2018 Flat Issue 5 - Latest exciting edition

Headlines

Man is nearly cracked at Epsom

King Crowned at Epsom

Study of Man lands

Report

We start at Epsom on Friday where in the 1m 4f group 1 Coronation Cup, Cracksman ( Bob, Cliff, Steve, Tony), took his chance, Held up in 5th, gained and place halfway, 3rd 3f out, 2nd and plenty to do over 2f out, ridden and closed steadily over 1f out, stayed on to lead last strides, winning by a head . He gets 51.1 points

In the 1m 2f handicap Ajman King ( Bob, Martin) went to post, Dwelt, soon mid-division, headway 3f out, weaved through from over 2f out, led inside final 2f, ridden and edged right over 1f out, clear inside final furlong, ran on well, winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 11.9 points.

In the 1m 4f Group 1 Oaks, Wild Illusion ( Cliff, Peej), took her chance, Tracked leading trio, came to near side and one off the rail in straight, ridden to lead and joined approaching final 2f, headed entering final 2f, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner, finishing 2^nd beaten 4 ½ l. She gets 12 points.

On Sunday at Chantilly in the 1m 2f Group 1 Prix Du Jockey Club  Study of Man ( Cliff), went to post, In midfield, pushed along and took closer order over 2f out, joined leaders 1 1/2f out, ridden along and led narrowly entering final furlong, pressed final furlong, always doing enough, winning by ½ l. He gets 59.4.points.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    June       Total

Cliff                     122.5         479.4

Tony                    51.1          233.9

Neil                      00         221.4

Bob                    63           178.2

Steve                    51.1        164.4

Cod                      00         148.9

Martin                 11.3        112.8

Peej                    12            60.6

News

The Prix de Diane and the Ribblesdale Stakes are two options under consideration for Friday's Investec Oaks runner-up Wild Illusion.

Having finished fourth in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket last month, Charlie Appleby's charge was favourite to claim Classic glory at the second attempt, but had to make do with the runner-up spot behind the Aidan O'Brien-trained Forever Together.

Appleby reports his filly to have recovered from her exertions well and the French Oaks at Chantilly on June 17 or the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot on June 21 will be her next port of call.

Connections of dual Classic winner Enable remain "optimistic" she will be ready in time to defend her Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe crown at ParisLongchamp in October.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, told the punter "Enable is fine, but it won't be until July until we have any idea of how we are going or where we are going.

"She has been in very good form and is just in light exercise at the moment. We will see how she goes, but there is not too much to report at the moment.

2018 Flat Issue 4 - Loads of winners again

Headlines

Bob is Free without Parole

May strikes Gold At Goodwood

George Keeps Order at Leopardstown

Mali lands Sandy Lane stakes

Batt bashes rivals at Haydock

Navy Sails home at The Curragh

Alpha Centauri stars at Curragh

Vazirabad

Report

We start at Sandown last Thursday, where in the 1m listed stakes, Without Parole ( Bob), went to post, Went left start, close up, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, found extra towards finish winning by ¾ l. He gets 26.8 points.

On Friday at Goodwood in the 5f handicap, Maygold (Peej), took her chance, Close up, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on, winning by 1 1/4l. She gets 27 points.

At Leopardstown, Order of St George, ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil, Tony), took his chance in the 1m 6f listed stakes, Tracked leaders in 2nd, challenged 4f out, led over 3f out, pushed along to assert over 1f out, kept on under hands and heels inside final furlong, winning cosily by ¾ l. He gets 13.1 points.

On Saturday at Haydock in the 6f group 2 Sands of Mali ( Cliff), went to post, Made all, ridden and edged left over 1f out, driven and all out, winning by a nose. He gets 47.2 points.

In the 5f group 2 Battash ( Cliff, Peej), took his chance, n touch centre group, headway to led this group over 1f out, ridden and hung left final furlong, ran on to lead close home, winning by a head. He gets 21.6 points

At the Currgah in the 6f group 2, Merchant Navy ( Tony), took his chance, Dwelt, in rear, headway to chase leaders from over 1f out, challenged and led inside final furlong, stayed on well , winning by 1l. He gets 46.6 points.

On Sunday, in the 1m Group 1 1000 Guineas Alpha Centauri ( Cliff), took her chance, Mid-division, moderate 5th 3f out, pushed along 2f out, ridden and went moderate 2nd 1 1/2f out, pressed leader 1f out, soon drifted left under pressure, stayed on well to lead close home, winning by 1 ¾ l. She gets 75.8 points.

At Longchamp in the 1m 6f group 2, Vazirabad ( Cliff), went to post, Held up in final trio, asked to improve over 3f out, pushed along and progress between rivals 2f out, upsides leader going best entering final furlong, soon led and kept up to work closing stages, always doing enough, winning by a neck. He gets 42.2 points..

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    May       Total

Cliff                     357.3        357.3

Neil                      221.4         221.4

Tony                    182.8       182.8

Cod                      148.9          148.9

Bob                    115.2         115.2

Steve                    113.3      113.3

Martin                 100.9       100.9

Peej                    48.6        48.6

News

Trainer Charlie Hills would embrace the opportunity of running Battaash back over six furlongs. Hills Charlie told the punter, on Sunday "We'll have to go to the King's Stand now. And if it that goes well, I'd love to have a crack at the July Cup.

"I think that track should suit him - you need to have speed to come down that hill there - and it will be great for the sport to have a clash with Harry Angel."

Ground conditions will dictate whether Addeybb takes up his entry in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.

The William Haggas-trained four-year-old dominated his rivals in the Lincoln at Doncaster and again in the bet365 Mile at Sandown.

However, he was well-beaten on a sounder surface in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury earlier this month.

Haggas said: "Addeybb is fine and came out of the race at Newbury fine. I think we will look for his ground now. I've got him in the Eclipse and I've put him in the Irish Champion Stakes, so he will have mile and a quarter entries, but I think he is fine with a mile as long as there is dig in the ground.

"He has the Ascot entry in the Queen Anne and if it was soft he may well take it up."

Cracksman will face five rivals in the Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom on Friday.

John Gosden's brilliant Champion Stakes winner returned to action this season with a stylish victory in France in the Prix Ganay. He is likely to be a long odds-on favourite in the Group One as he returns to Epsom after finishing third in the Derby a year ago. Yucatan also runs for O'Brien

The Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot is the next possible port of call for Defoe following his short-priced reverse at the Curragh on Sunday. 

2018 Flat Issue 3 - Plenty of points gained

Headlines

Coronet stars at York

Lion Roars in the Dante

Rhododendron blooms in Lockinge

Crystal shines at Newbury

Sergi  romps home at Naas

Report

We start at York last Thursday where Coronet (Neil) took her chance in the fillies group 2, over 1m 2f, In touch, headway 3f out, led over 2f out, carried head high and soon in command, eased close home, winning by 1 ½ l. She gets 45.2 points.

In the 1m 2f group Roaring Lion ( Neil, Steve), went to post, In touch, headway between horses to lead over 1f out, quickened clear, edged left and eased close home winning impressively by 4 ½ l. He gets 23.8 points.

On Friday in the 1m 6f group 2, Stradivarius ( Neil, Steve, Tony), took his chance, Held up towards rear, closed towards stands side over 3f out, going well over 2f out, led and quickened over 1f out, clear inside final furlong, winning  easily by 3l. He gets 21.4 points.

On Saturday at Newbury, in the 1m 4f group 3, Crystal Ocean ( Martin), took his chance, Tracked leading pair, 2nd travelling well over 2f out, led 2f out, over 3 lengths clear over 1f out, stayed on strongly, winning very easily by 6l. He gets 32,8 points.

In the 1m group 1 Lockinge Stakes, Rhododendron ( Cod), went to post. Tracked leaders on far side of group, 2nd 2f out, led inside final 2f, ridden inside final furlong, strongly pressed last strides, held on gamely, all out, winning by a short head. She gets 81.8 points.

On Sunday at Naas in the 5f listed stakes, Sergi Prokofiev ( Tony), took his chance, Chased leader on outer, improved to lead from 2f out and soon pushed along to assert, kept on well inside final furlong, winning easily by4l. He gets 26.4 points.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    May       Total

Neil                      208.3         208.3

Cliff                     157.4        157.4

Cod                      135.8          135.8

Tony                    123.1       123.1

Steve                    113.3      113.3

Martin                 100.9       100.9

Bob                    75.3         75.3

Peej                    00          00

News

Dante winner Roaring Lion is on course for the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday week, trainer John Gosden has announced.

Sprint sensation Battaash is set to make his seasonal reappearance in Saturday's Group Two Armstrong Aggregates Temple Stakes at Haydock. Charlie Hills told the punter,: "We are looking forward to Saturday. We have had no hold-ups with Battaash, who is a fairly easy and straightforward horse to train.

"I am happy with his weight and mindset. I am looking forward to getting him on the racecourse now.

"We have had plenty of time to think about it (where to start off). I just like the time-frame between the Temple Stakes and Royal Ascot, which is obviously the main target.

"He is quite a fresh and forward-going horse, so it is important that we give him a run before the King's Stand Stakes - the Temple looks the ideal race.

Roger Charlton will take a steady approach with Herculean following the Frankel colt's return to action last week.

Charlton said: "I was a little disappointed, but I don't think he would want ground as fast as that. I don't think he was suited running into the dip. I think he wants 10 furlongs, but there is better to come.

Gustav Klimt is set to feature in a three-pronged challenge by Aidan O'Brien on the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

The Galileo colt impressed on his seasonal reappearance at Leopardstown last month, but had to settle for sixth place in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket behind stablemate Saxon Warrior.

The Ballydoyle trainer said: "US Navy Flag and Gustav Klimt will probably run, and Threeandfourpence might be there as well.

"We were a bit disappointed with him (Gustav Klimt), he's always travelled very strongly with a lot of pace at home and the Curragh will tell us an awful lot - whether we go to Ascot and shorten up or whether we go to the St James's Palace."

O'Brien also outlined plans for some of his fillies: "Happily and Clemmie go for the 1,000.

O’brien also told the punter that He said: "Cliffs Of Moher will go for the Tattersalls Gold Cup, along with Hydrangea, but she is just ready to start and if she runs a nice race we will be delighted." Defoe is also a likely runner and Yucatan also holds an entry

O'Brien also confirmed former Gold Cup winner Order Of St George on course to make his comeback in the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown on Friday evening.

Elarqam is one of 14 possible runners in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.

The Frankel colt finished an honourable fourth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and is now set to cross the Irish Sea for the Mark Johnston operation.

2018 Flat Issue 2 - Harry's an Angel

Headline

Harry  Fly’s  in at York

Report

Today at York in the 6f group 2 Harry Angel ( Bob, Cliff, Neil, Tony), took his chance, Restless in stalls, well away, raced keenly tracking leader, led over 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, ran on well, winning by 2l. He gets 21.3 points

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    May       Total

Cliff                     133.6        133.6

Neil                      117.9         117.9

Bob                    75.3         75.3

Tony                    75.3        75.3

Steve                    68.1       68.1

Martin                 68.1        68.1

Cod                      54            54

Peej                    00          00

News

Lady Aurelia pleased trainer Wesley Ward with her work at Keeneland as she prepares for a crack at her third consecutive Royal Ascot victory.

The four-year-old Scat Daddy filly won the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes in 2016 and the Group One King's Stand Stakes last year, brilliantly, the same race in which she is getting ready for next month (June 19). On Tuesday she worked four furlongs on a firm turf course in 48.80 seconds, her second piece of work since she opened her 2018 campaign on April 14 in Keeneland’s Giant’s Causeway and finished second behind Triple Chelsea.

Henry Candy is optimistic Limato can make it third-time lucky over a mile in the Al Shaqab Lockinge at Newbury on Saturday.

The six-year-old, who finished fourth in the Group One in 2016, has not run over the trip since finishing down the field at the Breeders' Cup later that year.

Having ended last season with victory in a Group Two at Newmarket, the gelded son of Tagula continued his Lockinge preparations with a solo five-furlong gallop on Tuesday under rider Harry Bentley.

Candy said: "It is hard to judge how they go when they are on their own. The only relevant thing is what Harry says, and he was very happy with him.

"He has done an awful lot of work on the carpet gallop, which is far too easy for getting a horse fit, but it just keeps him ticking over.

Aidan O’Brien expects Saxon Warrior to show significant improvement from the QIPCO 2000 Guineas when he runs in the Investec Derby next month.

Talking to the punter, he said: "The plan with going to Newmarket, and with the Derby in mind, we didn't want to start over seven furlongs. We thought a mile at Newmarket was going to be a lovely start-off for him. Obviously we were very happy with him. Everything's good so far. We could not have been happier with Saxon because there's an awful lot of improvement to come. It'll be exciting to see.

"We've always thought he was going to be a middle-distance horse, rather than Guineas horse. He's a big colt - he wears his head low. He's a good traveller and he seems balanced. He didn't have any problems at Newmarket with the dip. We're very happy with him. Ryan Moore will ride him as he's the number one rider and that's the way it is.

Cracksman could take the place of stable companion Enable in the Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom.

US Navy Flag could head for the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh following his "inconclusive" run in Sunday's French equivalent at ParisLongchamp. US Navy Flag is likely to be joined in the Irish Guineas by stablemate Gustav Klimt. The Galileo colt could only finish sixth behind Saxon Warrior in the Newmarket Guineas and O'Brien hopes he can raise his game at the Curragh on Saturday week.

Australian Group One winner Merchant Navy is an exciting addition to the three-year-old ranks at Ballydoyle and is being prepared for an appearance at Royal Ascot next month.

"He is in good form and he is getting ready to go to Ascot," said O'Brien

The Ballydoyle juvenile team being considered for the Royal meeting includes last month's runaway Navan scorer Sergei Prokofiev. O'Brien said: "The plan is to run him again. It could be at Naas over six furlongs or the Curragh over five. He will then race in either the Coventry or one of the five-furlong races at Royal Ascot."

Aidan O'Brien plans to run Rhododendron and Lancaster Bomber in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

Addyebb also has an entry