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Post by Kimmy on Jun 17, 2018 6:29:49 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Rich Identity (4.40 Doncaster, nap)
Ran below par when fifth at Goodwood last time but may have been unsuited by the easy ground. Roger Varian''s grey has since worked well on the Al Bahathri.
Others to follow Doncaster 2.10 Pastime, 2.40 Quduraat, 3.10 White Light, 3.40 Equitation, 4.10 Ashington, 5.10 Mod. Salisbury 2.25 Guardiola, 3.25 Gumriyah, 3.55 Khafooq, 4.55 Elation, 5.25 Always Amazing.
Rich Identity 4:40 Doncaster North: Colin Russell
Wentworth Falls (3.40 Doncaster, nap)
Made a fine start to the season when runner-up to a progressive rival at Thirsk last month. Has conditions to suit is fancied to go one better.
Others to follow Doncaster 2.10 Storm Ahead, 2.40 Aussie View, 4.10 Lumi, 4.40 Knighted, 5.10 Our Kylie.
Wentworth Falls 3:40 Doncaster Lambourn: James Burn
Shabaaby (4.25 Salisbury, nap)
Owen Burrows is getting his team into top gear, so expect a bold show from this promising colt, who did well last year and made a pleasing reappearance at Newbury last month. He is entitled to come on for that.
Others to follow Doncaster 2.10 Burrembeet, 2.40 Penny Numbers, 3.10 Pirate King, 5.10 Folies Bergeres. Salisbury 2.25 Chikoko Trail, 3.55 Sunsprite, 4.55 Silca Mistress, 5.25 Maygold.
Shabaaby 4:25 Salisbury Racing Post Ratings: Sam Walker
Storm Ahead (2.10 Doncaster)
Well treated on last year's form and posted clear best effort this season when staying on to finish a close third at Ripon last time. This drop in grade should help him build on that.
Storm Ahead 2:10 Doncaster Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Ashington (4.10 Doncaster)
Overhauled in the closing stages on his seasonal return at Leicester recently but Luca Cumani's three-year-old can deservedly shed his maiden tag.
Ashington 4:10 Doncaster Longshot: Adam Maidment
King Of Burgundy (2.55 Salisbury)
Has yet to show a great deal but was an expensive purchase and the move up in trip should suit on this handicap debut.
King Of Burgundy 2:55 Salisbury Ireland: Tony O'Hehir
Excelling Spirit (2.50 Cork)
The daughter of Invincible Spirit can come good at the third attempt having run second on her two previous starts, including on fast ground at Fairyhouse last month. She can deliver for Billy Lee and Willie McCreery.
Excelling Spirit 2:50 Cork The Raceform Interactive nugget
Shahnaza (3.05 Chantilly)
Alain de Royer-Dupre is a man to follow in the Prix De Diane, the 3.05 Chantilly, as he's picked up the prize six times before. His challenger this year is Shahnaza.
Shahnaza 3:05 Chantilly >There are no West Country tips today
Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner news
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 17, 2018 6:30:36 GMT
Sir Michael Stoute has a 32 per cent strike-rate at Doncaster and relies on Drifting Star in the 3.10. The son of Sea The Stars will be suited by the step up in trip and he wears a visor for the first time.
Robert Winston has a 25 per cent strike-rate at Salisbury and he goes there for one ride, Secretfact in the 5.25. He should have come forward since his last run and will appreciate the drop back to five furlongs.
This is a prime time of year for James Fanshawe. The Newmarket-based trainer has a 19 per cent strike-rate with his runners two weeks either side of today’s date for the past five seasons. He sends four horses to Doncaster with the pick of those being Teaser (4.10), who tries 1m2f for the first time.
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 17, 2018 11:47:38 GMT
Wesley Ward is said to be bringing over a flying machine in Chelsea Cloisters for the Queen Mary and she could be a class apart. However that was supposed to be the case last year and his filly Happy Like A Fool was thrashed by Cox's Heartache trained by Clive Cox. I think the same might happen again because Shades Of Blue looked exceptional for Cox on her debut over course and distance. The form of that race has been well franked since and Shades Of Blue should improve a good deal for that run too.
Tom Segal
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 17, 2018 11:48:12 GMT
Third in last year's Falmouth and had this race pinpointed as a starting point by trainer in Racing Post Stable Tours. Some of those ahead of her in the betting have other likely targets and she won't be a double-figure price on the day.
Paul Kealy
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 17, 2018 16:34:56 GMT
Doncaster, 17 Jun 18 Race 1 - 2:10pm THE PEPSI MAX HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Tim Easterby had obtained prior permission from the BHA to run STORM AHEAD (IRE) partially shod.
Approaching the line, PASTIME, placed fourth, hung quickly left causing WELLIESINTHEWATER (IRE), placed fifth, to be bumped, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of PASTIME.
Following the race, the representative of David Menuisier reported that SINFONIETTA (FR), placed eighth, was unsuited by the ground, which was officially described as Good to Firm (Good in Places), and would prefer an easier surface. The Veterinary Officer reported that ALJUNOOD (IRE), placed seventh, was lame on its right fore.
Race 2 - 2:40pm THE PEPSI MAX EBF FILLIES' NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (PLUS 10 RACE) Permission was given for both CAMELOT RAKTI (IRE) to wear a hood in the Parade Ring only.
Approaching the ½ furlong marker, GALLIC, placed second, edged left causing QUDURAAT, placed fourth, to be slightly tightened for room, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of GALLIC.
Race 3 - 3:10pm THE PEPSI MAX MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) Inside the final furlong, WHITE LIGHT, placed second, hung quickly left causing PEGASUS KID, placed third, to be briefly tightened for room on the rail, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of WHITE LIGHT.
Following the race, Tom Queally reported that PEGASUS KID, placed third, slipped on the bend turning into the home straight and Jimmy Quinn reported that DRIFTING STAR (IRE), unplaced, was never travelling.
Race 4 - 3:40pm THE OWLERTON GREYHOUND STADIUM SHEFFIELD HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) Permission was given for HUNTSMANS CLOSE and MOONRAKER to go early to post.
An enquiry was held to consider interference approaching 2 furlongs out involving PIPERS NOTE, unplaced, ridden by James Sullivan and WENTWORTH FALLS, placed fourth, ridden by Phillip Makin. Sullivan was cautioned for careless riding as he maneuvered left when insufficiently clear, causing WENTWORTH FALLS to be briefly checked.
The winner, BRIAN THE SNAIL (IRE), appeared to show an improvement in form compared with its previous run at Epsom on 2 June 2018, where the gelding finished fifteenth of sixteen, beaten 33 lengths. The representative of Richard Fahey explained that BRIAN THE SNAIL (IRE) appreciated the drop in grade and the return to a flatter track, having failed to handle the undulations of Epsom. The gelding was routine tested.
Following the race, Lewis Edmunds reported that SHEEPSCAR LAD (IRE), unplaced, ran flat and David Allan reported that HUNTSMANS CLOSE, unplaced, hung right in the early stages.
Race 5 - 4:10pm THE PEPSI MAX CLASSIFIED STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Daniel Muscutt reported that TEASER, placed sixth, became restless in the stalls.
Race 6 - 4:40pm THE BRITVIC HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for COLLINGHAM PARK (IRE) to go early to post.
The performance of KNIGHTED (IRE), which started second favourite and finished eighth, was considered. Kevin Ryan’s representative could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of KNIGHTED (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 7 - 5:10pm THE PEPSI MAX FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Ben Robinson reported that OUR KYLIE (IRE), placed fifth, ran flat and Nicola Currie reported that FOLIES BERGERES, placed fourth, hung both ways in the home straight. Paul Mulrennan reported that KERRERA, placed seventh, hung right throughout and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the mare revealed it to have sore withers and had lost its left hind shoe. View Stewards report Salisbury, 17 Jun 18 Race 1 - 2:25pm THE SHADWELL STUD RACING EXCELLENCE APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (Whips Shall be Carried But Not Used) Permission was given for UNBRIDLED SPIRIT to wear a hood in the Parade Ring.
Following the race, Theodore Ladd reported that TOWNIE MAC, placed eighth, was never travelling and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 2 - 2:55pm THE DEREK BURRIDGE GOLF & RACING TROPHIES HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) The sponsorship in relation to ACQUIRER (IRE), ridden by Shane Kelly, did not comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct. Kelly was warned as to his responsibility to ensure that the correct sponsorship is carried.
During the load of Race 2, the gates of stall 7 opened of their own accord after ACQURIER (IRE) had been loaded, allowing the gelding to leave its stall. The Starters were satisfied that this was due to the gates just springing open.
Following the race, Ralph Beckett reported that FONT VERT (FR), unplaced, had a breathing problem and Jason Watson reported that RAINBOW JAZZ (IRE), unplaced, suffered interference leaving the stalls.
Race 3 - 3:25pm THE WATERAID MILDREN CONSTRUCTION CONFINED FILLIES' NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 4) (No more than four Flat races) Permission was given for GUMRIYAH to wear a hood in the Parade Ring.
Race 4 - 3:55pm THE PETER WALWYN MEMORIAL NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 2) (PLUS 10 RACE) Permission was given for SUNSPRITE (IRE) to go early to post.
Approaching 4 furlongs out, CRITICAL DATA (IRE), placed third, was running freely and shifted left causing interference to ST OUEN (IRE), unplaced, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Race 5 - 4:25pm THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF CATHEDRAL STAKES (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) Permission was given for CARDSHARP to be mounted on the course.
Race 6 - 4:55pm THE CARA GLASS FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, David Probert reported that GREAT SHOT SAM (USA), unplaced, suffered interference and stopped quickly. Dane O'Neill reported that HESTERYA (IRE), unplaced, stopped quickly and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the filly failed to reveal any abnormalities.
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 17, 2018 18:12:16 GMT
Monday: going, weather & non-runners Ayr GOING: GOOD TO FIRM (Good in places) (GoingStick 7.9) WEATHER: Showers STALLS: 5f & 6f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 2:00 Celebrity Dancer (1) 4:10 Roaring Forties (4) 4:45 Corton Lad (1) Carlisle GOING: GOOD TO FIRM (GoingStick 7.6) (Watered) WEATHER: Showers STALLS: 1m4f - Outside; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 3:50 Cliff Bay (6) Naas GOING: GOOD TO FIRM (Watering to maintain) WEATHER: Showers Nottingham GOING: GOOD TO FIRM (Watered) (GoingStick 8.4) (Rail movements: R4, 5, 6 & 7 +6y) WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: (Outer track) 5f, 6f & 1m - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 5:50 Brelades Bay (4) 7:50 Midnight In Paris (10) Windsor GOING: GOOD TO FIRM (Good in places) (GoingStick 7.5) (Watering) (Rail movements: R1, 5, 6 & 7 +12y) WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: 1m2 & 1m3f - Centre; Remainder - Inside
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 17, 2018 19:40:44 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Shadow Warrior (8.00 Windsor, nap)
May have needed the run after six months out when third to Francis Xavier at Doncaster this month. Paul D'Arcy's charge has since worked well on the watered gallop.
Others to follow Ayr 3.35 Jack The Truth. Carlisle 2.15 Swiss Peak, 2.45 Treasure Me, 4.25 Arabian Jazz. Nottingham 5.50 Stay Classy, 6.20 Gnaad, 7.20 Medaille de Oro, 7.50 Girls Talk, 8.50 Big Sigh. Windsor 6.00 Rivers Of Asia, 6.30 Implicit, 7.30 Oh so Sassy, 8.30 Bajan Gold, 9.00 Fitzsimmons.
Shadow Warrior 8:00 Windsor North: Colin Russell
Scottsdale (8.50 Nottingham, nap)
Dual bumper winner who has been well beaten in three starts on the Flat. However, starts life in handicaps off a fair mark and with the step up in trip in his favour, is fancied to fare a great deal better this time.
Others to follow Ayr 2.00 Society Queen, 2.30 Home Before Dusk, 3.05 Perfect Words, 3.35 Landing Night, 410 Our Charlie Brown, 4.45 Ingleby Hollow, 5.15 Smugglers Creek. Carlisle 2.15 Theatre Of War, 2.45 Tockholes, 3.20 Biddy Brady, 3.50 Jacob Black, 4.25 Queen Penn, 5.00 Ad Libitum, 5.30 Regal Mirage. Nottingham 5.50 Delft Dancer, 6.20 Bashiba, 6.50 Seen The Lyte, 7.20 Dark Devil, 8.20 Shamaheart. Windsor 8.30 Liberatum.
Scottsdale 8:50 Nottingham Lambourn: James Burn
Bailarico (8.50 Nottingham, nap)
Jumps ace Warren Greatrex seems to have the taste for the Flat, operating at a 45 per cent strike-rate this term. This five-year-old has contributed two wins to that haul and looks set to go close again with ground to suit.
Others to follow Nottingham 5.50 Quiet Waters, 6.50 Puds, 7.20 Perfect Quest, 7.50 Isle Of Man. Windsor 6.00 Tiar Na Nog, 6.30 Improvising, 7.30 Blitz, 9.00 Rock Eagle.
Bailarico 8:50 Nottingham West Country: Tim Mitchell
Bakht A Rawan (7.20 Nottingham, nap)
Has won at the track in the past and things are expected to pan out in his favour in this small field.
Others to follow Windsor 6.00 Biotic 7.30 Titus Secret 8.00 Secret Return.
Bakht A Rawan 7:20 Nottingham Racing Post Ratings: Simon Turner
Ingleby Hollow (4.45 Ayr)
Has returned in great form this year, finishing runner-up twice and winning once. He's on a mark he can win off and any rain won't be a problem.
Ingleby Hollow 4:45 Ayr Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Ingleby Hollow (4.45 Ayr)
A winner over course and distance, he has been in fine form his term and could again be in the shake-up.
Ingleby Hollow 4:45 Ayr Longshot: Olly Eden
Olympic Odyssey (7.50 Nottingham)
Has been running green but displayed minor promise in his first three starts. The application of first-time blinkers may sharpen him up and a better run may be on the cards with Silvestre de Sousa booked on this handicap debut – it doesn't look a particularly strong contest.
Olympic Odyssey 7:50 Nottingham Ireland: Tony O'Hehir
Lethal Promise (5.40 Naas)
After two solid performances, the Willie McCreery-trained daughter of Invincible Spirit can come good at the third attempt. Runner-up over today's five furlong trip on her debut at the Curragh, she split Just Wonderful and Gossamer Wings over six furlongs at the same track last month.
Lethal Promise 5:40 Naas The Raceform Interactive nugget
Tallinski (6.20 Nottingham)
The sire Mayson is eight from 27 (30 per cent, +£17.50) with his offspring at Nottingham. His only runner there today, Tallinski in the 6.20, has won his only start at the track.
Tallinski 6:20 Nottingham If you are concerned about your gambling and are worried you may have a problem, click here to find advice on how you can receive help
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 17, 2018 19:41:27 GMT
Karl Burke’s record with two-year-old debutants stands at 18 from 176, for a ten per cent strike-rate. However, when he sends one to Carlisle his record improves to five from 18, at a 28 per cent strike-rate. He saddles Simon’s Smile in the 2.15.
Clive Cox has an overall record of 14 per cent, which improves to 38 per cent (three from eight) when running a horse within seven days of a win. Isle Of Man bids to follow up his Brighton success in the 7.50 at Nottingham.
Faye McManoman has a three-from-five career record at Carlisle for a 60 per cent strike-rate. The apprentice is booked for course-and-distance winner Cliff in the 3.20.
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 17, 2018 19:42:06 GMT
Sir Plato 3.00 Windsor
Sir Plato 8:00 Windsor Four-time course and distance winner who looked in top shape when opening his account for 2018 at Bath last time.
A 3lb rise for that success is fair, and the return to his beloved Windsor can see Sir Plato make all once again.
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 18, 2018 6:46:34 GMT
CARLISLE
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
2.15 Theatre Of War
2.45 Power To Exceed
3.20 Ventura Secret
3.50 Jacob Black
4.25 Kalagia
5.00 Ad Libitum
5.30 Regal Mirage
NEWMARKET – 2.45 Power To Exceed (nap)
GIMCRACK
2.15 Theatre Of War
2.45 Boundary Lane
3.20 Biddy Brady
3.50 Acadian Angel
4.25 Arabian Jazz
5.00 Poetic Steps
5.30 Thorntoun Care
NORTHERNER – 4.25 Kalagia (nb)
AYR
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
2.00 Society Queen
2.30 Home Before Dusk
3.05 Star Cracker
3.35 Lomu
4.10 Our Charlie Brown
4.45 Corton Lad
5.15 Smugglers Creek
NORTHERNER – 2.00 Society Queen (nap)
GIMCRACK
2.00 Society Queen
2.30 Butterfly Lily
3.05 Pavers Pride
3.35 Eternalist
4.10 Florencio
4.45 Ingleby Hollow (nb)
5.15 Berlios
NOTTINGHAM
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
5.50 Delft Dancer
6.20 Tylery Wonder
6.50 Seen The Lyte
7.20 Medalla De Oro
7.50 Girls Talk
8.20 Mrs Angel
8.50 Bailarico
GIMCRACK
5.50 Marlyn
6.20 Tylery Wonder
6.50 Formidable Kitt
7.20 Bakht A Rawan
7.50 Pentland Hills
8.20 Mrs Angel
8.50 Sula Island
WINDSOR
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
6.00 Tiar Na Nog (nb)
6.30 Nefarious
7.00 Wolf Hunter
7.30 Bahamian Dollar (nap)
8.00 Kingston Kurrajong
8.30 Show Of Force
9.00 Rock Eagle
NEWMARKET – 9.00 Fitzsimmons (nb)
GIMCRACK
6.00 Settle Petal
6.30 Improvising
7.00 Blasim
7.30 Titus Secret
8.00 Shadow Warrior
8.30 Black Medusa
9.00 Rock Eagle (nap)
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 18, 2018 6:47:01 GMT
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Post by dennisg on Jun 18, 2018 7:15:21 GMT
in today's sporting life................. Keith Hamer previews Monday's racing and is backing a Ralph Beckett-trained runner to bounce back to winning ways. Rock Eagle suffered a short-priced reverse last time but can make amends in the Sky Bet Racing Cash Out 'Confined' Novice Stakes at Windsor. Ralph Beckett's charge opened his account over the same 10 furlongs he faces here back in April, running out a cosy enough winner despite showing his inexperience at the business end of the race. A couple of winners have emerged from the also-rans that day to give the form a pleasing look and Rock Eagle himself has also performed with credit subsequently. While he was sent off the 11/10 favourite for a novice heat at Salisbury last time, he only failed by a head to catch a runner who was receiving 7lb. Rock Eagle perhaps did not relish the slow early pace there and eventually launched his challenge down the centre of the track, two factors that possibly went against him too. He certainly looks an animal of potential and given he is a half-brother to admirable Group Two winner Highland Knight, the class should be there. Ingleby Hollow can has been consistent of late and can maintain that run by taking the Ayrshire Cancer Support Here To Help Handicap at Ayr. The six-year-old has decent form on the all-weather, over jumps and on turf and is also versatile trip-wise. A winner over a mile and three-quarters at Wetherby and second over a mile and a half at Doncaster, both in May, David O'Meara's gelding will be refreshed from a little break and can get his back in front. Acadian Angel can appreciate the step back up a mile to take the Racing UK Handicap at Carlisle. The John Quinn-trained four-year-old ran well on her only previous attempt at that distance when fifth to the smart Lincoln Rocks at Musselburgh last June. She has no trouble staying seven furlongs and was putting in her best work when third at Haydock on her latest start. This time last year, Formidable Kitt was being prepared for the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot which her dam Ceiling Kitty won in 2012. Unfortunately, she was unable to match those exploits and it was a similar story when she continued to be highly-tried in Listed and Group-race company on her next two starts. Trainer Tom Dascombe has lowered her sights this term and Formidable Kitty has run respectably on bother her starts so far. She can show the spark is still there by getting her head in front for the first time since her debut to land the Enhanced World Cup Specials At 188Bet Fillies' Handicap at Nottingham. Sporting Life tips AYR: 2.00 Society Queen, 2.30 Butterfly Lily, 3.05 Pavers Pride, 3.35 Eternalist, 4.10 Florencio, 4.45 Ingleby Hollow, 5.15 Berlios. CARLISLE: 2.15 Theatre Of War, 2.45 Boundary Lane, 3.20 Biddy Brady, 3.50 Acadian Angel, 4.25 Arabian Jazz, 5.00 Poetic Steps, 5.30 Thorntoun Care. NAAS: 5.40 Lethal Promise, 6.10 Aurora Eclipse, 6.40 Dali, 7.10 Haqeeba, 7.40 Captain Vancouver, 8.10 Magwadiri, 8.40 Boxer Dunford. NOTTINGHAM: 5.50 Marlyn, 6.20 Tylery Wonder, 6.50 Formidable Kitt, 7.20 Bakht A Rawan, 7.50 Pentland Hills, 8.20 Mrs Angel, 8.50 Sula Island. WINDSOR: 6.00 Settle Petal, 6.30 Improvising, 7.00 Blasim, 7.30 Titus Secret, 8.00 Shadow Warrior, 8.30 Black Medusa, 9.00 ROCK EAGLE (NAP). DOUBLE: Rock Eagle and Ingleby Hollow.
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Post by dennisg on Jun 18, 2018 7:17:56 GMT
Alex Hammond guides us through the action at Royal Ascot next week, picking out her best bets along the way. I absolutely love this meeting. From going along as a young racing fan, to being lucky enough to work at one of the world racing’s highest profile fixtures, Royal Ascot has given me great pleasure over the years. This year it promises to be better than ever with a real international feel to the five days and sport of the highest quality. Here goes with my take on each day's feature race and one or two others to keep an eye out for... Royal Ascot - Day one, Tuesday The Royal meeting opens with one of my favourite races, the Queen Anne Stakes. This Group 1 is run over the straight mile and is a fair test of a thoroughbred. David Simcock must wonder what he needs to do to get old favourite Lightning Spear a well-deserved Group 1 win after he went agonisingly close in the Lockinge at Newbury, beaten a short head by Rhododendron. I’ll probably be made to look a fool, but Simcock has been quoted in the past as saying the stiff mile at Ascot stretches his horse, the evidence supports those comments and for that reason he should struggle to overturn that narrow deficit with Aidan O’Brien’s filly. Rhododendron is a smashing filly, she has won a Group 1 in each of her racing seasons, at two, three and now four. This mile trip looks her optimum and the fact you need to stay it well at Ascot is in her favour too as she is a winner at the highest level over 10 furlongs and was of course runner-up to Enable in the Oaks. She is a worthy favourite and is now 5/2 with Sky Bet to get O'Brien on the scoresheet early. If that’s too skinny for you in your quest to get some funds in the kitty for the week, how about the French raider Recoletos? He’s 5/1 with the Yorkshire-based firm and has form that stands up to the closest scrutiny. He has been ridden in all 10 of his racecourse appearances by Olivier Peslier who is still one of the best around. Those 10 starts have yielded six wins with his first Group 1 victory coming in the Prix D’Ispahan at ParisLongchamp at the end of last month, although he ran well in the Prix Du Jockey Club (French Derby) and the Champion Stakes (behind Cracksman) last season. He stays very well, in fact he was only dropped back to a mile for the first time this year as a four-year-old and he showed he didn’t lack a gear or two over the shorter trip. His trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias has a 50% strike rate at the moment to boot; plenty of positives. Also on the opening day there is a red-hot top level sprint, the King’s Stand Stakes over five furlongs. Can Battaash keep a lid on his excitable nature and reserve his energy for the race? That’s my main concern for Charlie Hills and jockey Jim Crowley’s runner. Last year’s Abbaye winner made a winning comeback this season, albeit not a visually impressive one, when winning Haydock’s Temple Stakes in beating Washington DC by just a head. He will come on bundles for that though as you’d expect. His only defeat last season came in the Nunthorpe behind Marsha, a race that Lady Aurelia was runner up in. You'll probably remember the York race for Frankie Dettori celebrating as if he had won, only for the photograph to show they had been touched off by a nose. Lady Aurelia has only run nine times in her life, but she has sure made an impact for trainer Wesley Ward and I think she’s the one to be on in the King’s Stand. She is a 2/1 shot, along with Battaash, and is my pick to add to her win in this race last year and her Queen Mary victory at this meeting as a juvenile. On top of that, Without Parole can get John Gosden off the mark for the week and give Dettori his 57th winner at the Royal meeting, in the St James’s Palace Stakes; he’s Sky Bet’s 11/4 favourite. Without Parole Without Parole Royal Ascot - Day two, Wednesday The Prince Of Wales's Stakes is the day two feature and the mile and a quarter Group 1 looks to be Cracksman's for the taking, despite John Gosden's star narrowly scraping a win in the Coronation Cup at Epsom last time out. It was clear afterwards that connections felt he won despite the track that day and not because of it and we should see the old Cracksman back at the scene of one of his biggest wins in the Champion Stakes last autumn. He has loads in hand on official ratings and it will be a shock if he can't win, although his current price of 8/13 won’t have us rushing to back him. Maybe one for multiple bets. As much as the Royal Hunt Cup is a cavalry charge, I like getting stuck into the mile contest and there looks to be a wealth of each-way betting opportunities in this wide-open handicap. A maximum field of 30 will stream up the straight mile, so plenty of luck is needed. One horse that should be guaranteed a run is the David O’Meara trained Escobar, currently a 25/1 shot with Sky Bet. He is number 31 in the entries and his chance of getting a run was aided by a win at Haydock last week for which he picks up a 5lb penalty. That was just his third start for his shrewd stable and you get the feeling there could be more to come. He was highly-regarded by his previous trainer Hugo Palmer for whom he won a Listed race as a juvenile and there was talk of his running in a Group 1. Obviously plenty of water has gone under the bridge since then, but his current owners paid 100,000 guineas for him at the Horses In Training Sales back in October and I hope he’ll be good enough to win some of that back and put up a show in this tough race. David O'Meara David O'Meara knows what is takes for Royal Ascot handicap success Royal Ascot - Day three, Thursday I said at the start of the blog that the Queen Anne is one of my favourite races of this meeting, well top of my list is the Ascot Gold Cup and that is the day three feature. As you know, I love my jump racing and I think the Cup races appeal because the protagonists stick around for a few years and we get to know and love them. Like some of the best love affairs our fondness for these stayers develops over time, but a slow burn often makes the bond stronger. I think Order Of St George falls into that category; he hasn’t always been perfect, but when he’s good he’s very, very good. His price reflects that and we won’t get rich backing him at 7/4, but I think he should take all the beating. He was famously touched off by a short head by Big Orange in this race last year, but with Michael Bell’s stayer currently on the sidelines, he won’t have him to contend with. He's not just a plodder though as his third place in the 2016 Arc and fourth in last year’s French showpiece demonstrated. I read that fellow columnist Richard Fahey thinks Sabre is his best chance of a winner this week, so will be having a small investment on him in the opening race, the Norfolk Stakes (10/1 with Sky Bet who are also offering your Money Back as a free bet if your selection finishes 2nd or 3rd). Elsewhere on the card, the Britannia is another fiercely difficult heritage handicap, but it offers us a bit of value if you can sort out the wheat from the chaff. The Roger Varian-trained Sam Gold is a horse I’m looking forward to seeing in action and I’ve already backed him each way, he’s a 12/1 shot at the time of writing (Sunday). This will be just his sixth career start and I was impressed by the manner of his win at Doncaster earlier this month. The race didn’t go entirely to plan, but he was going away at the line in the manner of an improving three-year-old. There is a minor concern about very quick ground for him, which is my one reservation. Of his rivals, fast ground won’t be a concern for Ostilio. Like Sam Gold, he is trained by someone whose runners I always take a second glance at. He is with former Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford, who continues to send out plenty of winners and is proving to be a shrewd handler. Ostilio is also lightly raced and has some notable form this season. His (albeit well beaten) second at Yarmouth to Without Parole is very good form and although he isn’t in his class, he since followed that up with a very easy win at Newmarket a month ago. He was raised 6lb for that by the handicapper, but that doesn’t worry me at all. He’s 18/1 with Sky Bet. Big Orange and Order Of St George do battle at Royal Ascot Big Orange and Order Of St George do battle at Royal Ascot 2017 Royal Ascot - Day four, Friday On to my best bet of the meeting and I can’t wait to see Clemmie in action in the Coronation Stakes. She’s now 7/2 favourite for the one mile Group 1 and battling to be market leader with recent Irish 1000 Guineas winner Alpha Centauri (4/1 with Sky Bet). Clemmie finished ninth behind her rival at the Curragh that day, but it’s been well documented that she suffered a minor setback in the spring that meant she missed the English Guineas and will have needed her reappearance to put her right. If that’s the case, then I expect she���ll give Jessie Harrington’s grey much more of a problem here. She has loads of pace, but I don’t think a mile will be a problem when she’s at her best, which I hope she is on Friday. The Commonwealth Cup has been a superb addition to the Royal Ascot card and the three-year-old sprinters look an exciting bunch this time round, with this 6f Group 1 looking pretty open. Invincible Army takes the step up to the highest level for trainer James Tate, who holds him in very high regard. He has loads of pace, but is also a winner over this course and distance and I’d expect the race to suit him well. Equilateral is an interesting and potentially dangerous opponent as there could be much more to come from Charlie Hills’ young sprinter, but I’m hoping the slightly more experienced horse can win and at 8/1 he looks to offer some value. Another one worthy of note on the penultimate day is Raa Atoll in the King Edward VII Stakes (the Ascot equivalent of the Derby). He has been campaigned quietly by master trainer John Gosden, finished 2nd on debut before following that up with wins at Nottingham and Leicester in Novice company. He has shown a likeable attitude and whilst he has to prove he’s up to this sort of class, he wouldn’t be running if his trainer didn’t think he was capable. Some of his rivals have had much tougher run ups to the race and this son of Sea The Stars looks to have much more to offer. He’s 8/1 for the 1m 4f Group 2. Clemmie leads Different League Clemmie leads Different League in the Cheveley Park Stakes Royal Ascot - Day five, Saturday Let’s hope at this point we are all quids in! If not I’m really keen on one in the big race of the afternoon, the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes. Aidan O’Brien runs a fascinating horse in Merchant Navy, a horse I have written about in a previous blog. He has no easy task with Harry Angel in the line-up, but this horse could also be something special. Just to remind you what I wrote a few weeks ago, "Merchant Navy is an exciting Aussie import who started his career Down Under where he had Group 1 winning form. He's a southern hemisphere foal, so wasn’t born until our autumn/winter in 2014, meaning he won’t turn four until November. He made his debut for Aidan O’Brien at the Curragh at the weekend where he won nicely under Ryan Moore in Group 2 company over six furlongs. O’Brien said he had only 'done five little canters' before he ran on Saturday, which should mean there is plenty of improvement to come." It makes him an interesting fly in the ointment and with Harry Angel still winless at Ascot, he could shake things up a bit. Merchant Navy is 7/2 with the Clive Cox trained favourite at 5/2. And finally, the bookies won’t want Crystal Ocean to win the Hardwicke Stakes. No chances are being taken on Sir Michael Stoute’s runner and he’s 6/4 with Sky Bet to win the mile and a half Group 2, but he is unbeaten in two starts so far this season, is still improving and I expect him to make it three here. He had the option of the higher grade Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, but taking on Cracksman seems unnecessary folly at this stage, so this easier option should give Sir Michael his 76th Royal Ascot winner which will take him one ahead of the late, great Sir Henry Cecil as overall leading trainer at the meeting. To get the latest Royal Ascot updates, join me on Sky Sports News from 6am and have a great week whatever you are backing. Crystal Ocean wins under Moore
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Post by dennisg on Jun 18, 2018 7:20:20 GMT
Topping being the breeder of a US Triple Crown winner takes some doing but for John Gunther victory for Without Parole in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot would achieve exactly that. After witnessing Justify cement his position as one of US racing's greats with victory in the Belmont Stakes, the 72-year-old now hopes he can fulfil another dream by watching the John Gosden-trained son of Frankel maintain his unbeaten record and carry his own silks to Group One glory. He told Press Association Sport: "My feet are slowly getting back to the ground after Justify but has taken a while for it to sink in that's for sure. "It's been an incredible journey the Triple Crown, especially the last race. It really was a heart pounding experience to say the least. "It really is unbelievable to think that he has gone from breaking his maiden to winning the Triple Crown in four months and breaking the curse of Apollo, which goes back to 1882, of a horse unraced at two to become a Triple Crown winner. "I do think having another home-bred runner at Royal Ascot is something else, though. I've been dreaming of having a horse run at Royal Ascot for many years and for this to happen in the same year as breeding a Triple Crown winner is quite a journey. "I've even brought and outfit for the occasion. Usually I rent one but this year is so special I went and got one!" With his nerves having faced a severe test during Without Parole's victory in the Heron Stakes at Sandown there is a good chance they will be off the scale come 4.20pm on Tuesday when his pride and joy puts his reputation on the line. Justify roars to Triple Crown glory Justify roars to Triple Crown glory He added: "I came over for the Heron Stakes and I've never been so worried in my life. He likes it good to firm and I was worried about the rain. "I couldn't sleep and I got up at 3am in the morning and it was raining like crazy. That really worried me as we were going from good to firm to good to soft and we didn't know if he would handle it that soft but he his class got the job done. "I think that race at Sandown will do him a lot of good as running him on the soft ground will give him extra fitness. Running him in the St James's Palace Stakes will be one of the biggest moments of my life. I'm not taking anything away from the Triple Crown but this race means more to me. "I remember when I went to Juddmonte with my mare who was unproven at the time but she had a great pedigree. And for Juddmonte for accept her to see Frankel meant so much to me. "Winning a Group One at Royal Ascot would be the biggest moment of my life if it happens because of all the circumstances of getting there." Although Gunther, who has run Glennwood Farm, near Kentucky, with his daughter Tanya for almost 30 years, is excited about what potentially lies ahead for Without Parole, the sight of Justify hitting the heights is something he always felt could happen. He said: "You could see in Justify the way he acted and strutted around he wanted him to look at you. He knew he was special as a yearling. He had that persona about him. "The most amazing thing about him is his mentality. He just takes everything in his stride and nothing bothers him at all. "There was around 170,000 screaming at the Kentucky Derby and he was cool, calm and collected. "When he entered the starting gate at Belmont he handled it so well in front of such a big crowd. My heart was pounding come out of the starting gate. "With that big stride nobody else was going to catch him and when the second horse (Gronkowski) came up to him I knew he wasn't going to get past Justify." Achieving big-race results is often the product of teamwork and Gunther has pointed towards the efforts of his daughter Tanya in helping him establish Greenwood into the home of what he hopes will be the site of where more future champions begin their path to greatness. He added: "We have been going close on 30 years and we've had a lot of success with Graded race winners. It is still a work in progress, though. "Once again I have to thank my daughter Tanya. She left her job as an investment banker to come to Kentucky and run the farm. Her hard work and dedication have turned Greenwood into quite a success, but these things take time. "Hopefully we can continue to produce more Graded stakes winners and continue to enjoy more good fortune like that we are enjoying at the moment." Big guns line up in Palace clash Without Parole, Tip Two Win and Romanised all feature among 10 colts declared for the St James's Palace Stakes on Tuesday. The John Gosden-trained Without Parole is the marginal favourite for the Group One contest having won each of his three starts to date, completing his hat-trick in the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown last month. However, even his trainer has admitted his charge will need to raise his game significantly if he is to reach of the level of Roger Teal's 2000 Guineas runner-up Tip Two Win and Ken Condon's Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Romanised. Gosden also saddles outsider Kings Shield. Aidan O'Brien has claimed this prize on a record seven occasions and is triple-handed in this year's renewal. US Navy Flag, Gustav Klimt and Threeandfourpence all bid to reverse form with Romanised after finishing second, third and fourth respectively in the Irish Guineas. Godolphin's Wootton placed fourth in the French 2000 Guineas and crosses the Channel. Martyn Meade's Chilean and the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Gabr complete the field.
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Post by dennisg on Jun 18, 2018 7:22:30 GMT
Tim Easterby is looking forward to seeing Wells Farhh Go step up in distance for the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday. The three-year-old was unbeaten in two starts at York as a juvenile, including a Group Three success in the Acomb Stakes. He returned to the Knavesmire for last month's Dante Stakes at York and although he was ultimately well beaten in sixth place, Easterby expects to see his charge in a better light as he steps up in distance in Berkshire. The trainer said: "Wells Farhh Go definitely runs, whatever the weather. He doesn't need soft ground - he's fine on good ground. It's the trip he needs." Another Easterby inmate set to make the journey south from Yorkshire next week is the unbeaten two-year-old Vintage Brut. The son of Dick Turpin will bid to claim his third victory from as many starts in Thursday's Norfolk Stakes, but will first go under the hammer at the Goffs London Sale on the eve of Royal Ascot. "Vintage Brut is in great form, he's like a rocket," Easterby added. "Of course he's in the sale the night before, which could pose a problem for me. If a wealthy owner comes in and buys him to send to another trainer it could run in their name, but that's the situation. "Whoever's name he runs under he'll run very well, I'm sure of that."
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 18, 2018 18:02:34 GMT
Carlisle, 18 Jun 18 Race 1 - 2:15pm THE RACING UK IN HD NOVICE AUCTION STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race Paul Hanagan reported that SWISS PEAK, unplaced, was coltish during the preliminaries.
Race 2 - 2:45pm THE PLOUGH FILLIES' NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) POLYPHONY (IRE) wore earplugs.
TOCKHOLES unseated its rider on the way to post. Having been examined by the doctor and Veterinary Surgeon at the start, both the rider and filly were deemed fit to race.
Following the race, Faye McManoman reported that AFLORALDANCE, unplaced, was slowly away and ran green. Paul Hanagan reported that COLUMBIA KID (IRE), unplaced, lost its action approximately one furlong out. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3 - 3:20pm THE MOLSON COORS HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for MANSFIELD and LADY CRISTAL (IRE) to go early to post and for BIDDY BRADY (USA) to be mounted in the chute and go early to post.
An enquiry was held to consider why Ann Duffield, was running UNCLE CHARLIE (IRE) here at Carlisle on going described as Good, Good to Firm in Places, having declared the colt a non-runner at Hamilton Park on 18 May 2018 on ground with the same official description. The trainer’s representative stated that in his opinion the ground at Hamilton was faster than the official description and therefore unsuitable for the colt.
Inside the final furlong VENTURA SECRET (IRE), placed third, edged left onto a weakening GUARDIA SVIZZERA (IRE), placed fifth, which was taken slightly off its intended line, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of VENTURA SECRET (IRE).
The performance of BIDDY BRADY (USA) which finished unplaced, was considered. Tim Easterby’s representative could offer no explanation for the filly’s performance.
The performance of GEOFF POTTS (IRE) which started joint favourite and finished unplaced, was considered. The representative of Richard Fahey could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. GEOFF POTTS (IRE) was routine tested.
Race 5 - 4:25pm THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) The Starter reported that DALAWYNA (FR) was the subject of a third criteria failure. Kevin Ryan was informed that the filly could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.
KIRBEC (IRE), placed seventh, lost a cheekpiece approximately 2½ furlongs out. The cheekpiece was inspected and as it was found to be in a serviceable condition, no further action was taken.
Following the race, Cameron Noble reported that ARABIAN JAZZ (IRE), placed fifth, fly leapt leaving the starting stalls.
Race 6 - 5:00pm THE WATCH RACING UK ON 3 DEVICES HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) POETIC STEPS (FR) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Following the race, Paul Mulrennan reported that FIRBY (IRE), placed sixth, ran keenly. Andrew Mullen reported that ORMESHER, placed fourth, hung right-handed throughout.
Race 7 - 5:30pm THE THURSBY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) (Jockey Club Grassroots Flat Middle Distance Series Qualifier) The performance of WOTABREEZE (IRE) which finished fifth, was considered. John Quinn’s representative’s explanation that the gelding ran flat was noted. View Stewards report Nottingham, 18 Jun 18 Race 1 - 5:50pm THE TUNISIA V ENGLAND BETTING AT 188BET FILLIES' NOVICE AUCTION STAKES (CLASS 5) (PLUS 10 RACE) Permission was given for STAY CLASSY (IRE) to wear a hood in the parade ring.
Following the race, Daniel Muscutt reported that CAPLA GILDA, unplaced, ran too free and Toby Eley reported that MADDFOURMAGGY (IRE), unplaced, also ran too free.
Race 2 - 6:20pm THE 188BET CASH BACK KANE FIRST GOAL CONFINED HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) (FOR HORSES WHICH HAVE NOT WON IN 2018) Permission was given for TYLERY WONDER (IRE) to go early to post.
The winner, BASHIBA (IRE), appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Haydock on 7 June 2018 where the gelding finished eighth of nine, beaten by 7 ¼ lengths. It was noted that Nigel Tinkler could offer no explanation for the gelding’s improved form. BASHIBA (IRE) was routine tested.
Following the race, Luke Morris reported that TYLERY WONDER (IRE), placed eighth, anticipated the start and missed the break and Silvestre De Sousa reported that PENNY DREADFUL, placed fifth, hung right under pressure.
Race 3 - 6:50pm THE ENHANCED WORLD CUP SPECIALS AT 188BET FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for PUDS and WIRRAL GIRL (IRE) to go early to post.
Leaving the stalls, FORMIDABLE KITT, unplaced, jumped awkwardly right giving a slight bump to PUDS, placed second, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved. View Stewards report Windsor, 18 Jun 18 Race 1 - 6:00pm THE SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACES APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for KATH'S LEGACY to go early and be led to post.
Following the race, Theodore Ladd reported that BIOTIC, placed fourth, hung left-handed under pressure and Thomas Greatrex reported that MUNSARIM (IRE), unplaced, was never travelling.
Race 2 - 6:30pm THE SKY BET PRICE BOOSTS EBF STALLIONS NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) The Veterinary Officer reported that ESQUE AMORE (IRE), trained by David Evans appeared to be suffering from ringworm and the trainer did not have a Certificate of Non-Contagiousness. Evans was fined £140 and skin scrapings from the horse were sent to the Animal Health Trust.
The sponsorship worn by Shane Kelly did not comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct. Kelly was warned as to his responsibility to ensure that the correct sponsorship is carried.
Leaving the stalls, SISTER’S ACT, unplaced, jumped left-handed carrying IMPLICIT (IRE), placed second, to the left, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Kieran O'Neill reported that STARCHANT, placed third, hung right-handed.
Race 3 - 7:00pm THE SKY BET BEST ODDS GUARANTEED SELLING STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for ASSOCIATE ROCK (IRE) to go early to post.
Race 4 - 7:30pm THE SKY BET BEST PRICE PROMISE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) (Windsor Sprint Series Qualifier) Permission was given for SIX STRINGS to go early and be led to post.
Race 5 - 8:00pm THE SKYBET BRITAIN'S MOST POPULAR ONLINE BOOKMAKER HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) SHADOW WARRIOR wore ear plugs which were removed at the start and was given permission to go early to post. View Stewards report Ayr, 18 Jun 18 Race 1 - 2:00pm THE EBF NOVICE AUCTION STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for SOCIETY QUEEN (IRE) to go to post early.#
An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race after interference inside the final furlong between, the winner SOCIETY QUEEN (IRE), ridden by Paddy Mathers, and LIGHT HEART (IRE), placed second, ridden by P J McDonald. The Stewards considered that the interference had not improved the placing of SOCIETY QUEEN (IRE), as the filly was always holding LIGHT HEART (IRE) with ½ a length between runners at the line. The Stewards found the interference to be accidental in that SOCIETY QUEEN (IRE) hung quickly right despite the riders best efforts, at the same time as LIGHT HEART (IRE) edged slightly left.
Race 2 - 2:30pm THE AYRSHIRE CANCER SUPPORT "CONFINED" NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (Run no more than four times) Following the race, Iain Jardine reported that SHE'S PUKKA, placed fourth, was unsuited by the Good to Firm going on this occasion and would prefer an easier surface. Jamie Gormley reported that HOME BEFORE DUSK, placed second, hung right under pressure. James Sullivan reported that DOON STAR, unplaced, hung left.
Race 3 - 3:05pm THE ayrshirecs.org HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) An enquiry was held to consider interference approximately 3 furlongs out, when REDEEMING, placed third, ridden by Rachel Richardson, hung right and interfered with ON THE HIGH TOPS, unplaced, ridden by Shane Gray. The interference was found to be accidental as REDEEMING had hung badly right resulting in the riders saddle slipping, a fact which she had reported at scales on weighing in.
Following the race, Kevin Stott reported that DAWOODI, placed seventh, hung badly right. Kevin Lundie reported that SECRET ASSET (IRE), unplaced, stumbled leaving the stalls.
Race 4 - 3:35pm THE VOLUNTEER TO HELP AYRSHIRE CANCER SUPPORT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for LOMU (IRE), ECONOMIC CRISIS (IRE) and LUCKY BEGGAR (IRE) to go to post early.
An enquiry was held to consider why Keith Dalgleish, was running LOMU (IRE) here at Ayr on going described as Good to Firm, having declared the gelding a non-runner at Ayr on 4 June 2018 on ground with the same official description. The trainer’s representative stated that today’s race over the straight 5 furlongs would be better suited to the gelding, rather than the 1 mile trip on the round course last time on the Good to Firm ground. His explanations were noted.
The performance of JACK THE TRUTH (IRE) which started favourite but finished unplaced, was considered. It was noted that the representative of Trainer George Scott could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Following the race, Paddy Mathers reported that LUCKY BEGGAR (IRE), placed fifth, was slowly away. Dougie Costello reported that LOMU (IRE), placed second, hung left in the early stages.
Race 5 - 4:10pm THE AYRSHIRE CANCER SUPPORT JAMES BOND BALL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Shane Gray, the rider of SULTAN BAYBARS, placed sixth, was slightly slow to remove the blindfold. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, Gray’s explanation was noted that the blindfold may have been caught on the gelding’s blinkers.
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 18, 2018 19:16:54 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Calyx (3.05 Ascot, nap)
Won his maiden in fine style at Newmarket ten days ago and has taken that in his stride judging by his condition on the Warren Hill Polytrack in recent days.
Others to follow Ascot 2.30 Benbatl, 3.40 Blue Point, 4.20 Without Parole, 5.00 White Desert, 5.30 Mirage Dancer. Beverely 6.30 Early Edition, 7.00 Phantasmic, 8.00 Magnetic Boundary, 8.30 Le Maharajah. Brighton 5.40 Curious Fox, 6.10 Kodinar, 6.40 Kachumba, 8.10 Limerick Lord, 8.40 Camino.
Calyx 3:05 Ascot North: Colin Russell
Dubawi Fifty (5.00 Ascot, nap)
Progressive stayer from the in-form Karen McLintock yard who ran a fine race when fourth in last month's Chester Cup. Further improvement expected and fancied to give another good account.
Others to follow Ascot 2.30 Suedois, 3.05 Cosmic Law, 3.40 Mabs Cross. Beverley 6.30 Victory Command, 7.00 See Youmzain, 7.30 Take Cover, 8.00 Pantera Negra, 8.30 Roddy, 9.00 Bit Of A Quirke. Brighton 5.40 Jaalboot, 6.10 Spirit Kingdom, 6.40 On A May Day, 7.10 Afandem. Stratford 2.20 Hazy Manor, 2.50 Border Breaker, 4.05 Isle Road, 5.20 Anton Dolin. Thirsk 1.40 Evangeline Samos, 2.10 Armageddon, 2.45 Groundworker, 3.20 Morticia, 3.55 The Armed Man, 4.35 Bayshore Fereeway, 5.45 Hitman.
Dubawi Fifty 5:00 Ascot Lambourn: James Burn
Tip Two Win (4.20 Ascot, nap)
Smart grey has strong form, including his fine second in the 2,000 Guineas and he should like the track and ground. Trainer Roger Teal has been delighted with him since Newmarket, suggesting the colt has improved.
Others to follow Ascot 2.30 Zonderland, 3.05 Advertise, 3.40 Battaash, 5.00 Coeur De Lion, 5.35 Laraaib. Brighton 5.40 Tuscany, 6.40 Sicario. Stratford 2.20 Tillythetank, 3.30 Regulation.
Tip Two Win 4:20 Ascot West Country: Tim Mitchell
Kalaskadesemilley (5.20 Stratford, nap)
Course winner should have improved for his return and has fallen to a fair mark. Fancied to give a good account with conditions to suit.
Others to follow Stratford: 2.55 Fear Glic, 3.30 Novis Adventus.
Kalaskadesemilley 5:20 Stratford Racing Post Ratings: Simon Turner
Romanised (4.20 Ascot)
Surprise winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas when the step up to a mile on fast ground proved key. Good value given that is the best of this year's form on offer.
Romanised 4:20 Ascot Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Limato (2.30 Ascot)
Boasts smart form and figures over shorter trips but Henry Candy's six-year-old should be given a chance to prove his class over a mile.
Limato 2:30 Ascot Longshot: Olly Eden
Indigo Balance (3.05 Ascot)
Stayed on strongly and ran out a comfortable winner of a Curragh maiden, beating subsequent winners. This colt is highly regarded and should not be overlooked in what is a competitive Coventry Stakes.
Indigo Balance 3:05 Ascot Ireland: Tony O'Hehir
St Brelades Bay (7.20 Sligo)
Following two solid efforts over six furlongs on both of his starts this season, the Jessica Harrington-trained six-year-old steps up one furlong in trip. He has been placed over the distance and can account for his five rivals, with 5lb claimer Tom Madden on board.
St Brelades Bay 7:20 Sligo The Raceform Interactive nugget
Indigo Balance (3.05 Ascot)
An unbeaten colt has won nine of the last ten runnings of the Coventry Stakes. Of course, plenty fit the bill today but Indigo Balance can prove to be the best of them.
Indigo Balance 3:05 Ascot
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 18, 2018 19:17:39 GMT
Willie Mullins has a 32 per cent strike-rate with new recruits on the Flat. Chelkar fits the bill in the Ascot Stakes at 5.00. His trainer excels with horses who have their first runs as geldings (14-25, 56 per cent strike-rate). Ryan Moore has won three of the last six renewals when riding for the trainer.
It pays to follow the Mark Johnston and William Buick combination at Ascot, who unite for a solid 27 per cent strike-rate. I Am A Dreamer represents the pair in a competitive-looking Coventry Stakes at 3.05. The son of Dream Ahead has won his last two since stepping up to 6f and this battle-hardened colt may out-run his odds.
John Gosden has his runners in great form heading into Royal Ascot – he has been operating at a 33 per cent strike-rate in the last fortnight. The trainer has won the Wolferton Stakes (5.35) three times in the last ten years and his representative Muntahaa is of interest. This will be his easiest test in some time and the drop in distance could be what he needs to get his head back in front.
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 19, 2018 5:17:27 GMT
Tuesday: going, weather & non-runners Ascot GOING: GOOD TO FIRM (Good in places; GoingStick: Stands' 8.3, Centre 8.3, Far 8.2, Round 7.4) (Watering) (Rail movements: Race 1 +5yds, Races 5 & 6 +11yds) WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: Straight course - Centre; Round course - Inside Beverley GOING: GOOD WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: Inside Brighton GOING: GOOD TO FIRM (Good in places) (Watered) (GoingStick 8.1) WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: 1m4f - Outside; Remainder - Centre Sligo GOING: GOOD (Good to firm in places) (Watering) WEATHER: Rain Stratford GOING: GOOD (Good to firm in places; GoingStick 7.8) (Watering) WEATHER: Partly cloudy Thirsk GOING: GOOD TO FIRM (Good in places) (Watering as necessary) WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: Straight course - Centre; 1m4f - Stands' side; Remainder - Inside
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 19, 2018 5:20:42 GMT
GIMCRACK'S DAY ONE TIPS 2.30 - Suedois (NAP)
3.05 - The Irish Rover
3.40 - Battaash (nb)
4.20 - Romanised
5.00 - Whiskey Sour
5.35 - Laraaib
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Post by dennisg on Jun 19, 2018 5:42:34 GMT
IN TODAY'S SPORTING LIFE.......................... An at-a-glance guide to our team of experts' best bets for day one of Royal Ascot, featuring Ben Linfoot, Simon Holt and Ed Chamberlin. Click on the individual pundit's name for their full preview... 2.30 Queen Anne Stakes (Sky Bet money back as free bet if 2nd or 3rd) Oli Bell: Benbatl Matt Brocklebank: Zonderland Mike Cattermole: Benbatl Ed Chamberlin: Yoshida Alex Hammond: Recoletos Keith Hamer: Suedois Simon Holt: Rhododendron Ben Linfoot: Limato David Ord: Deauville (each-way) Most popular: Benbatl 3 7 Benbatlt80 49-0OR: 123C 4/1 Form: 56-1121T: S bin SuroorJ: C Soumillon Live betting powered by Suedois has earned a shot at another trip to the Breeders' Cup Suedois 3.05 Coventry Stakes (Sky Bet paying FOUR places) Oli Bell: Calyx Matt Brocklebank: Vange Mike Cattermole: Advertise Keith Hamer: The Irish Rover Ben Linfoot: Fox Champion (each-way) David Ord: Calyx Most popular: Calyx 7 22 Calyx10 29-1OR: -D 5/2 Form: 1T: J H M GosdenJ: L Dettori Last run Live betting powered by Calyx wins on debut at Newmarket Calyx wins impressively on debut at Newmarket 3.40 King's Stand Stakes (Sky Bet paying FOUR places) Oli Bell: Battaash Matt Brocklebank: Blue Point Mike Cattermole: Battaash Keith Hamer: Battaash Alex Hammond: Lady Aurelia Ben Linfoot: Lady Aurelia David Ord: Lady Aurelia Most popular: Battaash 1 9 Battaash24 49-4OR: 123D 5/2 Form: 11141-1T: C HillsJ: Jim Crowley Last run Live betting powered by Battaash wins the Temple Stakes Battaash wins the Temple Stakes 4.20 St James's Palace Stakes Matt Brocklebank: Gabr Mike Cattermole: Romanised Keith Hamer: Romanised Alex Hammond: Without Parole Ben Linfoot: Kings Shield (each-way) Donn McClean: U S Navy Flag David Ord: Wootton Most popular: Romanised 5 6 Romanisedt24 39-0OR: 119D 5/1 Form: 1762-61T: K J CondonJ: S Foley Last run Live betting powered by Romanised winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas Romanised winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas 5.00 Ascot Stakes (Sky Bet paying FIVE places) Matt Brocklebank: Stratum Mike Cattermole: Couer De Lion Keith Hamer: Whiskey Sour Ben Linfoot: Willie Mullins David Ord: Coeur De Lion Most popular: Coeur De Lion 20 10 Coeur de Lionp39 59-1OR: 91 13/2 Form: 123-122T: A KingJ: M Harley Last run Live betting powered by Willie Mullins pictured with the leading trainer's award at Galway Willie Mullins bosses the entries for the Ascot Stakes 5.35 Wolferton Stakes (Sky Bet paying FOUR places) Oli Bell: Morando Matt Brocklebank: Laraaib Mike Cattermole: Mirage Dancer Ed Chamberlin: Autocratic Keith Hamer: Laraaib Simon Holt: Mirage Dancer Ben Linfoot: Mirage Dancer David Ord: Sharjah Bridge Most popular: Mirage Dancer 4 1 Mirage Dancer24 49-6OR: 112 5/1 Form: 4334-21T: Sir Michael StouteJ: James McDonald Last run
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Post by dennisg on Jun 19, 2018 5:45:13 GMT
Ben Linfoot seeks out the best Value Bet selections for day one of Royal Ascot and he fancies three at big prices as the meeting begins with a bang. Recommended Bets: Value Bet, Royal Ascot Day One 1pt win Limato in 2.30 Royal Ascot at 18/1 1pt e.w Fox Champion in 3.05 Royal Ascot at 40/1 1pt e.w Kings Shield in 4.20 Ascot at 33/1 For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record Scat Daddy progeny could continue their remarkable record at Royal Ascot on Tuesday as the 2018 meeting starts with its usual bang. The ill-fated stallion has an incredible eight from 15 record at the Royal meeting with his offspring and he could easily have extended that winning number to 10 by the time the King’s Stand has been run and won just after 3.40 on day one. Lady Aurelia is responsible for two of the eight Scat Daddy Royal Ascot winners and she goes for her third consecutive win at the meeting in the King’s Stand, while before that Sergei Prokofiev bids to justify favouritism in the Coventry Stakes. The problem is neither of those two have been missed in the markets, but another son of Scat Daddy might’ve been in the St James’s Palace Stakes (4.20) and at 33/1 (General 1/5 1,2,3) KINGS SHIELD looks worth an each-way bet. The key angle with him is the ground, as this is the first time he’s encountered good to firm conditions and they really should bring out the very best in him. A strong American pedigree suggests as much and he looked much more at home on his first two starts on the all-weather than he has at Sandown and Epsom with cut in the ground. It’s no surprise his best form on turf came on good ground in the French Guineas and he ran a fine race at ParisLongchamp, finishing strongly for sixth, just behind Wootton and U S Navy Flag, after being short of room two out. Those two rivals are much shorter in the betting than Kings Shield, probably on account of his below-par run at Epsom in the Surrey Stakes last time out, but the discrepancy looks too big. He was disappointing at Epsom, granted, but the ground was soft and I think it’s worth putting a line through the run on that basis alone, while he got very sweaty beforehand as well. He’ll need to improve to trouble the judge, but the ground can help him do that by a significant margin and this doesn’t look a vintage St James’s Palace Stakes by any means. The presence of stablemate Without Parole is probably another reason for his big odds, but there is no reason this supposed second string should be so overlooked by the market and at 33s he’s worth an each-way play. 4 4 Kings Shield18 39-0OR: 107BFD 28/1 Form: 1-1364T: J H M GosdenJ: Oisin Murphy Last run Live betting powered by Kings Shield surges clear at Kempton Kings Shield: Big price now he gets to run on fast ground Earlier on it looks a good renewal of the Coventry Stakes and though I’m in no mad rush to take on Sergei Prokofiev, his presence at the top of the market, along with Calyx, means there are some fancy prices about some horses with real potential. Kingman colt Calyx looked a horse out of the very top drawer when winning at Newmarket, but that was only nine days ago and the quick turnaround would be on my mind if I was wading into him at 5/2. With four places available with several bookies I am prepared to take a chance on one each-way and the one I like at a huge price is Richard Hannon’s FOX CHAMPION at 40/1 (General – bet365, Sky Bet, William Hill, Betfair Sportsbook and Paddy Power are all that price and four places). The Hannon yard have won this race three times and since Hannon senior retired their Coventry horses have been running well with Mehmas and Eltezam finishing placed in the race in the last three years. It’s significant, then, that Fox Champion is Hannon’s sole representative here, as he has had nine individual juvenile winners this season and none of them made the cut. Fox Champion did everything but win at Doncaster, as he was just run out of things by a nose in the dying strides. But he shaped really well, cruising through the race on ground that is likely to prove much softer than ideal, before being mugged by a horse bred for much further in the testing conditions. He was very much the horse to take out of the race, catching the eye in a big way, and the form has been franked by the last home, New Winds, who bounced back to winning form at Haydock last Wednesday. A 420,000 guineas purchase at the Craven breeze-ups in April, Hannon marked him out as his Coventry horse before he had even set foot on a racecourse and he has a bit of Royal Ascot pedigree in his blood as he’s related to Wokingham winner, Dandy Boy, who loved it here and won the Victoria Cup as well. 10 10 Fox Champion17 29-1OR: - 28/1 Form: 2T: R HannonJ: S M Levey Last run Live betting powered by Limato cruises clear at Newmarket Limato: Fine record on the Ascot straight course The King’s Stand is between Lady Aurelia and Battaash, the Ascot Stakes looks like a benefit for Willie Mullins and they’ve ruined the Wolferton by changing it from a quality handicap into an unexciting Listed race. That leaves the meeting’s opener, the Queen Anne Stakes, and this is a weak renewal with no superstar milers dominating the division at present. Benbatl is the class act in the race on his Meydan form, but he’s never looked quick enough for a mile when racing in this country and French raider Recoletos has plenty to prove himself on quick ground. Rhododendron could well improve again from her Lockinge win, but I’m not totally convinced by that form and it wouldn’t surprise me if it was completely turned on its head on Tuesday. The horses drawn centre to stands’ side certainly seemed to be at a disadvantage in the Lockinge and I’m very much of the opinion that 10th home LIMATO (18/1 Betfred, 16s General) will leave that performance behind on his return to Ascot. He’ll have to, as he was way below form at Newbury, but Henry Candy’s horses weren’t running well at the time (pollen was put forward as a possible excuse) and it was Limato’s first run since October last year as well. There is a very real possibility he might’ve needed the run, he usually does, but if he’s back to his best he’s grossly underestimated by the market. A dual Group One winner, he arguably has the best form in the race and his top three performances have all come over seven furlongs including that Challenge Stakes win at Newmarket last October where he looked as good as ever. His profile is not one of a regressive horse by any means and I think his best chance of staying a mile will be on a straight course on fast ground, conditions he gets on Tuesday. He’s never run a bad race at Ascot, winning the Pavilion Stakes here before finishing second to the brilliant Muhaarar in the Commonwealth Cup in 2015, while last year he was a close-up third in the Diamond Jubilee where he traded odds-on in-running on Betfair. James Doyle, three from four on the horse, is back in the saddle for the first time since that Commonwealth Cup defeat and, given his speed, it’s easy to envisage him travelling like the winner inside the final quarter mile. The question mark is whether he will get home, but that is firmly factored into his price and, back at Ascot, on fast ground, with that Lockinge run under his belt, this is the best chance he’s had of staying the 1600 metres. 7 3 Limato31 69-0OR: 119C 14/1 Form: 03241-0T: H CandyJ: James Doyle Last run Live betting powered by Posted at 1700 BST on 18/06/18. Ben Linfoot's Value Bet aim: The Value Bet is designed to generate long-term profit by searching for overpriced horses in the feature weekend races and at the big Festivals in the UK. Running total: +334.14pts to advised stakes/prices (from inception of Value Bet column in January 2010 to current).
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Post by dennisg on Jun 19, 2018 5:47:22 GMT
Our star columnist takes us through his team for the opening two days of Royal Ascot and three nice Musley Bank colts head to the Coventry. My three runners on Tuesday all go in the Coventry Stakes. It’s a wonderful race to be involved in – and would be even more wonderful if we managed to win it. It will be tough as it looks a very warm heat – but you expect that down here. I was very impressed by Calyx when he won at Newmarket for John Gosden and Sergei Profokiev has looked very exciting for Aidan O’Brien so far. Cosmic Law is the shortest-priced of my trio and he was very impressive in the Woodcote at Epsom last time. He needs to find another gear going in this deep but we're very happy with him and everything has gone well in his prep work. Heading down to Epsom in the car I thought he had a chance in the Woodcote but wasn’t expecting him to win by six lengths. It’s in the back of your mind whether the Epsom factor kicked in and can the form be trusted but he travelled well, picked up well, and PJ McDonald said the best part of his race was at the finish. He’s an improving horse and I don’t think he’s finished yet. Cosmic Law on his way to a facile success at Epsom Cosmic Law - hasn't stopped improving yet Vange is a horse I really like. He's a bit unlucky not to be unbeaten but won the second of his two starts at Chester by seven lengths and the second came out and ran well there at the weekend. He's another on the upgrade and he's perfectly entitled to go to the Coventry. Ninetythreetwenty beat Cosmic Law at Doncaster first time and was very impressive in his next race at Pontefract. He gets this trip very well and while this is another step up, he’ll give a good account of himself. Were double-handed in Wednesday’s Queen Mary Stakes. We were very pleased with Kodyanna in the Hilary Needler at Beverley last time. We trained her sister, Darkanna, who took some getting going, but this filly was very professional the other day and there’s more to come from here. She's well drawn – next to the American filly Chelsea Cloisters who I’m told is very good. We’ll get a good tow into the race from her – we probably won’t catch her but we'll get a good lead! Joking apart I really like Kodyanna and am looking forward to running her. Red Balloons has got to really step up on what she’s done so far but was unlucky not to win a nice race at Musselburgh on Derby day, where she was stopped three times, and had she won there we’d have come here so she deserves to run. She’s a filly with plenty of pace but whether she’s up to this we’ll find out. Finally Gabrial runs in the Royal Hunt Cup. At the age of nine he is officially 4lb well in here – which you could argue is the training performance of my career! He’s in on his old mark having been put up for finishing second in the Diomed at Epsom. Frankie Dettori who rode him there is again on board and he gets a good tune out of him. He’s ridden him three times and been second on each occasion in good races and if they click again he’ll run well. He’s an absolute star this horse.
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Post by dennisg on Jun 19, 2018 5:50:26 GMT
Irish form expert Donn McClean picks out five Irish-trained horses that could make a mark at Royal Ascot this week, including U S Navy Flag. Royal Ascot has always been special for the Irish. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, it was Vincent O’Brien who led the raiding party. These days, with 61 winners and counting, it’s Aidan O’Brien. (Still no relation.) There have been barren pockets, like in 1986 and 1989 and 1990 and 1994, when there were no Irish-trained winners, and there were only two as recently as 2009. But there has been a depth to the Irish challenge at Royal Ascot in recent years. Exactly eight Irish-trained winners every year from 2012 to 2015 inclusive, 10 in 2016 and seven last year. This year’s raiding party looks to be as strong as ever, and here are five horses who could be of particular interest. U S Navy Flag (St James’s Palace Stakes, Tuesday) US Navy Flag had a remarkable season last season as a juvenile, running 11 times and improving with just about every run until he disappointed on his final run in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on the Del Mar dirt. On the way, Aidan O’Brien’s colt won the Middle Park Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes, two of the defining races of the European Pattern for juvenile colts. The War Front colt is proving to be similarly progressive this term. He improved on his debut run at Leopardstown when he went to France and did well to finish a close-up fifth in the French 2000 Guineas from a wide draw, after stumbling as they rounded the home turn. And he stepped up on that run last time when he finished second in the Irish 2000 Guineas. He has over two lengths to find with Romanised on that run, and Romanised is a big player in Tuesday’s race, but U S Navy Flag is a bigger price than Ken Condon’s horse, and there may not be much between them. The Curragh’s mile is a stiff mile and US Navy Flag raced on the pace throughout. A full-brother to Roly Poly, who finished second to Winter in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot last year before going on to win the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Rothschild and the Sun Chariot Stakes, U S Navy Flag does appear to be at his best when he races prominently, and the fact that the St James’s Palace Stakes is run on the round mile and not on the straight mile is a positive in that regard. The fact that he will have Ryan Moore for company is also obviously a big positive. BET: U S Navy Flag 6/1 for the St James's Palace with Sky Bet Servalan (Queen Mary Stakes, Wednesday) Servalan holds entries in the Queen Mary Stakes and the Albany Stakes, but it looks like Jessica Harrington is favouring the five-furlong race. The No Nay Never filly didn’t really have the run of the race on her racecourse debut at Dundalk in early may when she was beaten a half a length by Andre Amar. That horse finished second to Sergei Prokofiev in the Listed Rochestown Stakes over five furlongs at Naas on his next run, a half an hour before Servalan stepped forward and won the Listed Fillies Sprint Stakes over six. Settled at the back of the field by Seamie Heffernan through the early stages of that race, she picked up impressively on the near side inside the two-furlong pole, and she kept on well to beat her stable companion Chicas Amigas by over a length. She is going to have to progress again from that if she is going to win at Royal Ascot, but that was just her second race, and she shaped like a filly who would progress. She is by No Nay Never, a son of Scat Daddy who won the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2013, and that Naas listed race is the same race that her stable companion Alpha Centauri won last year before she went to Royal Ascot and ran such a big race in the Albany. Alpha Centauri - won Irish 1000 Guineas Alpha Centauri: Big chance in the Coronation Saltonstall (Royal Hunt Cup, Wednesday) Michael Halford sent out Portage to win the Royal Hunt Cup in 2016, and he could go close to repeating that feat with Saltonstall on Wednesday. Owned, like Portage, by Godolphin, Saltonstall raced just once last year as a three-year-old, in Rekindling’s Ballysax Stakes. Niggly little problems kept him off the track for the remainder of the season, but he is already making up for that absence this term as a four-year-old. Gelded during the winter, the son of Pivotal ran a big race on his debut this term to finish second in the Irish Lincoln. You have to forgive him his defeat at Cork next time when he raced without his tongue-tie, but you easily can, as that race was run on heavy ground. He put that run behind him last time when he landed a competitive one-mile handicap on good ground at The Curragh on Irish Guineas weekend off a mark of 98, appearing to win with a fair bit more in hand than the bare one-length winning margin. The Royal Hunt Cup has reportedly been the plan for a little while, and he is a powerful, long-striding horse who should be well suited to Ascot. He is classy, he is relatively lightly-raced, and he has the potential to go beyond the handicap rating of 103 off which he is set to race on Wednesday. Alpha Centauri (Coronation Stakes, Friday) Alpha Centauri was a top class juvenile last season. She easily landed a Naas maiden on her racecourse debut and she followed up by winning a listed race back at Naas by five lengths. Then she went to Royal Ascot last year, and went down by just a neck to Different League in the Albany Stakes, the pair of them finishing nicely clear of their rivals. The Mastercraftsman filly disappointed in the Moyglare Stud Stakes on her next run, which proved to be her final run as a juvenile, and she was well beaten in the Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial on her debut this term. But both of those runs were on soft or heavy ground, which is just not her ground. As a result of those two runs, Jessica Harrington’s filly went into the Irish 1000 Guineas as a relatively unheralded filly, but she put up an impressive display there, coming from back in the field and staying on strongly for Colm O’Donoghue, in a race in which the early pace held up well, to provide her trainer with her first win in a Classic. This year’s renewal of the Coronation Stakes is shaping up to be a hot one, with the winners of the Irish, English and French 1000 Guineas all set to clash, and with last year’s Cheveley Park Stakes winner Clemmie also in the mix. But Alpha Centauri is proven at Ascot and she should get the good fast ground that she enjoys. BET: Alpha Centauri 7/2 for the Coronation Stakes with Sky Bet Merchant Navy (Diamond Jubilee Stakes, Saturday) The Diamond Jubilee is set to be one of the highlights of the week, but Merchant Navy has a big chance of winning it. Third, beaten a short head and a head, by Redkirk Warrior in the Group 1 Lexus Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in March when trained by Aaron Purcell, he was relatively weak in the market before he made his debut for Aidan O’Brien in the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes at The Curragh on Irish Guineas weekend, but he was impressive in winning. He picked up nicely and he kept on powerfully to come and beat his stable companion Spirit Of Valor by a length, with Tasleet and Brando back in third and fourth. Aidan O’Brien said after the Greenlands that the Fastnet Rock colt had been just about ready to start off, that he hadn’t done that much since he had arrived from Australia. It is reasonable to assume that he will improve for that run and, still really only three and a half years old, he could run a big race. BET: Merchant Navy 7/2 for the Diamond Jubilee with Sky Bet Read more of Donn's work at www.donnmcclean.com
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 19, 2018 18:10:57 GMT
WEDNESDAY.
FREE TO AIR TV RACES 2:30 ASCOT Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) Cl1 (2yo) 5f ITV 22 runners 3:05 ASCOT Queen's Vase (Group 2) Cl1 (3yo) 1m6f ITV 12 runners 3:40 ASCOT Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m ITV 11 runners 4:20 ASCOT Prince Of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m2f ITV 7 runners 5:00 ASCOT Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) Cl2 (3yo+) 1m ITV 30 runners 5:35 ASCOT Jersey Stakes (Group 3) Cl1 (3yo) 7f ITV
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 19, 2018 18:12:09 GMT
Ascot, 19 Jun 18 Race 1 - 2:30pm THE QUEEN ANNE STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series) Permission was given for CENTURY DREAM (IRE) to wear a hood in the parade ring, ZONDERLAND to be mounted in the chute and for YOSHIDA (JPN) to be ponied early to post.
Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that CENTURY DREAM (IRE), placed fourth, lost its right hind shoe.
The performance of BENBATL which started favourite and finished unplaced, was considered. The explanation given by the representative of Saeed bin Suroor that although the colt has won on Good to Firm previously, the colt may have been unsuited by the combination of the drop in trip to 1 mile and the Good to Firm going on this occasion was noted.
The performance of RHODODENDRON (IRE) which finished unplaced, was considered. The representative of Aidan O’Brien could offer no explanation for the filly’s performance. RHODODENDRON (IRE) was routine tested.
An enquiry was held to consider why the runners in this race did not Parade, as required in the Conditions of the Race. The Clerk of the Course explained that the member of staff responsible for the leading and directing the runners onto the course was not in the correct position, and the member of staff responsible for putting the cone out that indicated where the parade ends was late into position. His explanation was noted.
Race 2 - 3:05pm THE COVENTRY STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 2) Permission was given for SHAYBANI (IRE) to go early to post. SHAYBANI (IRE) and CALYX wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
The sponsorship in relation to INDIGO BALANCE (IRE), trained by Mrs J. Harrington, did not comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct. Mrs J. Harrington was warned as to her responsibility to ensure that the correct sponsorship is carried.
Race 3 - 3:40pm THE KING'S STAND STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series) Permission was given for BUCCHERO (USA) and LADY AURELIA (USA) to be ponied early to post, BLUE POINT (IRE) to wear a hood in the parade ring and for BATTAASH (IRE) and PRIMO UOMO (IRE) to be mounted in the chute.
DIFFERENT LEAGUE (FR), trained by Aidan O’Brien, had entered the Parade Ring after the signal to mount had been given. Being satisfied that this was due to a delay to the previous race and the trainer having four horses in this race to saddle no further action was taken.
Race 4 - 4:20pm THE ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series) Permission was given for KINGS SHIELD (USA) to wear a hood in the parade ring.
An enquiry was held to consider interference 3 ½ furlongs out when the winner, WITHOUT PAROLE, ridden by Frankie Dettori interfered with CHILEAN, unplaced, ridden by Silvestre de Sousa. The interference was found to be accidental as WITHOUT PAROLE changed leads approaching the bend, shifting quickly right causing CHILEAN to have to be checked.
Donnacha O’Brien, the rider of GUSTAV KLIMT (IRE), placed second, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip above the permitted level from approximately 1 ½ furlongs out.
Frankie Dettori, the rider of the winner, WITHOUT PAROLE, was suspended for 7 days and fined £4,300 for using his whip above the permitted level from approaching two furlongs out.
Race 5 - 5:00pm THE ASCOT STAKES (A HANDICAP) (CLASS 2) WHISKEY SOUR (IRE), CHELKAR (FR), STRATUM and MERI DEVIE (FR) wore earplugs.
Following the race Jason Hart reported that LOOK MY WAY, unplaced, ran too free. Dougie Costello reported that SAM MISSILE (IRE), unplaced, was denied a clear run. Jamie Spencer reported that BATTALION (IRE), unplaced, ran too free; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding revealed it to be showing signs of heat stress.
Race 6 - 5:35pm THE WOLFERTON STAKES (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) Permission was given for MONARCHS GLEN to go early to post and to be mounted in the chute. SPARK PLUG (IRE) to go early to post. View Stewards report Beverley, 19 Jun 18 Race 2 - 7:00pm THE HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERT MAXSTED FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for PHANTASMIC to go early to post. View Stewards report Thirsk, 19 Jun 18 Race 1 - 1:40pm THE EBF FILLIES' NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (PLUS 10 RACE) (DIV I) Leaving the starting stalls WAR TIGRESS (IRE), unplaced, jumped right giving a bump to ASCENDED (IRE), placed second, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Race 3 - 2:45pm THE RACING TO SCHOOL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for GROUNDWORKER (IRE) to go early to post.
An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race after interference approaching the 2 furlong marker when CUPPACOCO, placed fourth, ridden by Joe Fanning interfered with CANFORD BAY (IRE), placed fifth. The Stewards considered that the interference had not improved CUPPACOCO’s placing as CANFORD BAY (IRE) had lost less ground than the ½ length by which he was beaten and was always being held by CUPPACOCO. The interference was found to be accidental as CUPPACOCO had hung badly left despite the rider’s best efforts to straighten her up.
Following the race, Ben Robinson reported that LAUGHTON, unplaced, was slowly away and never travelling thereafter.
Race 4 - 3:20pm THE BRITISH EBF - ROA/RACING POST OWNERS JACKPOT CONFINED FILLIES' NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (No more than four Flat runs) Permission was given for BITTERSWEET (IRE) to go early to post and BEAUTY FILLY wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Approximately ½ a furlong out, the winner, BEDWYYAH (IRE), edged right interfering with MORTICIA, placed fourth, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of BEDWYYAH (IRE).
Following the race, Connor Beasley reported that MORTICIA, placed fourth, was denied a clear run in the final furlong.
Race 5 - 3:55pm THE PETER SHARP MEMORIAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for HENLEY to go early to post and for BARRACUDA BOY (IRE) to go early and be led to post .
Race 7 - 5:10pm THE EBF STALLIONS CONFINED NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (No more than four Flat runs) Following the race, Tom Eaves reported that MUTAWAARY (IRE), unplaced, hung right-handed in the home straight, Georgia Cox reported that JUTHOOR (IRE), placed third, hung left-handed in the home straight and Graham Lee reported that MAGICAL TOUCH, unplaced, was slowly away.
Race 8 - 5:45pm THE LADIES DAY @thirskraces 8TH SEPTEMBER BOOK NOW HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for MELANIEMILLIE to go early to post and for AIRGLOW (IRE) to be mounted in the chute. View Stewards report Brighton, 19 Jun 18 Race 1 - 5:40pm THE mintbet.com WORLD CUP RED CARD REFUND HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Nicola Currie reported that BORN TO FINISH (IRE), placed second, was slowly away.
Race 2 - 6:10pm THE mintbet.com WORLD CUP 1ST GOALSCORER 100% BOOST EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, David Egan reported that NAYSLAYER (IRE), unplaced, was denied a clear run and Trevor Whelan reported that FEEL GLORIOUS, placed fourth, ran green and hung right-handed.
Race 3 - 6:40pm THE mintbet.com BET10 GET10 WELCOME BONUS HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for FANFARE LADY (IRE) to wear a hood in the Parade Ring and to go early to post.
Race 5 - 7:40pm THE mintbet.com 100% CASINO WELCOME BONUS HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for BELOVED KNIGHT to go early to post.
An enquiry was held to consider why Eve Johnson Houghton, was running LADY OF PETRA here at Brighton on going described as Good to Firm, having declared the filly a non-runner at Chepstow on 22 May 2018 on ground with the same official description. The trainer’s representative stated that LADY OF PETRA ran on ground officially described as Firm at Brighton on 12 June 2018 due to the Owners wanting to run the filly on something different. She continued to add that as LADY OF PETRA came second and appeared to be suited by it, and the filly was due to be raised by 3lbs, the decision was made to try her again at the same track on Good to Firm ground.
Race 6 - 8:10pm THE mintbet.com BEST ODDS GUARANTEED SINGLES & MULTIPLES HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for NARJES and LIMERICK LORD (IRE) to go early to post. View Stewards report Stratford-on-avon, 19 Jun 18 Race 1 - 1:50pm THE racinguk.com/freetrial MARES' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (DIV I) An enquiry was held to determine why a member of the racecourse groundstaff had ventured onto the racecourse while FLOW FROM DEVON, ridden by Gavin Sheehan, was approaching the final hurdle. The Clerk of the Course, a member of the racecourse groundstaff were interviewed and Sheehan gave evidence via telephone having left the course. Having heard their evidence, the Stewards ordered a report to be sent to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration.
HAZY MANOR (IRE), placed third, did not enter the winner’s enclosure on veterinary advice, due to finishing lame on its left fore.
Following the race, Gavin Sheehan reported that FLOW FROM DEVON, unplaced, was never travelling. The Veterinary Officer reported that STYLISH DANCER, placed second, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 3 - 2:55pm THE RACING UK FREE FOR A MONTH HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Gary Hanmer was fined £140 as the record of vaccinations in the passport of WHAT A LAUGH did not comply with the Rules of Racing.
Following the race, A. P. Heskin reported that CERNUNNOS (FR), unplaced, was badly hampered by the fall of DOITFORJOE (IRE) at the third last fence. The Veterinary Officer reported that NO BUTS, which was pulled up, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 4 - 3:30pm THE RACING UK FREE TRIAL SKY 426 HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) The sponsorship in relation to SCRAFTON, trained by Tony Carroll, did not comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct. Carroll was warned as to his responsibility to ensure that the correct sponsorship is carried.
Following the race, Sam Twiston-Davies reported that BLUSHING RED (FR), unplaced, ran too free. The Veterinary Officer reported that KING MURO, placed eighth, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 5 - 4:05pm THE BET AT racinguk.com NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Permission was given for ISLE ROAD (IRE) to go early to post.
Following the race, Harry Skelton reported that JUST A FEELING, which started favourite and was pulled up, was never travelling. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the mare, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities. The Veterinary Officer further reported that RIVER OF INTRIGUE (IRE), placed third, was struck into on its right fore.
Race 6 - 4:45pm THE VISIT THE ALL NEW racinguk.com NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race, Brendan Powell reported that the saddle slipped on BACHY BABY, which was subsequently pulled up.
Race 7 - 5:20pm THE RACING UK CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Following the race, Bryony Frost reported that DUNN'S RIVER (FR), unplaced, was never travelling. Charlie Hammond reported that he pulled up SACKFULLOFDREAMS (IRE) as he thought the gelding had lost its action, however SACKFULLOFDREAMS (IRE) returned sound.
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 19, 2018 18:13:33 GMT
Take Cover 7.30 Beverley
David Griffiths has decide to give Royal Ascot a miss with his popular 11-year-old returning to the scene of last season's Beverley Bullet victory.
Shouldered with a maximum 12lb penalty, this appears a tough assignment for the veteran, and course record-holder Judicial and the in-form El Astronaute are preferred in the betting.
However, Take Cover only knows one way of racing and if given an easy lead he could dominate his four rivals in a race that could become tactical.
Take Cover 7:30 Beverley Stormy Air 8.20 Sligo
The son of Bated Breath has been knocking on the door in similar company on his last three starts and can be rewarded for his consistency in the 1m2½f handicap.
On his most recent start last month, things didn't pan out for him but he finished strongly to suggest he had a race of this nature in him.
He's shown his versatility regarding the ground and has the assistance of solid 5lb claimer Killian Leonard.
Stormy Air 8:20 Sligo
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 19, 2018 20:21:59 GMT
Wednesday: going, weather & non-runners Ascot GOING: GOOD TO FIRM (GoingStick: Stands' 8.6, Centre 8.8, Far 8.7, Round 7.8) (Watered) (Rail movements: Races 2 & 4 +11yds) WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: Straight course - Centre; Round - Inside NON RUNNERS: 5:00 Mubtasim (3)Wahash (30) Chelmsford (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Mostly sunny STALLS: 6f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 7:10 Bosham (10) Hamilton GOING: GOOD (Good to firm in places; GoingStick 8.4) (Rail movements: Races 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 +15yds) WEATHER: Showers STALLS: 5f, 6f & 1m 4f - Stands' side; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 5:10 Power Sail (11) Ripon GOING: GOOD (Good to firm in places; GoingStick 8.0) (Watering) (Rail movements: Races 1, 3 & 5 +6yds) WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: Straight course - Stands' side; 1m 4f - Centre; Remainder - Inside Uttoxeter GOING: GOOD (GoingStick 8.2) (Watering) (First fence in home straight omitted) WEATHER: Mostly cloudy Wexford GOING: GOOD (Good to firm in places) (Watering) WEATHER: Showers
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 19, 2018 20:22:51 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Aljazzi (3.40 Ascot, nap)
Marco Botti’s mare has had this on her radar ever since finishing second in it a year ago. The five-year-old will like the ground and has worked well on Racecourse Side of late.
Aljazzi 3:40 Ascot Others to follow Royal Ascot 2.30 Second Generation, 3.05 Stream Of Stars, 4.20 Cracksman, 5.00 Seniority. 5.35 Emaraaty. Hamilton 1.40 Usain Boat, 2.45 Global Spirit, 3.55 Global Art, 4.35 Global Exceed. Chelmsford 6.10 Al Mortajaz, 6.40 Dommersen, 7.10 Verne Castle, 7.40 Inshiraah, 8.10 Lady Bergamot, 8.40 Cenotaph, 9.10 Emily Goldfinch. Ripon 7.20 Stage Play, 7.50 Fabulous Red, 8.20 Roman River. North: Colin Russell
Mystical Mac (3.55 Hamilton, nap)
Unexposed sort who showed improved form when stepped up in trip on handicap debut when runner-up at Carlisle last time. Cheekpieces added now and is fancied to go one better.
Mystical Mac 3:55 Hamilton Others to follow Ascot 2.30 Kodyanna, 3.05 Lynwood Gold, 3.40 Lincoln Rocks, 5.00 Escobar, 5.35 Lake Volta. Chelmsford 6.10 Kilbarchan, 6.40 Aclimatise, 7.10 Bosham, 7.40 Clon Coulis, 8.40 Private Matter, 9.10 Frank's Legacy. Hamilton 1.40 Woodside Wonder, 2.10 Sense Of Belonging, 2.45 Nuns Walk, 3.20 Havana Star, 4.35 Amy Blair, 5.10 Captain Peaky, 5.45 Life Knowledge. Ripon 6.50 Ghostly Arc, 7.20 Collect Call, 7.50 Isabella, 8.20 Roundhay Park, 8.50 Fire Leopard, 9.20 Tale Of Tails. Uttoxeter 2.20 Martha's Benefit, 2.55 Stay In Touch, 3.30 Solway Lark, 4.05 Free Range, 4.45 Bentons Lad, 5.20 Captain Mowbray, 5.50 Petite Ganache. Lambourn: James Burn
Maid Of Milan (5.20 Uttoxeter, nap)
Decent ground is vital to this capable mare, who shaped encouragingly after a break at Perth recently. Trainer Charlie Mann expects her to come on for that outing, so a bold bid is expected.
Maid Of Milan 5:20 Uttoxeter Others to follow Ascot 2.30 Shades Of Blue, 3.05 Sovereign Duke, 3.40 Wilamina, 4.20 Eminent, 5.00 Afaak, 5.35 Walk In The Sun. Chelmsford 7.10 Vibrant Chords, 8.10 Giveaway Glance, 8.40 Volatile. Ripon 9.20 Hula Girl. Uttoxeter 2.55 Ilewin Geez. West Country: Andrew King
Western Sunrise (2.20 Uttoxeter, nap)
Seemingly not been the easiest to train, but she showed enough at Ffos Las last time to suggest that she can play a leading role here.
Western Sunrise 2:20 Uttoxeter Others to follow Uttoxeter 5.50 Big Picture. Racing Post Ratings: Paul Curtis
Firmament (5.00 Ascot)
Second home on the stands' side in the Victoria Cup, the return to a mile will suit and he has several efforts in big field handicaps here that make him look attractively weighted.
Firmament 5:00 Ascot Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Emaraaty (5.35 Ascot)
Earned a Group race speed figure when touched off in a hot Goodwood handicap last month and John Gosden's improving colt looks more than ready for this step up in class.
Emaraaty 5:35 Ascot Longshot: Samuel King
Flaming Spear (5.00 Ascot)
A talented horse on his day for Kevin Ryan, who could rediscover form for new trainer Dean Ivory and be capable of running a big race in the Royal Hunt Cup.
Flaming Spear 5:00 Ascot Ireland: Tony O'Hehir
Exchange Rate (6.00 Wexford)
The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old, unbeaten in two starts last year, appears to have a good opportunity to get off the mark over hurdles at the first attempt. Winner of a 2m3f bumper and a 1m4f maiden, he gets 6lb from the three prevous hurdles winners in the line-up and can score under Paul Townend.
Exchange Rate 6:00 Wexford The Raceform Interactive nugget
Not only has Wesley Ward won with three of his eight runners in the Queen Mary, with another two finishing second. Chelsea Cloisters will surely go close in the 2.30.
Chelsea Cloisters 2:30 Ascot
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 19, 2018 20:23:31 GMT
David O’Meara is 3-13 with two-year-old newcomers at Ripon, including a 16-1 winner with his most recent qualifier. Macho Lady looks a likely type in the 7.20.
Aidan O’Brien is 4-16 with new recruits and 1-1 when fitting a tongue-tie for the first time. St Patrick’s Day, brother to American Pharoah, is a fascinating contender in the Jersey (5.35).
Jamie Osborne can lay one out for a Royal Ascot handicap and, when teaming up with Jamie Spencer at the course, he operates at a 60 per cent strike-rate. They join forces with Raising Sand in the Royal Hunt Cup at 5.00, a race the trainer won in 2014.
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