Month: June 2017

Friday June 30th 5.30pm

Random Blog. In full on #FantasticMrFahey mode at the moment. Just have a feeling he is about to have a run of handicap winners and Carnageo and Constantino earlier this week convince me further. It’s getting on the right ones!

This Saturday the four I would put in a Lucky 15 are:-

Newcastle 2.25 DON’T TOUCH

York 3.05 SOCIETY RED

York 3.35 HOME CUMMINS

Chester 4.35 POWERALLIED

However there are a few down in grade who haven’t won for a while and you might like to consider if the price is big enough.

Newcastle 4.45 HIGH BAROQUE

Chester 5.10 ANGEL GABRIAL

Please make sure you get a guaranteed price ASAP as #FantasticMrFahey handicap winners don’t tend to go unbacked.

#FantasticMrFahey Update Runners on Saturday July 1^st

Suegioo 8yo gelding (Dr Marwan Koukash) 4442878668-9925 (93) 2/36! OR107 109 104 102 100

Not won since the Chester Cup in May 2014 and twenty two runs since. Earned over £180K in place money! Like Gabrial Father Time has caught up but retains enough ability to pay his way in decent races without ever looking like winning.

“Suegioo will love the fast ground and he was 8th last season in the G1 Gold Cup itself on the Soft ground that is unsuitable. Solid second at Haydock last time and slipped down to OR100. #FantasticMrFahey on sportinglife.com “Suegioo bounced back to form and ran a good, solid, race at Haydock last time. He’ll definitely get the trip in the Ascot Stakes which is a big plus and he’s back down to a rating now from which he can be competitive. He’s a funny old horse but on a going day would have a small chance.” Simplesimonsaysblog June 20th

“Suegioo has finished second and fifth in previous runnings of the Stobart Rail Northumberland Plate Handicap and we are hoping he makes it third time lucky on Saturday. He is running well without winning at present and ran another fine race to be fifth in the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting. Tony Hamilton gets a good tune out of him and I hope he runs well for all he is more exposed than those towards the head of the market.” RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Farlow 9yo gelding (Red Sky Partnership) 8768708 -8 (97) OR102 100 99 97 96 95 93 90

Normally wins once a season, not close in 2016. Handicapper has given him a chance. Doncaster 7F C2/3? Last won August 2015.

“Farlow only returned to action at York a fortnight ago and needed that. He had problems over the winter but came of out his comeback run well and goes in the opening Betfred ‘Celebrating 50 Years Of Success’ Handicap. He can be in and out and needs it to be one of his good days to be competitive.” RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Don’t Touch 4yo colt (Nicholas Wrigley & Kevin Hart) 151045-2 (112) OR106 112 114 112 113

More like Don’t Know! Outstanding last season as a 3yo, C5 Maiden to Ayr Gold Cup winner in five races! Proven Listed winner but not yet made step to winning in Group Company. 6F Good to Soft surely the ideal conditions, although I can see him having a shot at 7F. Fabulous fifth in the G1 6F Sprint on Champions Day in a first time visor.

“Don’t Touch is in great form going into the Betfred TV Chipchase Stakes. I thought he ran a good race in Ireland on his return over seven furlongs and drops back to six here. I think the surface will suit him and we have stuck the visor back on with the switch back in trip.” RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Kimberella 7yo gelding (C Titcomb) -11703 (104) OR87 105 102 107 110 109

Transferred from Dandy Nicholls on his retirement. Top notch 6F sprinter, top end handicaps and Group races. Hanagan came wide, fast and late to win on the sand at Lingfield on yard debut and goes to the AW Finals on Good Friday. Could be hard to place afterwards, shoot for the G1’s or try to find a G3/Listed? Fabulous sprinter, won the AW finals, seventh in the G3 Palace House and 10^th in the Epsom Dash, then an excellent third in the 5F Scottish Sprint C2 handicap. Six time C2 handicap winner but form in Listed/G3 is 7337. Can’t quite bridge that gap.

#Kimberella’s been running out of his skin all year and wasn’t beaten far under a big weight in a competitive handicap at Musselburgh last time. RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Gabrials King 8yo gelding (Dr Marwan Koukash) -17637 (88) OR92 90 87 90 88 86 89

Since he won a C3 16.5F handicap at York in July 2014 his only other win was stealing a sub-standard Listed race in Chester in 24 runs! His problem is he’s so damned consistent. For two years his mark hasn’t been lower than OR87 or higher than OR94! For the past two years he’s opened his season in a C2 16F handicap at Ripon in late April and been placed both times off marks in the OR90’s. Could have a chance off current mark. Opened the season with victory over 12f in a C3 handicap off OR86. Not easy to place. “I’d say Gabrial’s King has a sporting chance in the Betfred Northumberland Vase Handicap, the consolation race for the Plate. I thought it might have been a bit stronger given the prize money on offer and our fellow should give a decent account”. RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Theos Lolly 4yo colt (M J Macleod) 05607-5821 (74 75) OR75 74 76 70 76 75 80 75 72 73 79

No rest for him, already had 13 runs this season winning three of them. A C5 maiden and two C5 handicaps at 8F and 12F off OR74 & OR75. Probably needs to get back to that sort of mark in a C5 to win again. Autumn HiT Sales Oct. 24th-27th-Withdrawn Starts 2017 off OR75, last winning mark, in a C5 0-75 8F Apprentice handicap drawn 4 of 12 at Pontefract, he’s a course and distance winner, with the promising Connor Murtagh taking 7lbs off.

Busy horse but he hacked up at Ripon last time and maybe that’s what he needs, C5 12F Ripon and an OR75 or below.

“Theos Lolly won well at Ripon the other day and is a good, honest horse who stays well. He’s in great form going into the Betfred ‘Home Of Goals Galore’ Handicap”. RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

High Baroque 5yo gelding (R A Fahey) -766 (-) OR87 85 84 81 79

AWOL? Not seen since May. Competitive off current mark, 10F C3 Good ground? Disappointing horse but in a 0-80?

“High Baroque has taken quite a while to come to hand this season but is getting there now and I’d be hopeful of a good run in the Betfred ‘Supports Jack Berry House’ Handicap.” RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Invermere 4yo filly (Mcculloch Bloodstock Ltd) -2855 (77) OR77 75 78 77 80 83 80 79 78

Consistent filly, game as a pebble, but difficult to win with. Could easily pop up in a Fillies C4 7/8F handicap on any ground. Indeed she did off OR77 at Windsor ridden by MacNamara (5). Notebook April “Could turn out to be a bargain buy at just £25K as she won her maiden at C4 level over Chester 7F having been placed over the same trip in her first three runs. Her final run was a close up sixth of fifteen in a competitive fillies nursery at Headquarters and she was only beaten in the last hundred yards. She could be another one who may come good in those 6F 3yo handicaps at Newmarket. May get 7F in time and yet to prove herself out of fillies only company.”

Got her season off to a cracking start when second in a C4 7F handicap at Doncaster’s opening meeting. Up a pound to a career high OR80. Really consistent and could still be improving. Any ground, 7-9F. Worth a shot at a C2? Plateau-ed out?

“Invermere was a little disappointing on her last two runs so we’ve freshened her up ahead of the Bet & Watch At sunbets.co.uk Fillies’ Handicap. She’d be competitive if she came back to her best and does run well here. (Odd? She’s never run at York!)” RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Cullingworth 3yo gelding (Tiffin Sandwiches Limited & Partner) 0154334 (?) OR82 81 84 83

Won his maiden in a C5 6F on the heavy at Redcar and was consistently mediocre in C2/C4 nurseries but reappeared this season at Musselburgh and SammyJo Bell back from injury got him to stick his head in front in a £25K C2 8F handicap. He got only three pounds for that but OR83 looks too high but maybe he’s one of those horses that pops up when he feels like it!

Cullingworth could run better than the forecast prices suggest in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap. He can been a little keen and needs to settle better here. He’s capable of running well if he does. RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Society Red 3yo colt (M J Macleod) 1262-6304 (?) OR79 78 80 78 77

Good size, athletic son of Lucarno who cost just £5K! Professional on debut winning a dreadful 7F C6 maiden at Thirsk. Outstayed by Mister Belvedere over 7F on GS at Carlisle then ran a cracking 6th in the C2 Tatts Sales race at Newmarket, running on over 6F. Started life handicapping in a seven runner C2 over Doncasters straight mile. Held up, took time to find a seam but kept on really well, only failing by a neck to reel in Mutawatheb. Starts 3yo life on a very workable mark.

Yet to show his true colours as a 3yo. 10F on Good to Soft off OR77 at York drawn 3 getting weight from the field?

“Society Red could run better than the forecast prices suggest in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap. Society Red is a horse we like and he’ll relish the soft ground at York, that’s very much in his favour”. RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Home Cummins 5yo filly (Mrs H Steel) 0643136523-0036 (87) OR89 87 91 92 91 94 95 92

Been consistent all season, winning at York, probably needs to get down to OR90 to get her head in front. Winter programme on the AW or do the breeding paddocks beckon?

A while since she won, last July at York on Good ground off OR87! Well drawn in stall 5 and reunited with Brian McHugh who has ridden her just once before and they won a C2 handicap off OR87 round Wolverhampton at 25/1.

“Home Cummins has plenty of weight in the Like Sun Bets On Facebook Handicap but is another who will appreciate the give underfoot. It’s the first time she’s had it all year.” RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Powerallied 4yo gelding (Dr Marwan Koukash) 3731200 (83) OR86 84 83 90 89

Powerallied will love the ground after all the recent rain in the Stella Artois Handicap and has started to slip down to a decent mark too. I’d expect a big run from a kind draw.

Angel Gabrial 8yo gelding (Dr Marwan Koukash) 0830930-4860 (96) OR104 100 98 100 98 96 94 90 87

Not won since June 2014 but it was the Northumberland Plate! Losing sequence of 20 does include three Listed places and a fourth in the Plate. Now down to last winning mark. #FantasticMrFahey Sept. 1st “Angel Gabrial is as high as he’d want to be in the ratings and isn’t getting any younger for all he’s in good order at home.”

I blogged this for the 27^th May and Pat Dobbs never put him in the races. “Goodwood 4.20 ANGEL GABRIAL Let’s start with the cold truth Angel Gabrial hasn’t won since he won the Northumberland Plate off OR96 in June 2014, getting on for three years and twenty two runs ago. However he’s been running in the likes of the Goodwood Cup, Chester Cup and Cesarewitch which this race certainly isn’t! Like Suegioo he’s an 8yo with an awful win to run ratio but has landed a biggie. Looking at his recent runs there are two bits of form that suggest he isn’t a lost cause here. Last September off OR98 over this 14F trip in this grade on Good ground he was third having been given a scenic ride by Sophie Killoran and a ton of lead. On seasonal debut this season he was an excellent staying on fourth despite having travelled wide throughout at Musselburgh in C2 off OR96, again over this trip on ground maybe a tad quick for him, suggests he still retains enough ability. As his trainer Richard Fahey points out in his sportinglife.com blog “The handicapper is starting to give Angel Gabriel a bit of a chance. While we dropped Suegioo in during the Chester Cup we had to go forward with this fellow and he ended up doing a lot of the donkey work through nobody’s fault. He’s getting dangerously well handicapped now so must have a small chance in the Gentleman’s Measure IMO Phil Wiggins Handicap.” There wasn’t a lot wrong with his run in the Chester Cup. Pat Dobbs is an interesting jockey booking, he certainly knows Goodwood, and if he could pop Angel Gabrial out of stall 4 and grab the box seat just behind the pace he could be a real player.”

Last time he was outside of C2 was four years ago! C4, 16F, Chester! He’s been second in the Chester Cup and only beaten six lengths this year and he’s won a Northumberland Plate for God’s sake!

Angel Gabrial disappointed us at Newmarket last time, we expected him to run much better there. He seems in good form going into the Coca Cola Zero Sugar Handicap and is back down to a mark he could win races from.

This is the remains of the#FantasticMrFahey article on sportinglife.com

“Knowing Glance is a horse we like. He went in snatches a little at York on debut and was green that day. I’d expect more from him in the Betfred ‘Watch Sky Sports In Our Shops’ EBF Novice Stakes. RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

In the Sun Bets Download The App Novice Stakes at York Dontgiveuponbob is having his fourth start and may want another furlong but has a chance. RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Queen Penn ran well at Newmarket the last day – and we’ve given her plenty of time to get over it. She’s a lovely, big, filly with a nice future and she should run a very big race here in the Sun Bets Download The App Novice Stakes at York. RF sportinglife.com June 30 2017

Paddy Power remains a complete enigma. He played up in the stalls at Musselburgh last time and that was that. Sadly, he’s still a much better horse at home than we see on the racecourse but he’ll pop up and surprise us all somewhere one day. He goes in the Follow Sun Bets On Twitter ‘Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe.

Our first runner on Saturday is Greenview Paradise in the Laurent Perrier Maiden Stakes at Chester. She’s been a difficult horse to place and I hope she can run well here – but I’d be hopeful rather than confident in against some unexposed rivals.

We’re double-handed in the Beefeater Handicap. Ballesteros is what he is. Marwan Koukash loves runners here and this fellow pops up now and again. If things fell right from stall eight he could go well.

We also run Megan Lilly who won here in June. She went up in class at Sandown last time and would have a small chance on her best form.

We’ve three in the Woodford Reserve Handicap and I really wouldn’t want to split them. They could all go well. Atteq should run a big race. He was unlucky at Ayr last time and couldn’t get a run when he needed one. He came out of that race very well. Starlight Romance has had a good season, winning here and at Beverley, and we know she likes this track which is always a plus. Vona is in good form at home and was touched off by Starlight Romance here last time. She has her chance.

Monaco Rose has been running consistently well all year and is grand order at home. She looks sure to run well in the Hop House 13 Handicap.

In the Coca Cola Zero Sugar Handicap we run Gabrial’s Star who needs them to go a good gallop here. If they do he isn’t without a chance for all he has good and bad days.

Dance Diva and Maggies Angel both go down to Newmarket for the Betway Empress Fillies’ Stakes. The former has done nothing wrong, winning her maiden at Redcar then following up in a novice stakes at Haydock. She’s a filly who only does enough at home so is hard to get a gauge on and it would be nice to pick up some Black Type here as she goes up in grade. Maggies Angel is improving all the time and wasn’t beaten far at York two starts ago in a good race. She was then second in the Hilary Needler and is fully entitled to have a crack at this.

Zoffinia makes her racecourse debut in the Panelcraft Superior Access Panels British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Doncaster. She’s a laidback filly who is ready to run and this trip will suit on debut.

Both of our runners in the Reg Gilks Memorial Maiden Stakes are probably going to need to go down the handicap route. Pipers Way is having his third run and needs to step up on what he showed at Redcar and Catterick. Oscar Ranger is a horse we inherited from David Nicholls. He will have learned from his debut at Ripon but needs to take a big leap forward to be competitive.

Our final runner is Royal Connoisseur in the M&G Services Asbestos Abatement & Surveying Handicap. This looks very competitive but six furlongs on easy ground are ideal for our horse.

#FantasticMrFahey Update Thursday June 29^th

Golconda Prince 3yo gelding (Dr Genevieve Davies) 334-3423 (-) OR64 63 64

New owner is a York Barrister. £85K Half brother to Ribchester! Looks raw and unfurnished. Been gelded and goes handicapping from a workable OR64. Starts off in 3yo C5 8F. Consistently one paced. Doesn’t seem to get 10F? Blinkers, wind op? Hurdling? Seems up a cul de sac to me. Amazingly made 2/1 Fav, travelled fine but when asked 2F out? One paced! Looks to be thinking about it, could need headgear.

Constantino 4yo gelding (Sir Robert Ogden) 94322-221 (90) OR80 78 80 84 86 88 90

He has been a tad disappointing as at the start of the season I wrote in my Unofficial Stable Tour “Sir Robert Ogden’s homebred son of Danehill Dancer debuted in the C2 Convivial maiden at York’s Ebor meeting suggesting he had been showing a bit at home. Sent off at just 8/1 he was beaten less than five lengths in ninth, doing all his best work at the finish. Paul Hanagan rode him at Ayr in a C4 7f maiden and bounced him out, making all, albeit narrowly from Weekend Offender who had finished in front of him at York. Weekend Offender was then a well beaten 7/2 shot back at York in a C3 maiden where the #amazingMrFahey had the 1-2 in Garcia and Prying Pandora. Constantino should find a mile ideal and that opening mark of OR80 looks a gimme!” Had every chance on seasonal debut in a hot C3 7F handicap at York, one paced final furlong. Almost won a C4 8F handicap at Haydock probably led twenty yards out. Then went off 7/4F for a similar contest at Doncaster where James Doyle held him up further back and he was being pushed halfway. Did keep on for third getting within two lengths having hung left final furlong. Not seen since June 12th 2016.

After six month break he has been gelded and wears blinkers for the first time and he should have won a C4 8F handicap at Lingfield on the AW but went for inside run and got blocked. Best horse in race. Frustratingly goes up 4lb for an ill judged ride from Jamie Spencer. Another four month break, up two pounds to career high OR90, up a grade to C2 and he lands the 8F Seaton Delaval handicap on the Tapeta at Newcastle under a peach of a ride from Tony Hamilton! Hanagan riding his Zetland Cup winner, Briardale, gave him a trail to the furlong pole and Constantino took it up and saw it out well. Likes the AW. Best RPR AW94, Turf83!

Right Touch 7yo gelding (Nicholas Wrigley/Kevin Hart) 7041206703-556 (95) OR97 95 99 102 100 99 98 Solid C2 performer, 6/7F on Good ground or softer, although the handicapper probably has him currently (102). Two runs on the AW including a strong third over 7F at Newcastle. Handicapper relents a few pounds, Solid run on seasonal debut at Ripon in a far side group of just three and not far behind, just looks one paced. Same again at Newcastle, 7F on the Tapeta. Get down to OR95, Soft in the going and a stiff 7F or an easy 8F.

Penwortham 4yo gelding (RF Ebor Racing Club Ltd) 412781-09208 (82) OR75 74 80 84 82 88 87 90

Solid season, winning twice over 7F on Good ground or better. Hold up horse who could snatch a lesser 7F C2 if current improvement maintained. Didn’t handle Epsom. He’s a Chester horse, form since being gelded at start of 3yo season away from Chester 4178098, at Chester 212! Exclude Chester and he is 16lb above last winning mark. Over raced throughout 7F Newcastle on the Tapeta. Get back on the Roodeye.

Champion Harbour 3yo gelding (M Browne & Mrs D Howe) 374543250-83153 (-) OR69 62 60 59 63 (61)

Busy nine race maiden who hasn’t always enjoyed the best of luck. Deserves a win! Got it in a C6 handicap on the AW at Newcastle off OR59 and he’s no world beater but on the AW his form figures are 42013 and maybe he wins when he gets down to OR60? Mile looks his trip.

Lady In Question 3yo filly (Ms Amie Canham) 1044775-543 (?) OR78 77 76 73

Stayed on well on debut to win a C5 6F maiden at Thirsk. Since then she has taken in four C2 nurseries the Super Sprint at Newbury, the big Sales race at the Curragh and most recently the Redcar Totepool 2yo trophy! That is a tough schedule! In two of the 7F nurseries she “kept on” without being competitive finishing fourth and she was bashed about at Redcar before flying home for fifth. Good ground, 8F and I’m convinced as a 3yo she’s better than OR76. This season she keeps getting Soft ground and now drops to 6F. Didn’t find a lot on rain softened ground at HQ.

Ballymore Castle 4yo gelding (Middleham Park Racing XXVI) -453608 (-) OR95 94 91 85 86 84 86 84 79

Excellent 2yo who hasn’t progressed. Won on his second start as a 2yo and hasn’t won since in twenty eight attempts! In 30 starts has finished 2nd 3rd 4th or 5th 18 times! Mark has slipped from OR100 to OR79. Can’t back him! Cheek pieces back on last time, no difference! Lost any love for the game. Amazingly he has won just shy of £80K.

Miss Van Gogh 5yo filly (Dyson Racing & D Powell) 6143999480-5667 (82) OR82 89 88 85 84 82 80

Just about down to a winning mark, OR85. Stiff mile with some ease in the ground and preferably Hanagan on board. Horrible at Hamilton. BHA Stewards 29^th June “Jack Garritty, the rider of MISS VAN GOGH, unplaced, reported that the mare hung left.” And did she!! Could well be a physical issue, looked like her action went 2F out.

#FantasticMrFahey 2yo’s Thursday June 29^th

Molly Mayhem 2yo filly (Nick Bradley Racing 42) 7 (-) OR??

Half-sister to Spectre (Fr) recently fourth in Ribchesters G1 Queen Anne, OR109. €75K could be money well spent. On debut travelled OK, beaten at the furlong pole but hint of ability. Market spot on, 9/2 out to 7/1!

Odds on Oli 2yo gelding (M.Browne & Mrs D Howe) 6 (-) OR??

Here’s an interesting juvenile. One of Camelot’s first crop and he was only 16K but has been gelded already. Will want 10F in time, 3yo handicap project? Tall rangy type, outpaced on debut but kept on. No 6F sprinter but perhaps a mile nursery? Market drifter 12/1 to 20/1.

Princess Jessica 2yo filly (Nick Bradley Racing (Poussiere D’Or)) 5 (-) OR??

Typical Bradley private purchase, French sire and US dam, unsold at Arqana at €10K. Looks a racehorse but clueless on debut, pushed throughout. Market spot on, 3/1 out to 7/1!

Quayside 2yo colt (Bearstone Stud) 531 () OR??

Homebred son of Harbour Watch out of a Pivotal mare has shown enough in his opening two starts that he is capable of winning. Give in the ground and a stiff 6F for now, maybe further later on. Got the stands rail at Hamilton in a four runner contest, made all and saw it out well if a little green inside the final furlong. Nurseries off OR77-ish?

Racing News

Botti only had three runners at the meeting but Indian Dandy was also in the money when fourth in the Britannia Stakes. However, he is likely to have run his last race for the stable. “There’s been lots of offers for him and it’s possible he’s going to Hong Kong,” said Botti. “I was amazed he only got put up 1lb as he won the race on his side.”

Varian website High Command will line up in the Northumberland Plate consolation event at Newcastle, while Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s Defoe will look to build on his London Gold Cup success in a valuable £50,000 handicap at York. Roger said: “High Command shaped better than his finishing position implies at Salisbury and this has been the plan since. He has a good record on artificial surfaces and his winter exploits suggested this trip would suit. Defoe won the London Gold Cup in good style, particularly as he was conceding race fitness to the placed horses, and the form has started to work out nicely. He’ll love the ground and the track will really suit him – he looks to have a big chance.”

Lucky 15 Thursday June 29th

Thursday 1.15pm With Royal Ascot done and dusted it is back to my Flat racing bedrock, the #FantasticMrFahey, and the form that surrounds his runners. Trying desperately to get my note books up to date and a few Musley Bank runners today caught my eye.

I like Miss Van Gogh and Jack Garritty at Hamilton and in weaker races Right Touch and Lady in Question are back-able prices though neither screams sure fire winner! The 2yo Quayside has conditions to suit. The main attraction however is I think all four should be shorter in the market. Don’t go overboard but let’s see if #FantasticMrFahey can come up trumps?

Thursdays Lucky 15

Newcastle 5.20 RIGHT TOUCH 5/1 PP + BetFred 9/2 general

Newmarket 3.15 LADY IN QUESTION 11/2 general

Hamilton 6.30 QUAYSIDE 9/4 general

Hamilton 8.10 MISS VAN GOGH 9/2 general

and here’s why

Thursdays Lucky 15

Newcastle 5.20 RIGHT TOUCH Decent C2 handicapper who just seems to be missing his finishing kick but the handicapper has relented a little and this is the easiest race he has contested for a while. Notebook says:-

Right Touch 7yo gelding (Nicholas Wrigley/Kevin Hart) 7041206703-55 (95) OR97 95 99 102 100 99 98 Solid C2 performer, 6/7F on Good ground or softer, although the handicapper probably has him currently (102). Two runs on the AW including a strong third over 7F at Newcastle. Handicapper relents a few pounds, Solid run on seasonal debut at Ripon in a far side group of just three and not far behind, just looks one paced.

Newmarket 3.15 LADY IN QUESTION Not sure I’m totally convinced by the ground or the trip but she’s well handicapped on her 2yo form, handles the course and with Connor Murtagh taking seven pounds off she carries no weight. The price makes her backable. Notebook says:-

Lady In Question 3yo filly (Ms Amie Canham) 1044775-54 (?) OR78 77 76 73

Hamilton 6.30 QUAYSIDE Conditions look right to open his account here. Hopefully have enough pace early on to make use of his stand rail draw. Not a disaster if he can’t with only five runners. Notebook says:-

Quayside 2yo colt (Bearstone Stud) 53 () OR??

Homebred son of Harbour Watch out of a Pivotal mare has shown enough in his opening two starts that he is capable of winning. Give in the ground and a stiff 6F for now, maybe further later on.

Hamilton 8.10 MISS VAN GOGH Plenty in her favour here, soft ground, stiff mile, drop in grade, Jack Garritty and she would be a three star*** nap as a single win. Notebook says:-

Miss Van Gogh 5yo filly (Dyson Racing & D Powell) 6143999480-566 (82) OR82 89 88 85 84 82 80

Just about down to a winning mark, OR85. Stiff mile with some ease in the ground and preferably Hanagan on board.

Australian article outlining Ascot runners wanted for Australian campaigns with suggested future targets.

Jordon’s Royal Ascot hit-list James Tzaferis James Tzaferis@Jtzaf 26 June, 2017

After a busy week of feature racing at Royal Ascot, Racing Victoria’s International Recruitment Officer Leigh Jordon has reviewed his list of targets for the Spring Racing Carnival. Among others, he has identified five horses that strengthened their chances of an Australian campaign with strong performances across the five days of the Carnival.

Idaho – Winner of the G2 Hardwicke Stakes (2400m) The Aidan O’Brien-trained stayer erased the horror of last-year’s St Leger – he started 4-6 favourite before unseating jockey Seamie Heffernan at the 600m – with a tough performance in Royal Ascot’s mile-and-a-half contest. The race carried Caulfield Cup ballot exemption for the winner and it shapes as a logical target for the son of Galileo, given his best performances have come over 2400m on firm ground. Jordon’s Comment: “It was a great win and it looks like he’ll go onto the King George and probably clash with his full-brother in Highland Reel. We could be a good chance to see him down here in the spring for a race like the Caulfield Cup. I think he’s an ideal horse and Aidan has always said that he likes fast ground and they’ll probably look to travel him later in the year.”

Barsanti – Runner-up G2 Hardwicke Stakes (2400m) The Roger Varian-trained gelding settled at the rear of the field before letting down with a dazzling turn of foot to reel in all but the winner. The career-best performance appears to have convinced connections to look towards Melbourne and a possible start in the Caulfield Cup later this year. Varian is no stranger to Melbourne, having campaigned Farraaj and My Ambivalent during the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival. Jordon’s Comment: “I think the run of the race was the second horse Barsanti for trainer Roger Varian. It was a fantastic run because he had a wide barrier and was out the back but he was storming down the outside. Roger nearly brought this horse out to Melbourne last year for the Caulfield Cup but he was a little bit low in the weights so he may have made the right decision keeping him in England for another year. I’m fairly confident he’ll come down this year, I’ve been in contact with Roger and he’s going to see how he pulls up before deciding on the rest of his campaign.”

Thomas Hobson – Winner Ascot Stakes (4000m), runner-up Queen Alexandra Stakes (4300m) Willie Mullins’ lightly-raced stayer came close to pulling off the coveted Ascot Stakes-Queen Alexandra Stakes double at Royal Ascot but his win on the opening day appears have been enough to convince connections to plot a path to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup. Mullins and owner Rich Ritchie produced Max Dynamite to finish second to Prince Of Penzance in the 2015 Cup and, like his stablemate, Thomas Hobson mixes his races over jumps and on the flat. Jordon’s Comment: “Trainer Willie Mullins and owner Rich Richie had Max Dynamite come out and run second in the Melbourne Cup and this year they could have Thomas Hobson, who was super impressive in the Ascot Stakes. He let down beautifully and they are talking about coming out. That race wasn’t a Listed race so he still has to quality for the Cups and he probably needs to get his rating up but Willie definitely knows how to do that and he could come through a race like the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup in August.”

Caravaggio – Winner of the G1 Commonwealth Cup (1200m) The emerging sprinter maintained his perfect record with victory in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup and owners Coolmore immediately hinted that the son of Scat Daddy could be the horse to carry their hopes in The Everest at Randwick in October. While the $10 million feature appears the main lure of an Australian campaign, Jordon is confident O’Brien could also consider a start in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) at Flemington for the colt, whose stud value would skyrocket with a black-type win in the southern hemisphere. Jordon’s Comment: “Obviously we’ll be talking to Aidan if he does come to run in The Everest for him to come down to Melbourne and take in the Darley Classic. We know The Everest isn’t a black-type race and I’m sure connections would be looking for a Group 1 win in Australia so he may be some sort of chance.”

Kaspersky – Fifth in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes (1600m) While Jordon will be engaging in discussions with connections of winner Ribchester regarding their Cox Plate invitation, he was impressed with the finish of Michelle Payne’s mount Kaspersky, who appears all but certain to travel to Melbourne later in the year. The Group 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington looms as the primary aim but Jordon believes the six-year-old could also measure up in a race like the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield. Jordon’s Comment: “He was a great run coming off the inside rail to finish nicely into fifth. Jane (Chapple-Hyam) is talking about the Cantala Stakes for him during the spring and he could possibly take in a race like the Toorak Handicap but we’ll wait and see there.”

Royal Ascot 2017 Review Part 2 Wednesday June 28th

The handicappers – Gimme the money!

I think it would be fair to say the bookies got the better of the handicaps last week at Royal Ascot with victories for 25/1 shots Bless Him, Snoano and Feng Zhui 20/1 Con Te Partiro and Rare Rhythm with Atty Persse at 7/1 and the well backed Thomas Hobson the only favourite to oblige courtesy of the omnipresent Willie Mullins and a super-patient Ryan Moore. These are the handicappers that went into my Notebook.

Wednesday – Hunt Cup

GM HOPKINS There is life in the old dog yet! Recently been having problems rearing as the stalls open but they seem to have sorted that and he flew out here, got outpaced but nothing was finishing stronger on the Stands side. Currently on OR104 I could see him running a big race in the Cambridgeshire if he hasn’t landed one of these big handicaps before then. (John Gosden)

FASTNET TEMPEST Remains on OR99 and I’m not sure the handicapper has him fully yet. Hold up horse so you are always a hostage to fortune but surely the total lack of pace that allowed Feng Zhui to make all put paid to all the “something to aim at” horses. Preference for a fast 7F over 8F, has to be a player in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket on July 15 and/or the Gigaset International at Ascot on July 29. (William Haggas)

ANOTHER TOUCH Rather ran away with Connor Murtagh and was front rank for the first 6F then hung right under pressure. I’m dead keen on this horse for the John Smiths over 10F at York on July 15^th, just think York and 10F will be right up his street. Horse is in form this season and never thought I would write this but Tony Hamilton might be the man for the job! (#FantasticMrFahey)

EL VIP Jamie Spencer got off Banksea to ride this one who’s mark of OR99, down from the OR102 he has in the John Smiths, looks workable. Never involved here as he had a ‘Taurean Star’ experience namely two thirds of the field came across him and Spencer could never find a racing seam until it was all over. (Luca Cumani)

Wednesday – Sandringham

DANCING BREEZE Solid effort here having been drawn on the wing with little cover on the far side when the race was down the middle and her OR drops from 90 to 87. Her turn isn’t far away. Might be worth a try in a C3 10F 3yo filly’s only handicap? (John Gosden)

Thursday Britannia

Love this race and there will be a shed load of winners coming out of it which I hope will include the following!

The first three were three lengths clear of the rest and the handicapper has punished them accordingly.

BLESS HIM Quite sure this was a case of Jamie Spencer being in the right place at the right time with this winning reserve. Up ten pounds from OR90 to OR100 and if he was mine I would be touting for a Far East purchaser whilst here I would put him in Group company just in case he was that good! No bet for me. (David Simcock)
RONALD R Wrong race to bump into one and is now up to 104 which could spell the end of handicaps. However down to run at Yarmouth in an 8F C2 (0-105) on Friday and surely has to take part as he is nine pounds well in! Non-runner! (Michael Bell)
TRICORN Just doesn’t know how to run a bad race. In his six races his Racing Post Rating has gone 72-76-90-100-101-107 suggesting he could improve further and make into a Group horse. Now rated OR105 on Turf only OR99 on the AW so is there a handicap at Chelmsford? (John Gosden)
INDIAN DANDY In real time I never saw this horse fly from last to first on the stands side to finish fourth overall. However when you sit back and watch the replay objectively he is the first horse you notice! Handicapper has put him up one pound to OR93 and he has gone into many notebooks, to the point where he will be too short next time because everybody saw the last run! Currently 10lbs above his last winning mark, beware. (Marco Botti)

SENATOR Cracker of a run on only his second outing of the season, in the van throughout on the favoured far side and only faded in the final furlong. Handicapper has dropped him a pound to OR90 which should provide a winning opportunity knowing his shrewd connections. York in a couple of weeks? (#FantasticMrFahey)

The next three all stay on what I believe are winning marks, just didn’t happen for them at Ascot, close but no cigar!

AFAAK OR92. Still raw, seventh here and room for one better handicap prize before he goes into Group Company. Probably wouldn’t want to go further than a mile. (Charles Hills)
LEADERS LEGACY OR94 Mile on Good ground or better looks ideal and just like Afaak room for one more good handicap prize before he goes into Group company. (Saeed bin Suroor)
CITY OF JOY Remains on OR94. He was my nap of the meeting and in hindsight could have been beaten before the race started. Did the preliminaries upset him? He was certainly more than awkward at stalls entrance. Held up as expected but Ryan Moore just couldn’t find any racing room on the stands side until the race was over. Certainly not giving up on him yet. (Sir Michael Stoute)

Friday – King George V

ATTY PERSSE Kicking myself, wrote in Fridays blog “Wanted desperately to put up Atty Persse but concerned that 3lb claimer, Keiron Shoemark, rides for Godolphin? He’s drawn 22 and as one of the smallest Frankels I’ve seen he could get bashed about and he’s Favourite!” He may not be the biggest in stature but he’s a fighter. Overcoming Stall 22, over racing early on but still enough to repel all comers! Goes up from OR93 to OR102 and wouldn’t be surprised if Frankel’s first Royal Ascot winner was pointed towards the Great Voltiguer at York’s Ebor meeting and a tilt at the St. Leger. (Roger Charlton)

DROCHAID Probably too keen early on but still full of running in the home straight but just couldn’t get through when he needed to but did run on well for fourth. Up two pounds to OR95 and there is a good 3yo C2 12F handicap at Newmarket I would be keen to see him in. (Andrew Balding)

SOFIAS ROCK Remains on OR100 and had no sort of run here. Taken left out of the stalls, always travelling three wide then bounced around in the straight. Line through race and move on. Went off at just 7/1 here so front runners track like Haydock, Chester, Musselburgh etc. under the same conditions. Just needs to have a chance to lead. (Mark Johnston)

Friday – Duke of Edinburgh

RARE RHYTHM Some performance this. This was only the 5yo’s sixth appearance on a racecourse, he hadn’t been out since this race twelve months previously and in between this £650K son of Dubawi had been gelded. Drawn with just two horses outside him on ground probably quicker than ideal William Buick gave him a masterful ride. Though Buick had already displayed his ‘winning from a wide draw over 12F’ skill on Space Age two years ago!

“Charlie Appleby declared: “Rare Rhythm has been off a long time, but we knew we had got him right. I was confident coming into this race last year coming off another layoff but it didn’t pan out for us as it was a bit of a messy race. I thought the ground was key for this horse and that he would like decent ground. He met with a soft tissue injury after last year and it knocked us out of running him in the November Handicap at Doncaster. He has twice been to Chelmsford (Racecourse) for a gallop recently and he has also been gelded which has helped him get fitter. It was a great performance from the team and it is a big team effort – these are the days we are all here for, we haven’t thought of any races for him beyond this stage.”

William Buick added: “This was a very good training performance. Rare Rhythm has always had the engine but he got gelded and it’s ended up lighting the horse up a little bit. He just seems more athletic after it. He was fit and well coming in to the race and they didn’t go an awfully strong gallop either so I suppose we were in the right place.”

Rare Rhythm has an entry in the two furlong shorter John Smiths Cup for which he gets a five pound penalty but as the handicapper has put him up eight pounds he would in effect be three pounds well in. Looks a better horse over 12F and I wouldn’t be surprised if Godolphin move him into Group company over that trip, he certainly looks capable of winning at least a G3. (Charlie Appleby)

WADIGOR Backed off the boards into 4/1 favourite, SDS riding for Roger Varian. Dear Silvestre, not sighted at Ascot in nineteen rides, held up the inexperienced but unbeaten Wadigor way out the back and at the 2F pole just as he was about to ask for his finishing kick Adam Kirby on another punted horse, Sixties Groove, turned him sideways and it was race over. The culprit ran on strongly but was a rapidly closing fifth and I wonder how many more rides will Adam Kirby have for Mr Noseda? Wadigor remains on OR104 and has to be given another chance under similar conditions. (Roger Varian)

Saturday – Wolferton

SNOANO The Wolferton handicap was odd in as much that the strong pace looked like it collapsed at the furlong pole then parted like the Red Sea for David Allen on the winner followed through by a grateful Jamie Spencer on runner up, 7yo Majeed. Not sure how much I trust this form.

One of my favourite handicappers but as I have more than one quote from young Mr Easterby stating that “it just can’t be soft enough” for this horse, on quick ground I just didn’t have a penny on! Another who could show up in the John Smiths at York off OR102+5lbs penalty, although the handicapper has only put him up three pounds to OR105. (Tim Easterby)

“He’s come out of it good. I’ve had winners at Royal Ascot so I know what it takes. I won’t run them unless they have a chance,” said Easterby. “It was a nice surprise because he if it had been softer ground I’d have been fairly optimistic. It was fast so I was a bit iffy. He runs in the John Smith’s Cup. That’s been his aim all year. This was a bonus.”
MAJEED Opportunist ride by Spencer who got on the quarters of the right horse and nearly stole the main prize. So was he flattered or is Majeed back in business going up just two pounds to OR102? I’m definitely with the former as his highest winning mark is OR97 a year ago and his form figures with a three figure handicap mark are 9983204802. Has to be opposed. (David Simcock)
KIDMENEVER Another Godolphin horse back from a break not having been seen since Meydan in February. Mildly surprised at his position in the market, second favourite, however this was a highly meritorious run as he was in the van throughout and saw it out very well. His mark remains on OR104 and he’s an interesting Godolphin horse as they paid €130K for him as a twenty times raced 3yo! Entered in the John Smiths and the G3 9F Meld stakes at Leopardstown. Will surely appreciate a bit of cut in the ground and I thought up in trip from 10F? (Charlie Appleby)

Found this on line from last Augusts Thoroughbred Owner and Breeder 16 August, 2016

“Europe’s busiest horse gears up for raid on Autumn showpiece

Three-year-old colt Kidmenever has been making a striking impression on the continent since his move from the UK at the end of last year. Now racing in the colours of Gerard Augustin-Normand, owner of Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and Prix de Diane heroine La Cressonniere, Kidmenever has raced no fewer than 11 times since February, almost twice a month for two different trainers. The son of Baltic King’s progression reach a high point on June 12 in the €69,000 Swiss Derby at Frauenfeld when trying a mile and a half for the first time. Under former Italian champion jockey Cristian Demuro, Kidmenever galloped to a comfortable two and a half-length victory over the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained Black Sea.

Kidmenever was first picked up at the Goresbridge Sales by Lambourn-based trainer Stan Moore for what would turn out to be a bargain price of €10,000. After two starts at Salisbury and Lingfield, Moore decided to take his charge across to Deauville and won on what was to be his fifth and final start for the yard on Deauville’s polytrack, with none other than Christophe Soumillon on board. He was claimed after that race by Xavier Nakkachdji for a sum of €34,500. The Chantilly-based trainer stepped him up to Listed level straight away which proved a step too far at that stage. He ran a further five times, which included a win and two seconds, before being sold once again in March to Augustin-Normand. Since joining his current trainer Fabrice Vermeulen, Kidmenever’s form has hit a new level. Last time out in the Listed Prix Frederic de Lagrange at Vichy at the end of July, he finished a creditable second to Al Shaqab Racing’s smart performer Doha Dream, trained by Andre Fabre. Two runs prior to the Swiss Derby success, he was a close third in the Group 2 Prix Greffulhe behind Robin Of Navan and Godolphin’s Cloth Of Stars, when he was supposedly the stable’s pacemaker for Apilobar, who finished behind him in fourth. The Kidmenever story is far from over as Vermeulen has now entered him in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly on October 2.

Stan Moore, who continues to make profitable excursions across the Channel, has not been surprised by his former inmate’s recent upsurge. The handler felt he would be more of a 1m1f type – Kidmenever’s unraced dam, Pepys Tillergirl, is a daughter of the smart miler Tillerman – but believes the style of French racing has helped him to stay 12 furlongs. “He was always going to be a better three- and four-year-old than a two-year-old as he was a big horse,” reflected Moore. “He’s been quite a busy horse, the man said on the racing channel the other day he’s the busiest horse in Europe! We’re all dreaming of getting a Group horse, so I didn’t think he’d be a Group horse, but he is there, anyway.”

AYRAD Considering this was his first run of the season and Ryan Moore has come widest of all to make his challenge he has performed creditably to finish fifth beaten just two lengths in his first ever handicap. 10F was the distance here but is his trip 12F? Listed is his level but are they aiming the 6yo for a big handicap? The 12F G3 Glorious Stakes at Goodwood in which he was second last season would be a more obvious target but keep an eye on his entries.

In the early season ATR stable tour trainer Roger Charlton said “He just lost his form a little bit towards the end of last year having been pretty consistent in listed and Group 3 races up to a mile and a half. He has been gelded over the Winter and I hope we can resume sometime in May.” (Roger Charlton)

Saturday – Wokingham

The Wokingham sadly did split into two races sadly won by the far side.

AMAZOUR Everybody’s idea of an eye catcher but to me he looked like a horse that gets outpaced mid-race then keeps on strongly as this isn’t the first time he has looked an “eye-catcher”. However having looked at his dance card the place TO back him is over 6F at Newcastle on the Tapeta and lo and behold he is entered in two 6F races there this Saturday, Northumberland Plate Day. The 1.50 is the 6F C2 handicap off OR98 down a pound from Royal Ascot but just two pounds above his last winning mark here over C&D, then thirty five minutes later in the 6F G3 Chipchase stakes. Backable in the handicap and he’s currently 25/1 for the Group race! (Ismail Mohammed)

RAUCOUS William Haggas had a frustrating week epitomised by this chap. Having secured the services of the peerless Ryan Moore and wearing blinkers for the first time Raucous was backed in to 11/2 favourite. As expected he was held up and from 2F out every avenue he went down was closed up and when he did get room he flew home to grab third. Sadly that was on the slower side and he finished eighth overall! The handicapper has dropped him a pound to OR104 and you would have to think the gelding will be back for the Stewards Cup on August 5^th at Goodwood where he was third last year off two pounds lower as a 3yo. He has a very interesting entry in the Gigaset International handicap back at Ascot on July 29^th which is over the straight 7F! (William Haggas)

Royal Ascot 2017 Review Part 1

Tuesday June 27^th

One of the great joys of blogging is the opportunity to watch the races again objectively courtesy of sportinglife.com and realise not only what an excellent five days of racing it was but how much I missed in real time when seeing the race through my wallet!!

Let’s start with a couple of general observations. Regular readers of this blog will have heard this before but I would love to see a false rail turning for home so that the horse on the rail turning in was now four or five horse widths off the rail. With that much prize money on offer, that many competing for it, surely we all want the best horse to win and that wasn’t always the case last week. Secondly with modern technology would it not be possible for the Clerk of the Course to engineer a situation where the middle of the track was quicker than both rails and encourage jockeys to race up the centre. The two group scenario seems both unnecessary and unfair.

What about the horses? Well I wouldn’t be in a rush to oppose a few of last week’s winners whilst they stay in their division. Ribchester (4yo+ 8F), Winter (3yo fillies 8F), Caravaggio (3yo 6F) and the pair of Big Orange and Order of St. George (16F+ G1), all were mighty impressive.

As for the 2yo form? September looks a G1 filly and Heartache clearly has talent but as for the rest, especially the colts, looked below par to me. Those that went into the notebook were;

Darkanna (Richard Fahey) This expensive filly is now getting her act together and was doing all of her best work late on in the Queen Mary and is now ready for a sixth furlong.

Marchingontogether (Ivan Furtado) This ridiculously cheap purchase has been moved on to Qatar Racing and this daughter of Havana Gold was always staying on well when others had had enough in the Windsor Castle and is now ready for a sixth furlong. At worst she could be useful in nurseries but could easily pick up some Black Type.

In the 6F G2 Coventry I thought there were four horses who would all benefit from stepping up to 7F, Headway (William Haggas), Murillo (Aidan O’Brien), Prince of the Dark (Clive Cox) and Romanised (Ken Condon).

In the 6F G3 Albany for the fillies, Take me with you (Jeremy Noseda) and Mistress of Venice (James Given) both out ran their odds but were on the ‘wrong’ stands side band both should win at 7F+. On the quicker side Snowflakes (Aidan O’Brien) went with no cover then got bumped when moving into contention. More to come at this level. I would like to see the Albany form franked as I’m wary of its strength.

Likewise the 7F Chesham looked average at best but I thought I spotted three future winners. Bartholomew Dias (Charlie Hills) did enough in the final two furlongs to suggest he’s a shoo-in for an 8F maiden as soon as they start. Bustan (John Quinn) looked a candidate for a decent 7F nursery, possibly York. Further down the line once Hey Gaman (James Tate) grows into his frame he should make a decent 10F 3yo.

Level weight 3yo’s. This year’s two furlong shorter G2 14F Queens Vase produced two likely St.Leger candidates in Stradivarius (John Gosden) and Count Octave (Andrew Balding). For me the horse to take from the race was Desert Skyline (David Elsworth) who raced right at the back under Fran Berry, made progress in the home straight but every time he tried for a run he was pushed back inside. Remains on OR100 and would be of interest in a C2 12F 3yo handicap (Newmarket/Haydock) off that, especially if ?-100.

The 12F G2 Ribblesdale was a close call between two fillies who could both expect to collect a middle distance Group 1 sooner rather than later in Coronet (John Gosden) and Mori (Sir Michael Stoute) although the former wouldn’t want Soft in the Going. Both are in the Irish Oaks. Astronomy’s Choice is clearly highly thought of at Clarehaven stables but once again hated the ground and with a bit more time to fill that large frame and Soft in the going could well reward Team Gosden in an Autumn campaign.

sportinglife.com June 28 2017, 11:03 Royal Ascot heroine Coronet could take on older fillies and mares in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks in what would be her third attempt at winning a Group One prize. Richard Evans, farm manager for owners Denford Stud, said: “We very pleased with her Ribblesdale run. She bounced back nicely from the Oaks having not enjoyed coming down hill. To be fair, that was her only below-par performance having won twice last year, followed by a third in the Group One Prix Saint-Alary this year, having being forced to come late and wide with a terrific finishing burst.

Where she goes from here will be discussed between the owner and trainer, of course. However, she does have an entry in the Yorkshire Oaks, where the track and distance would suit, and she looks like a filly that could then step up in distance towards the end of the season She is a very genuine filly.”

Evans is already looking to future generations from Coronet’s dam, Approach. “Her dam Approach has a New Approach two-year-old colt in pre-training and he should make up into a very nice three-year-old,” he said. “She also has a yearling filly by Australia, a Kingman colt foal, and is now in-foal to Frankel.”

In the colts equivalent, the G2 12F Edward VII, Permian (Mark Johnston) remains the most reliable yardstick for 3yo middle distance colts but there is certainly no standout performer in the division, yet. Crystal Ocean (Sir Michael Stoute) remains a work in progress. As does his stablemate Mirage Dancer (Sir Michael Stoute) who was third in the G3 10F Hampton Court and it might be both will peak as 4yo’s. In the Hampton court Irish Correspondent (Michael Halford) never got a clear run at the leaders and I think these were his ideal conditions, G3 possibly Listed, 10F, Good to Firm. If he were mine I’d look for a race in the UK as he’ll get the gallop he needs and may not have to contend with a pack of O’Brien Galileo colts or late developers from Messr’s Weld or Bolger!

In the St James Palace G1 8F Forest Ranger (Richard Fahey) struck me as up in trip, 8-10F, down in grade, G3?, could see him back to winning ways. Interesting entry in the 9F G3 Meld Stakes at Leopardstown on July 21^st. Ideal methinks.

The older horses 4yo+. Cougar Mountain (Aidan O’Brien) was never put in the G1 8F Queen Anne but did enough late on to suggest he could win a G3 over 8/10F when a Coolmore first choice! Idaho (Aidan O’Brien) returned to winning form in the G2 12F Hardwicke stakes in what looked a scruffy race. Barsanti (Roger Varian) stayed on late to grab second and although he’s won his last three handicaps rising from OR85-OR105 and now 106 he would head to the Princess of Wales G2 12F at Newmarket’s July meeting as a leading player. Chemical Charge (Ralph Beckett) didn’t have much racing room close home and now up to OR114 may have to go abroad to win a 12F Group race. Across the Stars (Sir Michael Stoute) was bumped 2F out when considering a challenge and I’m sure this talented colt will be winning soon with his shrewd connections.

Amongst the sprinters Aclaim (Martyn Meade) under Jamie Spencer could never find a racing seam until the race had gone and has an interesting entry in the 7F Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh on 16^th July. Tasleet (William Haggas) and Librisa Breeze (Dean ivory) strike me as two that could easily pick up a Grade 1 prize this season. I’d back both for sure in any race I could get a double figure price. Tasleet came from a fair way back in the G1 6F Diamond Jubilee and wasn’t the only horse that Jim Crowley asked to make up plenty of ground last week, which surprised me as Hamdan Al Maktoum likes his horses ridden very prominently.

Part 2 to follow. The handicappers – Gimme the money!

Royal Ascot Day 5 Saturday June 24th

Friday 6.30pm Smart 3yo’s double for O’Brien with Caravaggio and Winter. Silvestre de Sousa has had 19 rides at Royal Ascot and the closest he has got is fifth! 10-18-7-7-8-16-11-14-9-14-6-8-7-5-13-8-11-5-16. Just saying!

To me the Saturday card is the least inspiring of Ascot’s five day festival with the exception of the excellent puzzle that is the Wokingham handicap and the other five races at first glance look like it could turn into a Ryan Moore bonanza.

(11am) Just found out there is no sectional timing at Ascot despite that bloody great unnecessary Longines clock of a finishing post! Amazed. Hopefully in their meeting review the likes of Timeform and stopwatchracing will be able to come with something as the pattern and rhythm of the race is essential in summing up the strength of the form.

Martin Dwyer made a very interesting point after winning the Hunt Cup that there are so few front runners in the big handicaps, many got their marks with a hold up ride, that he was able to get a soft lead then nick a couple of lengths a furlong out and hold on. Of course the clock boys will hopefully confirm this. Surely an opportunity for Hamdam al Maktoum and/or Mark Johnson horses, both like them ridden prominently. Plenty of suitable races at Goodwood, would get messy for the hold-up horses in behind, and at York where it is notoriously difficult to come from too far back anyway.

Saturdays Lucky 15

Let’s see if we can finish off in style.

Royal Ascot 3.05 KHAIRAAT 4/1 general

Royal Ascot 4.20 THE TIN MAN 13/2 PP 11/2 general

Royal Ascot 5.00 PROJECTION 9/1 Coral + WH 8/1 general

Royal Ascot 5.35 FUN MAC 10/1 general

and here’s why

Royal Ascot 3.05 KHAIRAAT 4yo’s are starting to dominate this race and Sir Michael Stoute has an in form improver in the shape of Khairaat who looks to have the ideal credentials for this contest having hacked up at Chester last time out. Will probably go off favourite and I didn’t really want to put him up but at 4/1 I think he represents excellent value as I expected nearer 5/2. Being a Hamdan Al Maktoum owned horse I expect Jim Crowley to ride him prominently and stall 3 should be ideal.

Royal Ascot 4.20 THE TIN MAN The Tin Man won the G1 Champions Sprint at Ascot last October and just isn’t the same horse with Soft in the going description. Always held in high regard by trainer James Fanshawe and he knows a thing or two about Group 1 sprinters. This could be The Tin Man’s summer as for once his preparation seems to have gone smoothly.

Royal Ascot 5.00 PROJECTION Surely this hold up horse will get the breaks sooner or later and land one of these big pots. Since being gelded he’s run four excellent races, three of them at Newmarket, with form figures of 453-6 which may suggest he’s a nearly horse so why this race. Paul Jones sums it up perfectly in the Stats Guide on the excellent At The Races Royal Ascot 2017 microsite “Roger Charlton’s record catches the eye having supplied a winner, second and four other top-six finishes in recent seasons and his Projection will be a leading fancy running in the colours of The Royal Ascot Racing Club”. His run this season was behind Mr Lupton in a really hot handicap at HQ and that should put him spot on here as he didn’t look too busy to me.

Royal Ascot 5.35 FUN MAC In 2015 Fun Mac was beaten just half a length by Clondaw Warrior in this contest on Good to Firm ground and last season was deemed good enough to have a go in the Gold Cup itself but this season returns to the Queen Alexandra. One run this season when an excellent third in the Chester Cup and Jim Crowley can win the lucky last for Marcus Tregoning.

Fridays Lucky 15

Don’t go crazy, not my strongest selections of the week, possible each way?

Royal Ascot 2.30 BLACK SAILS 11^th 8/1 (10/1 general)

Every chance at the furlong pole but not good enough.

Royal Ascot 3.05 CRYSTAL OCEAN 3^rd 9/4Fav (11/4 general)

Remains a work in progress and I’m not sure Atzeni’s sweeping move around the outside on the home bend was a wise manoeuvre but wouldn’t you love to own a horse like Permian.

Royal Ascot 5.00 COUNT OCTAVE 2^nd 8/1 (11/1 Lads 10/1 Coral 7/1 WH!!)

Chinned. Box seat, every chance, great run.

Royal Ascot 5.35 WADIGOR 16^th 4/1F (13/2 BetFred + PP)

Richard Hoiles put it in a nutshell “has run no race at all”. Cheers SDS!

Friday Recommended single bets

2.30 Black Sails 11^th 8/1 One star* each way @ 10/1 general See above

3.05 Crystal Ocean 3^rd 9/4Fav Two star** win @ 11/4 general See above

5.00 Count Octave 2^nd 8/1 One star* each way @ 11/1 Ladbrokes 10/1 Coral 7/1 WH!! See above

5.35 Wadigor 16^th 4/1F Two star* win @ 13/2 BetFred + PP See above

Saturday already Recommended single bets

3.05 Poets Word Two star** win @ 7/1 Non Runner

3.05 Journey One star* win @ 10/1 Non Runner

5.00 Projection Two star** each way @ 14/1

5.00 Eastern Impact One star* each way @ 25/1

5.00 Normandy Barriere One star* win @ 20/1

Saturday Recommended single bets

2.30 Optimum Time One star* each way @ 16/1 general especially if four places (PP in shop?)

3.05 Khairaat Two star** win @ 4/1 general

4.20 The Tin Man One star* win @ 13/2 PP 11/2 general

4.20 Growl One star* each way @ 25/1 Lads + Coral especially if four places (PP in shop?)

and here’s why

Saturday 2.30pm Chesham Stakes Listed 2yo 7F

When September won her one race to date many were talking in terms of Group 1 with Tom Segal (Pricewise) leading the cheerleading. Timeform think “Bred in the purple and looked something a bit special as she became the first Aidan O’Brien-trained juvenile to win on debut this season at Leopardstown (7f) a fortnight ago. Obvious claims.” I don’t think putting up a 5/4 shot is big or clever so let’s find an each way poke at a decent price.

Mark Johnsons filly, Nyaleti, like September gets 5lb from the colts and she battled well to win on debut over 6F at Salisbury outstaying Billesden Brook but the one that went into my notebook in big letters is Optimum Time. The bare facts, he has just won a Windsor C5 6F maiden weren’t what sparked my interest but his connections and visually how he won. He’s trained by Eve Johnson Houghton and ridden by Charles Bishop who are together having a splendid season and this cheap 18K purchase son of German sire Manduro is bred to get a trip and on debut he travelled well but running to the furlong pole was caught in a pocket and in a professional manner pulled round two horses and galloped away to a three length victory.

One star* each way Optimum Time.

Saturday 3.05 Wolferton Stakes Listed handicap 11F 4yo+

4yo’s are starting to dominate this race and Sir Michael Stoute has an in form improver in the shape of Khairaat who looks to have the ideal credentials for this contest having hacked up at Chester last time out. Will probably go off favourite and I didn’t really want to put him up but at 4/1 I think he represents excellent value as I expected nearer 5/2. Being a Hamdan Al Maktoum owned horse I expect Jim Crowley to ride him prominently and stall 3 should be ideal.

I’m really struggling to see an obvious danger though Central Square and Dragon Mall would have chances.

Saturday 3.40pm Hardwicke Stakes G2 12F 4yo+

This is what I wrote in the blog on Monday 19^th June “I believe this is the race that should have seen Highland Reel and Jack Hobbs in as they built up for a clash in the King George. So how much is it going to take to win this?

Dartmouth returns to defend his crown for HM the Queen and you can be sure Sir Michael Stoute will have him trained to the moment. Dartmouth obviously gets the trip, acts on the course, is up to the grade but the question is the ground. So is he “value” currently priced at a general 3/1? Maybe. Probably. Opposition looks thin on the ground with those two big guns missing.”

However since then Frontiersman is out injured and neither Poets Word nor Journey have deemed to turn up!

The stars are aligned Dartmouth for the Queen, Sir Michael Stoute and young Ryan.

Saturday 4.20pm Diamond Jubilee Stakes G1 6F 4yo+

Looks to concern Limato and The Tin Man who will both enjoy the ground and have the form in the book at this level. If Ryan Moore rode The Tin Man I wouldn’t have a decision to make as I’m not Tom Queally’s biggest fan. Neither horse is bombproof so we need to consider a few others.

Limato when he got his fast ground in last season’s G1 6F July Cup he hosed up. Likewise in the summer of 2015 he was second in the G1 Commonwealth Cup over C&D to the outstanding Muhaarar.

The Tin Man won the G1 Champions Sprint at Ascot last October and just isn’t the same horse with Soft in the going description. Always held in high regard by trainer James Fanshawe and he knows a thing or two about Group 1 sprinters. This could be The Tin Man’s summer as for once his preparation seems to have gone smoothly.

Tasleet could be the new kid on the block who showed a sparkling turn of foot to win the G2 City of York stakes when reverting to sprinting on Soft ground with first time cheek-pieces and had The Tin Man back in fifth. Is he best at York and with some give in the ground?

Aclaim was behind Ribchester in the 8F Lockinge on his seasonal debut. Here he drops two furlongs back to sprinting and Martyn Meade’s speedy Acclamation colt had Tasleet back in 8^th when he won the Dubai Challenge 100 over 7F at Newmarket. Jamie Spencer rides so will try to pounce late but looks a big leap forward to me?

Growl was a huge improver last season and on the G1 Champions Sprint form from last October he only has a length to find with The Tin Man. I think he’s best on this fast ground but since that Ascot run he’s been to Hong Kong (disappointed) and this season they’ve tried to make him a 7F horse with little success. These are his best conditions, stiff 6F on fast ground, but my notebook says “..surely all the big gigs are on their agenda! My opinion is G3 at best but never say never.”

Librisa Breeze loves this course and has a remarkable finishing kick but in my book is still a handicapper and if Dean Ivory can have him ready to win a Group 1 on seasonal debut, I doff my hat! Finished sixth in the Champions Sprint.

At the prices it has to be The Tin Man one star* win and Growl one star* each way especially if you can get four places.

Saturday 5.00pm Wokingham Stakes handicap C2 6F 3yo+

This is what I blogged ten days ago, “The Wokingham is run over Ascot’s stiff 6F and I expect the ground to be Good to Firm (watering to maintain) by the time we get to Saturday. Identifying where the pace is going to be is probably more important here as you have two furlongs less to get in the right position. Once again we are looking for an upwardly mobile 4yo with Group potential who can handle a big field, quick ground and may have a few pounds in hand. There would seem to be many routes to getting to the Wokingham looking at those most likely to run with hardly any form tying in so I’m going straight to my three selections and then having a look at those who could be dangers.

I really fancy PROJECTION. Surely this hold up horse will get the breaks sooner or later and land one of these big pots. Since being gelded he’s run four excellent races, three of them at Newmarket, with form figures of 453-6 which may suggest he’s a nearly horse so why this race. Paul Jones sums it up perfectly in the Stats Guide on the excellent At The Races Royal Ascot 2017 microsite “Roger Charlton’s record catches the eye having supplied a winner, second and four other top-six finishes in recent seasons and his Projection will be a leading fancy running in the colours of The Royal Ascot Racing Club”. His run this season was behind Mr Lupton in a really hot handicap at HQ and that should put him spot on here as he didn’t look too busy to me. Two stars** each way @ 14/1 with BetFred 1234 ¼

My second selection is EASTERN IMPACT who was of course second, having done all the hard work, in that race at Newmarket Projection ran in. I wouldn’t normally consider backing Eastern Impact at anywhere but Newmarket as he’s a ten pound better horse in Suffolk. However the more I think about it the more I’m warming to his chances. He handles quick ground, he’s a course and distance winner, he needs a stiff course, he’s finished sixth and third in the last two runnings of the G1 July Cup, he ran a cracker last time out setting it up for the now OR113 rated Mr Lupton and he runs here in a handicap off just OR103 (..put on either Adam MacNamara and claim three pounds or even Connor Murtagh and claim seven pounds I wouldn’t be disappointed..) in a race #FantasticMrFahey mentioned as a target two months ago. One star* each way @ 25/1 Ladbrokes 1234 ¼

My final selection is NORMANDY BARRIERE purely based on the fact that he wants rattling quick ground and he runs this 6F brilliantly. Trainer Nigel Tinkler is bullish, the gelding is guaranteed a run and William Buick in the saddle would be a real bonus. One star* win @ 20/1 general.

As for the others:- William Haggas has Squats entered who has solid course form but probably wants a seventh furlong. The highly tried but out of form Birchwood for what would be his first handicap off OR105, he’s down nine pounds. Last year’s winner Outback Traveller is another out of form and six pounds higher. 3yo Top Score was beaten less than four lengths in seventh behind Churchill in the 2000 Guineas. This is very different! First Selection and Steady Pace haven’t raced since Meydan in February but both have solid Group form as two year olds. Culturati burst into the market with a win at Newmarket last Saturday after eighteen months off. Bounce? He and the rapidly improving Naggers, both need a few to come out to get a run. This race looks to be Plan B for Fastnet Tempest.

Otherwise it’s a case of familiar faces aged six or older! I’ll stick with my three.”

Since then Keiron Shoemark is no longer a Royal Ascot virgin after his win on Atty Persse and he takes three pounds off Projection. Culturati is out injured. Fastnet Tempest ran in the Hunt Cup.

To repeat myself I’ll stick with the three. Projection, top price 9/1 Betfred drawn 28. Eastern Impact (Paul Hanagan), top price 20/1 Paddy Power drawn 8. Normandy Barriere (William Buick), top price 12/1 general drawn 26.

Saturday 5.35pm Queen Alexandra 21F 4yo+

Has no place on the Royal Ascot card in my opinion. Run the race at Ascot by all means but not the Royal meeting, let’s have the 7F Buckingham Palace handicap back please. However as it’s here certain horses are made for the races. In 2015 Fun Mac was beaten just half a length by Clondaw Warrior in this contest on Good to Firm ground and last season was deemed good enough to have a go in the Gold Cup itself but this season returns to the Queen Alexandra. One run this season when an excellent third in the Chester Cup and Jim Crowley can win the lucky last for Marcus Tregoning.

Opposing a Willie Mullins horse is a short cut to the poor house but Thomas Hobson repeating Simenon’s feat is too much to ask and as for Coolmores massively disappointing US Army Ranger well surely this will be just another stepping stone to a Thurles novice hurdle.

Royal Ascot Day 4 Friday June 23rd

Thursday 6.30pm

Couldn’t fault the racing today. A winner a day keeps the bank manager at bay! Spencer on the straight course again! Tomorrow’s card doesn’t look punter friendly with no value in the Commonwealth Cup and Winter odds on in the Coronation but we’ll give the other four a go!

Fridays Lucky 15

Don’t go crazy, not my strongest selections of the week, possible each way?

Royal Ascot 2.30 BLACK SAILS 10/1 general

Royal Ascot 3.05 CRYSTAL OCEAN 11/4 general

Royal Ascot 5.00 COUNT OCTAVE 11/1 Ladbrokes 10/1 Coral 7/1 WH!!

Royal Ascot 5.35 WADIGOR 13/2 BetFred + PP

and here’s why

Royal Ascot 2.30 BLACK SAILS The filly I’m attracted to is the Qatar Racing owned, Ger Lyons trained Black Sails. She beat the boys at the Curragh and she wouldn’t be without a chance in the Coventry. She is a long and rangy daughter of Lope de Vega and I can’t see her having a problem with the ground or the trip and she looked very professional.

Royal Ascot 3.05 CRYSTAL OCEAN Everything points to Crystal Ocean for me. Strong in the market, Sir Michael Stoute trained, middle draw, son of Sea the Stars who will like the ground.

Royal Ascot 5.00 COUNT OCTAVE Andrew Balding said in his Racing Post stable tour that Count Octave “could be one for the Queens Vase”. My interest was aroused as Count Octave is a son of Frankel no less but suited to 14F!? Drawn 3, the boy Murphy is riding with confidence, solid form last time when fifth to Venice Beach in the Queens Vase.

Royal Ascot 5.35 WADIGOR 4yo, won last time out, on the improve, shouldn’t be involved in the early scrimmaging on the inside, SDS rides. I’m going for Wadigor. Unbeaten son of Champs Elysses who looks to relish trip and ground.

Thursdays Lucky 15

Another day, another win. £28 for our £15

Royal Ascot 2.00 McERIN 7^th 13/2JF (5/1 PP 9/2 general)

Rapid but didn’t stay 5F! Market spoke volumes.

Royal Ascot 3.05 IRISHCORRESPONDENT 5^th 6/1 (6/1 WH and PP)

Never in the right place. Got no run in the straight.

Royal Ascot 3.40 CORONET 1^st 9/1 (15/2 PP 17/1 general)

Great run, loves the ground, stays the trip, loads of horse. St Leger player or even the Arc.

Royal Ascot 5.00 CITY OF JOY 10^th 8/1 (10/1 WH + Coral)

Sorry Ryan but you went the wrong way and that after saying the pace was far side after winning the first race on that side. Troubled run but kept on.

Thursday Recommended single bets

15 stars out, 24.5 stars in.

2.30 McErin One star* win @ 9/2 general 7^th 13/2JF

Rapid but didn’t stay 5F! Market spoke volumes.

3.05 Mirage Dancer One star* win @ 4/1 general. 3^rd 7/1

Considering he doubled in price, great run and more to come probably over further.

3.05 Irishcorrespondent two star win @ 6/1 general 5^th 6/1

Never in the right place. Got no run in the straight.

3.40 Coronet two star** win @ 15/2 with PP 1^st 9/1

Great run, loves the ground, stays the trip, loads of horse. St Leger player or even the Arc.

4.20 Quest for More One star* each way 16/1 123 1/5 selection 12^th 25/1

Big Orange broke his heart. Faded turning for home.

5.00 City of Joy is a three*** star win @ 10/1 WH + Coral 10^th 8/1

Sorry Ryan but you went the wrong way and that after saying the pace was far side after winning the first race on that side. Troubled run but kept on.

5.00 Keyser Soze one star* win @ 10/1 26^th 8/1

Travelled too well. None of that rocket finish. Out of his depth perhaps better on sand.

5.00 Afaak one star* win @ 16/1 general DH7th 8/1

Every chance, will win again.

5.35 Drochaid one star* e/w @ 14/1 4^th 14/1

Needed to be further up the field, stayed on well, not a lot of running room

Friday Recommended single bets

2.30 Black Sails One star* each way @ 10/1 general

3.05 Crystal Ocean Two star** win @ 11/4 general

5.00 Count Octave One star* each way @ 11/1 Ladbrokes 10/1 Coral 7/1 WH!!

5.35 Wadigor Two star* win @ 13/2 BetFred + PP

and here’s why

Friday 2.30pm Albany Stakes G3 2yo fillies 6F

This is the blog from a few days ago, “POSITIVES Won a maiden last time out. Had just one career start. Trained by Mick Channon/Jeremy Noseda Sandown form NEGATIVES Failed to contest a maiden last time out

This one looks harder to solve than the boys race, the Coventry. Jessica Harrington (see above) has the market leader in the enormous, unbeaten in two, Alpha Centauri (9/4 tops PP) and Wesley Ward has the second favourite in Fairyland, a Scat Daddy filly owned by Coolmore.

Alpha Centauri has won both her races very easily, beating Actress (20/1) both times, by 2½ and then 5 lengths. Could be the real deal as the good big’un beats the good little’uns but the filly I’m attracted to is the Qatar Racing owned, Ger Lyons trained Black Sails. She beat the boys at the Curragh and she wouldn’t be without a chance in the Coventry. She is a long and rangy daughter of Lope de Vega and I can’t see her having a problem with the ground or the trip and she looked very professional. Richard Hannon is very excited by his €305K daughter of Kodiac, Natural, and she is also owned by Qatar Racing. She won a 6½F maiden at Doncaster on Soft ground when well supported on debut.

The bet is Black Sails one star* win @ 14/1 general. We may go in again each way when she’s a confirmed runner.”

Friday 3.05 Edward VII Stakes G2 12F 3yo colts & geldings

Just about all these are on my 3yo radar! As I mentioned in my Hampton Court report for Thursday my Derby horses Ante Post were Mirage Dancer and Sir John Lavery and the latter runs here. Like Mirage Dancer, Sir John Lavery is very much a work in progress also and this may well be a race too soon.

Having watched the Wolferton and the Ribblesdale don’t like the look of those inside three stalls. Messy and get stuck for a run. So what do the Stats say:

POSITIVES

The favourite or second-favourite Contested a recognised Derby Trial Yet to win over 1m4f+

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, by Saeed Bin Suroor or Mark Johnston Yet to win a Group race

NEGATIVES

Ran well in the Derby Yet to win this season Irish-trained contenders

Everything points to Crystal Ocean for me. Strong in the market, Sir Michael Stoute trained, middle draw, son of Sea the Stars who will like the ground.

Friday 3.40pm Commonwealth Cup G1 6F 3yo

A race for 3yo flying machines and this is a strong renewal.

The blog a week ago “3yo sprinters, probably the hardest category to win with. This is the most difficult of the five to find a selection at a price as Caravaggio, Blue Point and Harry Angel are most likely to fill the first three paying places, indeed it’s 12/1 bar the three.

Could the fillies gate-crash the party? Lady Aurelia isn’t in the Kings Stand, is she coming here? #FantasticMrFahey has the flying Frankel filly and if stepping back to 6F and sprinting saw her return to her G2 Lowther win she would be over priced at the 25/1 PP are currently offering. Big ask.

So can’t back Caravaggio but right now I can’t oppose him.”

Queen Kindly isn’t there but the three main protagonists are. My views haven’t changed. Probably put two of the three in the place-pot and maybe stick O’Briens other one, Intelligence Cross, in the tipping comp’s.

Friday 4.20pm Coronation Stakes G1 8F 3yo fillies

Blogged over a week ago, “If Winter strolls in here to collect her third Group 1 of the season having strolled the two Guineas and David Wachman says he has no regrets at packing in, I simply don’t believe him. So looking to oppose Winter you have to look outside those two 1000 Guineas. Indeed I see that the fourth at Newmarket, Talaayeb, and as low as 12/1 for the Coronation Stakes, runs in a Listed 10F contest at Newbury tomorrow (Thursday).

The man with the fillies this season has been John Gosden and surely he trains the only viable alternative in Nell Gwyn winner Dabayh. She’s been effective on quick ground, looks like this extra furlong will help and still has improvement in her. Taking 8/1 general 123 1/5 on Dabayh now seems a bet to nothing as I can see this race cutting up badly.”

Quite happy with that. Put them both in the placepot.

Friday 5.00pm Queens Vase G2 3yo 14F

This is a new trip in 2017 having dropped two furlongs from the two miles previously. Interesting stalls position, almost on the finishing post! Low draw must help. Stats won’t mean a lot so I’ll go for ‘a man with a plan’. Andrew Balding said in his Racing Post stable tour that Count Octave “could be one for the Queens Vase”. My interest was aroused as Count Octave is a son of Frankel no less but suited to 14F!? Drawn 3, the boy Murphy is riding with confidence, solid form last time when fifth to Venice Beach in the Queens Vase.

Another host of Notebook 3yo’s here and I’ll be watching Fierce Impact, Stradivarius and Time to Study (main danger) but hopefully on the replays!

Friday 5.35pm Duke of Edinburgh Handicap 12F 3yo

Has to be top of the market and I must have changed my mind a dozen times here.

4yo, won last time out, on the improve, shouldn’t be involved in the early scrimmaging on the inside, SDS rides. I’m going for Wadigor. Unbeaten son of Champs Elysses who looks to relish trip and ground.

The other two considered were Mainstream for HM Queen/Stoute/Moore but with a hood on and form figures of 3222-3 I just think he keeps a bit for himself! The other is Appeared for the Postponed connections, as is the selection, with stable jockey on and I’m sure Roger Varian said he wanted to bring this C&D winner back for the two furlong shorter Wolferton on Saturday. 5yo and up another ten pounds.

Ascot Day 3 Thursday June 22nd Update

1.40pm Thursday

Looks like Ascot has missed the storms.

GOING/TRACK Good to Firm, watered

Going Stick: Standside: 9.1, Centre: 8.6, Farside: 9.0, Round: 7.9 on Thursday at 08:15

Watering: Watered 5mm on whole course after racing on Tuesday. Watered 5mm again on whole course after racing on Wednesday.

5.30 King George V 12F handicap

Having had a good look again at the field I’ve chosen Andrew Baldings gutsy Drochaid. He’s in form, drawn low-ish, races prominently, right weight and rating and if he stays must go close.

Wanted desperately to put up Atty Persse but concerned that 3lb claimer, Keiron Shoemark, rides for Godolphin? He’s drawn 22 and as one of the smallest Frankels I’ve seen he could get bashed about and he’s Favourite!

Apologies for the error last night, Sir Michael Stoute hasn’t a runner! If one of Mark Johnston’s gets an easy lead they could be hard to pass!

2.30 McErin A leg seems to have fallen off as he’s drifted from 4’s to 7’s! Anyway here’s what the Royal Ascot news tells us “McErin (USA) – Norfolk Stakes

Breeding: 2 ch c Trappe Shot (USA) – Erin Rose (USA) (Purge (USA))

Breeder: Waterford Stables Inc

Born: March 17, 2015

Owner: Waterford Stable Trainer: Wesley Ward USA Jockey: David Flores

Form: 13

*Won on debut by seven and a half lengths over four and a half furlongs in juvenile contest at Keeneland on April 12.

*Close third, beaten a neck and a nose, on only other start in Kentucky Juvenile Stakes over five furlongs on dirt at Churchill Downs on May 4.

Race record: Starts 2; Wins 1; 2nd -; 3rd 1; Win & Place Prize Money: $45,700 (£37,154)

Couple of today’s fancies ridden by guys on the twitternetty thing!

Jamie Spencer 32Red Blog 4.20pm Ascot Quest For More

Order Of St George and Big Orange are the obvious ones to beat here, but Quest For More is no forlorn hope if coming back to his best. Granted, he has run two modest races this season. You can forgive his run on rain-softened ground in Dubai but he was pretty lack-lustre behind Big Orange in the Henry VII Stakes at Sandown last time. That clearly wasn’t his true running and he scoped badly afterwards, and a return to some of his better efforts of last season – notably his win in the Cadran – would make him a danger to all and he has a win and a narrow second to his name from just two starts at this course. But he does have something to prove after that Sandown run last time, and he does need a career-best.

Jamie Spencer 32Red Blog 5.00pm Ascot Gilgamesh

There will be some big improvers lurking in here but my horse has a good profile. He has only ever just done enough in three wins for me this season, which has worked out well as he has just got into the handicap off a mark of 92; getting into these big handicaps these days is getting increasingly hard. He isn’t obviously well-handicapped, as he has gone up 5lb for a Redcar win in a handicap last time that hasn’t really worked out, but he is progressive and George has given him a nice break since. I think the extra furlong will definitely suit him too, and the quick ground should be fine. He has plenty of positives in an open race.

Gilgamesh Withdrawn: Wed 21 Jun 6:14pm Reason: Vets Cert (Not Sound)

UPDATE: With Gilgamesh ruled out on Wednesday night, I switch to Bless Him. I definitely think he is handicapped to win races off this mark, and I mentioned in this column before his Doncaster return that we had this race in mind for him. And he certainly was very unlucky at Goodwood last time. But a draw in three, on Wednesday’s evidence, makes life very difficult for him.

RyanMoore Betfair 17:00 – City Of Joy

He is a horse I liked at two and obviously nothing he has done this season has taken me away from that view. He won what I thought was a strong Doncaster handicap first time out and then defied a 5lb rise in the weights to beat a progressive horse in Tricorn at Chelmsford last time. He has gone up another 5lb but I’d like to think that his improvement hasn’t stopped there, and he has winning fast-ground form. With luck in running, I’d expect him to be thereabouts.

Royal Ascot Day 3 Thursday June 22nd

Wednesday 6.30pm

Couldn’t touch them today, not a sniff. Deep in the poo and along comes that genius of a man Jamie Spencer and does exactly what this blog wanted him to do. Jamie Spencer take a bow. I honestly believe you could run the first five races today again, same conditions, in a month’s time and get five different results. Would love to see the ‘Jockeys’ take on the ‘Eggheads’! Not the brightest bunch. Surely they discuss tactics, visualise a race?

Thursdays Lucky 15

On the nose today.

Royal Ascot 2.00 McERIN 5/1 PP 9/2 general

Royal Ascot 3.05 IRISHCORRESPONDENT 6/1 WH and PP

Royal Ascot 3.40 CORONET 15/2 PP 17/1 general

Royal Ascot 5.00 CITY OF JOY 10/1 WH + Coral

and here’s why

Royal Ascot 2.00 McERIN What I’ve seen of McErin on line I’m happy to back him at 4/1. Either Wesley Ward is a midget or this a big well-built lad with some attitude. His work on the grass at Keeneland was fine, he seems to move easily. Effortless victory on his one run on the dirt at Keeneland. After the 5.35 yesterday I’m a big Wesley Ward fan.

Royal Ascot 3.05 IRISHCORRESPONDENT However having watched the race videos I think Irishcorrespondent is crying out for 10F on fast ground and Mike Halford’s Teofilio colt was a staying on third in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas and has his conditions here in a G3. That was his third start as a 3yo having won his first two easily by a combined eight lengths not having got to the course as a 2yo.

Royal Ascot 3.40 CORONET She looks the one to me. 12f will be ideal for this daughter of Dubawi as will the quick ground and her two runs this season have been in Group 1’s on unsuitable Soft ground and plenty to like about her fifth in the Oaks and I think she can bridge the five lengths she was behind Alluringly with conditions in her favour.

Royal Ascot 5.00 CITY OF JOY City of Joy is the nap of the meeting. Stoute and Moore know the time of day and I think this race IS the plan. City of Joy was talented as a 2yo, last race was a G3, but wayward, gelded over the winter and has won mile handicaps at C3 and C2 level this season. He has a genuine turn of foot but seems to me to be one of those horses that Moore can put where he wants. May not beat some of these later in the season but I believe this is his day and from stall 17 Moore can pick and choose his route.

Wednesdays Lucky 15

If like me you did the Lucky 15 £1 each way we got back £77 for our £30!

Royal Ascot 2.30 DABAN 6^th 7/1 (7/1 WH 13/2 general)

Market hinted it wasn’t to be her day. Every chance furlong out but not good enough.

Royal Ascot 4.20 MEKHTAAL 6^th 17/2 (11/1 Ladbrokes 10/1 general)

If he had raced where Decorated Knight was he would have gone very close. Stuck behind the rag was not the place to be. C’est la vie!

Royal Ascot 5.00 FASTNET TEMPEST 9^th 15/2 (10/1 general)

Never involved.

Royal Ascot 5.35 CON TE PARTIRO 1^st 20/1 (12/1 general)

The blog said “the selection is mainly out of curiosity? Why has Wes Ward got a horse in a handicap? So she’s a speedball? No she’s a hold up filly? Best rider of the straight mile at Ascot especially on a hold up horse? For me Jamie Spencer and yes he has been booked! He rode her in work when going for that controversial spin at Ascot no less. She’s a daughter of Scat Daddy, wears a tongue tie for the first time and her name, Con Te Partiro.”

All hail Jamie Spencer. All hail simplesimonsays. God I love this game!

Recommended single bets

2.30 McErin One star* win @ 9/2 general

3.05 Mirage Dancer One star* win @ 4/1 general.

3.05 Irishcorrespondent two star win @ 6/1 general

3.40 Coronet two star** win @ 15/2 with PP

4.20 Quest for More One star* each way 16/1 123 1/5 selection

5.00 City of Joy is a three*** star win @ 10/1 WH + Coral

5.00 Keyser Soze one star* win @ 10/1

5.00 Afaak one star* win @ 16/1 general

and here’s why

Thursday 2.30pm Norfolk Stakes 2yo colts 5F

I shouldn’t be having a bet in this but if Karl Burkes Havana Grey, #FantasticMrFahey’s It Don’t Come Easy and Declan Carrolls Brocklesby winner Santry are the best we can muster then what I’ve seen of McErin on line I’m happy to back him at 4/1. Either Wesley Ward is a midget or this a big well-built lad with some attitude. His work on the grass at Keeneland was fine, he seems to move easily. Effortless victory on his one run on the dirt at Keeneland.

McErin One star* win @ 9/2 general

Thursday 3.05 Hampton Court Stakes G3 10F 3yo

I am keen follower of 3yo form having identified those with potential as 2yo’s and Mirage Dancer was one of two horses I had on my Derby list, the other is Sir John Lavery who is declared for Friday. In October 2016 Ryan Moore told Lord Grimthorpe, Juddmonte’s racing manager, after winning at Doncaster that Mirage Dancer was the best Frankel he had sat on. His only run since was at Chester this May when fourth in the Listed Dee stakes over 10F+ behind Cliffs of Moher after a considerate ride from Oisin Murphy. Sir Michael Stoute has an outstanding record in this race, the world’s best Ryan Moore rides and Mirage Dancer looks a serious player but is Mirage Dancer ready for this step up to Group 3.

Mirage Dancer One star* win @ 4/1 general.

However having watched the race videos I think Irishcorrespondent is crying out for 10F on fast ground and Mike Halford’s Teofilio colt was a staying on third in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas and has his conditions here in a G3. That was his third start as a 3yo having won his first two easily by a combined eight lengths not having got to the course as a 2yo.

Irishcorrespondent two star win @ 5/1 general

Thursday 3.40pm Ribblesdale Stakes G2 12F 3yo

A race for 3yo fillies, first stop Clarehaven Stables and John Gosden and he saddles a third of the field, four of the twelve.

Astronomy’s Choice is a big girl and this race has always been her target. She won her only race as a two year old but was only third when odds on in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket behind Horseplay having looked very one paced. She’ll love this step up to 12F but probably needs more time to grow into that substantial frame. William Buick rides and they are drawn in stall 2.

Hertford Dancer is a surprise package, not very big but she went from second in a C5 handicap to winning the Listed Lingfield Oaks trial. I would be surprised were she good enough to win here. Jim Crowley rides and she is in stall 8.

Gracious Diana is a gorgeous looking filly who won her maiden over 10F at Newbury ‘comfortably’, then returning to the course on Soft ground was well behind Natavia in their Listed Oaks trial. Ascot’s fast ground should help and being out of a Generous mare should help her stay the 12F. She wears a first time tongue tie but still has ten pounds to find. Adam Kirby rides and they will come out of stall 8.

Coronet looks the one to me. 12f will be ideal for this daughter of Dubawi as will the quick ground and her two runs this season have been in Group 1’s on unsuitable Soft ground and plenty to like about her fifth in the Oaks and I think she can bridge the five lengths she was behind Alluringly with conditions in her favour.

Sir Michael Stoute’s Mori is bred in the absolute purple being by Frankel out of Midday, is progressive having won a Listed race at Goodwood last time but the great trainer has a poor record in the Ribblesdale and this race may just be one too soon for Mori. Pat Smullen does the steering.

Coronet two star** win @ 13/2 with WH

Thursday 4.20pm Gold Cup 4yo+ 20F

Since Order of St George won the Gold Cup on Soft ground last season he has won just two of his six starts although you can’t take anything away from his excellent third in the Arc de Triomphe! One of those defeats was over Ascots two miles on good ground on Champions Day when fourth behind Sheikhzayedroad, Quest for More and Simple Verse and although Order of St George is a class middle distance performer who stays this extreme trip, on quicker ground many will fancy their chances and top priced even money looks really skinny. Indeed that price is only available on the High Street with Irish bookmakers Paddy Power which I find revealing. Last season Order of St George beat a selection of “Cesarewitch” horses but this year looks like having two G1 St.Leger winners as well as winners at G2 & G3 level in opposition. With fast ground specialist Big Orange in the line-up this race will be run at a relentless gallop and class may not be enough as stamina will need to be copper bottomed.

So I’m after a guaranteed stayer, has won on Good to Firm and has a touch of class, Oh and is a double figure price!

Surely the key race is the Long Distance Cup last October over 16F at Ascot that I mentioned above. Order of St George may have had an excuse in fourth as that race was less than a fortnight after his huge run in the Arc, however I think a case can be made for the first two home. I think Simple Verse just lacks a kick running for the line. QUEST FOR MORE gets the nod over Sheikzayedroad because he’s a 50% bigger price but we are going to have to forgive his dismal last run behind Big Orange in the Henry II, a race I’m surprised he ran in considering what his trainer Roger Charlton, who is having an excellent 2017, said in his ATR stable tour back in April. “He surprises us each year and just kept on improving. A couple of years ago he was struggling to win off a mark of 92 and is now rated 117. I think Dubai just didn’t suit in the Dubai Gold Cup and he didn’t run any sort of race in the ground. The ground was soft and a bit uneasy under his feet and it didn’t suit. He is a fragile horse in that he doesn’t want too many races and races like the Ascot Gold Cup, which he would have run in last year if it had not gone soft, would be obvious targets for him. He is a fun horse and races like Ascot and the Goodwood Cup would be on his radar. He has a Group 1 penalty this year so there is no point in running in a Group 3 at Sandown.” So he will enjoy the quicker ground, he’s a 20F Group 1 winner, does he stay that extra half mile is the issue.

At a general 16/1 Quest for More is a one star* each way 123 1/5 selection, that says he will.

Wednesday 5.00pm 8F Britannia 3yo handicap

This is probably my favourite race of the five days. Full of horses on an upward curve, future winners all over the place and I expect I’ll have re-watched this race over a hundred times by seasons end. I have backed many of these, most successfully this season, but there are four that stand out for me including my NAP of the meeting.

Leaders Legacy for Godolphin has won both his starts this season, seeing it out well at Haydock last time and is clearly on the improve. Gerald Mosse rides but I’d be more concerned about stall 2.

Keyser Soze is the complete unknown as he did me a big favour beating Gymnaste in a C4 handicap on the AW at Kempton. Treat yourself to the race video as Keyser Soze showed an amazing turn of foot and connections have already won at the meeting with Rajasinghe.

Keyser Soze one star* win @

Afaak is definitely a Group horse in the making but is still a work in progress. Raw talent who won late on in a solid Doncaster handicap. Jim Crowley has chances from stall 10.

Afaak one star* win @

City of Joy is the nap of the meeting. Stoute and Moore know the time of day and I think this race IS the plan. City of Joy was talented as a 2yo, last race was a G3, but wayward, gelded over the winter and has won mile handicaps at C3 and C2 level this season. He has a genuine turn of foot but seems to me to be one of those horses that Moore can put where he wants. May not beat some of these later in the season but I believe this is his day and from stall 17 Moore can pick and choose his route.

City of Joy is a three*** star win @

Thursday 5.35pm King George V Handicap 12F 3yo

I’ve been looking at this race for a fortnight. Nothing off the notebook and even looking at the final declarations nothing appeals. Stick the second favourite and a Stoute horse in the placepot! I’ll pass and have an early night!

Royal Ascot Day 1 Wednesday June 21st

Tuesday 6.30pm Splendid racing and we got a couple of results. Thrilled for all at Musley Bank, excited for Richard Spencer and Rebel Racing, Lady Aurelia is a tad nippy and hasn’t Willie Mullins just won enough!?! The Boys in Blue are off to a good start with three out of six.

Wednesdays Lucky 15

Quite happy with these four and don’t feel embarrassed playing each way.

Royal Ascot 2.30 DABAN 7/1 WH 13/2 general

Royal Ascot 4.20 MEKHTAAL 11/1 Ladbrokes 10/1 general

Royal Ascot 5.00 FASTNET TEMPEST 10/1 general

Royal Ascot 5.35 CON TE PARTIRO 12/1 general

and here’s why

Royal Ascot 2.30 DABAN Probably one of my two top bets at Royal Ascot this week. Primarily she is a John Gosden filly who was third in the Newmarket 1000 Guineas, fading from the furlong pole. Surely 7F is her ideal trip and she’s a Group 1 horse in a Group 3 race. Gosden is happy to pitch her in against the boys so I’m quite happy to back his opinion. Le Brivido the French colt was runner up in their 2000 Guineas and has a similar profile to Daban but as I believe the fillies are stronger than the colts Daban is a confident selection and my nap of the day.

Royal Ascot 4.20 MEKHTAAL I’ve just got my doubts about the top three in the market. The trip for Highland Reel, the ground and the trip for Jack Hobbs and is Ulysses a Group 1 horse? Decorated Knight is a player but an improving 5yo? Hence the selection Mekhtaal who will love the ground, this is his trip and has already won a Group 1 race. (More below)

Royal Ascot 5.00 FASTNET TEMPEST Lets keep this simple. I want a horse in form who acts on fast ground, has Ascot on his CV and is at the top of the market. Haggas had three on my shortlist, Afjaan and Victory Bond are still at home and they were desperate to get this one in so he ticks every box and he’ll do for me.

Royal Ascot 5.35 CON TE PARTIRO Wes Ward doesn’t bring many from America to run in a handicap. She’s a hold up horse and Ward has booked Jamie Spencer which seems a perfect match and he has already sat on her, riding work on the course. The first time tongue tie could bring further improvement. I’ve seen her last race and she travels and will stay on but she’s no superstar.

Being a 3yo fillies handicap I wanted to back a Gosden inmate but I just can’t have Gymnaste, beaten in a C4 AW handicap last time, especially at a ludicrous 7/1; Present Tense doesn’t look good enough; Dancing Breeze has disappointed since her winning debut and has questions to answer.

Last Saturdays Lucky 15

Great start just couldn’t top it up, still £34 back for our £15.

Sandown 2.40 BATTAASH 1^st 11/1 (9/1 Ladbrokes + WH 8/1 general)

Impressive, tanked through race, then went Whoooosh!

York 3.30 DANIELSFLYER 12^th 8/1 (12/1 PP 10/1 WH 8/1 general)

Never went a yard which is basically what SDS told the Stewards!

Sandown 3.50 TAUREAN STAR 9^th 8/1 (8/1 general)

Just never got involved. Time to move on.

Sandown 5.35 VUELA 4^th 15/8F (7/4 general)

Big gangly creature who wanted more pace to the race and got done for speed over 14F!!

Wednesday 2.30pm Jersey Stakes 3yo 7F – DABAN

(See above) Daban is a four star**** selection @ 7/1 WH

Wednesday 3.05 Queen Mary Stakes G2 5F 2yo Fillies – Placepot?

I always think this race is like watching your daughter in the Under 12 fifty metres at her school sports day. The least attractive race of the meeting to me as a punting medium.

Something has to go in the placepot and the tipster competitions. Wesley Ward has a shortie here in Happy like a Fool which I know nothing about, well she is one from one with a dirt pedigree, so obviously I have to take her on!? Mrs Gallagher was quick and gutsy over C&D but Ertihad was the horse I would have taken out of that race and Maybride, trained by #FantasticMrFahey, ran her to half a length on debut so that’s one in the placepot.

Fahey on sportinglife.com “Maybride is a filly we really like. Do I think she’ll win a Queen Mary? I’m just worried she might not be professional enough at this stage of her career but she’s definitely a Black Type filly somewhere down the line.”

The other, Chica La Habana, for Robert Cowell and the Cool Silks partnership (Chairman of Scunthorpe FC and Lady who owns Wilkinson’s on the High Street!) won the Hilary Needler at Beverley on debut in impressive fashion and can only improve, she’ll see the trip out and finish better than most.

Wednesday 3.40pm Duke of Cambridge Stakes G3 10F 4yo+ fillies + mares – SMART CALL

Despite only having had twelve runnings the stats boys say the trends are strong.

POSITIVES The favourite or second-favourite: Princess Elizabeth Stakes runners (beaten fillies especially):

Contested the Dahlia Stakes (the winner especially): Winning course form Placed at Royal Ascot last year:

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute: Owned by Cheveley Park Stud: French-trained fillies

NEGATIVES Yet to win a Group race: Running under a Group 1 penalty:

Some interesting contenders with British trainers but international form. There is a Greta G, G1 winner in Argentina, and Smart Call who won two G1’s in her native South Africa. The French filly Usherette won this race last year but on her favoured Soft ground. Her compatriot Qemah won the G1 3yo Coronation but her defeat at Lingfield raises a couple of doubts. It’s a contest for the girls so Gosden has to be respected and he has Laugh Aloud for Godolphin and James Doyle will need to get his fractions right if he intends making every yard and I think he is more likely to set it up for a finisher and at 3/1 is too short! Gosden also trains Greta G the horse with the Argentinian form. The French pair are the obvious call but I’m worried about this rapid Good to Firm ground.

So I’m going for the ex-South African Group 1 winner Smart Call for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore who has been in the UK for over a year but run just the once when third at York, outpaced kept on for pressure, and on the basis of that the trip and the ground will be fine and at the price is worth a small investment.

Smart Call one star* ew @ 10/1 with PP 123 1/5

Wednesday 4.20pm G1 Prince of Wales 10F 4yo+

I believe this race was meant to be a clash between Minding OR122 RPR123, So Mi Dar OR114 RPR118 and Cloth of Stars OR?? RPR118 but all three are on the sidelines currently and for the powerhose connections of Godolphin, Coolmore and Gosden this is Plan B. The richest race of the five days and looks destined to stay in Europe.

So who are the big hitters for this 10F showpiece:-

Highland Reel Aidan O’Briens top money spinner, who has been supported in the last few days, will adore the fast ground and will no doubt try to make every post a winning post. However he hasn’t won over 10F for a couple of years with all his best form being over two furlongs further including the King George last season over this course. Ryan Moore will have the job of getting the fractions right. OR123 RPR123

Jack Hobbs Another G1 winner who steps back 2F, indeed the only win he has had at this trip was in a handicap in his 3yo days! He is an Irish Derby winner and is supposedly using this as a warm up for the King George back here over 12F. Not only is the trip an issue but the fast ground may be as well? Gosden said: “He will go on anything except firm ground. He travelled out there (Dubai) well and has come back well. We will point him towards Royal Ascot as most of the big middle-distance races are not until June.” OR123 RPR123

Ulysses Lightly raced 4yo but was Stoute’s Derby horse last year but was slow to come to hand and is probably going to show his true colours this season but yet to prove it in G1. Won the 10F G3 Brigadier Gerard at a similar Sandown beating Deauville and, last year’s big price Soft ground winner of this race, My Dream Boat. Trip and ground should be fine. OR116 RPR119

Decorated Knight Recently won the G1 10F Tattersalls Gold Cup at THE Curragh and this is one horse who ticks both the ground and trip boxes. Good campaign in Meydan over the winter, winning the Jebel Hatta then undone by the Soft ground in the Dubai Turf. Could still be improving. Connections trainer Roger Charlton and jockey Andrea Atzeni were bullish after that latest victory, “Atzeni said: “It went very smoothly. We had a good draw, we had a good position all the way and he travelled beautifully into the race. Two (furlongs) out, I was very confident it was going take a decent horse to beat him today. He got to the front easily enough. In the last 100 yards he got a bit lonely, but when the second horse came he went again. He’s very brave, he’s got a big heart and he’s going the right way.” Charlton said: “I was very worried when I saw the ground yesterday. I knew the forecast was for heavy showers, but not like an inch or whatever they had. People kept tactfully sending me photographs of flooded car parks and puddles everywhere and I thought it was getting bad. The surface was a bit dead, it’s good to soft, but the course is in fantastic condition. They’ve opened up a new strip. I walked the course and was very pleasantly surprised how good it was. He doesn’t have to have rattling quick ground. In Dubai it affected him quite badly. This horse has improved and improved. The Group One race he won in Meydan wouldn’t have been the strongest race and this is a stronger race. He keeps on improving. If Minding had turned up it would have been a different story, but he won with his ears pricked and was pulling up in front. He has a very classy pedigree. He’s a very close relation to Gleneagles and his dam is a half-sister to Giants Causeway, so he has a stallion career.” The Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot looks Decorated Knight’s likely next port of call. We were looking to go abroad a bit but you would have to run at Ascot. It’s worked for us before so hopefully it will work again,” the trainer added. OR118 RPR117

Mekhtaal Looks an improver, despite already having won at G1 level, representing Jean-Claude Rouget and Al Shaqab Racing, this son of Sea the Stars seems best at this trip and although this would be the quickest ground he’s encountered he should cope, indeed he may be better on it. OR115 RPR115

Nigel Keeling put his case neatly on geegeez.co.uk “Rouget also has interest in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, with Mekhtaal fancied by many to go well. The French have enjoyed plenty of success in the recent past, with Manduro, Vision D’Etat and Byword, all winners during a dazzling period from 2007 to 2010. Andre Fabre was responsible for two of those victories, and has a leading contender in Cloth Of Stars (non-runner). Fabre’s colt clashed with Mekhtaal at Chantilly in April, and edged it in a thriller. He had fitness on his side and the pair look closely matched on all known form. Rouget’s fella needs decent ground, and looks sure to get it. In a hugely competitive renewal, both have a realistic chance at a trip that looks ideal.”

More recently connections have said “”Mekhtaal is on course for the Prince of Wales’s,” said Al Shaqab’s Rupert Pritchard-Gordon. “He looks well and fit and has run recently. He runs well fresh so will do only one more very routine piece of work. Everyone is very happy with him and the one thing we’ll be hoping for is that the weather isn’t like last year. We’d want nice fast ground.”

Conclusion – Jack Hobbs and Highland Reel are global performers who have been there, seen it, done it and have more than one T-shirt but I’m not sure Jack Hobbs will even turn up on this ground and Highland Reel could be done for toe. I’m keen on the French challenger and with no Cloth the stars I’m going for Mekhtaal to find the seven pound improvement necessary. One star* each way Mekhtaal @ 14/1 with WH 123 1/5

Wednesday 5.00pm 8F Royal Hunt Cup handicap

Oh dear, Oh dear, Oh dear! As you can see from my blog below things have gone belly up! Victory Bond is a non-runner and JP Spencer has got off Banksea for El Vip. Still think Hors de Combat could outrun his odds on this ground and I’m hopeful for Another Touch but after a chat with myself Fastnet Tempest is my headline selection.

Fastnet Tempest two star win @ 10/1 general.

For what it’s worth here is what I blogged a week ago.

For me one of the most eagerly awaited races of the Flat season. Run over the straight mile it is a handicap open to three year olds and upwards but is it really a handicap? At most this season there will be only twelve pounds from top to bottom, OR111-OR99, you may even need to have a three figure Official Rating just to get in!

With £175,000 worth of prize money the race is very attractive for those horses just short of Group company. In an ideal world you would like to find a four year old destined for future Group success whose handicap mark just happens to fit in that tight band in mid-June but those that could come into that category are cutting it mighty fine in 2017 and that means the current Ante Post market may have some value in it. Currently six out of the top ten quoted on Oddschecker may not get in. Next Stage (OR100, 12/1), Fastnet Tempest (OR99, 10/1), El Vip (OR99, 20/1), GK Chesterton (OR99, 16/1), George William (OR98, 16/1) and Chelsea Lad (OR98, 16/1) would all have their supporters but will they make the cut? I think Next Stage will but it will be sleepless nights for connections of the other five.

A key player in determining the starting line up in John Gosden as with thirty being the maximum field he trains five that are guaranteed a run. Gm Hopkins will surely run having won this race in 2015. Tashweeq is on his way back from injury having been a classy 2yo but his only run this season was a last of nine and Hamdan al Maktoum has two other horses guaranteed a run. Remarkable was second in the 2016 Balmoral handicap over C&D off just two pounds lower and surely runs. Castle Harbour and Johnny Barnes are both owned by Bermuda Thoroughbreds but for two different syndicates who are both made up of the sort of people who would want a runner at Royal Ascot. None of the five are currently on my shortlist but if Ryan Moore takes the ride on Remarkable I may need to have a second look.

Having checked the weather forecasts and had a good look at the seaweed I can’t see any rain but plenty of sunshine for the next ten days and I’m expecting Good to Firm, Good in places (watering to maintain) to be the going.

sportinglife.com June 13 2017, 10:49 Officials at Ascot have commenced watering ahead of next week’s Royal meeting. The ground is on the quick side of good at the Berkshire circuit and with predominantly dry and warm weather forecast between now and the start of racing next Tuesday, clerk of the course Chris Stickels felt it prudent to turn on the taps. He said: “The track is in great condition at the minute and we are watering today. We’ve got a dry week forecast, certainly until next Tuesday, possibly Wednesday. Even next week might remain dry. There is a risk at the moment of possible showers building up towards the end of next week, but we’re expecting a warm few days this week. Conditions are good, good to firm in places. By the time we’ve finished watering this morning, I expect we’ll be good all over. We’re expecting a hot day tomorrow (Wednesday). We won’t water tomorrow, but we’ll review the forecast and see what we’re going to do later in the week.”

With thirty runners spread across the full width of the Ascot straight I’m ignoring the draw. What you do need is to be with the pace to take you to the final furlong so you can launch a challenge. If they split into two groups you are either in the right group or not, if they come down the middle launching your final attack on either wing is probably best. Having the right man in the saddle is important and as I think Jamie Spencer rides this straight mile better than anyone else he will carry some of my English pounds whatever he is on, Banksea seeming most likely!

I’m looking for a horse in form, big field experience, preferably performed well at Ascot before and might just have a few pounds in hand. The Lincoln over the straight mile at Doncaster is often a strong indicator and with this season’s second home, Oh This Is Us stepping up to the G1 Queen Anne the form looks strong. The third, Donncha, ran on well but looks a bridesmaid at best whilst the winner Bravery is just four pounds higher here he may prefer slower ground although has to be on a shortlist.

So far this season there have been two key contests, the Spring Cup at Newbury over their straight mile and the Listed Hambleton handicap over eight furlongs at York but with two bends. Many key players in the Hunt Cup ran in one of these races or indeed both. At Newbury under a masterful Spencer ride Banksea got up to pip Another Touch with Donncha, El Hayem and especially George William flying at the finish. At York Here Comes When had a going day to beat Chelsea Lad, Victory Bond and Another Touch with the likes of Bravery and Donncha well beaten although Soft in the going was probably key to the winner.

Top weight Tabarrak is the class angle and has won both his last two visits to Ascot on Good to firm ground. Yuften, Persuasive, Afjaan and Sea Wolf all ran in last season’s Balmoral but that form doesn’t look strong enough to me. As well as Afjaan and Victory Bond William Haggas has the seasons big improver Fastnet Tempest who beat George William at Ascot over 7F and returns after a remarkable last to first victory at Chester but will that five pound penalty get him in?

So for me it’s three against the field.

VICTORY BOND is a lightly raced colt with a touch of class who travels very strongly in his races and I think he will improve for his recent run and is attractively weighted here. Two star** win @ 16/1 Ladbrokes

ANOTHER TOUCH recently won well at Nottingham to ensure he got a starting place and on decent ground what he wants is a strongly run race with something to aim at in the last hundred yards and that is exactly what he gets here. He’s in excellent form this season and if #FantasticMrFahey chose to put on either Adam MacNamara and claim three pounds or even Connor Murtagh and claim seven pounds I wouldn’t be disappointed although this is one horse that does go well for Tony Hamilton. One star* win @ 33/1 BetFred

After much humming and harring the third choice is BANKSEA mainly because he is most likely to be ridden by young Mr Spencer. One star* win @ 12/1 PP and Ladbrokes.

Wednesday 5.35pm Sandringham Handicap 8F 3yo Fillies

This could be difficult to solve with nothing in the Notebook and nothing leaping off the page. This Listed handicap is for 3yo fillies so the only place to start is at Clarehaven Stables and Team Gosden and they saddle three runners.

Gymnaste is 7/1 favourite and Josephine Gordon has been booked. They will be popular with the shop punter. I am amazed at their market position. Regular readers of my witterings will be familiar with this filly as it was she who was second and beaten favourite in the Kempton C4 7F that Keyser Soze whizzed home in. Is that form really good enough for a handicap of that calibre? Dancing Breeze won well on debut at the Craven meeting but has disappointed twice since looking one paced. Martin Dwyer rides. Present Tense, a daughter of Bated Breath for Juddmonte, won a C5 maiden at Yarmouth but disappointed in a C3 conditions event on softer ground.

Hard to see any of the three winning so what do the stats say is the type of horse which we would be looking for?

POSITIVES Last-time-out winner. Trained by John Gosden, Mark Johnston, Ed Dunlop or Michael Bell.

First six in the market. Maiden at the start of the season. Ran in the Nell Gwyn Stakes. Placed in the Pretty Polly Stakes.

NEGATIVES Yet to win this season Last-time-out maiden winner.

That brings into play. The class act might be Bean Feasa towards the top of the handicap. Owned by Godolphin and trained by Jim Bolger, she won the G3 Leopardstown 1000 Guineas before finishing fifth in the race itself. Kevin Manning will need to be at his shrewdest from Stall 1. Coolmore sends Asking, beaten in G1 the last twice and second to Bean Feasa gets six pounds for just under three lengths. Staying in Ireland the all-conquering Jessica Harrington saddles Drumfad Bay who won on debut but has been beaten in six subsequent runs, four Group and two Listed races, but often by a G1 type or a decent colt.

Richard Kingscote rides Kilmah for Mark Johnston and she won her maiden but couldn’t repeat the feat in nine Group races. However she could be well in of OR96. The in-form improver looks to be Henry Candy’s Queen of Time but her victories were a C5 maiden and a C4 handicap so requires a major leap forward.

Of those mentioned, Bean Feasa and Kilmah interest me but the selection is mainly out of curiosity? Why has Wes Ward got a horse in a handicap? So she’s a speedball? No she’s a hold up filly? Best rider of the straight mile at Ascot especially on a hold up horse? For me Jamie Spencer and yes he has been booked! He rode her in work when going for that controversial spin at Ascot no less. She’s a daughter of Scat Daddy, wears a tongue tie for the first time and her name, Con Te Partiro. One star* each way @ 12/1 with WH 1234 ¼

Royal Ascot Day 1 Tuesday June 20th

Monday 6.00pm

Summer is here. Eighty degrees, in old money, and Royal Ascot. Competition will be fierce and although internationally the very best may be absent there is good in abundance. With the high temperatures and the massive crowds how your horse handles the heat and the atmosphere may be as important as how they run from gates opening to finishing line. Tuesday has two Group 1’s with odds on favourites in Ribchester and Churchill and finding a bet is not easy and I certainly can’t see a Lucky 15 so we will tackle the card race by race. No apologies for cut and pasting what I’ve already blogged, I’ll just try to bring it up to date. Better get this on line before Hugh Taylor jumps on any more simplesimonsays bandwagons!

Tuesday 2.30pm Queen Anne Stakes 4yo+ 8F – RIBCHESTER

Nothing would give me and I expect Team Godolphin more pleasure than to see Ribchester win and give #FantasticMrFahey another Group 1. Ribchester is currently ranked number three in the world with only Arrogate and Winx rated higher. He won the G1 8F Lockinge in imperious style and although with the benefit of the run and faster ground could see 2016 Queen Anne third, Flaming Spear, get closer Ribchester deserves his place in the market, top priced 4/5. Although Ribchester is no all-conquering champion there is little opposition in Europe aged four or older.

However I’m looking for something at a price, who will act on quick ground and has some G1 form. I’m drawn to AMERICAN PATRIOT from the US trained by the legend Todd Pletcher, won a firm ground 8F G1 on Turf at Keeneland and goes well after a break. Here is an article I found on-line.

American Patriot Confirmed for Royal Ascot June 7, 2017 11:52 AM Thoroughbred Racing, International

“WinStar Farm’s homebred American Patriot, winner of the April 14 Maker’s 46 Mile Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland in his previous start, has been confirmed for the £600,000 Queen Anne Stakes (G1) June 20 at Royal Ascot. The 4-year-old son of War Front worked five furlongs around the dogs in 1:00.55 June 3 on the inner turf at Belmont Park. He will travel to England June 13 for trainer Todd Pletcher. “American Patriot breezed exceptionally well Saturday, and came out of the work good,” Pletcher said. “He’s doing really well, so it’s all systems go. It’s an honor to have a horse good enough to compete in one of the biggest races in the world like the Queen Anne, and on a stage like Royal Ascot. We are very much looking forward to it.” Frankie Dettori will have the mount in the one-mile turf event.”

Plenty of plusses especially the War Front angle and Frankie Dettori doing the steering. I have seen the video of American Patriots last victory and Ascot’s stiff finish would seem to suit.

Quite happy to suggest American Patriot one star* each way @ 25/1 ew with WH 123 1/5

Since writing this the horse I left out, Mutakayyef, has been put forward by pundits I respect (Check out the Final Furlong Podcast). Since an excellent third to Postponed in the Juddmonte International William Haggas has sent Hamdan Al Maktoums son of Sea the Stars on his travels. Third to Tepin in the Woodbine International and fifth in the Dubai Turf in Meydan, behind Ribchester, may explain why he slipped off my radar. He’ll love the ground, he’s best at a mile and has course and distance form. I wouldn’t put anyone off backing him at around the 8/1 mark but he just isn’t a Group 1 horse for me.

Richard Fahey commented: “Royal Ascot is a big meeting for us all, trainers, owners and jockeys. Ribchester ran last month and to win a G1 race by over three lengths was a huge performance – we were delighted with him and he now has a rating of 125 and quite a good speed-rating as well. We have a pacemaker, Toscanini, in the race but I am not particularly bothered whether Ribchester goes to the front again or takes a lead. I am quite comfortable with him as he is relaxing at home now. I am very happy with Ribchester ahead of the Queen Anne Stakes – he has done his last bit of work. The ground is different from last time but he has form on fast ground as well.”

Tuesday 3.05 Coventry Stakes G2 6F – RAJASINGHE

POSITIVES Unbeaten (preferably one run). Trained by Aidan O’Brien or Richard Hannon. The favourite.

NEGATIVES Beaten last time out. Outside the front five in the betting. Once-raced.

A week away there is no clear favourite. The top rated (RPR) colt is Jessica Harrington’s Brother Bear, unbeaten in two and heads the market but there is plenty of 11/2 about. Brother Bear has shown plenty of pace and a willing attitude but as he was a drifting 9/1 on debut suggests he wasn’t burning up the home gallops and he isn’t an imposing colt.

So what have Messr’s Hannon and O’Brien got towards the top of the market? Richard Hannon’s top rated colt is the improving De Bruyne Horse but he looks Division Two to me. Denaar won well at Newbury but he lacks size and has a scratchy action, not for me. Aidan O’Brien has two to mention, Murillo, who has a US pedigree as a son of Scat Daddy, was beaten on debut but quickened to win an egg and spoon maiden at Tipperary. He would need strong market support, Firm in the going and Ryan Moore on board to carry my money but I think Ryan Moore will be on the winner and that will be Declarationofpeace. Good sized son of War Front running for Coolmore, ideal Royal Ascot profile, beaten on debut at Navan, despite the dogs barking in the ring, when a tad green was seen to much better effect on the sand at Dundalk. With quicker ground expected at Ascot I’m quite happy to take the 8/1 on offer with William Hill and Declarationofpeace is a two star** win selection. As for a main danger? When reviewing the videos the horse with the size and scope who impressed me most was Richard Spencer’s Rajasinghe for upwardly mobile Rebel Racing who strode away in the final furlong in the style of a classy horse and is another who would look to appreciate the anticipated Good to Firm (watered to maintain?!) ground. Rajasinghe is a one star* selection @ a general 10/1.

Leading ATR tipster has just put up Rajasinghe for the Coventry and this is why “RAJASINGHE produced a really good time figure when making a winning debut at Newcastle last month and if he can reproduce that effort he’ll have a good chance in the Coventry Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot (3.05). He was well on top at the line in what was a truly-run event at Newcastle, and the time figure I gave him for that effort was the fastest all-weather figure I’ve given to a 2yo before the end of June in the last five years. Whether he can build on, or even reproduce that effort on turf here is the big question, and it’s true his dam never won again having made a winning debut on the all-weather. However, she did finish fourth in the Queen Mary, and given Rajasinghe’s sire Choisir won twice at Royal Ascot in the space of four days and has sired a number of good Ascot performers, his pedigree isn’t discouraging.This looks an open event, but based on the clock Rajasinghe’s debut effort entitles him to be in the mix here. “

Declarationofpeace is a non-runner here running instead in the Windsor Castle Listed 5F that closes todays card. Happy to stick with Rajasinghe especially as the horse he beat at Newcastle, Indomeneo, battled on to win at Wetherby today. Romanised has had his form franked more than once and with trainer Ken Condon reasonably unknown this side of the Irish Sea is probably overpriced at 16/1 if you can get it.

Tuesday 3.40pm Kings Stand Stakes G1 5F – Ladies First?

Great spectacle, just not my cup of tea as a betting medium. Looks like it good be a well-mannered race with Ladies first. Lady Aurelia was probably my biggest WOW moment of last season when she blitzed the Queen Mary over C&D, she gets all the allowances and they will need to strap Frankie Dettori on tightly but she could be special. Sir Mark Prescott and Clive Cox have fellow fillies, Marsha and Priceless, in fine fettle so how about the three fillies in combination forecasts and tricasts, 12 bets?

Tuesday 4.20pm St. James Palace Stakes 3yo colts 8F – CHURCHILL

Churchill is ranked five in the world just a pound behind Ribchester and their “Duel on the Downs” in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood this summer is eagerly awaited. Churchill is a dual Guineas winner and seems to be one of those horses that just does enough without setting the pulse racing. At most he will have just ten rivals and Aidan O’Brien trains four of those! The obvious danger is Barney Roy who took a false step in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket just as he was organising his challenge but he and Churchill currently trade at top priced 9/4 and 4/6 and I’m looking for something bigger. This may be a bit repetitive but Royal Ascot, fast ground, son of War Front is a tasty recipe and LANCASTER BOMBER may have been beaten in five of his starts by Churchill but his two best runs have been on fast ground, he was second in the Breeders Cup, and Coolmore seem happy to put him in with Churchill even if only to ensure a solid gallop.

Let’s try Lancaster Bomber one star* each way @ 25/1 ew with WH or Coral 123 1/5

Ryan Moore on Betfair on Churchill, “He is one of those horses that just makes it easy for a jockey, and I am hoping it will be the same again here.” I would really like to see someone make Churchill have to knuckle down and let’s see how good he is. I’m not hopeful!

Tuesday 5.00pm Ascot Stakes C2 handicap 20F Who Dares Wins/Suegioo

Why not go the whole hog and put out ten flights of hurdles for this the WeprefercheltenhambutanyecusetogotoRoyalascotonmyownersbadge handicap. Cheltenham doesn’t have a 5F sprint on its running order! Entries from Messrs Mullins, Henderson, Nicholls, King, Pipe and Vaughan.

No idea. The stats say we should look for “Trained by a primarily jumps-based stable. Officially rated between 83 and 93. Trained in Ireland. Start in the first five in the betting. Ran well in the Chester Cup.” Which bar the Irish bit sort of all points towards Who Dares Wins. He was our each way selection in the Chester Cup when we collected on the place side. At 20/1+ Suegioo will love the fast ground and he was 8^th last season in the G1 Gold Cup itself on the Soft ground that is unsuitable. Solid second at Haydock last time and slipped down to OR100. #FantasticMrFahey on sportinglife.com “Suegioo bounced back to form and ran a good, solid, race at Haydock last time. He’ll definitely get the trip in the Ascot Stakes which is a big plus and he’s back down to a rating now from which he can be competitive. He’s a funny old horse but on a going day would have a small chance.”

Tuesday 5.35pm Windsor Castle Stakes 5F Listed – DECLARATIONOFPEACE

I think Ryan Moore will be on the winner and that will be Declarationofpeace. Good sized son of War Front running for Coolmore, ideal Royal Ascot profile, beaten on debut at Navan, despite the dogs barking in the ring, when a tad green but was seen to much better effect on the sand at Dundalk. With quicker ground expected at Ascot I’m quite happy to take the 7/2 on offer generally and Declarationofpeace is a two star** win selection.

If I fancied him for the G2 Coventry I have to fancy him here.

Ryan Moore on Betfair on Declarationofpeace “Luck in running, and being drawn in the right place at the right time, is a big factor in this 5f charge. I haven’t ridden him in any of his two starts to date but he looked pretty speedy when winning over 5f by 6 lengths at Dundalk last month. He needs to step up a bit to be winning this but the runner-up there won his maiden well next time out, so that Dundalk form does have some substance. We won this race with Washington DC a couple of years ago.”