2024 Flat Issue 9 - A disappointing Ascot for most

Headlines

Kyprios lands Gold Cup

Rivals Get The Blues at Ayr

Report

We start at Ascot on Thursday where in the 2m 4f Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, Kyprios (Cliff, Neil), Trawlerman (Cliff Peej), went to post.

Kyprios, Prominent on outer, went second after 4f, raced in third after halfway, pressed leader going easily 3f out, challenging from over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, kept on well, winning by 1l. Cliff gets 79.2 points. Neil 52.1

Trawlerman, Led, faced challenge from over 2f out, went clear with winner but headed over 1f out, kept on but no extra towards finish, 2nd beaten 1l. He gets 13.8 points

On Saturday at Ascot in the 7f group 3, Haatem ( Steve), went to post, Prominent in centre of group, pushed along and disputed lead just over 2f out, led clearly over 1f out, soon ridden, faced challenge final 110yds, kept on well and just did enough, winning gamely by a short head. He gets 39 points.

At Ayr in the 5f listed fillies stakes Azure Blue (Neil), took her chance, Taken down early, dwelt start, in rear, switched right and some headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on well final 110yds, joined leader post, dead heat. She gets 33.5 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           June       Total

Neil     374.74               613.36

Cod   162.86            392.81

Cliff    205         335.45

Bob      89.4            290.55

Steve   160.2               276.56

Peej    67.8          173.16

Martin      80            126

Ascot Grand Slam

Neil  258.24

Cod 108.86

Steve 106.2

Cliff 93

So Neil gets the 20 points.

News

Ascot Gold Cup one-two Kyprios and Trawlerman could be set for a rematch next month after both were entered on Tuesday for the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup. Kyprios prevailed by a length over Trawlerman in a thrilling finish to win his second Gold Cup last Thursday and his trainer Aidan O'Brien could plot a similar course with his star stayer after he followed up victory at the royal meeting in 2022 with success at Glorious Goodwood. 

Derby one-two City Of Troy and Ambiente Friendly feature in the 37 entries for the £1.25 million feature Group 1 on the opening day of the Ebor meeting in August. Economics, an impressive six-length winner of the Dante over course and distance last month, and Tattersalls Gold Cup winner White Birch are other notable potential participants.

Weekend Entries

Friday 

Curragh

8.25 Razdan

Saturday  

Newcastle

2.04 Popmaster, Spycatcher

Newmarket

3.25 Poet Master, Pogo

4.35 Meribella

Curragh

2.55 Continuous, Elegant Man, London City, Azada, Elizabeth Jane

3.30 Bluestocking, Azada, Elizabeth Jane, Ylang Ylang

Sunday 

Curragh

1.40 Whistlejacket

3.25 Azada

4.05 Arabian Crown, Ancient Wisdaom, Henry Longfellow, Ghostwriter, London City, City of Troy, Feigning Madness

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

Leg 19 Neil

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 8 - Another good week for the leader

Headlines

Delius Scores in France

Ejaaybiah lands Salisbury Stakes

Sunday Affair at Thirsk

Rosallion

Charyn Lands Queen Anne Stakes

Report

We start at Longchamp on Sunday where in the 1m 4f group 3 Delius (Cliff), went to post, n touch, ridden and pressed leaders 2f out, driven to lead 1 1/2f out, kept on strongly and drew clear final furlong, winning comfortably by 2l. He gets 35.2 points.

At Salisbury in the 1m 2f fillies novice stakes Ejaaybiah ( Cliff), took her chance, Made all, set steady pace, increased tempo going best from 3f out, went clear from over 1f out, winning easily by 4 ½ l. She gets 22.8 points.

At Thirsk in the 5f handicap American Affair (Bob), took his chance, Prominent in centre of group, going easily 2f out, shaken up to lead 1f out, pushed out inside final furlong, ridden briefly final 110yds, winning  comfortably by 1l. He gets 35.4 points.

At Ascot on Tuesday in the 1m group 1 Queen Anne Stakes Charyn ( Neil), went to post, in touch with leaders towards near side, good headway from over 3f out, pushed along to lead over 1f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, kept on well, winning  readily by 2 ¼ l. He gets 83.68 points.

In the 1m group 1 St James Palce stakes Rosallion ( Cod, Neil, Steve), Henry Longfellow ( Neil , Steve), took their chances.

Rosallion, Took keen hold, midfield, in touch with leaders when waiting for room on inner 2f out, went second when switched left and ridden over 1f out, ran on well to lead towards finish, winning by a neck. He gets 53.6 points.

Henry Longfellow, Raced in second, led over 1f out, edged right inside final furlong, kept on but headed towards finish, 2nd beaten a neck. He gets 13.6 points.

Yesterday at Ascot in the 1m 2f group 1 Prince of Wales stakes Auguste Rodin (Cod Neil), went to post, edged right and bumped rival soon after start, took keen hold early, raced in fourth, good headway over 2f out, pushed along and led but edged right over 1f out, faced challenge inside final furlong, stayed on well, winning by ¾ l . He gets 55.26 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           June       Total

Neil     260.14               507.76

Cod   162.86            392.81

Bob      89.4            290.55

Cliff    112             242.45

Steve   121.2               237.56

Peej    54              159.36

Martin      80            126

Ascot Grand Slam

Neil  206.14

Cod 108.86

Steve 67.2

News

Friday's Commonwealth Cup has lost two of its star attractions after favourite Vandeek and leading contender Bucanero Fuerte were ruled out.

Weekend Entries

Friday 

Ascot

3.05  Bucanero Fuerte, Vandeek,

3.45 Folgaria

5.40 Meydaan

6.15 Dyrholaey

Redcar

2.50 Theoryofeverything

Goodwood

6.20 Cool Legend

8.00 Swindon

Newmarket

7.10 Theoryofeverything

 

Saturday 

Ascot

3.05 Continuous, Tower Of London, Hamish

3.45 Spycatcher

4.25 Haatem, Eben Shaddad, Night Raider, Kikkuli

5.05 Summerghand

5.40 Balmacara, Lautrec

Newmarket

3,20 Roi De France

Down Royal

3.55 London City

Ayr

5.55 Capitol Theory

6.25 Azure Blue

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

Royal Ascot Grand Slam picks

Cliff - Big Evs

Cod - Facteur Cheval

Peej - Ouzo

Neil  - Valiant Force

Steve - Truly Enchanting

Bob - A Piece of Heaven

2024 Flat Issue 7 - Quiet week as Royal Ascot looms

Headlines

Dividend Pays out at Haydock

Report

We start at Haydock on Thursday where in the 6f handicap Cool Dividend (Martin), went to post, Prominent, led over 1f out, soon ridden and hung left, ran on winning by 2l. He gets 26 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           June       Total

Neil     54               301.62

Cod   54                283.95

Bob      54              255.15

Cliff    54              184.45

Steve   54               170.36

Peej    54              159.36

Martin      80            126

News

Royal Ascot Grand Slam.

1 horse not currently in any string to be submitted by close of play Sunday 16 June

Connections of Commonwealth Cup candidate Vandeek retain massive faith in last year’s leading British-based juvenile and believe he has thrived since losing his unbeaten record at Haydock last month.

Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, the dual Group 1 winner was 8-11 to register his fifth straight victory in the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes on his reappearance but weakened from the furlong pole under James Doyle to finish four lengths third to Inisherin.

Impressive Chester winner Passenger will miss the Prince of Wales's Stakes, leaving Auguste Rodin as the new 7-4 favourite for Royal Ascot's joint-richest prize.The Sir Michael Stoute-trained son of Ulysses had been a general 2-1 market leader for the £1 million day two feature, but is now more likely to appear in next month's Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

The Niarchos family's racing manager Alan Cooper told the Racing Post: "Passenger is being treated for an infection and the veterinary advice is that Ascot will come too soon. The timing is far from ideal but, all being well, I think we'll be looking at the Eclipse."

Nashwa is expected to be back for an autumn campaign after taking her time to recover from the rigours of a first trip to Dubai in March. The daughter of Frankel misses Royal Ascot and is not expected to be ready to defend her Group 1 Falmouth Stakes crown she won so decisively on the July course at Newmarket a year ago. Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Nashwa's owner Imad Al Sagar, said: “Nashwa has taken a bit longer to recover from her trip to Dubai in March. We expect to get her back in the second half of the season but there are no immediate targets for her at the moment.“

Weekend Entries

Friday

Cork 

6.33 Easy

Saturday

Sandown 

3.15 Star Style, Swindon

Sunday 

Salisbury

4.30 Ejaabiyah

Thirsk

5.15 Cool Legend

5.45 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 6 - City no Trojan Horse

Headlines

City of Troy lands the Derby

Report

We start at Epsom on Friday where in the 1m 4f Group 1 Coronation Cup, Hamish (Bob), took his chance, Taken down early, in touch with leaders, headway and chased clear leader over 1f out, ran on final 110yds, no match for winner, 2nd beaten 1l. He gets 27.4 points.

On Saturday in the 1m 4f Group 1 Derby stakes City of Troy (All), took his chance, Steadied start, took keen hold, held up in rear, midfield 8f out, bit short of room 4f out, good headway on inner from 3f out, ridden to lead 2f out, soon hung right, kept on well inside final furlong, winning comfortably by 2 ¾ l. He gets 54 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

        May    June       Total

Neil     247.62    54     301.62

Cod   229.95     54    283.95

Bob   201.15       54    255.15

Cliff    130.45      54   184.45

Steve   116.36      54     170.36

Peej    105.36       54    159.36

Martin    46           54       100

Congratulations to Neil who is May Trainer of the month

News

Royal Ascot Grand Slam.

1 horse not currently in any string to be submitted by close of play Sunday 16 June

Last month's impressive Tattersalls Gold Cup winner White Birch is set for either another showdown with Auguste Rodin at Royal Ascot or be pointed at the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, as connections have been enthused with how the talented grey bounced out of his latest assignment at the Curragh.

The four-year-old showed plenty of quality in his Classic year, running out an impressive winner of the Ballysax Stakes before finishing runner-up in the Dante and third behind Auguste Rodin in the Derby. However, he has taken a huge step forward in his three starts this season.

Weekend Entries

Friday  

Goodwood

6.05 Carp Kid

Saratoga

23.05 English Rose

Saturday 

Haydock

1.50 Easy

3.35 Easy, Yosemite Valley, Pogo , Popmaster

Saratoga

11.41 Mystik Dan

Sunday 

Goodwood

3.55 Lunar Eclipse

4.30 Hedonista

Grand Slam 

Leg 1Neil  

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 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