2024 Flat Issue 5 - Neil hits top spot

Headlines

Angel Flies in at Curragh

Rosallion lands 2000 Guineas

Meydaan lands  Goodwood stakes

Birch Thrashes Rivals at Curragh

Report

We start at the Curragh on Saturday where in th2 1m 2000 guineas Rosallion ( Cod, Neil, Steve),   Took keen hold, midfield, headway on near side of group when ridden from over 1f out, ran on to lead and edged right towards finish, winning by a head. He gets 26.91 points.

At Goodwood in the 1m 3f listed stakes Meydaan (Cod), took his chance, Took keen hold, prominent, good headway to lead 2f out, ridden clear when edged right against far rail 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, just held on , winning by a neck. He gets 33.4 points.

On Sunday at the Curragh in the 1m 2f group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup White Birch (Neil), wen to post, Travelled strongly, towards rear, good headway on near side of group from over 2f out, led when ridden 1f out, soon quickened clear, stayed on, winning  comfortably by 3l. He gets 55.76 points.

In the 1m group 1 1000 guineas Fallen Angel ( Bob, Cliff, Neil, Steve), took her chance, Made virtually all, travelled strongly, shaken up and clear under 2f out, ridden and ran on from over 1f out, pushed out , winning by 2 ¾ l. She gets 28.75 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

        May           Total

Neil     247.62         247.62

Cod   229.95        229.95

Bob   173.75         173.75

Cliff    130.45         130.45

Steve   116.36           116.36

Peej    105.36         105.36

Martin    46       46

Apologies to Neil, I forgot to double his points for Charyn last week, now done.

News

Ghostwriter, God’s Window and Ramadan have French Derby Entries on Sunday at Chantilly.

It looks like being a big field Derby with doubts over City of Troy giving many more a hope. You can never discount another O’Brien miracle but I will play safe and go with Ambiente Friendly at around 6/1 ew.

Weekend Entries

Friday 

Chepstow

1.50 Swindon

Epsom

3.10 Auguste Rodin, Continuous, Hamish, White Birch

4.30 Ylang Ylang

5.10 Balmacara

Saturday 

Epsom 

1.25 Cool Ledgend

4.30 Ancient Wisdom, City of Troy, Dancing Gemini, God’s Window

Doncaster

7.50 Danzart

Sunday 

Hamilton

4.10 Cool Legend

4.40 Capitol Theory

5.10 American Affair

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, , Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

2024 Flat Issue 4 - Points keep flowing

Headlines

Stocking Gives Rivals The Blues at York

Economics tots up York Points

London takes over York

Kyprios scores at Leopardstown

Glasses Raised as Bucanero Fuerte wins at Naas

Report

We start at York on Thursday where in the 1m 2f group 2 fillies stakes Bluestocking (Steve), took her chance, Raced in third, went second over 2f out, soon challenging going easily, led over 1f out, clear when ridden inside final furlong, winning  easily by 6l . She gets 47 points.

In the 1m 2f group 2 Dante stakes Economics (Peej), took his chance, Took keen hold, held up in rear, good headway on outer from 3f out, soon pressed leaders going easily, led 2f out, soon ridden clear but hung left, eased towards finish, winning impressively by 6l. He gets 54 points.

In the 1m 4f handicap London City (Neil), went to post, Prominent, led after 2f, headed over 3f out, soon ridden, led again inside final furlong, stayed on, winning by 1l. He gets 33 points.

On Friday at Leopardstown in the 1m 6f group 3 Kyprios (Cliff, Neil), took his chance, Started quickly, soon prominent, nudged along from under 4f out, led going best on near side of group over 1f out, ridden briefly final 110yds, pushed out, always doing enough, winning by 1l. Cliff gets 32.2 points, Neil 16.1

At Newbury on Saturday in the 1m group 1 Lockinge Stakes Charyn (Neil), took his chance, in touch with leaders, went second and 5 lengths down over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, kept on well, finishing 2nd beaten 1 ¾ l. He gets 13.7 points.

On Sunday at Naas, Bucanero Fuerte (Bob), went to post, Made virtually all, switched right towards near side halfway, pushed along under 2f out, ridden and faced challenge inside final furlong, kept on well towards finish, just held on winning by a head. He gets 36 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

        May           Total

Cod   169.64        169.64

Bob   145           145

Neil     122.5         122.5

Peej    105.36         105.36

Cliff    101.7         101.7

Steve   60.7           60.7

Martin    46       46

.

News

Leading Betfred Derby candidate Arabian Crown will miss the Epsom Classic on June 1 after suffering a setback. A post on the Godolphin X account revealed the three-year-old son of Dubawi will miss the race and be aimed at a late summer campaign.

An excited Richard Hannon said Rosallion "travelled like a genius" in a workout last weekend ahead of a crack at the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday, when his Newmarket runner-up could face a strong Ballydoyle battalion, which could even include Poule d'Essai des Poulains beaten favourite Henry Longfellow. 

The French 2,000 Guineas proved a tale of woe for Henry Longfellow, who was never close enough to land a proper blow at Longchamp, but his name featured among a list of 11 for the first Irish Classic of the season at Tuesday's five-day forfeit stage so a quick return is not out of the question, although trainer Aidan O'Brien admitted the race is plan B for the son of Dubawi.

Roger Teal took Dancing Gemini to Epsom on Tuesday morning to find out if his stable star would handle the track's unique contours, and after seeing how well he cruised around Tattenham Corner the trainer was convinced to head for the Betfred Derby on June 1.

Ed Crisford believes unbeaten stable star Vandeek should take all the beating when he makes his eagerly anticipated reappearance at Haydock on Saturday, the first stop in an exciting campaign geared around the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot next month. The three-year-old is expected to be sent off an odds-on favourite for the Group 2 Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Sandy Lane Stakes (2.25) following an unbeaten juvenile campaign, which began when he justified favouritism in a Nottingham maiden under Andrea Atzeni.

William Haggas has revealed impressive Dante winner Economics will not run in the Betfred Derby at Epsom on Saturday week. Economics will not contest the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly on the same weekend either, with connections keen to give him more time after his six-length victory on the Knavesmire. Haggas said: "After discussions with his owner His Highness Sheikh Isa, we have decided that Economics will not run in either the English or the French Derby next weekend. We think that the turnaround is very tight for both races and feel he is still maturing. As such, we will give him more time and prepare him for an exciting summer campaign over ten furlongs."

Weekend Entries

Friday 

Haydock

4.20 Azure Blue

Saturday 

Haydock

1.15 Balmacara

2.25 Vandeek

Goodwood

1.30 Balmacra

2.05 Lunar Eclipse

3.45 Meydaan

Curragh

2.30 Popmaster, Yosemite Valley

3.40 Ancient Wisdom, Bucanero Fuerte, City of Troy, Ghostwriter, God’s Window, Henry Longfellow, Night Raider, Rosallion

Sunday 

Curragh

2.35 Orchid Bloom

3.10 Auguste Rodin, Elegant Man, White Birch, Bluestocking, Nashwa, Okeechobee

3.45 A Lilac Rolla, Azada, Fallen Angel, Start Style, Ylang Ylang

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, , Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

2024 Flat Issue 3 - All off the mark

Headlines

Miss Rascal behaves at Ascot

Passenger travels to Chester victory

Delius scores at Chantilly

Report

We start at Ascot on Friday where in the restricted fillies maiden stakes Miss Rascal (Peej), went to post, Made all, ridden clear over 1f out, edged left but kept on well inside final furlong, winning readily b by 3l. She gets 23.68 points.

At Chester in the 1m 2f group 2 Passenger (Cliff), took his chance, Slowly into stride, in touch with leaders, waiting for room on inner 2f out, switched right and ran on over 1f out, ridden to lead final 110yds, winning by 1 ½ l. He gets 45.5 points.

At Chantilly in the 1m 4f conditions stakes Delius (Cliff), went to post, Raced little keenly, held up in fourth, switched out and ridden along over 2f out, headway over 1f out, pressed leaders 110yds out, led final 50yds, winning by ½ l. He gets 24 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

        May           Total

Cod   169.64        169.64

Bob   109           109

Cliff    69.5         69.5

Neil     59.7         59.7

Peej    51.36         51.36

Martin    46       46

Steve   13.7           13.7

News

Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan will have his sights set on landing the iconic Triple Crown after pleasing trainer Kenny McPeek on the gallops. The three-year-old, who edged out Sierra Leone at Churchill Downs, will tackle the $2 million Grade 1 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on Saturday, the middle leg of the Triple Crown, which concludes with next month's Belmont Stakes.

Henry Longfellow ran an underwhelming race in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains because of a tactical error according to his trainer Aidan O'Brien, who will now target the three-year-old at Royal Ascot's St James's Palace Stakes. The Dubawi colt went into last Sunday's French 2,000 Guineas unbeaten in three starts, having ended his juvenile campaign with an authoritative five-length success in the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes. The Group 1 winner was a well-backed 13-10 favourite in the French Classic but endured a difficult trip under Ryan Moore, eventually coming home eighth of the 13 runners.

O'Brien felt that the patient tactics employed at Longchamp backfired. He said: "It was a tactical error on my behalf. I said to Ryan to take his time on him because it was his first run and he hadn't run on that type of track before. Then Ryan couldn't get out and as he kept coming back to get out, they kept coming by him and then he was too far back in a slowly run race. 

Roger Varian said he is "gutted" about losing stable star King Of Steel for the core part of the 2024 Flat season after he was found to be lame following work on Tuesday. Varian said: "I'm gutted about the injury to King Of Steel. I'm gutted for Amo Racing and all of the staff at Carlburg, but I'm also gutted for the public who were looking forward to seeing him run through the summer. Varian added: "These things happen in racing and we've been here before but hopefully he can make a full recovery and come back in the autumn

Weekend Entries

Friday 

York

2.45 Theoryofeverything

3.45 Tower Of London. Al Qareem, Hamish, Kyprios, 

Hamilton

7.15 Capital Theory

Leopardstown

7.05 Kyprios

8.15 Razdan

Saturday

Newbury

1.50 Bluestocking, Hamish

3.00 Cool Legend, London City

3.35 Charyn, Inspiral

5.15 Ejaabiyah, Meribella

Newmarket

2.40 Summerghand

Doncaster 

8.20 Cool Dividend

Sunday

Newmarket 

4.45 Daysofourlives

Pimlico

12.01 Mystik Dan

Naas

3.20 Yosemite Valley

3.55 Bucanero Fuerte

5.00 Razdan

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, , Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

2024 Flat - The Points Scorers

The ill-fated Highfield Princess took the honours last year.

313.3 - Kyprios (32.2 + 79.2 + 53.24 + 52.8 + 52.4 + 43.46)

274.1 - Bluestocking (47 + 54.2 + 27.5 + 57.4 + 88)

245.34- Charyn (27.4 + 83.68 + 53.8 + 80.26)

198.7 - Friendly Soul (46 + 38.9 + 44 + 69.8)

192.0 - Notable Speech (109 + 83)

173.7 - Economics (54 + 44.2 +75.5)

157.5 - City of Troy (54 + 51.25 + 52.25)

129.28- Whistlejacket (27.68 + 44.2 + 57.4)

128.44 - Mystik Dan

107.0 - Ramadan (37.8 + 69.2)

101.76 - White Birch (46 + 55.76)

94.21 - Rosallion (13.7 + 26.91 +53.6)

68.6 - Cinderella's Dream

68.51 - Auguste Rodin (55.26 + 13.25)

66.6 - American Affair (35.4 + 31.2)

61.8 - Al Qareem (27.6 + 34.2)

60.0 - Theoryofeverything (31 + 29)

59.2 - Delius (24 +35.2)

58.0 - Content

49.4 - Meribella

46.0 - Chemistry

45.5 - Passenger

41.0 - Azada

40.0 - Carp Kid

39.0 - Haatem

36.0 - Bucanero Fuerte

35.0 - Ancient Wisdom

35.0 - Swindon

33.5 - Azure Blue

33.4 - Meydaan

33.0 - London City

28.75 - Fallen Angel

28.68 - Daysofourlives

27.5 - Capital Theory

27.4 - Hamish

26.0 - Cool Dividend

24.5 - Poet Master

23.82 - Roi De France

23.68 - Miss Rascal

22.8 - Ejaaybiyah

22.63 - Tower of London

22.34 - Staincliff

20.7 - Spycatcher

19.0 - See The Fire

16.58 - Continuous

13.8 - Trawlerman

13.6 - Henry Longfellow

2024 Flat Profile - Okeechobee

5 y bg Time Test – Scuttle  (Steve)

Great name and a high class colt, unraced at 2,  he made his debut at Wolverhampton in April 2022, in a 1m 1f restricted novice stakes, finishing 2nd beaten 1l by Maktoob, then at Kempton in August won a 1m 3y novice stakes by 4 ½ l from Moon Watch (gave 6LB). 3 weeks later at Wolverhampton he won a 1m1f restricted 3y novice stakes by 3l from Dubai Immo (received 10 lb), then in September at Salisbury won a 1m 2f  3y handicap by 4 ½ l from Educator. 

He reappeared at Kempton in April, finishing 2nd in a 1m 2f listed stakes, beaten 3l by Dubai Honour, then at Sandown 3 weeks later won the 1m 2f group 3 by a head from Desert Hero. 

He will be winning again

Trainer H.Charlton

2024 Flat Profile - Star Style

3 y bf Zoustar – Sweet Ceicily   (Steve)

Lightly raced filly who made a winning debut at Newbury in April, taking a 3 year old confined fillies maiden by 5 ½ l from Bella Taslina. She was 3/1 jf on her debut so is obviously well thought of, but it was a big ask to throw her in to the 1000 guineas and she finished 15th beaten 18 ¾ l behind Elmaka. 

A line can be through that and she should win again when put in a more realistic level

Trainer R.Hannon

2024 Flat Profile - Ebden Shaddad

3 y bc Calyx – Galileo’s Lady (Steve)

Useful colt who made his debut at Newmarket in July taking a 6f Novice stakes by 3 ¾ l from Give It Up, then at Newmarket in September in a 7f group 3. Was 3rd beaten 2 ¼ l behind Alyanaabi. He then in October was 3rd again in the 7f group 1 Dewhurst  stakes at Newmarket, beaten 4 ½ l behind City Of Troy, and reappeared at Newmarket in April, finishing 2nd in a 1m group 3 beaten 3 ½ l by Haatem. 

He is another who is going to be difficult to place to win.

Trainer J&T Gosden

2024 Flat profile - Ancient Wisdom

3 y bc Dubawi – Golden Valentine (Steve)

A suprising single pick, he made his debut at Haydock last June, winning a 7f novice stakes by 5l from Under The Sun, then 3 weeks later followed up at Newmarket in  a similar event beating Never So Brave (received 6 lb)1 ¾ l . In July at Ascot in a 7f listed stakes, he was 3rd  beaten 4 ¾ l behind Rosallion, then in October at Newmarket, won a 1m group 3  stakes by 3 ¾ l from Chief Little Rock. 

He finished with a win at Doncaster, taking the 1m group 1 Futurity stakes by 1 ¾ l from Devil’s point, and the current 10/1 for the Derby is a decent ew price. 

He is likely to appear at York next week in the Dante Stakes

2024 Flat Profile - Chemistry

3 y gr c Kingman – Highest Ever (Peej)

Another Coolmore 3 year old, he made his debut at Naas last October, finishing 3rd in a 1m maiden, beaten 5 ¾ behind Chicago Critic, then reappeared at the Curragh in April wining a 1m 2f maiden by 1 ½ l from Bloom Vega (received 5lb). 

He falls in to the could be anything category but has no group race entries.

Trainer A O Brien

2024 Flat Profile - Whistlejacket

2 y ch c No Nay Never – Adventure Seeker (Peej)

Well fair play to Peej, another winning 2 year old already. This colt made his debut at the Curragh in April, finishing 2nd in a 6f maiden, beaten 2 ½ l by Cowardofthecounty, then at the Curragh in May won a 5f listed stakes by 3 ¾ l from Arizona Blaze. He should go on from that and looks useful.

Trainer A O ‘Brien

2024 Flat Profile - Miss Rascal

2 y bf Havana Gold – Little Miss Rascal (Peej)

Picking 2 year olds is always risky but Peej could have a special one here. She made her debut at Newmarket in April, finishing 6th beaten 2 ¾ l by It Ain’t Two in a 5f fillies maiden, then this afternoon, I watched her storm home at Ascot in a restricted fillies maiden, winning by a comfortable 3l from Naana’s Diamond. 

She is Royal Ascot bound and looks worth following

Trainer P&O Cole

2024 Flat Profile - Content

3 y bf Galileo – Mecca’s Angel (Peej)

Another Coolmore 3 year old, she made her debut at Leopardstown last June, finishing 3rd in a 7f fillies maiden, beaten ¼ l behind Buttons. She then went to Royal Ascot for a 7f listed stakes, finishing 13th, beaten 16 l behind Snellen, then in August at Leopardstown won a 7f fillies maiden by 1 ¼ l from Apricot Ice. In September in a 7f listed fillies stakes, she was 2nd beaten 2 ½ l by Kitty Rose, then at the Curragh in a 7f group 3 for fillies, was 6th, beaten 9l behind Caugh You Looking. 

In October at the Curragh she won a 1m group 3 fillies stakes beating Kitty Rose 2 ½ l, and finished the season at Santa Anita, finishing 4th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf Grade 1, beaten 1 ½ l by Hard to Justify. 

She looks similar to Orchid Bloom.

Trainer AO’Brien

2024 Flat Profile - Orchid Bloom

4 y gr f Farrh – Fire Orchid (Neil)

Useful filly, she made her debut at Newmarket in October 2022, winning a 7f fillies novice stakes by 3 ½ l from Reconsider Me, then in May last year was 2nd in a similar event at Chester, beaten 1l bt Alsakib (received 2lb). In June at Kempton in another 7f novice stakes she was 2nd again beaten 1 ½ l by New Business (received 2lb), then in July at Newbury won a 1m Premier fillies handicap by 1 ½ l from Maggies Way (received 1 lb). 

In August at Haydock in a 1m listed stakes for fillies and mares she was third, beaten 5l behind Heredia (gave 7lb), then in September at Saint- Cloud was 2nd in a 1m 3y listed fillies stakes, beaten a short neck  by Quickstep. She reappeared recently at Goodwood finishing 6th beaten 10 ¾ l in a 1m fillies listed stakes, behind Royal Dress, and looks tricky to win with

Trainer W. Haggas 

2024 Flat Profile - Swindon

3 y bc Wootton Bassett – Light It Up (Neil)

A dark horse, he won his only start, a 7f Wolverhampton maiden in November, beating Savvy Exchange ½ l. He doesn’t have any fancy entries, but from a stable that places its horses better than most, he is likely to win again

Trainer W.Haggas

2024 Flat Profile - London City

3 y gr c Justify – Winter   (Neil)

One of the Coolmore battalion of 3 year olds, he made his debut at the Curagh last August in a 7f maiden, finishing 5th, beaten 5 ½ l behind Atlantic Coast. In September at Tipperary, he was 6th in a 1m 1f maiden, beaten 12 ½ l by Los Angeles, and reappeared at Dundalk in April, winning a 1m 2f maiden by 1 ½ l from Ozark Daze.

He does hold English and Irish Derby entries, but on current achievements, they would seem unlikely

Trainer A.O’Brien

2024 Flat Profile - Cool Legend

3 y Gr c Sea The Stars – Childa  ( Neil)

No surprise that the first of Neil’s horses I looked at was a Grey. He made his debut at Kempton in November, finishing 5th, beaten 5 ¾ l in a 1m maiden, then in December in a 1m novice stakes was third beaten 3 ½ l by Immortal Knight. On his last run in December he won a 1m 3f maiden, again at Kempton by a neck from Classic Encounter. 

He is from a yard who place their horses very well, and he will have a reasonable handicap ark to work off, and is likely to improve if stepped up in trip again

Trainer W.Haggas

2024 Flat Profile - Lasting Love

3 y bf Lope De Vega – Yarrow  (Martin)

Filly who made her debut at Doncaster in a7f fillies maiden finishing 3rd beaten 1 ¼ l by Circe, then in April this year at Newbury was third again in a 1m 2f  fillies maiden, beaten ¾ l by Sinology, and on her last run was 6th in a 1m 3 ½ f  listed stakes at Chester, beaten 7 ¼ l by Forest Fairy. 

She does hold an Oaks entry but that looks unlikely, but she will get a handicap mark now and should be able to win at that level.

Trainer A.Balding

2024 Flat Profile - Kinako Mochi

3 y ch f Siyouni – Sea of Grace  (Martin)

Another yet to get off the mark, but has shown plenty of promise in both starts to date. She made her debut at Kempton in July last year, finishing 2nd beaten 1 ¼ l by Hellfire Bay in a 6f fillies maiden, then filled the same position at Lingfield in February in a 7f fillies novice stakes, beaten 3 ¾ l by Queen Of Zafeen. 

She does hold a group 1 entry at Royal Ascot so her next run will be interesting

Trainer R.Varian

2024 Flat Profile - Cool Dividend

3 y bg Profitable – So Funny  (Martin)

Interesting pick who has yet to return a winning dividend, but has shown promise with 2 second places. He made his debut at Salisbury in July last year, finishing 2nd in a 7f novice stakes, beaten 5 ½ l by Hot Fuss, then in August at Leicester in a similar event was 2nd again, beaten 2 ¼ l by Kingdom of Riches. On his last run in a 7f restricted novice stakes at Leicester he was 6th beaten 6 ¾ l by Blue Lemons. 

He looks capable of winning a small handicap or two at least.

Trainer C.Cox

2024 Flat Profile - Cinderellas Dream

3 y bf Shamardal – Espardrille  (Martin)

Smart filly who made a winning debut at Lingfield last May taking a 7f fillies maiden by a neck from Shadan Joy, then in September at Thirsk won a fillies novice stakes over 1m by 1l from Faayzah. Reappearing at Meydan in February she won a 7f conditions stakes by 2 ¾ l from Beautiful Love and on her last start ,at Newmarket in the 1m group 1 1000 guineas was 7th beaten 4 ½ l. She should certainly be placed to win at a slightly lower level again

Trainer C.Appleby

2024 Flat Profile - Mystik Dan

3 y bc Goldencents – Ma’ma  (Cod)

Top class colt, he made his debut at Oaklawn Park in January, finishing 5th in a 1m ½ f listed stakes, beaten 3 ½ l by Catching Freedom, then over course and distance in February won a maiden by 8l from Just Steel, hen in March over 1m 1f at Oaklawn , was third in the Arkansas Derby, beaten 6 ¼ l by Muth. 

He then went to Churchill Downs on 4 May and won the 1m 2f Grade 1 Kentucky Derby by a nose from Sierra Leone. What ever happens from now, he justified his selection.

Trainer K McPeek

2024 Flat Profile - Ramadan

3 y bc Le Harve – Raushan  (Cod)

Smart French colt who made his debut at Saint-Cloud in September, finishing 4th in a 7f conditions stakes, beaten 3 ½ l by Supercooled. 3 weeks later at Chantilly he won a 1m conditions stakes by 1 ¾ l from Narkez, then in October at Saint- Cloud was 4th in the 1m 2f group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud, beaten 1 ¼ l by Los Angeles. 

He reappeared at Saint- Cloud in March, winning a 1m listed stakes by 5l from Grey Man, then last time out in April won a 1m group 3 at Longchamp by ¾ l from Beauvatier. He has an entry in the French 2000 guineas and also group 1 entries in the St James palace stakes and Eclipse stakes. He is an interesting selection

Trainer  C.Head

2024 Flat Profile - Meydaan

3 y bc Frankel – Nezwaah  ( Cod)

Colt who made his debut at Newcastle in November, winning a 1m 2f maiden by 1 ¾ l from Mr Hampstead, then was 5th at Newmarket in April in a confined novice stakes over 1m 2f beaten 3 ½ l by Endless Victory. He holds a Derby entry and a group 2 at Royal Ascot so is obviously held in some regard by a shrewd yard, he  should certainly win again

Trainer S&E.Chrisford

2024 Flat Profile - Danielle

3 y ch f Cracksman – Crimson Ribbonn (Cod)

Filly who made her debut at Southwell in December, finishing 3rd in a 7f novice stakes beaten 9l behind Night Raider, then in April at Chelmsford was 2nd over 1m 2f in maiden fillies stakes, beaten ½ l by Winter Snowfall, then won on her latest start at Wetherby, taking a 1m 2f fillies novice stakes by an eye catching 12l from Cabrera.

She holds an Oaks entry and is obviously on the upgrade and will win more races.

Trainer J&T Gosden

2024 Flat Profile - Dancing Gemini

3 y bc Camelot – Lady Adelaide (Cod)

Useful 2 year old who made his debut at Salisbury in June last year, finishing 2nd in a 7f maiden, beaten 1 ¼ l by Metallo.  Stepped in to listed class at Ascot next time, he was 5th, beaten  14 ¾ l over 7f behind Rosallion.

He got off the mark in August at Newbury winning a 7f maiden by 1 ¾ l from Fire Demon, then a month later at Doncaster won a 7f  listed stakes by 4 ¼ l from Gushing Gold.  He finished the season with 5th at Doncaster in the 1m group 1 Futurity stakes, beaten  3 ¼ l behind Ancient Wisdom. His first main target is the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Longchamp.

Trainer R.Teal

2024 Flat Profile - Meribella

3 y b f Sea The Stars – Incharge  ( Cliff)

Another once raced winner, she made her debut at Newmarket in July, winning a 7f fillies novice stakes by 1l from Lady Pagasa. She holds English and Irish oaks entries.

Trainer R.Beckett

2024 Flat Profile - Ejaabiyah

3 y b f Frankel -  Estijaab    (Cliff)

She made a winning debut at Kempton in November, taking a 1m fillies novice stakes by 6l from Sattwaa. She holds group 1 entries in both English and Irish Oaks, and will hopefully be exciting this season.

Trainer R.Varian

2024 Flat Profile - Delius

3 y bc Frankel – Whatami  (Cliff)

Unbeaten French colt, he caught my eye when winning a Longchamp 1m 2f maiden for unraced 3 year olds in April by 3 ½ l from Kind Of Kiss. He doesn’t have any fancy entries but will hopefully win again

Trainer J.C Rouget

2024 Flat Profile - Azada

3y bf Siyouni – Azmiyna (Cliff)

She made her debut at  Leopardstown last October, winning a 7f fillies maiden by 2 ½ l from Harbour Gem. She has a number of group 1 entries, and will hopefully prove very good.

Trainer D.Weld

2024 Flat Profile - Folgaria

3 y bf Due Diligence – Full Moon Fever (Bob)

A rare ex Italian filly, she made a winning debut at San Siro on 10 May last year, taking a 6f fillies maiden. She then won a 5 ½ f listed fillies stakes at  Capannelle by ½ l from Royal Mylea, then in June at San Siro, won a 6f listed fillies stakes by 7l from Royal Grey (received 4lb). In July at San Siro she won a 6f group 3 by 6l from Amorevole, then followed up at San Siro in October, winning a 1m fillies group 2 by 2 ¼ l from Three Havanas.

She moved across to Newmarket and made her debut in England on 20 April at Newbury, winning a 7f group 3 fillies stakes by a neck from Regal Jubilee, and looks a useful selection.

Trainer M.Botti

2024 Flat Profile - Elizabeth Jane

3 y ch f Dubawi – Sapphire  (Bob)

One of the dark horses, she won her only start at Leopardstown last October, winning a 1m fillies maiden by 4 ¼ l from Andromeda. She holds Group 1 and 2 entries, so is obviously well thought of and comes from a very good yard, and her next appearance will be very interesting

Trainer D. Weld

2024 Flat Profile - Dyrholaey

3 y bc City of Light – Agua De Mar (Bob)

Unbeaten colt who made his debut on 11 January at Chelmsford winning a 6f Restricted maiden by a neck from Different Breed, and followed up at Wolverhampton in a similar event beating Perfevt View ( received 4lb) 5 ½ l. His latest win was at Newcastle in a 5f novice stakes beating Queens Guard received 7lb) a neck. He looks a useful sprinter at the lower levels at least.

Trainer A. Watson

2024 Flat Profile - Balmacara

3 y bg New Bay – Utopian Dream  (Bob)

Colt who made his debut at Newmarket on 3 November in a 7f novice stakes, finishing 3rd beaten 2 ½ l by Zoum Zoum, then on 24 March this year won a 7f novice stakes at Doncaster by a head from Manhattan Mirage. He followed up over course and distance in a similar event beating Surrey Shadow (received 6 lb).  4 ½ l. That is a useful performance and he looks a progressive sort from a decent yard who don’t often figure here.

Jockey Charlie Bishop said afterwards, We came here today to find out whether we've got a handicapper or a Group horse," said jockey Charlie Bishop. "That's for the trainer to decide now. But I imagine she's going to look for something flashier — he could do a bit of damage on soft ground in a Group race.

One to stay on the right side of

Trainer E Johnson – Houghton

2024 Flat - What's in the Name?

Dyrhólaey literally means "the hill island with the door hole". It's 120 m high and you are able to walk the arch or the bridge if you are not afraid of heights, in Iceland.

2024 Flat - Bonus Races and Scoring

Bonus races

2,000 GUINEAS NEWMARKET, MAY 

1,000 GUINEAS NEWMARKET, MAY 

Chester  Cup                    Chester May

Lockinge Stakes                        Newbury May                                             

 Oaks        EPSOM, JUNE 

CORONATION CUP EPSOM   JUNE 

DERBY EPSOM    JUNE 

ST JAMES PALACE STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

QUEEN ANNE STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

PRINCE OF WALES STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

ASCOT GOLD CUP ROYAL ASCOT,   JUNE 

CORONATION STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

Kings Stand Stakes           Royal Ascot June                                          

Commonwealth Cup       Royal Ascot June                                                     

Irish Derby CURRAGH,   JUNE  

ECLIPSE STAKES SANDOWN    JULY  

JULY CUP NEWMARKET,   JULY   

KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES ASCOT,   JULY  

SUSSEX STAKES GOODWOOD,   JULY 

NASSAU STAKES GOODWOOD,  AUGUST 

Stewards Cup                    Goodwood August                                        

INTERNATIONAL STAKES York

NUNTHORPE STAKES YORK,   AUGUST 

Ebor                                      York                                

IRISH CHAMPION STAKES , LEOPARDSTOWN, SEPTEMBER 

ST LEGER DONCASTER,  SEPTEMBER 

Cambridgeshire          Newmarket September

PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE LONGCHAMP OCTOBER 

Cesarewitch    Newmarket October

CHAMPION STAKES ASCOT,   OCTOBER 

QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES ASCOT,  OCTOBER

 

Scoring

All races in the UK and Ireland, Group and listed races in France, Group races in rest of Europe and Turkey, Non Handicap Group 1 Grade1 Races in America and Canada

Group 1 25 points,

Group 2 20

Group 3 15

Listed          12 ( Races run off set weight Bands)    

Handicaps   10 (Races run off a weight range , ie 0-90, and including handicaps with the word listed in the title)

All other races     10

2nd place in Bonus races 12 points + tote return

Grand Slam , there are 4 grand slam events, 2 on the flat at Royal Ascot and York in August, Cheltenham and Aintree over jumps. You can add 1 extra horse to your string that is not already in any other string, to run at these meetings and the top scoring trainer at these meetings gains an extra 20 points. Any one winning all 4 on the bounce completes the Grand Slam and gets another 20 point bonus.

Single Pick Bonus of double points, unless race is bonus race, when only the points value of the race is added as a bonus.

2024 Flat - Previous Champs and Chumps

Figures in brackets are point’s totals. 10 Horses were used up to jumps 99/2000 when we moved to 15.

From jump season 200/7 8 single picks get double points.

Hall Of Fame                              List Of Shame                             

Flat 1998   Steve

Flat 1999  Tony (276)            Spoon Bob (59)

Flat 2000 Bob    (497)           Spoon  Steve (105)

Flat 2001 Cod    (402)           Spoon  Cliff (99)

Flat 2000 John (794)            Spoon  Steve (259)

Flat 2003 Neil (601)             Spoon)  Steve) (229)

Flat 2004  John                    Spoon  Peej)

Flat 2005  Neil                      Spoon John   

Flat 2006 Neil (580)             Spoon Peej (224)

Flat 2007  Cliff 703             Spoon Martin 155     

Flat 2008  Cod 1019             Spoon  Steve

Flat 2009  Peej 874                Spoon Tony333

Flat 2010 Bob 958                  Spoon  John 456

Flat 2011 John967                Spoon    Steve    546

Flat 2012  Cod   881               Spoon    Peej   498

Flat 2013 Martin   778.5           Spoon   Bob   377

Flat 2014  Lee    1222.1             Spoon   Martin 443.1

Flat 2015  Cliff   1057.1            Spoon   Steve     340.8

Flat 2016   Bob   875.9             Spoon    Steve  328.1   

Flat 2017   Martin  821.2         Spoon Cod   184.5

Flat2018    Cliff     1254.8         Spoon  Cod  246.2

Flat 2019    Neil  1437.2            Spoon   Peej 545.4

Flat 2020   Cliff   872.4              Spoon   Cod    307.35 * short season due to Covid      

Flat 2021 Steve 802.8                Spoon Peej    217.75

Flat 2022   Neil 838.73                Spoon Cod 250.8

Jumps Hall Of Fame                    List Of  Shame

Jumps 98/99 Cliff                        Spoon Steve

Jumps 99/00 Cliff(541)                Spoon Steve (182)

Jumps 00/01 Bob (387)                Spoon Lee  (198)

Jumps 01/02 Martin (512)          Spoon Steve (161)

Jumps 02/03 Lee (618)                Spoon Cod  (238)

Jumps 03/04 Neil( 661)               Spoon Steve (361)

Jumps 04/05 John (571)             Spoon Steve (166)

Jumps 05/06 John (571)             Spoon Cliff (180)      

Jumps 06/07 Lee 705                   Spoon  Cod  203

Jumps 07/08 Cliff 703                Spoon   John 322

Jumps 08/09 Lee 737                 Spoon   Tony 249

Jumps   09/10  Bob 983              Spoon    Neil 497

Jumps 10/11   Martin 750         Spoon   Peej 481

Jumps 11/12    Cod   698           Spoon Neil 441

Jumps 12/13  Neil                       Spoon Cliff  

Jumps 13/14  Peej, 842.6          Spoon  Cliff   400.2

Jumps 14/15 Tony 910.6      Spoon 327.8

Jumps 15/16   Neil                 Spoon Steve 545.4  

  Jumps   16/17 Lee 1061                 Spoon   Bob  645.8           

Jumps 17/18  Steve    1035.84          Spoon  Bob  510.9

Jumps 18/19   Peej    1055.1               Spoon     Neil 559.1

Jumps 19/20  Steve 737.7                   Spoon  Cod 481.3  (Season stopped on March 20th due to Covid 19)

Jumps 20/21  Cliff   1093.8           Spoon  Bob   373.1

Jumps 21/22    Peej 1203.92         Spoon Martin 427.99

Jumps 22/23  Peej  1226.22             Spoon  Cliff  680.42

Jumps 23/4    Peej   111.9                  Spoon Cod 639. 57

2024 Flat - Editor's Introduction

A slightly different handbook as we are already under way, so I will just concentrate on a few single picks from each string that have yet to run. Congratulations to Bob and Cod for big price single pick winners already, and the big shock of the season already with City of Troy a big blow out in the 2000 guineas. Can he be another Auguste Rodin and bounce back in the derby, time will tell. 

We have 101 horses selected for the competition. 80 single picks I think. All seven of us went for the 2,000 Guineas favourite. Five others have been chosen by more than half of us, so it should be another interesting and hopefully competitive season

The Editor

2024 Flat Issue 2 - No soft landing for the Ed.

Headlines

Speech Makes a Notable Start

Rosallion Roars Home

Dan Spirits the points away

Theory works out at Hamilton

Friendly is good for The Soul

Jacket Whistles home 

White Birch

Report

We start on Saturday at Newmarket where in the 1m grade 1 2000 guineas Notable Speech (Bob), Rosallion (Cod, Neil, Steve), took there chances. Noteable Speech, Held up in rear, smooth headway towards far side from 3f out, ridden to lead 1f out, edged right but ran on inside final furlong, winning by 1 ½ l. He gets 109 points. Rosallion, in touch with leaders, smooth headway from 3f out, led narrowly 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, no match for winner, 2nd beaten 1 ½ l. He gets 13.7 points.

At Churchill Downs in the 1m 2f grade 1 Kentucky Derby Mystik Dan (Cod), took his chance, Broke best and led, headed after 150yds, soon settled in touch, smooth progress and muscled through narrow gap on rail to lead 2f out, ridden clear from 1 1/2f out, 2 length lead entering final furlong, kept on gamely, just lasted home winning by a nose. He gets 128.44 points.

On Sunday at Hamilton in the 1m 5f handicap Capital Theory ( Cod), took his chance, Prominent, led narrowly over 3f out, shaken up and went clear over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, kept on well, winning by 4 1/3 l. He gets 27.5 points.

At Newmarket in the 1m 2f listed fillies stakes Friendly Soul (Martin) took her chance, In touch with leaders, headway to lead 8f out, faced challenge from 3f out, ridden and kept on well inside final furlong, always doing enough , winning by 1 ½ l. She gets 46 points.

On Monday at the Curragh Whistlejacket (Peej)  went to post in the 5g listed stakes, Made all, shaken up and went clear over 1f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, winning comfortably by 3 ¾ l. He gets 27.68 points

In the 1m 2f group 2 White Birch ( Neil), went to post, Raced in second, joined leader going okay 3f out, soon led, clear when ridden over 1f out, ran on, eased towards finish, winning  comfortably by 3 ¾ l. He gets 46 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

        May           Total

Cod   169.64        169.64

Bob   109           109

Neil     59.7         59.7

Martin    46       46

Peej    27.68         27.68

Steve   13.7           13.7

Cliff    00         00

News

City Of Troy's disappointing performance in Saturday's 2,000 Guineas evoked memories of his stablemate Auguste Rodin, who finished well held after being sent off favourite for last year's Guineas. Auguste Rodin bounced back from Newmarket with a stunning Derby success and punters are backing Aidan O'Brien to pull off another training masterclass, with City Of Troy backed into joint-favourite for next month's Derby. The question is: can he still deliver at Epsom on the back of Saturday's run?  

Aidan O’Brien told The Punter On City Of Troy's Guineas run: "He got down to the start grand, but the minute he got into the stalls he started jumping around, then the gates opened because he was last in. When a horse starts panicking like that, their heart rate rises straight away, so his heart was probably beating at close to 200 beats a minute. When you start off a race with a heartbeat that high, you really only get to halfway in any race. I think that's what happened to him. He was too fresh really and that's what we're putting it down to. He has always been very relaxed in the stalls, but maybe I should have done a bit of stalls work with him before the race, but I didn't. I just never anticipated something like that happening with him."

Weekend Entries

Friday

Ascot 

1.50 Accumulate 

2.20 Miss Rascal 

4.05 Cool Dividend

Chester 

3.05 Passenger

3.40 Aztec Empire

4.15 Razdan

Nottingham

6.34 Raheen Rode

Saturday

Lingfield 

2.25 Danielle

3.00 Meydaan

Ascot

2.40 Mostabshir, Popmaster

Haydock

3.50 Poet Master, Pogo

Sunday

Leopardstown  

3.00 Yosemite Valley

3.35 London City

4.45 Theophilos

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, , Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

2024 Flat Issue 1 - Something for the Weekend

In case the Ed. gets a chance to do a handbook, if there are any of your selections you might especially like included please let him know.

Let's have a look at some weekend entries…

Saturday

Goodwood

2.05 - Orchid Bloom

Newmarket

1.45 - Summerghand

2.20 - Theoryofeverything

3.35 - City of Troy, Ghostwriter, Haatem, Notable Speech, Rosallion

Sunday

Newmarket

1.50 - Meribella

3.40 - Cinderellas Dream, Content, Fallen Angel, Lunar Eclipse, Regal Jubilee, Star Style, Ylang Ylang

4.15 - Miss Rascal

Salisbury

4.30 - Carp Kid

5.05 - Raheen Rode

(Our last Salisbury winner was in 2019 - Marshal Dan if you’re interested.)

Sorry if I’ve missed any.

Current Betfair odds on our selections for the weekend’s bonus races

2,000 Guineas

4/6 City of Troy

11/2 Rosallion

10/1 Notable Speech

11/1 Ghostwriter

25/1 Haatem

1,000 Guineas

11/4 Fallen Angel

4/1 Ylang Ylang

16/1 Cinderellas Dream

16/1 Content

20/1 Royal Jubilee

25/1 Star Style

40/1 Lunar Eclipse

Right. Over to our beloved and much-missed Ed….

2024 Flat - The Single Picks

Bob (10)	American Affair	Balmacara	Bucanero Fuerte	Dyrholaey
	Elizabeth Jane	God's Window	Hamish	Hedonista
	Notable Speech	Tenebrism
Cliff (11)	Accumulate	Azada	Delius	Ejaabiyah
	English Rose	Feigning Madness	Let Life Happen	Meribella
	Passenger	Roi De France	Yosemite Valley
Cod (16)	Capital Theory	Carp Kid	Dancing Gemini	Danielle
	Danielsflyer	Danzart	Meydaan	Miss Yvonne
	Mystik Dan (USA)	Pogo	Ramadan	Razdan
	Summerghand	Theophilos	Theoryofeverything	Theotherside
Martin (14)	Al Qareem	Alkasib	Aztec Empire	Cool Dividend
	Cinderellas Dream	Coltrane	Friendly Soul	Kinako Mochi
	Lasting Love	Nashwa	Night Raider	Raheem Rode
	Spetses	Vellum Justum
Neil (8)	Azure Blue	Charyn	Cool Legend	London City
	Lunar Eclipse	Orchid Bloom	Swindon	White Birch
Peej (10)	Chemistry	Content	Daysofourlives	Easy
	Economics	Elegant Man	Miss Rascal	Popmaster
	Sanditon	Whistlejacket
Steve (11)	Ancient Wisdom	Bluestocking	Eben Shaddad	Folgaria
	Haatem	Kaleidoscope	Lautrec	Mostabshir
	Okeechobee	Regal Jubilee	Star Style

In addition, Cliff has retained single pick rights for Kyprios.

Let me know if I've got anything wrong.

2024 Flat - The Alphabetical List

A Lilac Rolla		Bob, Peej
Accumulate		Cliff
Al Qareem		Martin
Alkasib		Martin
American Affair		Bob
Ancient Wisdom		Steve
Arabian Crown		Cliff, Neil, Peej, Steve
Auguste Rodin		Cod, Neil
Azada		Cliff
Aztec Empire		Martin
Azure Blue		Neil
Balmacara		Bob
Bluestocking		Steve
Bucanero Fuerte		Bob
Capital Theory		Cod
Carp Kid		Cod
Charyn		Neil
Chemistry		Peej
Cinderellas Dream		Martin
City of Troy		All
Coltrane		Martin
Content		Peej
Continuous		Cliff, Neil
Cool Dividend		Martin
Cool Legend		Neil
Dancing Gemini		Cod
Danielle		Cod
Danielsflyer		Cod
Danzart		Cod
Daysofourlives		Peej
Delius		Cliff
Dyrholaey		Bob
Easy		Peej
Eben Shaddad		Steve
Economics		Peej
Ejaabiyah		Cliff
Elegant Man		Peej
Elizabeth Jane		Bob
English Rose		Cliff
Fallen Angel		Bob, Cliff, Neil, Steve
Feigning Madness		Cliff
Folgaria		Bob
Friendly Soul		Martin
Ghostwriter		Cod, Martin, Peej, Steve
God's Window		Bob
Haatem		Steve
Hamish		Bob
Hedonista		Bob
Henry Longfellow		Neil, Steve
Inspiral		Bob, Neil, Steve
Kaleidoscope		Steve
Kikkuli		Bob, Steve
Kinako Mochi		Martin
King of Steel		Cliff, Neil
Kyprios		Cliff, Neil
Lasting Love		Martin
Lautrec		Steve
Let Life Happen		Cliff
London City		Neil
Lunar Eclipse		Neil
Meribella		Cliff
Meydaan		Cod
Miss Rascal		Peej
Miss Yvonne		Cod
Mostabshir		Steve
Mystik Dan (USA)		Cod
Nashwa		Martin
Night Raider		Martin
Notable Speech		Bob
Okeechobee		Steve
Orchid Bloom		Neil
Passenger		Cliff
Poet Master		Martin, Peej
Pogo		Cod
Popmaster		Peej
Raheem Rode		Martin
Ramadan		Cod
Razdan		Cod
Regal Jubilee		Steve
Roi De France		Cliff
Rosallion		Cod, Neil, Steve
Sanditon		Peej
See the Fire		Martin, Steve
Spetses		Martin
Spycatcher		Martin, Steve
Staincliff		Bob, Martin
Star Style		Steve
Summerghand		Cod
Swindon		Neil
Tenebrism		Bob
Theophilos		Cod
Theoryofeverything		Cod
Theotherside		Cod
Tower of London		Bob, Neil, Peej
Trawlerman		Cliff, Peej
Vandeek		Bob, Cliff, Neil, Peej
Vellum Justum		Martin
Whistlejacket		Peej
White Birch		Neil
Ylang Ylang		Bob, Cliff, Peej, Steve
Yosemite Valley		Cliff

Red = single pick reserved rights