The voice of racing men since 1998

Sunday, 3 September 2017

2017 Flat Issue 18 - Marsha stars

Headlines

Marsha Stars in Nunthorpe
Talaayeb Lands City of York Stakes

Mojitos raised at York

Report

We go back to York last Friday where  in the 7f Group 3, Talaayeb ( Cliff, Lee,,
Martin), took her chance, raced midfield, pushed along and headway over 2 out, ridden to lead narrowly over 1 out, kept on well to win by a neck. She gets 25.4 points.

In the 5f Group 1 Nunthorpe stakes, Marsha ( Bob, Cliff, ), Lady Aurelia ( Bob), took their chances,. Marsha, raced towards stands side, tracked leaders, not much room over 1 out, chased leading pair inside last, driven, edged left, ran on strongly to lead on line, winning by a nose. She gets 57.8 points.
Lady Aurelia, quickly away, led towards centre, ridden and quickend entering final furlong, driven and edged left, caught final stride, finishing 2nd beaten a nose. She gets 24 points.


In the 1m handicap, Mojito ( Bob, Martin)took his chance, took keen hold early, tracked leaders, smooth headway to lead well over 1 out, ridden entering final furlong, kept on well close home winning by 2 ¼ l. He gets 13.5 points.


The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 August          Total

Martin           126.3             645.3
Cliff                211.9            619.2
Lee                  106.2              539
Bob                144.5             501.3
Steve              72                   457.3
Neil               72                   447.6
Tony               112.7              420.7
Peej                 16.3              420.4
Cod                 00               136.6

News
Connections of Cracksman are still keeping all options open for the progressive colt following his impressive victory in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last week.
The next possible race for Cracksman is the Prix Niel at Chantilly on September 10, for which there is a second entry stage on Friday, but owner Anthony Oppenheimer has played down suggestions that this will act as a stepping stone to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Trainer John Gosden said straight after the horse's eyecatching performance on the Knavesmire that he might not even run again this year.
However, Cracksman holds entries in both the Irish (14/1) and English Champion Stakes (10/1) and the Arc (8/1), for which his stablemate Enable is hot favourite.
Oppenheimer told Thhe Punter: "I think Mr Gosden is just keeping an eye on the horse and trying to work things out.
"The horse is entered for the Arc, the Irish Champion Stakes, the English Champion Stakes and for the Prix Niel.
"If Enable is going to run in the Arc I don't think he will want to take her on. I could be wrong, but it's the same jockey (Frankie Dettori) so I don't think we'd want to change if we can help it.
Connections of Eminent have not yet decided whether to aim for the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes or the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
After finishing sixth in the 2000 Guineas, fourth in the Epsom Derby and fifth in the Coral-Eclipse, Martyn Meade's stable star got back on the winning trail with an authoritative all-the-way victory in the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville.
Meade was initially keen on a return to France for a tilt at Arc glory at Chantilly, but an appearance at Leopardstown on Saturday week has not been ruled out. Sky Bet make him 8/1 for the Irish Champion, a market currently headed by Churchill at 7/4 and Ulysses at 2/1.
Freddie Meade, assistant to his father, said: "He's in very good order and it's just which of the options we go for.
Daban will be transported back to Newmarket within the next few days as she continues her recovery from a fractured pelvis.
The John Gosden-trained three-year-old sustained the injury shortly after exiting the stalls in a Group Three at York on Friday on what was her first start since finishing sixth in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Daban will not run again this season and will be taken to the Newmarket Equine Hospital for further treatment.

Marsha remains on course to defend her crown in the Prix de l'Abbaye at Chantilly in October following her dramatic triumph in the Nunthorpe at York last Friday.

Monday, 28 August 2017

2017 Flat Issue 17 - loads of points gained at York

Headlines

George Keeps Order at The Curragh
Man Cracks Rivals at York
Ulysses slays rivals at York

Enable lands Yorkshire Oaks

Report


We start at the Curragh on Saturday where in the 1m 6f group 3 Order of St George ( Bob, Cliff, Martin, Neil, Peej, Tony), went to post, pushed along briefly early, chased leaders, 3rd ½ way, improved in to 2nd and going well 3 out, led 2 out, driven clear 1 out, edged right, stayed on strongly under hands and heels winning easily by 4 ½ l. He gets 16.3 points.

On Wednesday at York in the 1m3f group 2, Cracksman ( Bob, Cliff, Martin, Steve), took his chance, Chased leaders, niggled along over 4f out, soon responded and quickened to lead over 3f out, ridden clear inside final 2f, stayed on strongly, eased close home, wining impressively by 6l. He gets 21.4 points.

In the 1m 2f Group 1 Juddmonte International stakes, Ulysses ( Cliff Lee), Churchill ( Cliff, Martin, Neil, Tony), took their chances.
Ulysses, Held up behind leaders in 5th, closed going well from over 2f out, moved out right over 1f out, pushed into lead inside final furlong, ridden clear winning by 2l. He gets 54.6 points.
Churchill, Close 2nd until 9f out, tracked leaders, effort 3f out, strong challenge over 2f out, not pace of winner inside final furlong, 2nd and no impression towards finish, 2nd beaten 2l. He gets 12 points.    

Today in the 1m 4g group 1 Yorkshire Oaks, Enable ( Lee, Martin, Steve), went to post, Made all, clear over 1f out, ridden out, winning by 5l. She gets 26.2 points

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 August          Total

Martin           87.4              606.4
Cliff                128.7            536
Lee                  80.8              513.6
Steve              72                   457.3
Neil               72                   447.6
Tony               112.7              420.7
Peej                 16.3              420.4
Bob                49.2             406
Cod                 00               136.6

News
Magical Memory looks set for a third tilt at the 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock next month.
The Charlie Hills-trained grey was beaten less than a length into third place in the 2015 renewal of the six-furlong Group One, but was virtually tailed off last season.
The five-year-old was bitterly disappointing in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot in June, but has bounced back to form since, winning twice before finishing fourth in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.
Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds, said: "We have entered him in the Park Stakes at Doncaster over seven furlongs, but I think we'll end up at Haydock. It looks a hot race but we'll have a go.
Barney Roy will next be seen in action at Ascot on Champions Day - but which race he runs in will depend on the ground.
Richard Hannon's St James's Palace winner faded into third behind Ulysses in the Juddmonte International, having had a sustained tussle with Churchill for much of the straight. "I think we'll come back to a mile on Champions Day if the ground is on the soft side, but were it to ride good I'd have no trouble in running him over 10 furlongs again.
Marsha and Lady Aurelia clash in the Nunthorpe on Saturday
Order Of St George won the Irish St Leger Trial for the third time and will attempt to avenge last year's reverse in the Leger itself.
"Order Of St George is in good form and he did everything right in the Irish St Leger Trial on Saturday," said O'Brien.
"He handled the ease in the ground well and stays very well. In all fairness to Order Of St George, he is a very consistent horse and the plan is for him to come back to the Curragh for the Irish St Leger.

Friday, 18 August 2017

2017 Flat Issue 16 - York next week

Headlines

Francus lands Rose of Lancaster
Al Wukair wins at Deauville
Eminent stars in

Report

We start at Haydock last Saturday where in the 1m 2f group 3 , Frankus ( Neil), went to post, made all, 2l lead 2 out, cajoled along, ridden over 1 out and 3l clear, reduced advantage inside last, stayed on gamely, winning by ¾ l. He gets 43.8 points.

At Deauville on Sunday in the 1m group 1 Prix Du Haras De Fresney Le Buffard – Jacques Le Marois, Al Wukair ( Tony), went to post, tracked leaders, ridden over 2 out, driven and stayed on last 100 yards, led last strides winning by a short head. He gets 60 points.

OnTuesday at Deauville in the 1m 2f group 2 Eminent ( Cliff, Steve, Tony), took his chance, Made all, ridden and kept on well from 2f out, winning unchallenged by 3l He gets 24.4 points.


The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 August          Total

Martin             11.5             524.1
Cliff                24.4            431.7
Lee                  00               432.8
Neil               43.8             419.3
Peej                 00              404.1
Steve              24.4            409.7
Tony               84.4              392.4
Bob                11.5              368.3
Cod                 00               136.6

News
Order Of St George could bid to win the Comer Group Irish St Leger Trial for the third year running at the Curragh on Saturday.
Aidan O'Brien's star stayer has won the mile-and-three-quarter Group Three for the last two seasons and bids for the hat-trick after going down by just a short head to Big Orange in his defence of his Gold Cup crown at Royal Ascot.
"The Irish St Leger Trial on Saturday is the race we are looking at for Order Of St George at the moment," said O'Brien.
Barney Roy is the narrow 3/1 favourite for the Juddmonte International at Sky Bet as he looks set for another battle with Ulysses at York on Wednesday week.
The Coral-Eclipse principals are on course to clash again in what is shaping up to be a fantastic renewal of the Group One contest.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Ulysses, , edged out Richard Hannon's three-year-old colt by a nose in Sandown's 10-furlong showpiece and connections have confirmed both horses will head to the Knavesmire, where the opposition could include dual Guineas winner Churchill.

Irish Derby one-two Capri and Cracksman could renew rivalries in the Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday. Atty Perse and Best of Days also hold entries.


Saeed Bin Suroor intends to give Thunder Snow a short break before preparing him for a shot at the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Qipco Champions Day.

Friday, 11 August 2017

2017 Flat Issue 15 - we draw a blank at a major festival

Headlines

Mojito Shakes Rivals at Newmarket

Report

At Newmarket on Saturday, Mojito ( Bob, Martin), went to post, soon led, worked way over to stands rail, travelled best, pushed 2l clear over 1 out, in command and won by 2 ¼ l. He gets 11.5 points.



The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 August          Total

Martin             11.5             524.1
Lee                  00               432.8
Cliff                00               407.3
Peej                 00              404.1
Steve              00               385.3
Neil               00               375.5
Bob                11.5              368.3
Tony               00                308
Cod                 00               136.6
Congratulations to Lee who was July trainer of the month

News
Yucatan will have his progress monitored closely before a decision is made as to whether he is seen out again this season.
Although the three-year-old still holds an entry in next month's William Hill St Leger at Doncaster, connections have warned that he is far from certain to run in the final British Classic of the year.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt has not run since finishing second behind stablemate Douglas Macarthur in a Group Three at Leopardstown in May after sustaining a setback in the build-up to the Epsom Derby.
Alan Cooper, racing manager to owner the Niarchos Family, said: "Yucatan had a bit of a setback just before the Derby.
"He is back in full training, but Aidan O'Brien will feel his way with him and see if he is ready for another run this year or if he is better waiting until next year.
"Hopefully he should be a good older horse as he has missed a lot of this year so he should be a fresh horse for next year."
Eclipse winner Ulysses will be dropped back in trip on his next start in either the Juddmonte International at York or the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
While a second shot at the Breeders' Cup Turf remains the long-term target for the Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old, connections are weighing up which 10-furlong Group One contest he will take in next.
Enable remains on course to try for a fourth top-level success of the season in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York later this month.
After winning both the English and Irish Oaks, the John Gosden-trained three-year-old claimed a runaway victory last time out in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

The daughter of Nathaniel is a general 1/3 chance to extend her winning sequence to five this campaign and claim the Group One prize on August 24.

Monday, 7 August 2017

2017 Flat Issue 14 - very sparse

Headlines

Enable Storms to King George Glory

Report

At Ascot last Saturday in the 1m 4f Group 1 King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth stakes, Enable (Lee, Martin, Steve), Ulysses ( Cliff , Lee) took their chances.
Enable, took keen hold, tracked leader closed to lead well over2 out, soon quickend clear, shaken up, over 1 out, ran on strongly, winning impressively by 4 ½ l. She gets 52.1 points.
Ulysses, held up in rear , smooth headway over 3 out to track winner, soon unable to live with her finishing 2nd 4 ½ l. He gets 12 points.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 July          Total

Martin             188.9           512.6
Lee                  289.5            432.8
Cliff                96.4             407.3
Peej                 47.2           404.1
Steve              127.5             385.3
Neil               173.6           375.5
Bob                84.8             356.8
Tony               00                308
Cod                 31.8               136.6


News
American speedball Lady Aurelia remains firmly on course to bid for further Group One glory in the Coolmore Nunthorpe at York.
Wesley Ward's filly won at Royal Ascot for the second successive year with another astonishing display of raw speed in last month's King's Stand Stakes.
The three-year-old is Sky Bet's 8/11 antepost favourite to follow up on the Knavesmire on August 25 and Ward could not be happier with how his star performer has recovered from her Ascot exertions.
Ward said: "She did some beautiful work on Tuesday, she's got a couple more works to go and we'll be ready.
"She came back from Ascot in unbelievable shape and we're really happy with her.
Caravaggio is reported to be in good order ahead of his attempt to bounce back to winning ways in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on Sunday.
Henry Candy feels he ran Limato back too soon in the Lennox Stakes on Tuesday.
The dual Group One winner faded to finish fourth at Goodwood, admittedly beaten only half a length, but Candy felt he failed to finish off his race – 17 days after he claimed second place in the July Cup at Newmarket.
"I think we ran probably a week too soon," the Wantage handler told Racing UK.

"He's always wanted a long time between races in the past and I thought as an old boy now he might be a bit stronger, but he didn't quite see the race out.