Dettori. After setting a slow pace, he attempted to wind things up round the bend but found little for pressure and was left toiling at the back of the field. He has it all to prove next time out.
Free Agent is the likely favourite for Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes but his price is based more on reputation, even though he has been very impressive in his two starts to date. After winning his maiden in good style, where he beat subsequent Breeder's Cup Juvenile winner Donativum by five lengths, he went on to win the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. He was well fancied that day and was expected to improve for the step up to 7f and he won in the manner of a smart prospect. After being settled in rear early, he moved over to the stands' rail and came through with a powerful late run to win by two lengths, even though he wasn't stopping at the finish. The Queen-owned colt was due to run in the Dee Stakes at Chester but a bruised foot halted his preparation and he was ruled out of the race by connections. He is currently 33/1 for the Derby and if he wins today his odds will shorten considerably as he will state that he can stay this extended trip. He is going into unknown territory as he is up in distance by 4f and he does not have the benefit of a race this season. He will appreciate the quick ground and looks the type to improve with experience. He looks a good horse and should go close, providing he overcomes his immaturity.
Sight Unseen has a fitness edge over Free Agent having ran a nice race in the Chester Vase two weeks ago. After winning on debut at Newbury in the style of a smart performer, his trainer Henry Cecil chucked him straight into the Group 3 contest. He stayed on into fourth that day to finish five lengths behind the winner but he looked to find the course against him and inexperience may have taken its toll. Even though this track is tighter than most, he should find it more to his liking and the good ground will not hinder his chances. Being a son of Sadler's Wells, this trip holds no fears and he should see it out well under Tom Queally. He looks interesting on his third start and his trainer is no mug when training horses for big races, so he should be monitored closely in the betting before the race. If Free Agent fails to live up to his high expectations, Sight Unseen may be the one to capitalise.
Chock A Block is an intriguing runner for the back-in-form stable of Saeed Bin Suroor, and having only had one career start, he could be anything. He won on his debut in France over 1m 1f and looks as if he will improve for the step up in distance. He won easily that day and even though the form is hard to pin down, it can be guaranteed that Frankie Dettori will take no prisoners and may make the running to try and expose any flaws in Free Agent's stamina. Even though his debut win came on softer ground, it is unlikely that this quicker surface will pose any problems for him and it would be ignorant to rule him out.
Alwaary represents trainer John Gosden and owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and he comes here off the back of a decent run in Lingfield's Derby trial, won by Aidan O'Brien's Age Of Aquarius. He has had three starts to date, his first at Kempton where he finished third behind Dante flop Crowded House. He improved on his debut run to win next time out, where he won a modest Yarmouth maiden easily despite being easy to back. He was up in class massively for his seasonal debut at Lingfield and he looked out of his depth as he was outpaced in the straight. He stayed on at one pace but with that run under his belt, he could improve under Richard Hills. He is a big price for the Derby and is unlikely to play a part there but he may feature here, seeing as he will handle the ground and will stay this distance.
Selections: 1st - Free Agent, 2nd - Chock A Block, 3rd - Sight Unseen.
Result: 1st - Alwaary, 5/1, 2nd - Beauchamp Xerxes, 9/1, 3rd - Sight Unseen, 7/4 fav.
Only fine runners went to post for this weak-looking Listed race but it produced a very taking winner in Alwaary. Despite being keen early on due to the slow pace set by the front-running Chock A Block, he won pretty easily by three lengths. He travelled strongly for the whole journey behind the front three of Chock A Block, Free Agent and Sight Unseen and Richard Hills was forced to wait for a gap to appear, but when he found the split, Alwaary shot through and sprinted clear for a ready success. He is not entered for the Derby and trainer John Gosden indicated that he will go to Royal Ascot next. The form of this race may not look much to go on but after this victory, Alwaary must be taken seriously over or around this distance wherever he goes next. Beauchamp Xerxes was the outsider but ran a good race despite never threatening to spring a surprise. He was settled in rear under Ryan Moore but could only plug on up the straight, he should get further. Sight Unseen was well supported before the race and was aiming to build on an encouraging performance in the Chester Vase two weeks ago. He was always prominent for Tom Queally but he could never land a telling blow and was beaten about four lengths. He is another who will get further and he should not be ignored next time out. Free Agent ran well on his seasonal debut but he was a major market drifter before the off, suggesting that he would benefit from the run. He opened up at 2/1 but his starting price was around 5/1, however; he was not given a hard race when the winner had flown. Richard Hughes had the Queen's runner settled in second for most of the journey and he came to take over travelling well, only for race-fitness to catch him out. He stayed on well and was only pushed out with hands and heels, not even being shown the whip. He is expected to improve massively for this and connections believe he will stay further than this. Godolphin newcomer Chock A Block ran a poor race under Frankie Dettori. After setting a slow pace, he attempted to wind things up round the bend but found little for pressure and was left toiling at the back of the field. He has it all to prove next time out.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Preview - York, 2:40 - Totesport.com Dante Stakes (Group 2) 1m 2f
This Derby Trial has had some impact on the Epsom showpiece over the past 10 years, with Authorized, Motivator and North Light all going on to claim Classic glory after taking this. Last year's Dante winner Tartan Bearer went on to be second behind New Approach in the Derby and this year's race looks sure to provide many clues as to who will reign victorious in the Investec-sponsored race.
Crowded House is a worthy favourite after an impressive performance in last year's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. He was seemingly well-fancied that day and over the trip of a mile, he bounded to a ready success. The form of that race has yet to unfold as runner-up Jukebox Jury suffered a setback in his preparations and others in behind have yet to re-appear this season. The turn of foot showed by this son of Rainbow Quest that day was electric, and he is bred to stay middle-distances so he could be a dangerous horse over this trip of 1m 2f. He needs to put in a good performance here to cement his credentials for the Derby, where he is a general 6/1 shot, as he was eclipsed as favourite for the race by recent winners Fame And Glory and Sea The Stars. Brian Meehan has proven he can train a potential Classic horse, as seen with Delegator in this year's 2,000 Guineas and connections are bullish about this horse's ability. He looks a really exciting prospect and if he is fit for his seasonal debut then it is hard to see anything beating him under Jamie Spencer.
Kite Wood is an interesting runner on his first start for new-owners Goldophin, who bought him out of Michael Jarvis' yard in the close season. He has had three starts to date, winning two in good style. His form is generally modest but he put in a taking performance on his last race of the season at Ascot, where won the Group 3 Deloitte Autumn Stakes by a length. The horses in behind that day haven't done too much for his form but he ran on really strongly in the closing stages over the mile trip which bodes well for this long distance. This son of Galileo is bred to stay further and Frankie Dettori will probably have him close to the pace throughout. One issue is the ground, as he seems to prefer some cut in the ground and this fast ground may not be ideal.
Freemantle is the choice of Jonny Murtagh for Aidan O'Brien and he is an unexposed sort who will appreciate the step up in trip. He is an unknown quantity as he has only had three starts, all in Ireland on heavy ground. However, he could not have been more impressive in winning his maiden, where he beat a subsequent winner by 10 lengths. He was settled in rear that day but ran on relentlessly to put a wide margin between himself and the remainder. Like Kite Wood, he is a son of Galileo and if the ground is not too quick for him, he could play a part for his powerful connections.
There two unbeaten horses in the line-up, these being Nehaam and Redwood. Nehaam, trained by John Gosden, has won both his starts to date and was impressive in winning last time out at Newmarket at this trip. He won the prestigious Tattersalls Timeform 3-Y-O Trophy by a head, however; it was the manner in which he travelled in to the race and stayed on strongly to land that huge prize. He has no problem with this quicker surface and he should go well for Richard Hills. Redwood comes here fresh from a win at Newmarket in the Feilden Stakes over nine furlongs. He is still an unknown quantity over this trip and trainer Barry Hills would have to supplement him for the Derby if he were to run well here. This son of High Chapparal will be suited to the ground and he may well run into the placings.
Sans Frontieres is worthy of a mention after a superb run in the Craven Stakes last time out, where he finished two lengths behind Delegator. He won his debut in good style and is held in high regard by his trainer Jeremy Noseda. He should strip fitter for his first run and he may find the extra furlongs to his liking. Black Bear Island is the Ballydoyle second-string and needs to improve from his seasonal debut. He is another who may not be suited to this fast ground and could act as a pacemaker for Freemantle.
Selections: 1st - Crowded House, 2nd - Kite Wood, 3rd - Sans Frontieres.
Result: 1st - Black Bear Island, 12/1, 2nd - Freemantle, 13/2, 3rd - Sans Frontieres, 16/1.
Black Bear Island came from last to first to chin his stablemate Freemantle on the line in a good Derby trial. On jockey bookings, the winner looked to be the stable's second-string but Colm O'Donoghue came with a perfectly-timed run to wear down his front-running rival. Black Bear Island disappointed on his seasonal debut in France in a muddling race, but with a strong, honest pace to run at, he stayed on stoutly and will now go for the Derby where he has a good each-way chance. Freemantle put in a good performance as he looked likely to be swallowed with two furlongs to go but he stayed on well to the line. Johnny Murtagh made it a test of stamina and he, like the winner, will go for the big race, even though Ballydoyle seem to have a better chance with the unbeaten Fame And Glory. Sans Frontieres ran a blinder in third and justified his trainer's beliefs in him. He was staying on strongly at the finish and he will go for the Derby. If he continues up this rapid rate of progression, it would be unwise to rule out another solid run. Kite Wood was always prominent under Frankie Dettori but he could not sustain his effort. He looked in the need of the run and will strip fitter for his next run, which will be the Derby in June. The disappointment of the race was Crowded House, who failed to show the sparkling turn of foot which won him the Racing Post Trophy. Connections were confident that he would put up a good show under Jamie Spencer but after travelling well into the race along the inside rail, he failed to stay on at the finish and weakened into eighth. He may have needed the run but he must improve on this run if he is trouble the two at the head of the market, Fame And Glory and Sea The Stars. The two unbeaten horses in the race, Nehaam and Redwood, both weakened as they went into unknown territory. They are still very young and immature and they need to be respected for the season as they should improve a good deal more.
Crowded House is a worthy favourite after an impressive performance in last year's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. He was seemingly well-fancied that day and over the trip of a mile, he bounded to a ready success. The form of that race has yet to unfold as runner-up Jukebox Jury suffered a setback in his preparations and others in behind have yet to re-appear this season. The turn of foot showed by this son of Rainbow Quest that day was electric, and he is bred to stay middle-distances so he could be a dangerous horse over this trip of 1m 2f. He needs to put in a good performance here to cement his credentials for the Derby, where he is a general 6/1 shot, as he was eclipsed as favourite for the race by recent winners Fame And Glory and Sea The Stars. Brian Meehan has proven he can train a potential Classic horse, as seen with Delegator in this year's 2,000 Guineas and connections are bullish about this horse's ability. He looks a really exciting prospect and if he is fit for his seasonal debut then it is hard to see anything beating him under Jamie Spencer.
Kite Wood is an interesting runner on his first start for new-owners Goldophin, who bought him out of Michael Jarvis' yard in the close season. He has had three starts to date, winning two in good style. His form is generally modest but he put in a taking performance on his last race of the season at Ascot, where won the Group 3 Deloitte Autumn Stakes by a length. The horses in behind that day haven't done too much for his form but he ran on really strongly in the closing stages over the mile trip which bodes well for this long distance. This son of Galileo is bred to stay further and Frankie Dettori will probably have him close to the pace throughout. One issue is the ground, as he seems to prefer some cut in the ground and this fast ground may not be ideal.
Freemantle is the choice of Jonny Murtagh for Aidan O'Brien and he is an unexposed sort who will appreciate the step up in trip. He is an unknown quantity as he has only had three starts, all in Ireland on heavy ground. However, he could not have been more impressive in winning his maiden, where he beat a subsequent winner by 10 lengths. He was settled in rear that day but ran on relentlessly to put a wide margin between himself and the remainder. Like Kite Wood, he is a son of Galileo and if the ground is not too quick for him, he could play a part for his powerful connections.
There two unbeaten horses in the line-up, these being Nehaam and Redwood. Nehaam, trained by John Gosden, has won both his starts to date and was impressive in winning last time out at Newmarket at this trip. He won the prestigious Tattersalls Timeform 3-Y-O Trophy by a head, however; it was the manner in which he travelled in to the race and stayed on strongly to land that huge prize. He has no problem with this quicker surface and he should go well for Richard Hills. Redwood comes here fresh from a win at Newmarket in the Feilden Stakes over nine furlongs. He is still an unknown quantity over this trip and trainer Barry Hills would have to supplement him for the Derby if he were to run well here. This son of High Chapparal will be suited to the ground and he may well run into the placings.
Sans Frontieres is worthy of a mention after a superb run in the Craven Stakes last time out, where he finished two lengths behind Delegator. He won his debut in good style and is held in high regard by his trainer Jeremy Noseda. He should strip fitter for his first run and he may find the extra furlongs to his liking. Black Bear Island is the Ballydoyle second-string and needs to improve from his seasonal debut. He is another who may not be suited to this fast ground and could act as a pacemaker for Freemantle.
Selections: 1st - Crowded House, 2nd - Kite Wood, 3rd - Sans Frontieres.
Result: 1st - Black Bear Island, 12/1, 2nd - Freemantle, 13/2, 3rd - Sans Frontieres, 16/1.
Black Bear Island came from last to first to chin his stablemate Freemantle on the line in a good Derby trial. On jockey bookings, the winner looked to be the stable's second-string but Colm O'Donoghue came with a perfectly-timed run to wear down his front-running rival. Black Bear Island disappointed on his seasonal debut in France in a muddling race, but with a strong, honest pace to run at, he stayed on stoutly and will now go for the Derby where he has a good each-way chance. Freemantle put in a good performance as he looked likely to be swallowed with two furlongs to go but he stayed on well to the line. Johnny Murtagh made it a test of stamina and he, like the winner, will go for the big race, even though Ballydoyle seem to have a better chance with the unbeaten Fame And Glory. Sans Frontieres ran a blinder in third and justified his trainer's beliefs in him. He was staying on strongly at the finish and he will go for the Derby. If he continues up this rapid rate of progression, it would be unwise to rule out another solid run. Kite Wood was always prominent under Frankie Dettori but he could not sustain his effort. He looked in the need of the run and will strip fitter for his next run, which will be the Derby in June. The disappointment of the race was Crowded House, who failed to show the sparkling turn of foot which won him the Racing Post Trophy. Connections were confident that he would put up a good show under Jamie Spencer but after travelling well into the race along the inside rail, he failed to stay on at the finish and weakened into eighth. He may have needed the run but he must improve on this run if he is trouble the two at the head of the market, Fame And Glory and Sea The Stars. The two unbeaten horses in the race, Nehaam and Redwood, both weakened as they went into unknown territory. They are still very young and immature and they need to be respected for the season as they should improve a good deal more.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Preview - York, 2:40 - Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (Group 3) 1m 2f
This registered Oaks trial has not had much bearing on the outcome of the Classic over the past ten years, even though most winners of this have gone on to start as the favourite at Epsom. Last year's Musidora winner Lush Lashes was beaten nine lengths by Look Here in the big race but still went on to have a fruitful season, so even if the winner of this year's renewal does not gain Oaks glory in June she should still prove to be top-class come the end of the season. This year's contest is very intriguing and contains four unexposed fillies who could feature at Epsom, most notably Enticement, who is making her seasonal debut, and Sariska, who needs to prove she stays this trip.
Enticement is a really interesting runner for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore. She was a very expensive purchase at 310,000 guineas but connections believe it could be money spent if she able to prove herself up to Group class over middle-distances. She made her debut late on in her two-year-old season and won on her first start in good style, where she was forced to dig deep when still showing signs of immaturity. She then went on to win the Montrose Stakes at Newmarket against more experienced rivals and it is this race which looks good form. She beat subsequent 1,000 Guineas third Super Sleuth a short-head that day and had recent Lingfield Oaks Trail winner Midday back in fourth. The Queen-owned filly looks likely to come into her own over middle-distances given time and this step up to 1m 2f will determine whether she goes for the Oaks or not. Her trainer is confident she will be able to get the trip and rates her as a top prospect. This daughter of Montjeu ought to find this surface to her liking, even though it is the quickest she has encountered so far in her career. If she is fit for her seasonal re-appearance then Enticement may further enhance her trainer's fine record in this race and find herself at the head of the Oaks market come 2:45.
Sariska looks the chief danger to Enticement and could play a part if she gets the trip well enough. She has had two races to date and they have both come over 7f, so this step up in trip is an unknown, even she is bred to get this far and connections believe she will stay. She made a very taking impression when winning on her debut at Newmarket last season and trainer Michael Bell believed she could have made up into a Guineas filly this season, but that idea was scrapped soon after her run in the Fred Darling. Her performance in the Newbury Classic Trial was good, considering she missed the break badly, made up ground down the middle of track and found herself hampered when staying on towards the finish. She eventually finished fourth but jockey Jamie Spencer was adamant that without the bad luck in running she would have finished a close-up third, only two lengths behind the winner. Both her starts have come on a soft surface so this quick ground may pose a problem. However, she is certainly a classy individual and if she stays the trip, she could turn up at Epsom in June with a sound chance.
High Heeled poses a live threat seeing as she has no worries about getting the trip, however; the worry is the that the ground may be too firm for her. She has appreciated the step up in trip this season and seems to be progressing with every run. Her debut run was very good, where she finished six lengths behind the top-class Rainbow View, and her other performances at two showed that she was improving. Trainer Barry Hills had no worries about entering her against the colts in a Conditions Stakes race at Newbury at their Greenham meeting and his faith was rewarded as she galloped to a ready success. She raced out wide throughout and stayed on well down the outside under Michael Hills to beat Four Winds, who was being touted as a potential Derby sort before the race, and Father Time, a useful colt of Henry Cecil's who finished a neck behind Age Of Aquarius in Saturday's Lingfield Derby Trial. She looks a good prospect and will appreciate a strong pace, however; connections will not run her if they deem the ground to be to quick.
Star Ruby is a once-raced filly from Peter Chapple-Hyam's yard who could feature if she has improved for her debut success. She was well fancied for that run at Sandown over 1m 2f, where she beat Hidden Brief by two lengths and the pair in turn pulled eight clear of the remainder. Hidden Brief went on to race in Cheshire Oaks last week but did not take to the tight track at Chester and finished well down the field. Star Ruby will appreciate this quicker surface and connections believe she could be a nice filly in the making, even though she would have to be supplemented for the Oaks if she were to put up a good show here. Owned by Michael Tabor, she may well make the running considering she has no stamina doubts and Alan Munro will be keen to make it a test for the other fillies in the line-up. If she has come on for her first run, she may well trouble the top three in the betting.
Selections: 1st - Enticement, 2nd - Star Ruby 3rd - Sariska.
Result: 1st - Sariska, 3/1, 2nd - Star Ruby, 100/30, 3rd - Enticement, 7/4 fav.
Sariska put in a top-class performance and she galloped on relentlessly up the straight to win by a three and half lengths. Connections were confident before the race that this daughter of Pivotal would stay the 1m 2f trip and she now looks worthy of her place in the Oaks line-up, where she is now a general 9/2 favourite. Always settled nicely under Jamie Spencer, she began to make her move rounding the bend and moved upsides leader Star Ruby and began to stay on the strongest, before powering away in the final furlong. She has to buck the trend laid before her; that being the failures of so many Musidora winners who have gone on to struggle in the fillies' Classic, but Michael Bell's filly looks sure to give it her best shot. Star Ruby improved enormously on her debut win and ran a superb race in second, finishing three lengths clear of third, Enticement. Alan Munro had his mount in the front rank throughout and took over from Pacattack entering the final three furlongs. She found only Sariska too good and looks set to have a solid season. Enticement was all the rage before the race but lacked a run this season. She failed to pick up in the straight and according to her trainer, she did not take to the quicker ground as they would have hoped. She is a classy performer and may still go for the Oaks, where she will be better for the run.
Enticement is a really interesting runner for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore. She was a very expensive purchase at 310,000 guineas but connections believe it could be money spent if she able to prove herself up to Group class over middle-distances. She made her debut late on in her two-year-old season and won on her first start in good style, where she was forced to dig deep when still showing signs of immaturity. She then went on to win the Montrose Stakes at Newmarket against more experienced rivals and it is this race which looks good form. She beat subsequent 1,000 Guineas third Super Sleuth a short-head that day and had recent Lingfield Oaks Trail winner Midday back in fourth. The Queen-owned filly looks likely to come into her own over middle-distances given time and this step up to 1m 2f will determine whether she goes for the Oaks or not. Her trainer is confident she will be able to get the trip and rates her as a top prospect. This daughter of Montjeu ought to find this surface to her liking, even though it is the quickest she has encountered so far in her career. If she is fit for her seasonal re-appearance then Enticement may further enhance her trainer's fine record in this race and find herself at the head of the Oaks market come 2:45.
Sariska looks the chief danger to Enticement and could play a part if she gets the trip well enough. She has had two races to date and they have both come over 7f, so this step up in trip is an unknown, even she is bred to get this far and connections believe she will stay. She made a very taking impression when winning on her debut at Newmarket last season and trainer Michael Bell believed she could have made up into a Guineas filly this season, but that idea was scrapped soon after her run in the Fred Darling. Her performance in the Newbury Classic Trial was good, considering she missed the break badly, made up ground down the middle of track and found herself hampered when staying on towards the finish. She eventually finished fourth but jockey Jamie Spencer was adamant that without the bad luck in running she would have finished a close-up third, only two lengths behind the winner. Both her starts have come on a soft surface so this quick ground may pose a problem. However, she is certainly a classy individual and if she stays the trip, she could turn up at Epsom in June with a sound chance.
High Heeled poses a live threat seeing as she has no worries about getting the trip, however; the worry is the that the ground may be too firm for her. She has appreciated the step up in trip this season and seems to be progressing with every run. Her debut run was very good, where she finished six lengths behind the top-class Rainbow View, and her other performances at two showed that she was improving. Trainer Barry Hills had no worries about entering her against the colts in a Conditions Stakes race at Newbury at their Greenham meeting and his faith was rewarded as she galloped to a ready success. She raced out wide throughout and stayed on well down the outside under Michael Hills to beat Four Winds, who was being touted as a potential Derby sort before the race, and Father Time, a useful colt of Henry Cecil's who finished a neck behind Age Of Aquarius in Saturday's Lingfield Derby Trial. She looks a good prospect and will appreciate a strong pace, however; connections will not run her if they deem the ground to be to quick.
Star Ruby is a once-raced filly from Peter Chapple-Hyam's yard who could feature if she has improved for her debut success. She was well fancied for that run at Sandown over 1m 2f, where she beat Hidden Brief by two lengths and the pair in turn pulled eight clear of the remainder. Hidden Brief went on to race in Cheshire Oaks last week but did not take to the tight track at Chester and finished well down the field. Star Ruby will appreciate this quicker surface and connections believe she could be a nice filly in the making, even though she would have to be supplemented for the Oaks if she were to put up a good show here. Owned by Michael Tabor, she may well make the running considering she has no stamina doubts and Alan Munro will be keen to make it a test for the other fillies in the line-up. If she has come on for her first run, she may well trouble the top three in the betting.
Selections: 1st - Enticement, 2nd - Star Ruby 3rd - Sariska.
Result: 1st - Sariska, 3/1, 2nd - Star Ruby, 100/30, 3rd - Enticement, 7/4 fav.
Sariska put in a top-class performance and she galloped on relentlessly up the straight to win by a three and half lengths. Connections were confident before the race that this daughter of Pivotal would stay the 1m 2f trip and she now looks worthy of her place in the Oaks line-up, where she is now a general 9/2 favourite. Always settled nicely under Jamie Spencer, she began to make her move rounding the bend and moved upsides leader Star Ruby and began to stay on the strongest, before powering away in the final furlong. She has to buck the trend laid before her; that being the failures of so many Musidora winners who have gone on to struggle in the fillies' Classic, but Michael Bell's filly looks sure to give it her best shot. Star Ruby improved enormously on her debut win and ran a superb race in second, finishing three lengths clear of third, Enticement. Alan Munro had his mount in the front rank throughout and took over from Pacattack entering the final three furlongs. She found only Sariska too good and looks set to have a solid season. Enticement was all the rage before the race but lacked a run this season. She failed to pick up in the straight and according to her trainer, she did not take to the quicker ground as they would have hoped. She is a classy performer and may still go for the Oaks, where she will be better for the run.
Monday, 11 May 2009
Preview - Warwick, 3:50 - Staverton Wealth Management Ltd Handicap (Class 4) 1m
A field of nine line up for the £6,000 pot and the favourite Mirrored will have to overcome a 6lb rise in the handicap if he is to follow up his recent seasonal debut success. If he does fail, there are no shortage of alternatives as each looks reasonably handicapped and could improve for the step up in trip or for the switch to a better surface.
Mirrored races off his revised mark of 81 after a clear-cut victory at Kempton on the all-weather in April. He improved for each of his three runs last season as a two-year-old and he has obviously strengthened up well over the winter. Stepped up to a mile for the first time by trainer Sir Michael Stoute, he was kept along the inside rail by Ryan Moore for most of the journey before asserting in impressive fashion in the final furlong, where he picked up in the style of an improving horse. He beat a field of unexposed three-year-olds that day and the race could turn out to be good form, especially as the runner-up has already come out and won again since. Mirrored was given a nice compliment by his champion jockey after the race, who stated that 'he could win a few more races this season'. He is a son of Dansili, will appreciate further in time and looks a smart type for handicaps. He couldn't be in better hands and he should win this race on his way to better things.
Maxwell Hawke is an interesting runner for Peter Chapple-Hyam on only his third career start. He is being stepped up to a mile here after a win last time out at this course over 7f, where he was well backed on his seasonal debut. He was very fit that day so may not improve much for the outing but was workmanlike in winning, showing he has a good attitude. The step up in trip may bring out some improvement in this son of Rock Of Gibraltar, however it be said that he would have to improve significantly to lower the colours of Mirrored. His opening handicap mark of 80 looks fair and he could be competitive given that he is proven on this quicker ground.
Royal Executioner is one of the more exposed runners in the field but he has some good form to his name and is entitled to respect. On his last two-year-old start, his trainer David Simcock chucked him into a Class 2 Newmarket nursery and he ran a superb race to finish third, losing out by three quarters of a length. He shed his maiden easily at Lingfield in February, even though that was a weak contest. He then went onto to race in a tricky handicap at Kempton in March and was beaten into second by a Mark Johnston improver, who has gone onto race in better company. Jamie Spencer takes the ride and he will play his cards late, but he will need to improve to beat the favourite and to repel the efforts of the handicapper.
Mister Dee Bee is worthy of a mention as he improved for the step up to a mile last time out and hails from the in-form Barry Hills stable. He struggled to make an impact during his two-year-old career, where he raced over 7f and predominantly on soft ground. It is evident from his recent win that he appreciated the extra furlong and the faster ground, which he will get here. His win at Ripon was dogged and determined as he had to fight during the last two furlongs to deny a well-backed horse of Henry Cecil's. He made all that day and looked to be booked for second place when the eventual runner-up cruised alongside, however, Mister Dee Bee dug in and stayed on dourly to record his first win. He must improve again to feature here and his mark over 79 looks about right. He should run well for Michael Hills.
Selections: 1st - Mirrored, 2nd - Maxwell Hawke, 3rd - Royal Executioner.
Result: 1st - Mister Dee Bee, 5/2, 2nd - Gaily Noble, 7/2, 3rd - Yellow Printer, 9/4 fav.
This race lost most of its interest after the withdrawals of the main market principles on account of the ground. Mirrored looked likely to take all the beating here but it looks as if his trainer is looking for some ease in the ground before letting his charge take his next step. Mister Dee Bee looked to have a good chance on form after the defections of his main rivals and he was demoted to second favourite after strong support came in for Tom Dascombe's Yellow Printer. Mister Dee Bee travelled three deep throughout the race and took up the running from Yellow Printer with two furlongs to go, but he had to battle to get the better of Gaily Noble. The winner had previously shown that he was a game sort and he again showed that toughness. He will go up in the handicap for this but is an improving sort and may gain his hat-trick in similar company. Gaily Noble came with a strong late run under Steve Drowne but could not find enough to pass the winner. He has some good form to his name, notably in better company last time out at Newmarket, and the drop back to a mile here suited, as did the quicker ground. If he continues in this form he should find a race. Yellow Printer was well backed before the race but was too keen in front and was a spent force at the end. He set a strong pace under Richard Kingscote but had nothing left to give when challenged by Mister Dee Bee. If he settles, he may be able to find a similar race.
Mirrored races off his revised mark of 81 after a clear-cut victory at Kempton on the all-weather in April. He improved for each of his three runs last season as a two-year-old and he has obviously strengthened up well over the winter. Stepped up to a mile for the first time by trainer Sir Michael Stoute, he was kept along the inside rail by Ryan Moore for most of the journey before asserting in impressive fashion in the final furlong, where he picked up in the style of an improving horse. He beat a field of unexposed three-year-olds that day and the race could turn out to be good form, especially as the runner-up has already come out and won again since. Mirrored was given a nice compliment by his champion jockey after the race, who stated that 'he could win a few more races this season'. He is a son of Dansili, will appreciate further in time and looks a smart type for handicaps. He couldn't be in better hands and he should win this race on his way to better things.
Maxwell Hawke is an interesting runner for Peter Chapple-Hyam on only his third career start. He is being stepped up to a mile here after a win last time out at this course over 7f, where he was well backed on his seasonal debut. He was very fit that day so may not improve much for the outing but was workmanlike in winning, showing he has a good attitude. The step up in trip may bring out some improvement in this son of Rock Of Gibraltar, however it be said that he would have to improve significantly to lower the colours of Mirrored. His opening handicap mark of 80 looks fair and he could be competitive given that he is proven on this quicker ground.
Royal Executioner is one of the more exposed runners in the field but he has some good form to his name and is entitled to respect. On his last two-year-old start, his trainer David Simcock chucked him into a Class 2 Newmarket nursery and he ran a superb race to finish third, losing out by three quarters of a length. He shed his maiden easily at Lingfield in February, even though that was a weak contest. He then went onto to race in a tricky handicap at Kempton in March and was beaten into second by a Mark Johnston improver, who has gone onto race in better company. Jamie Spencer takes the ride and he will play his cards late, but he will need to improve to beat the favourite and to repel the efforts of the handicapper.
Mister Dee Bee is worthy of a mention as he improved for the step up to a mile last time out and hails from the in-form Barry Hills stable. He struggled to make an impact during his two-year-old career, where he raced over 7f and predominantly on soft ground. It is evident from his recent win that he appreciated the extra furlong and the faster ground, which he will get here. His win at Ripon was dogged and determined as he had to fight during the last two furlongs to deny a well-backed horse of Henry Cecil's. He made all that day and looked to be booked for second place when the eventual runner-up cruised alongside, however, Mister Dee Bee dug in and stayed on dourly to record his first win. He must improve again to feature here and his mark over 79 looks about right. He should run well for Michael Hills.
Selections: 1st - Mirrored, 2nd - Maxwell Hawke, 3rd - Royal Executioner.
Result: 1st - Mister Dee Bee, 5/2, 2nd - Gaily Noble, 7/2, 3rd - Yellow Printer, 9/4 fav.
This race lost most of its interest after the withdrawals of the main market principles on account of the ground. Mirrored looked likely to take all the beating here but it looks as if his trainer is looking for some ease in the ground before letting his charge take his next step. Mister Dee Bee looked to have a good chance on form after the defections of his main rivals and he was demoted to second favourite after strong support came in for Tom Dascombe's Yellow Printer. Mister Dee Bee travelled three deep throughout the race and took up the running from Yellow Printer with two furlongs to go, but he had to battle to get the better of Gaily Noble. The winner had previously shown that he was a game sort and he again showed that toughness. He will go up in the handicap for this but is an improving sort and may gain his hat-trick in similar company. Gaily Noble came with a strong late run under Steve Drowne but could not find enough to pass the winner. He has some good form to his name, notably in better company last time out at Newmarket, and the drop back to a mile here suited, as did the quicker ground. If he continues in this form he should find a race. Yellow Printer was well backed before the race but was too keen in front and was a spent force at the end. He set a strong pace under Richard Kingscote but had nothing left to give when challenged by Mister Dee Bee. If he settles, he may be able to find a similar race.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Preview - Chester, 2:15 - Addleshaw Goddard Dee Stakes (Group 3) 1m 2f
This registered Derby trial has not had much bearing on the big race itself over recent years, Kris Kin being the last horse to win this on the way to Classic success in 2003. The race itself does not look very strong and revolves around the favourite Drumbeat, who has the best form on offer and could prove to be good value come after the race. However, his task is far from straight forward as there are many unknown quantities lurking in the line-up, mostly notably John Gosden's Big Bound.
Drumbeat hails from the in-form stable of Aidan O'Brien and looks primed to run a big race under Johnny Murtagh. Even though he is thoroughly exposed having had nine races to date, he stays well and should find the better ground to his liking. He made a pleasing return to action in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket at their Craven meeting and finished two lengths behind the unbeaten-Redwood, who looks a useful prospect. He stayed on well that day off a steady gallop but was no match for the winner. He does have some good form to his name from his two-year-old career, where he was beaten by Classic contender Rip Van Winkle on his debut before being beaten by Derby fancy Fame And Glory at Saint-Cloud in November on ground softer than ideal. These little pieces of form are by far the best on show and if he was to run up to his official rating of 111 that should prove good enough. He is a big price for the Derby at present and his stable seem to have a stronger chance with Fame And Glory, however; a good run from Drumbeat here could force his trainer to re-shuffle his plans.
Big Bound has taken a while to learn the ropes but seems to be progressing with every run and he looks sure to improve once again. He ran a blinder last time out in a Sandown Group 3, where he was narrowly denied by Above Average of Barry Hills. This was a huge improvement on the form he had shown prior, as just a month earlier he shed his maiden tag by taking a modest Lingfield contest in workmanlike fashion under Jimmy Fortune. He obviously stays well and will appreciate this quicker surface. However, he does not have a Derby entry and it does seem as if this performance will determine his route for the remainder of the season.
Gitano Hernando could be the one to prove most troublesome to Drumbeat. He comes here chasing a hat-trick having won a tight Doncaster handicap in good style to supplement his easy maiden win at Wolverhampton in November. Marco Botti is a smart trainer and it must be noted when he puts his horses into Group company fresh off the back of a win in lesser company. On official ratings, he has over a stone to make up with Drumbeat but stamina does seem his to be his strong suit so on just his second start over this distance, he could well find the necessary progression to make the step up to Group class. Like Big Bound, he does not have a Derby entry and it could be a fact-finding mission to see how good he is or potentially could be.
Libel Law is worthy of respect having won his maiden at Windsor in comfortable fashion over this distance. He seemed to relish the step up in trip that day and fairly powered home under Philip Robinson to score by a cosy two lengths. This is his acid test to see if he can handle the step up to Group company and trainer Michael Jarvis is another trainer who does not enter his horses in contests in which they have no chance. Apparently he has strengthened up during the close season and having only his third start, it would be no surprise for him to improve again and supply Frankie Dettori with his first winner of this year's Chester meeting.
The remainder have it all to do on the form book but as stated earlier, improvement cannot be ruled out. South Easter is an interesting runner being pitched straight into the company after he made a pleasing debut behind an impressive winner at Newbury at their Greenham meeting in April. He was well supported that day and will find the extra distance to his liking, even though he does have to make massive strides to feature.
Selections: 1st - Drumbeat, 2nd - Gitano Hernando, 3rd - Big Bound.
Result: 1st - South Easter, 6/1, 2nd - Gitano Hernando, 7/2, 3rd - Drumbeat, 11/10 fav.
This race looks unlikely to provide the winner of the Derby in June but upmost credit must go to South Easter for losing in his maiden tag in a Group 3 on only his second career start. It was a muddling affair, where the runners went steady for most of the contest before quickening up in the final two furlongs and it produced a thrill four-way finish, with about a length covering the runners at the finish. South Easter has obviously improved massively since his first race and stayed on gamely to win for trainer William Haggas and jockey Neil Callan. He appreciated the step up to a mile and quarter, and despite being niggled at three furlongs from home, he kept on all the way to the line to deny Gitano Hernando by a head. Gitano Hernando ran a gallant race in second and he only just failed. He was stuck behind a wall of horses turning for home and needed the split badly, but as soon as daylight appeared, he shot through and quickened up but found the winner too good; he certainly looks one to keep an eye on throughout the season. Drumbeat was staying on all the way to the line but was set too much to do by jockey Johnny Murtagh. He was anchored in rear for most of the journey and when asked to close, he ran into trouble but was closing with every stride and finished just a quarter of a length down in third. Deposer ran a huge race in fourth, belying his big price to keep pace with the first three. He could win a nice race dropped in grade. Libel Law and Big Bound disappointed as both were prominent throughout but failed to stay on as well as the first four. They may not have handled the sharp Chester track or the ground could have been a bit too quick, however, they should be noted for the future as they are both relatively unexposed.
Drumbeat hails from the in-form stable of Aidan O'Brien and looks primed to run a big race under Johnny Murtagh. Even though he is thoroughly exposed having had nine races to date, he stays well and should find the better ground to his liking. He made a pleasing return to action in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket at their Craven meeting and finished two lengths behind the unbeaten-Redwood, who looks a useful prospect. He stayed on well that day off a steady gallop but was no match for the winner. He does have some good form to his name from his two-year-old career, where he was beaten by Classic contender Rip Van Winkle on his debut before being beaten by Derby fancy Fame And Glory at Saint-Cloud in November on ground softer than ideal. These little pieces of form are by far the best on show and if he was to run up to his official rating of 111 that should prove good enough. He is a big price for the Derby at present and his stable seem to have a stronger chance with Fame And Glory, however; a good run from Drumbeat here could force his trainer to re-shuffle his plans.
Big Bound has taken a while to learn the ropes but seems to be progressing with every run and he looks sure to improve once again. He ran a blinder last time out in a Sandown Group 3, where he was narrowly denied by Above Average of Barry Hills. This was a huge improvement on the form he had shown prior, as just a month earlier he shed his maiden tag by taking a modest Lingfield contest in workmanlike fashion under Jimmy Fortune. He obviously stays well and will appreciate this quicker surface. However, he does not have a Derby entry and it does seem as if this performance will determine his route for the remainder of the season.
Gitano Hernando could be the one to prove most troublesome to Drumbeat. He comes here chasing a hat-trick having won a tight Doncaster handicap in good style to supplement his easy maiden win at Wolverhampton in November. Marco Botti is a smart trainer and it must be noted when he puts his horses into Group company fresh off the back of a win in lesser company. On official ratings, he has over a stone to make up with Drumbeat but stamina does seem his to be his strong suit so on just his second start over this distance, he could well find the necessary progression to make the step up to Group class. Like Big Bound, he does not have a Derby entry and it could be a fact-finding mission to see how good he is or potentially could be.
Libel Law is worthy of respect having won his maiden at Windsor in comfortable fashion over this distance. He seemed to relish the step up in trip that day and fairly powered home under Philip Robinson to score by a cosy two lengths. This is his acid test to see if he can handle the step up to Group company and trainer Michael Jarvis is another trainer who does not enter his horses in contests in which they have no chance. Apparently he has strengthened up during the close season and having only his third start, it would be no surprise for him to improve again and supply Frankie Dettori with his first winner of this year's Chester meeting.
The remainder have it all to do on the form book but as stated earlier, improvement cannot be ruled out. South Easter is an interesting runner being pitched straight into the company after he made a pleasing debut behind an impressive winner at Newbury at their Greenham meeting in April. He was well supported that day and will find the extra distance to his liking, even though he does have to make massive strides to feature.
Selections: 1st - Drumbeat, 2nd - Gitano Hernando, 3rd - Big Bound.
Result: 1st - South Easter, 6/1, 2nd - Gitano Hernando, 7/2, 3rd - Drumbeat, 11/10 fav.
This race looks unlikely to provide the winner of the Derby in June but upmost credit must go to South Easter for losing in his maiden tag in a Group 3 on only his second career start. It was a muddling affair, where the runners went steady for most of the contest before quickening up in the final two furlongs and it produced a thrill four-way finish, with about a length covering the runners at the finish. South Easter has obviously improved massively since his first race and stayed on gamely to win for trainer William Haggas and jockey Neil Callan. He appreciated the step up to a mile and quarter, and despite being niggled at three furlongs from home, he kept on all the way to the line to deny Gitano Hernando by a head. Gitano Hernando ran a gallant race in second and he only just failed. He was stuck behind a wall of horses turning for home and needed the split badly, but as soon as daylight appeared, he shot through and quickened up but found the winner too good; he certainly looks one to keep an eye on throughout the season. Drumbeat was staying on all the way to the line but was set too much to do by jockey Johnny Murtagh. He was anchored in rear for most of the journey and when asked to close, he ran into trouble but was closing with every stride and finished just a quarter of a length down in third. Deposer ran a huge race in fourth, belying his big price to keep pace with the first three. He could win a nice race dropped in grade. Libel Law and Big Bound disappointed as both were prominent throughout but failed to stay on as well as the first four. They may not have handled the sharp Chester track or the ground could have been a bit too quick, however, they should be noted for the future as they are both relatively unexposed.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Preview - Chester, 2:15 - Weatherbys Bank Chesire Oaks (Listed Race) 1m 3f
Seven fillies line up for this £22,000 prize and it looks a typically competitive contest which sees the top British and Irish stables go head to head. Guineas winning trainers John Oxx and Barry Hills both have solid chances in the shape of Roses For The Lady and Simple Solution respectively but they have stiff opposition from Aidan O'Brien and Sir Michael Stoute.
It looks most sensible to start with forecast favourite Roses For The Lady, who represents the in-form pair of John Oxx and Mick Kinane, who took the 2,000 Guineas with the impressive Sea The Stars on Saturday. Oxx rarely sends a horse across the Irish Sea unless they have a winning chance and this representative looks sure to go close. A winner last time out, she certainly benefited for the step up in trip and looks the type to improve further as she goes up in distance again. She beat Jakarta Jazz by a short-head at Leopardstown that day over 1m 2f and stayed on dourly to hold on from her rival's challenge. It is most interesting that her trainer is willing to put her straight into Listed company following that maiden win and he obviously holds this daughter of Sadler's Wells in high regard, especially when seeing she still holds an Oaks entry. She looks assured to give her running and if the money comes, the market support must be noted.
Hidden Brief looks the type to improve for her shrewd trainer, especially after seeing her stay on well in her last race. Michael Jarvis has his string in superb form and his filly made a very pleasing return to action last time out at Sandown. She was beaten by Peter Chapple-Hyam's Star Ruby, who looks very useful, and definitely appreciated the step up in trip. The pair were eight lengths clear of third and it is fair to say both horses look the type to do well this season. Frankie Dettori is one of the best jockeys around when leading from the front and if he were to adopt such tactics then he may be able to steal the race if he can kick on early enough. Fresh from her reappearance and coming from a stable bang in form, she is one to watch in the market before the off.
Phillipina is a very interesting runner for her powerful connections but must improve on her bare form if she is to feature here. She has been well backed for the Oaks in recent days suggesting she is ready to go and may well prove up to it. However, she does have to put her recent flop behind her, where she struggled in a Newbury maiden despite being heavily supported in the market before the race. She finished sixth lengths behind the winner and was never competitive, even though she plugged on in the final two furlongs. The softer ground that day may have been against her and the quicker surface here could play to her strengths, as will the step up in trip. She has champion Ryan Moore aboard and her trainer has been amongst the winners in the past two weeks. It would be unwise to ignore her in the betting, especially the way she has been supported for the fillies Classic in June, but she must improve on her two starts to date.
Simple Solution is the pick for 1,000 Guineas winning trainer Barry Hills and she is another intriguing filly going up in trip. She won an all-weather maiden last time out in taking fashion, winning readily by four lengths over the 1m trip. She is in unknown territory here but may improve radically for the switch to turf and it must said that has a similar profile to that of Ghanaati, who the fillies' Classic on Sunday, who had also won on the all-weather before improving massively for the step up in distance. Simple Solution will appreciate the going, having run well on it in her first start, and still has an Oaks entry, which suggests she has the class to cut it at this level.
Perfect Truth is yet to win in seven starts but represents the strong Ballydoyle stable of Aidan O'Brien, who took this race last year with Sail. This filly was beaten two starts ago by Roses For The Lady and looks likely to struggle to reverse that form off level weights. Even though she still has many Classic entries, these look unrealistic and will need to improve on her previous form if she is to justify her trainer's beliefs. This daughter of Galileo has Johnny Murtagh in the saddle but in all fairness looks too exposed in a race where there are a lot of unknown quantities.
Selections: 1st - Roses For The Lady, 2nd - Hidden Brief, 3rd - Phillipina.
Result: 1st - Perfect Truth, 9/1, 2nd - Phillipina, 9/2, 3rd - Roses For The Lady, 11/4.
Johnny Murtagh gave Perfect Truth a really enterprising ride and stole the race from the front, but she only just prevailed by a short-head from the fast-finished Phillipina. Murtagh took his mount to the front, set a frenetic gallop from the off and kicked on rounding the final bend. After he went five lengths ahead, it was clear that the jockeys in behind knew he had been given too much rope but the only horse who was able to stay on well enough was Phillipina, who was flying down the outside but could not find the extra to edge out the winner. Perfect Truth looked up against it here, as her starting price suggested, but she shed her maiden tag by showing a good reserve of stamina as well as a very pleasing attitute. Both fillies are entered in the Oaks and Phillipina would look the more suited to that race. Sir Michael Stoute's filly looked much more at home on this quicker surface and looks likely to improve throughout the season. Roses For The Lady finished a length behind in third and ran a good race considering the huge step up in class. She was always prominent for Mick Kinane but found herself too far behind Perfect Truth and only plugged on at the one pace without ever seriously threatening. Hidden Brief was well supported before the off, eventually going off favourite, but she ran a disappointing race. It was evident that Frankie Dettori was not happy on his mount as he began to roust her along with three furlongs to go and the response was limited as she could only plug on up the straight. She could be better suited to a more galloping track and is not one to rule out just yet. Simple Solution finished a long way behind the first four as she struggled to keep pace on this tight track. She did not seem to appreciate this step up in trip and could be better dropped back down to a mile.
It looks most sensible to start with forecast favourite Roses For The Lady, who represents the in-form pair of John Oxx and Mick Kinane, who took the 2,000 Guineas with the impressive Sea The Stars on Saturday. Oxx rarely sends a horse across the Irish Sea unless they have a winning chance and this representative looks sure to go close. A winner last time out, she certainly benefited for the step up in trip and looks the type to improve further as she goes up in distance again. She beat Jakarta Jazz by a short-head at Leopardstown that day over 1m 2f and stayed on dourly to hold on from her rival's challenge. It is most interesting that her trainer is willing to put her straight into Listed company following that maiden win and he obviously holds this daughter of Sadler's Wells in high regard, especially when seeing she still holds an Oaks entry. She looks assured to give her running and if the money comes, the market support must be noted.
Hidden Brief looks the type to improve for her shrewd trainer, especially after seeing her stay on well in her last race. Michael Jarvis has his string in superb form and his filly made a very pleasing return to action last time out at Sandown. She was beaten by Peter Chapple-Hyam's Star Ruby, who looks very useful, and definitely appreciated the step up in trip. The pair were eight lengths clear of third and it is fair to say both horses look the type to do well this season. Frankie Dettori is one of the best jockeys around when leading from the front and if he were to adopt such tactics then he may be able to steal the race if he can kick on early enough. Fresh from her reappearance and coming from a stable bang in form, she is one to watch in the market before the off.
Phillipina is a very interesting runner for her powerful connections but must improve on her bare form if she is to feature here. She has been well backed for the Oaks in recent days suggesting she is ready to go and may well prove up to it. However, she does have to put her recent flop behind her, where she struggled in a Newbury maiden despite being heavily supported in the market before the race. She finished sixth lengths behind the winner and was never competitive, even though she plugged on in the final two furlongs. The softer ground that day may have been against her and the quicker surface here could play to her strengths, as will the step up in trip. She has champion Ryan Moore aboard and her trainer has been amongst the winners in the past two weeks. It would be unwise to ignore her in the betting, especially the way she has been supported for the fillies Classic in June, but she must improve on her two starts to date.
Simple Solution is the pick for 1,000 Guineas winning trainer Barry Hills and she is another intriguing filly going up in trip. She won an all-weather maiden last time out in taking fashion, winning readily by four lengths over the 1m trip. She is in unknown territory here but may improve radically for the switch to turf and it must said that has a similar profile to that of Ghanaati, who the fillies' Classic on Sunday, who had also won on the all-weather before improving massively for the step up in distance. Simple Solution will appreciate the going, having run well on it in her first start, and still has an Oaks entry, which suggests she has the class to cut it at this level.
Perfect Truth is yet to win in seven starts but represents the strong Ballydoyle stable of Aidan O'Brien, who took this race last year with Sail. This filly was beaten two starts ago by Roses For The Lady and looks likely to struggle to reverse that form off level weights. Even though she still has many Classic entries, these look unrealistic and will need to improve on her previous form if she is to justify her trainer's beliefs. This daughter of Galileo has Johnny Murtagh in the saddle but in all fairness looks too exposed in a race where there are a lot of unknown quantities.
Selections: 1st - Roses For The Lady, 2nd - Hidden Brief, 3rd - Phillipina.
Result: 1st - Perfect Truth, 9/1, 2nd - Phillipina, 9/2, 3rd - Roses For The Lady, 11/4.
Johnny Murtagh gave Perfect Truth a really enterprising ride and stole the race from the front, but she only just prevailed by a short-head from the fast-finished Phillipina. Murtagh took his mount to the front, set a frenetic gallop from the off and kicked on rounding the final bend. After he went five lengths ahead, it was clear that the jockeys in behind knew he had been given too much rope but the only horse who was able to stay on well enough was Phillipina, who was flying down the outside but could not find the extra to edge out the winner. Perfect Truth looked up against it here, as her starting price suggested, but she shed her maiden tag by showing a good reserve of stamina as well as a very pleasing attitute. Both fillies are entered in the Oaks and Phillipina would look the more suited to that race. Sir Michael Stoute's filly looked much more at home on this quicker surface and looks likely to improve throughout the season. Roses For The Lady finished a length behind in third and ran a good race considering the huge step up in class. She was always prominent for Mick Kinane but found herself too far behind Perfect Truth and only plugged on at the one pace without ever seriously threatening. Hidden Brief was well supported before the off, eventually going off favourite, but she ran a disappointing race. It was evident that Frankie Dettori was not happy on his mount as he began to roust her along with three furlongs to go and the response was limited as she could only plug on up the straight. She could be better suited to a more galloping track and is not one to rule out just yet. Simple Solution finished a long way behind the first four as she struggled to keep pace on this tight track. She did not seem to appreciate this step up in trip and could be better dropped back down to a mile.
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