2020 Flat Issue 13 - Neil lands York Slam

Headlines

Love~ ly Points for Cliff and Peej

Battaash Lands the Nunthorpe

Angel Powers home at York

Report

We start at  York last Thursday where in the group 1, 1m 4f Yorkshire Oaks, Love ( Cliff, Peej), took her chance, Travelled strongly, tracked leader, led 3f out, shaken up and clear when hung left over 2f out, pushed out and went further clear inside final furlong, winning easily, by 5l. She gets 26.2 points.

On Friday in the 5f group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes, Battaash ( Cliff, Neil), took his chance, Raced centre, chased leader, pushed along and edged right over 1f out, soon made challenge, ridden and led inside final furlong, kept on, winning by 1l. He gets 51.2 points.

In the 1m 2f fillies handicap Angel Power ( Martin), took her chance, Held up in midfield, pushed along over 3f out, soon headway, switched left and chased leaders 2f out, ridden and led over 1f out, kept on well and went clear inside final furlong, winning by 3 ½ l. She gets 35.6 points.

On Saturday in the 1m 6f Ebor Handicap Fujaira Prince ( Neil), went to post, Tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and made strong challenge over 1f out, led narrowly 1f out, kept on well, winning by 1 ½ l. He gets 86.6 points

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                     August       Total

Cliff            132               814.8

Steve            115              541.25

Tony            63.6              533.5

Bob             30                455.15

Neil            157.8            499.55

Peej            26.2                  350.85

Martin        60.2            331.85

Cod             00              198.85

Grand Slam Leg 1

Neil 

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

York Grand Slam

Neil 137.8

Steve   79.2

Cliff  77.4

Martin 35.6

Bob    30

Peej 26.2

So Neil gets the 20 point bonus

News

Art Power will step back up to six furlongs for the Sprint Cup at Haydock after finishing unplaced in the Nunthorpe at York last week.

Dante winner Thunderous will miss the rest of the season after meeting with a setback.

The Mark Johnston-trained three-year-old had been on course to make his Group One debut in next month’s Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp before sustaining an injury in training.

2020 Flat Issue 12 - All the latest

Headlines

Pier leaves Rivals at Sea at Deauville

Report

We start at Deauville on Sunday where in the 1m  Group 1 Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois Palace Pier ( Cliff ) went to post, Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, ridden 2 1/2f out, ran on to lead entering final furlong, kept on well, winning by ¾ l. He gets 54.6 points.

Yesterday at York in the 1m 2f International Stakes, Ghaiyyath (Steve), Magical (Bob), took their chances. Ghaiyyathh, Raced freely, made all, clear after 2f, shaken up over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on strongly until eased final strides, winning by 3l. He gets 79.2 points.

Magical, Towards rear early, chased winner after 2f, went second over 5f out, ridden and outpaced 3f out, lost second 2f out, went second again 1f out, stayed on but no match for winner, 2^nd beaten 3l. She gets 30 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                     August       Total

Cliff            54.6                 737.4

Steve            115              541.25

Tony            63.6              533.5

Bob             30                455.15

Neil            00                  341.75

Peej            00                   324.65

Martin        24.6               296.25

Cod             00              198.85

Grand Slam Leg 1

Neil 

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

York Grand Slam

Steve   79.2

Bob    30

News

Ace sprinter Battaash will take on seven rivals in his quest to record back-to-back Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (3.15) victories, with key rivals Art Power and A'Ali also among the declarations.

The Charlie Hills-trained sprinter, a blistering winner of the King's Stand and King George this season, is a general 1-2 chance for the Group 1 but in Art Power he faces a new challenger. The three-year-old has improved rapidly this season, from winning a novice event at Newcastle to impressive wins at Royal Ascot and then again at Group 3 level in Ireland. He is a 13-2 chance for Friday's contest.

On Saturday at York, Lord Glitters has an entry in the 1m 1f group 3, along with Highest Ground,  Shine So Bright and Threat are in the 7f group2,  and Grand Slam Picks Fujaira Prince and Verdana Blue are in the Ebor.

At the Curragh in 6f  listed stakes Speak in Colours holds an entry, and at Sandown in the 1m group 3 Quadrilateral has an entry

2020 Flat Issue 11 - Two more winners

Headlines

Cognac is winning spirit at Newmarket

Blues Spaces out Rivals at Deauville

Report

We start at Newmarket on Saturday where in the 1m 2f handicap Cognac ( Martin) took his chance, Took keen hold, made all, ridden 2f out, hung left over 1f out, clear and drifted right inside final furlong, ran on well, winning by 2 ¼ l. He gets 24.6 points.

At Deauville on Sunday in the 6 ½ f group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, Space Blues  (Steve , Tony), went to post, Towards rear on inside, not much room over 2f out, soon shaken up, ran on inside final furlong to lead final 50yds, winning by ¾ l. He gets 35.8 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                     August       Total

Cliff            00                 682.8

Tony            63.6              533.5

Steve            35.8                462.05

Bob             00                 425.15

Neil            00                  341.75

Peej            00                   324.65

Martin        24.6               296.25

Cod             00              198.85

Grand Slam Leg 1

Neil 

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

York, which starts on 19 August is the next Grand Slam , closing date for your selection is This Monday 17^th,

News

Circus Maximus and Kameko were among nine top-class runners left in the Prix Jacques le Marois after the forfeit stage on Wednesday. Alpine Star, Palace Pier, Persian King also have entries in a fantastic looking race

Victor Ludorum is likely to run in Saturday's Prix Guillaume d'Ornano.

This made me smile, Neil’s favourite race, There were two surprise names among the 17 entries for Saturday’s Betway Grey Horse Handicap as neither Quick Breath nor Glenamoy Lad are greys.

The Newmarket race proves a great spectacle, with a big field of grey sprinters hurtling towards the six-furlong finish.

However, both Jonny Portman’s Quick Breath and Jennie Candlish’s Glenamoy Lad are bay in colour.

Chad Yeomans, PR manager at Betway, said: “We’re delighted to continue our superb relationship with Jockey Club racecourses this weekend as we sponsor at Newmarket on Saturday and Market Rasen on Sunday.

“While not the most valuable race on the card on Saturday, the most fascinating race is undoubtedly the Betway Grey Horse Handicap, which is always a spectacle. It seems there are a couple of horses who are very eager to run, as there are two bay horses who have managed to find themselves entered up!

“We’ve removed Quick Breath and Glenamoy Lad from our betting as they won’t be eligible to run. They’re both entered up elsewhere this week, so we’ll be watching out for them!”

2020 Flat Issue 10 - Steve is July top trainer

Headlines

Mogul Rules in Gordon Stakes

Goodwood course Record Battashed

Report

We start at Goodwood last Thursday where in the 1m 4f group 3 Mogul ( Tony), took his chance, In touch with leaders, ridden over 2f out, headway on outer over 1f out, led inside final 110yds, soon edged right, ridden out, winning by ¾ l. He gets 40.8 points.

On Friday in the 5f group 2 Battaash ( Cliff, Neil), took his chance, Raced freely, close up, led 3f out, pushed along over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, kept on, winning by 2 ¼ l . He gets 21.1points.

At Naas on Monday in the 6f 2 year old stakes, Giorgio Vasari ( Tony), went to post, Made virtually all, disputed early until soon led and made rest, still going well after halfway, pushed along and extended advantage under 2f out, ridden 1f out and kept on well, winning comfortably by 2l. He gets 27.8 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               July         August       Total

Cliff            182.65                 682.8

Tony            133.55  27.8      497.7

Steve         246.35               426.25

Bob             119.35             425.15

Neil            165.05               341.75

Peej            107.05              324.65

Martin        159.75               271.65

Cod             78.05              198.85

Congratulations to Steve who is July Trainer of the month

Grand Slam Leg 1

Neil 

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

York, which starts on 19 August is the next Grand Slam , so likely closing date for your selection is Monday 17^th, I will confirm next week

News

Connections of Siskin have yet to firm up plans for his next appearance after the Ger Lyons-trained colt suffered a first career defeat at Goodwood last week. Spaeking to the punter Teddy Grimthorpe said, “I’ve got to discuss with Prince Khalid what he would like to do. We’ll look at all the options, which are pretty straightforward really.”

Grimthorpe also provided a positive update on Enable following her historic third victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot.

John Gosden’s brilliant mare is expected to run in either the Juddmonte International or the Yorkshire Oaks at York en route to her bid for a third triumph in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October.

“All is good with Enable. She hasn’t done a lot since Ascot, but she came out of the race well and everybody is happy with her,” Grimthorpe added.

 Threat is likely to make his final start for Richard Hannon in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury on Saturday week, before going under the hammer at the Tattersalls August Sale.

2020 Flat Issue 9 - The winners keep coming

Headlines

Enable is King Georges Queen

More Magic at The Curragh

Blues puts Space between himself and Rivals at Goodwood

Frankie still master Fiddler on Stradivarius

Report

We start at Ascot on Saturday where in the 1m 4f Group 1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes Enable (Martin, Neil, Steve), went to post, Tracked leader, going best and led over 1f out, in the clear final furlong, winning easily by 5 ½ l. She gets 51.2 points.

At the Curragh on Sunday in the 1m 2f Group 1 Gold Cup Magical ( Bob), took her chance, Made all, going well over 2f out, pushed clear over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, winning comfortably by 2 ¼ l. She gets 51.1 points.

At Goodwood on Tuesday in the 7f group 2 Space Blues ( Steve, Tony), took his chance, Held up in rear, smooth headway on outer over 2f out, edged right and quickened to lead over 1f out, ridden out final furlong, winning readily by 2l. He gets 22.2 points.

In the 2m group 1 Goodwood Cup Stradivarius ( Bob, Cliff, Neil), took his chance, Close up on inner, not clear run over 1f out, switched left entering final furlong, quickened to lead inside final furlong, winning  readily by 1l. He gets 26.4 points.

Yesterday in the 1m group 1 Sussex Stakes, Circus Maximus ( Cliff, Tony), took his chance, Led soon after start, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on well but headed towards finish , 2^nd beaten ¾ l. He gets 14.7 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                  July            Total

Cliff            161.55        661.6

Tony            92.75            429.1

Steve         246.35             426.25

Bob               119.35         425.15

Peej            107.05            324.65

Neil            143.95              320.65

Martin        159.75          271.65

Cod             78.05           198.85

Grand Slam Leg 1

Neil 

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

News

The Punter is sad to report that  top-class middle-distance performer Defoe was fatally injured on the gallops on Wednesday morning. His nine career victories included a Group One triumph in last year’s Coronation Cup at Epsom and success in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot on his very next start.

2020 Flat Issue 8 - Another big week looms

Headlines

Royal has a successful Crusade at Deauville

King Rules over Prix D’isphan rivals

Giorgio Vasari scrapes home by a coat of paint at Limerick

Millisle stars at Naas

Report

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

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

            

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

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

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                  July            Total

Cliff            120.45          620.5

Tony            55.85       392.2

Steve         172.95             352.85

Bob               41.85        347.65

Peej            107.05            324.65

Neil            92.75              269.45

Martin        108.55           220.45

Cod             78.05           198.85

Grand Slam Leg 1

Neil 

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020 Flat Issue 7 - Everyone a winner

Headlines

Thunderous Storms Home at Newmarket

Earth Lights up Deauville

Pinatubo lands Prix Jean Prat

Report

We start at York last Thursday where in the 1m 2f Group 2 Thunderous (Steve), took his chance, Chased leader, pushed along over 3f out, ridden 2f out, made strong challenge final 110yds, kept on well, led towards finish, winning by a neck. He gets 49.2 points.

At Deauville on Sunday, in the 6f listed stakes Earthlight ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Martin, Tony), took his chance, Prominent on outside, headway to go 2nd over 2f out and soon led, shaken up entering final furlong, drew clear, winning by 2 ½ l. He gets  13.4 points.

In the 7f Group 1 Prix Jean Prat Pinatubo (All), went to post, Waited with towards rear, took closer order over 2f out, led entering final furlong, ran on under pressure, winning by ¾ l. He gets 26.6 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                  July            Total

Cliff            93.65          593.7

Tony            28.45       364.8

Steve         172.95             352.85

Bob               41.85        347.65

Peej            80.25            297.85

Neil            92.75              269.45

Martin        72.35          184.25

Cod             41.85           162.65

Apologies, Neil has pointed out I have forgotten to add tote points for Pinatubo at Ascot and Enable at Sandown , now done

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil 

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

News

John Quinn is to look at all the big sprints for Liberty Beach following another fine effort from the three-year-old filly at Sandown. Quinn told the Punter  she could go for one or both of the Qatar King George Stakes at Goodwood or the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York this summer.

"Goodwood is definitely on the agenda, and there's York for the Nunthorpe. We'll put her in everything that she should be in,".

Barry Geraghty's retirement represents a true changing of the guard in the National Hunt weighing room Although the jockey may not have ever lifted jumping’s two most glittering prizes in the same season, both appear on a CV bursting with talented equine collaborators and outstanding winning content – so much of it acquired at successive Cheltenham Festivals – and one notable too for the sheer longevity of its listings.. He did it on Kicking King and Bobs Worth in the Gold Cup; Monty’s Pass in the Grand National; Moscow Flyer, Big Zeb, Finian’s Rainbow and Sprinter Sacre in the Queen Mother Champion Chase; there were a record-equalling four Champion Hurdle wins; also, lucrative links to trainers Jessie Harrington and Nicky Henderson and, latterly, the plum job replacing McCoy in the green and gold hooped silks on runners owned by JP McManus.

Of the many headline horses, the partnership with the Harrington-trained Moscow Flyer, a charismatic star of the fast and furious two mile chasing division – though he did win over further – stands out.

Stradivarius will head to Glorious Goodwood but not with stablemate Palace Pier, whose trainer John Gosden has resisted the temptation of a Sussex Stakes showdown with Siskin and will send his Royal Ascot winner to France instead. 

The St James's Palace Stakes winner was introduced as the general 2-1 market leader for the Goodwood Group 1 but will seek to emulate his sire Kingman and win the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville next month

Connections of multiple Group race-winning sprinter Magical Memory will make a decision later this month regarding his potential retirement.

The gelded son of Zebedee had been on course to make his first start of the season at last month's Guineas Festival at Newmarket until aggravating an old leg injury.

With an initial scan showing the leg had yet to heal, the Charlie Hills-trained eight-year-old could have time called on his career should there continue to be no signs of improvement.