2017 Flat Issue 5 - quite a few points gained this week

Headlines

Kodimoor lands Catterick Handicap

George Slays Rivals at Leopardstown

2000 guinea Cigar for Churchill at Curragh

Knight Decorated with Irish Gold Cup

Report

We start at Catterick last Thursday where in the 5f handicap Kodimoor ( Cod), went to post, chased leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, kept on well winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 35.4 points.

On Friday at Leopardstown Order of St George ( Bob, Cliff, Martin, Neil, Peej, Tony), took his chance in the 1m 6f listed stakes, waited with behind leaders, pushed along in 4^th in to straight, progress on outer to lead over 1 out, kept on well to assert under hands and heels, inside last, winning comfortably by 2 ¼ l. He gets 13.2 points.

On Saturday at the Curragh in the 1m group 1 Irish 2000 guineas, Churchill ( Cliff, Martin, Neil, Tony), went to post, waited with in 5^th, progress on outer in to 3^rd 2 out, and improved and going best over 1 out, soon led, ridden and edged right , winning by 2 ½ l. He gets 26.4 points

In the 1m 2f Tattersalls Group 1 Gold Cup, Decorated Knight ( Peej), took his chance, tracked leaders in 4^th, wnet 3^rd aftr 4f , travelled well in to 2^nd over 1 out, led 1 out, ran on well, winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 57.8 points.

At Chantilly on Sunday in the 1m 7f group 2 Vazirabad, ( Cliff, Tony), went to post, raced keenly, led reluctantly headed after 1 ½ f, tracked leader, led again over 4 out, driven 2 out, headed over 1 out, rallied to regain lead inside last, stayed on and holding runner up close home winning by a short neck, he gets  21.2 points

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               May          Total

Tony               202.8             202.8

Cliff                149.4          149.4

Martin             130.5         130.5

Neil                 120.7            120.7

Peej                 99.4                99.4

Bob                92.9               92.9

Steve                 65.6           65.6

Cod                 51.8            51.8

Lee                  44.5              44.5

Congratulations to Tony who is May trainer of the month

News

John Gosden is under no illusions about the task facing Enable in the Investec Oaks at Epsom on Friday.

The daughter of Nathaniel emerged as a leading contender for the mile-and-a-half Classic after she won the Cheshire Oaks a shade over three weeks ago, but faces a formidable opponent in Aidan O'Brien's 1000 Guineas runner-up Rhododendron.

Gosden, who won the Oaks for the first time with Taghrooda three years ago, has an interesting second string to his bow in Coronet, in a race that again forms part of the Qipco British Champions Series.

The Dubawi filly was doing her best work at the finish when third behind the reopposing Sobetsu in last month's Prix Saint-Alary at Deauville. The trainer said: "We're very happy with both of them and the other filly (Coronet) has done nothing wrong in her life.

"She came from a long way back in the Prix Saint-Alary to snatch third and has come on a lot for that race.

"She's been looking to run over a mile and a half. She's very much that type of filly and the trip will suit her very well.

Every good fairytale has a happy ending and trainer Martyn Meade hopes Eminent can produce exactly that in the Investec Derby.

Having gone through the sales ring at Tattersalls unsold as a yearling, the three-year-old will now bid to give the Newmarket handler a winner with his first runner in the Epsom Classic.

While victory in the premier Classic would be a milestone moment for Meade, it would also serve as a landmark occasion for the mighty Frankel in giving him a first British Classic in his role as a stallion.

"It's a big responsibility and a privilege having him, but that is what it is all about, that is what you work towards - having a horse that has got a chance in the Derby," said Meade.

Other Derby hopes, Best Solution
Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor, Jockey: Pat Cosgrave

Stablemate of Benbatl who is much more exposed, having won Lingfield Derby Trial on ninth start last time. Group One second as a juvenile came on soft so forecast rain no issue and that's supported by breeding, which is unspectacular versus the opposition but does scream testing ground. Joint top on BHA ratings and looks a certain stayer so must be considered.

Capri
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien, Jockey: TBC

Backed earlier in the week despite defeats in both Ballysax and Derrinstown, two notable trials which suggest the Aidan O'Brien team might be much of a muchness. Third, one place behind Best Solution in October's Grand Criterium de Saint-Cloud, had previously won on heavy and looks a stayer. Challenging for St Leger favouritism.

Cliffs Of Moher
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien, Jockey: TBC

Sexiest profile of the Ballydoyle battalion, having won Dee Stakes at odds-on last time on first run of the year. Certainly caught the eye in both starts as a juvenile, given an educational ride on debut before dotting up (form solid) in Leopardstown maiden. Dam was a five-furlong winner but wouldn't be the first such Galileo colt to stay the trip well. Similar in profile to last year's runner-up for the yard and could go off favourite.

Cracksman
Trainer: John Gosden, Jockey: Frankie Dettori

Unbeaten Frankel colt who has course experience having won the Epsom Derby Trial last time out, getting up close home to beat subsequent Dante winner a head. Needs to improve again even to uphold that form, you'd think, and some stamina doubts, albeit dam got a mile and a quarter well and on testing ground, too. Vibes from the yard not as strong as expected but sure to be popular.

Venice Beach
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien, Jockey: TBC

Chester Vase winner who had earlier landed a maiden over this distance. Half-brother to Arc winner Danedream so no surprise he's improved with time and trip, and while there might be an issue around tactical pace he should be coming home strongly. In a wide-open Derby, one of the more interesting ones and should run well from close to the pace.

Al Wukair misses Sunday's Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly due to a minor setback.

Wesley Ward was delighted with Lady Aurelia as the filly was one of several of her trainer's Royal Ascot contenders to work at Keeneland racecourse on Tuesday morning.

Last season's startling Queen Mary Stakes heroine was put through her paces over five furlongs alongside stablemate Bound For Nowhere.

Lady Aurelia is set to compete in the King's Stand Stakes at the Royal meeting, 

2017 Flat Issue 4 - One winner, lots of news

Headlines

Caravaggio Stars at Naas

Report

At Naas last Sunday in the 6f group 3, Caravaggio ( Bob, Cod, Neil, Peej, Tony), went to post, dwelt  and towards rear early, 5^th before ½ way, going well 2 out, pushed along in to 3^rd, over 1 out, ran on strongly to lead inside last, soon clear, winning easily by 4 ½ l. He gets 16.4 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               May          Total

Tony               142             142

Martin             90.9            90.9

Cliff                88.6               88.6    

Neil                 81.1             81.1

Bob                79.1               79.1

Steve                 65.6           65.6

Lee                  44.5               44.5

Peej                 28.4                28.4

 Cod                 16.4              16.4

News

Mirage Dancer has been ruled out of the Investec Derby but could still bid for Royal Ascot honours.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained son of Frankel won on his only start as a juvenile last year and returned to action with a fair fourth behind Derby favourite Cliffs Of Moher in the Dee Stakes at Chester earlier this month, doing some eyecatching work late on.

However, connections of Mirage Dancer believe a trip to Epsom may be the wrong move at present and while the King Edward VII Stakes at Ascot next month a possible alternative, the colt will not be hurried in his preparation.

Almanzor is expected to return to the fray next month – but Royal Ascot looks to be off the table.

Last season's star European colt, trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, still holds an entry in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at the Royal meeting but connections are instead likely to aim him at a Group Three at Chantilly.

Churchill will face just five rivals as he bids for a Classic double in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.

Aidan O'Brien's charge won the British version at the start of  the month and he will once again be joined by stablemates Lancaster Bomber and Spirit Of Valor, who finished fourth and eighth respectively at Newmarket.

Order Of St George leads the way as just five runners go to post for the Seamus & Rosemary McGrath Memorial Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown on Friday.

Aidan O'Brien's charge won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last year, claiming this Listed heat along the way, and will be having his second outing this term after finishing second in the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan last month.

Eminent delights Meade 

If you’ve glanced at Oddschecker on Tuesday morning you’ll have noticed Eminent has been cut across the board for the Investec Derby. Indeed, he’s 8/1 from 10s with Sky Bet.

That’s because he was the one that impressed onlookers the most in his piece of work on the Downs before breakfast, and his trainer was delighted with his son of Frankel as well.

“I was absolutely thrilled,” said trainer Martyn Meade. “He did exactly what we wanted him to do, it couldn’t have gone any better. It didn’t go according to plan in the Guineas, but I think this is his distance (1m4f).

Aidan O'Brien's Seventh Heaven is unlikely to run until the autumn after suffering a setback.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained filly had been among the leading lights for the Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom next week following her five-length stroll in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket earlier this month.

However, she has been ruled out of that race, with O'Brien expecting her to be sidelined for a lengthy period.

Last year's King George and Breeders' Cup Turf hero Highland Reel and his brother Idaho, who was third in the 2016 Derby, are instead likely to run in the Coronation Cup.

O'Brien said: "Seventh Heaven had a little bit of a setback so she probably won't be back out until the autumn.

Persuasive could make her seasonal reappearance in the Lanwades Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

After finishing second in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on her final start last season, the John Gosden-trained four-year-old is being lined up for a crack at the Group Two on Saturday.

Roger Charlton will step Atty Persse up in trip at Haydock on Friday as part of his preparations for an outing at Royal Ascot after ruling out a bid for the Investec Derby.

The unbeaten son of Frankel, who had been around a 20/1 chance for the Epsom Classic, will race over a mile and a quarter for the first time to contest the Watch Racing UK On BT TV Handicap at the Lancashire track.

2017 Flat Issue 3 - Latest edition

Headlines

Cliffs of Moher lands Chester Stakes
Edward Lewis wins at Lingfield

Report

We start at Chester last Friday where in the 1m 2f listed stakes, Cliffs of Moher ( Steve), took his chance, soon prominent, pushed along when chasing leader over 3 out, ridden over 1 out, edged slightly left when leading inside last, ran on strongly close home, winning by 1 ½ l . He gets 27.4 points.

           

At Lingfield last Friday where in the 5f handicap Edward Lewis ( Bob), took his chance, held up in touch in  mid field, smooth headway to join leader over 1 out, led 1 out, shaken up, and asserted inside last, ridden out, winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 26.8 points.

At York On Wednesday, in the 1m 2f fillies group 3, Shutter Speed ( Bob), took her chance, Tracked leaders, raced keenly, closed over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden out, won comfortably enough by 1 ¾ l. She gets

    The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               May          Total

Tony               125.6             125.6

Cliff                88.6               88.6    

Martin             90.9            90.9

Steve                 65.6           65.6

Neil                 64.7              64.7

Bob                62.7               62.7

Lee                  44.5               44.5

Peej                 12                 12

 Cod                

2017 Flat Issue 2 - A lively start

Headlines

Churchill Conquers 2000 Guineas

Marsha storms home in Palace House

Seventh Heaven lands Jockey Club Stakes

Enable impressive at Chester

Khairaat storms

Venice Beach lands Chester Vase

Report

We start at Newmarket last Saturday where in the 1m Group 1 2000 Guineas, Churchill (Cliff, Martin, Neil, Tony), Barney Roy ( Bob, Cliff, Martin, Peej, Steve), took their chances.

Churchill, tracked leaders, moved left to race against stands rail ½ way, effort 2 out, ridden to lead 1 out, stayed on well under pressure, always doing enough, winning by 1l He gets 52.7 points.

Barney Roy, took keen hold, in mid field, switched left and effort 2 out, stumbled badly running in to dip, switched right and headway entering final furlong, stayed on well, beaten 1l. He gets 12 points

In the 5f group 3, Marsha (Bob, Cliff), took her chance, held up towards rear, closed in to mid field and travelling strongly ½ way, switched left 2 out, ridden and quickend to lead entering final furlong, edged right but held on well under pressure, winning by a neck, She gets 23.9 points.

In the 1m 4f group 2, Seventh Heaven ( Tony) took her chance, held up in  4^th, went 3^rd 3 out and moved closer, ridden to challenge 2 out, led over 1 out and soon in command, went clear and stayed on strongly, winning by 5l. She gets 43 points.

On Sunday in the 1m group 1 1000 Guineas, Rhododendron ( Lee, Neil, Tony), took her chance, held up in touch in midfield, tracked leaders when not clear run over 2 out, no room and switched sharply left over 1 out, headway inside last and stayed on strongly to get 2^nd close home, beaten 2l. She gets 12 points.

At Chester on Wednesday in the 1m 3f listed stakes Enable ( Lee, Martin, Steve), took her chance, Tracked leader, led approaching 3f out, quickened over 1f out, eased towards finish, winning by 1 ¾ l. She gets 14.6 points.

Today at Chester in the 1m 2f handicap, Khairaat ( Martin, Steve), took his chance, Made all, drew clear inside final furlong, pushed out, winning comfortably by 4 ½ l. He gets 11.6 points.

In the 1m 4f group 3, Venice Beach ( Lee, Tony), took his chance, Led 1f, chased leaders, pushed along over 4f out, led inside final furlong, held on well, winning by 1 ¼ l He gets 17.9 points.

    The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               May          Total

Tony               125.6             125.6

Cliff                88.6               88.6    

Martin             79.3            79.3

Neil                 64.7              64.7

Lee                  44.5               44.5

 Bob                35.9               35.9

Steve                 26.6               26.6

Peej                 12                 12

 Cod                

News

Aidan O'Brien confirmed Caravaggio is likely to sidestep the French 2000 Guineas on Sunday and instead target the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Last year's winner Magical Memory is among 15 confirmations for the Duke of York Stakes on the Knavesmire on Wednesday.

Aidan O'Brien relies on Cliffs Of Moher to provide him with a sixth victory in the Homeserve Dee Stakes at Chester on Friday. The Galileo colt faces eight rivals over a mile and a quarter on the Roodee, with Frankel colt Mirage Dancer a fascinating runner for Sir Michael Stoute.

Henry Candy reports Limato to be on target to defend his Darley July Cup crown after recovering from an unsatisfactory trip to Dubai.

St Leger hero Harbour Law remains on course for a tilt at Gold Cup glory despite his disappointing return to action at Ascot.