2020 Flat Issue 8 - Another big week looms

Headlines

Royal has a successful Crusade at Deauville

King Rules over Prix D’isphan rivals

Giorgio Vasari scrapes home by a coat of paint at Limerick

Millisle stars at Naas

Report

We start at Deauville where in the 6f Group 3 Royal Crusade ( Martin), took his chance, Dwelt, waited with in final pair, driven and headway 1 1/2f out, challenged between horses approaching final furlong, led last 120yds, ran on, winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 36.2 points.

At Chantilly on Sunday in the 1m 1f Group 1 Prix D’ispahan Persian King ( Cliff , Peej), took his chance, Raced in 2nd on outside, smooth headway to narrowly lead 2 1/2f out, pressed on outside 2f out and soon ridden, quickened clear, kept on, winning by 2l. He gets 26.8 points.

            

At Limerick on Friday in the 7f maiden Giorgio Vasari ( Tony), took his chance, Soon tracked leader, close 2nd at halfway, led going best under 2f out, ridden over 1f out, edged slightly right inside final furlong, joined under pressure towards finish, regained advantage final strides (jockey said colt rolled about when it hit the front, winning by a nose. He gets 27.4 points.

Yesterday at Naas in the 6f group 3 Millisle ( Cod), took her chance, Pressed leader, led over 2f out, ridden clear final furlong, eased towards finish winning, readily by4l. She gets 36.2 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                  July            Total

Cliff            120.45          620.5

Tony            55.85       392.2

Steve         172.95             352.85

Bob               41.85        347.65

Peej            107.05            324.65

Neil            92.75              269.45

Martin        108.55           220.45

Cod             78.05           198.85

Grand Slam Leg 1

Neil 

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

News

Options for Earthlight’s next destination are open – with a step up to a mile for the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood not totally dismissed. With Pinatubo not in contention for what looks likely to be a red-hot Sussex Stakes, Earthlight would be a fascinating addition to the likes of Siskin, Kameko, Mohaather and Circus Maximus.

“We haven’t totally decided yet. He could go to Goodwood, but if not he will go for the Maurice de Gheest,” said Fabre.

“He’s very fast and looks a real sprinter, but I’m convinced that he can go further.

“I think it was a good decision to split him and Pinatubo up last time and it will be up to Sheikh Mohammed where he runs.”

York’s Juddmonte International remains a “remote possibility” for Andre Fabre’s Persian King.Last year’s French 2000 Guineas winner claimed another Group One success in the Prix d’Ispahan at Chantilly on Sunday.Having missed the second half of last season, the Kingman colt has gradually returned to peak form and Fabre is eyeing a possible crack at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with York and the Prix Jacques le Marois a couple of possible options along the way. “He was very impressive. He has improved with each race, but don’t forget the horse who beat him first time out (Magny Cours) has since won at Sandown against Group horses,” Fabre told the Punter.

“So, his form has worked out and he won well on Sunday. He always looked comfortable and he quickened well. “York is a remote possibility, that’s all, because the Marois is very tempting as a very prestigious race – not that the York race isn’t. “The difference is the timing because if we go to York, then you have no other options before the Arc or the Champion Stakes. Thankfully the travelling is getting better for us, so that would not put us off. “The Arc has always been in the back of my mind for him because of his family (dam’s sire is Dylan Thomas), so because of that the York race might suit him better, going up in trip gradually, but we have other options as well.”

Ryan Moore will ride Japan in the Qipco King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, where he will be joined by last year's English and Irish Derby winners Anthony Van Dyck and Sovereign as Aidan O'Brien launches a three-pronged attack on Enable. 

Magical will instead wait to defend her Tattersalls Gold Cup crown at the Curragh on Sunday. She will also have company from her own yard as O'Brien plans to run Magic Wand and Sir Dragonet in the Group 1 contest over a mile and a quarter. 

Stradivarius will face a maximum of six rivals - including Irish Derby hero Santiago - when he bids for an historic fourth victory in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup on Tuesday.

In the 7f Group 2, Arizona, Pierre Lapin and Space Blues have entries.

Lord Glitters has an entry in the 1m 2f group 2 at York on Saturday