Monday 3 August Previews : Nottingham 2.00 and 2.30

 Nottingham 2.00 – 6F Median Auction Maiden Stakes (Class 5)

ANDAR finished as runner up at Chepstow in a Class 6 median auction maiden race.  He led two furlongs out but was caught close home, beaten a short head and trading at 1.08 in running.  The winner was given an OR of 76 but could only finish ninth in a nursery at Goodwood on his next start.

THAT’LL HAPPEN has finished third on both of his starts to date and on the most recent was favourite and finished about three lengths behind LATHOM at Beverley.  The winner was making his debut but went on to win the Super Sprint (Class 2) at Newbury and has since earned an OR of 99.  However, that was back in May and THAT’LL HAPPEN has been off the track since then, having been gelded.

CELESTIAL LAD was only ninth at Newmarket in a Class 4 median auction maiden race on soft ground.  Sent off at 6/1 (third favourite), he was in touch until over a furlong out. Improvement can be expected from this 90000 euros purchase, the first foal of an unraced mare (Half sister to Listed race winners at 8F).

HYMN FOR THE DUDES finished just in front of CELESTIAL LAD at Newmarket but he had already had the benefit of a previous outing, in which he finished last of ten.

MURDANOVA finished third at York in a Class 3 maiden beaten over seven lengths. However, the winner of that race was given an OR of 95 and subsequently beaten a head in a Group 2 race in France.

PARKOUR is a 55000 guineas purchase but Jeremy Noseda has yet to have a 2yo winner this season and only one first time out 2yo winner last season.

Mark Johnston introduces a newcomer, IN KEN’S MEMORY.  She is owner bred and a half sister to a 6F Listed race winner in Germany (also a winner on debut).

BROUGHTONS MYSTERY was eleventh at Windsor and ZEEBEE was thirteenth at Ripon on their respective debuts.

Summary

ANDHAR looks to be short enough at 11/8 and it may be best to side with MURDANOVA (16/1) as an each way selection.

Nottingham 2.30 – 8F Nursery (Class 5)

ALABAALY makes his nursery debut off of top weight and is blinkered for the first time. Although finishing at least ten lengths behind the winner of each of his races, those winners have been KING OF ROOKS (Listed winner and third in a Group 3 race), BEAVERBROOK (Group 2 fourth) and PALAWAN (Group 2 third).  His full sister was paced at 8F in a group 3 race in Ireland.

GOODKNIGHT PERCY has been gelded since his last run.  On his penultimate start, he was beaten just over four lengths by a horse given an OR of 95.  Kevin Ryan has opted to take 7lb off of his back by using apprentice Patrick O’Donnell who has a record on turf this season of 11/43, LSP 33.25 (before he rode another winner at Chepstow today).

STARS N ANGELS ran to free on her nursery debut at Leicester when finishing last of six and has been dropped 3lb after that run.

MOONLIGHT GIRL finished seventh at Wetherby, beaten seven lengths on her most recent start.  She has been raised 4lb for that run (the winner was given an OR of 80).

QUEENSBURY ODYSSEY was beaten ten lengths last time out by a horse given an OR of 81.

BATHOS finished ¾ length behind THAT’LL HAPPEN at Beverley (see 2.00) and has since finished last of six in a 7F nursery at Chester, where he missed the break.

PIVOTAL DREAM finished fifth at Chester beaten over five lengths, the winner has since been given an OR of 76.  Back in May, Mark Brisbourne suggested that she should be up to winning a 7F nursery.

HARLEQUIN ROCK is another who has been gelded since his last run.  On his penultimate run, he finished sixth, about seven lengths behind a horse who has been given an OR of 80.

CLIDOHNA has been beaten in sellers in her last three starts.

Summary

Several of these have been given fair handicap marks and it may pay to keep an eye on three of these in particular.  Both ALABAALY (4/1) and GOODKNIGHT PERCY (4/1) fall into this category but have to prove that blinkers/gelding have a positive effect.  PIVOTAL DREAM (16/1) could also be on a handy mark but has been off for over a month.

Preview: Tuesday 28 July – Vintage Stakes (Group 2)

Goodwood 2.35 7F Vintage Stakes (Group 2)  

NOTE I HAD DRAFTED THIS PREVIEW BEFORE THE NEWS THAT AIR VICE MARSHAL APPEARS TO BE A NON RUNNER.  RATHER THAN REWRITE THE PREVIEW, I HAVE PUBLISHED IT AS INTENDED.

At the time of publication, the current going is ‘Straight: Soft, Good to Soft in places, Round course: Good to Soft’ and the weather forecast suggests no more than a shower so the ground should not deteriorate further and may improve to good.

Nine colts have been declared for this Group 2 race and all are previous winners.  Five of the runners have been given official ratings; BIRCHWOOD is the highest of these at 108.  All of the runners are set to carry 9-1, except for BIRCHWOOD who has a 3lb penalty for winning a Group 2 race.

There have been several previous meetings of the runners, notably:

11 July Newmarket – 7F Superlative Stakes (Group 2) Good to Firm  

1st – BIRCHWOOD

2nd – AIR VICE MARSHAL (beaten one length)

5th  – BEAVERBROOK (beaten just over four lengths)

16 May Newbury – 6F Conditions Stakes (Class 2) Good

1st – BIRCHWOOD

2nd – BEAVERBROOK (beaten 1½ lengths)

18 July Chester – 7F Conditions Stakes (Class 2) Good

1st – WELFORD

3rd – PALAWAN (beaten 3½ lengths)

BIRCHWOOD OR 108 (Richard Fahey) – Three wins from his four starts to date; the only blot coming on Good to Yielding ground in a Listed race at Naas.  After his last win at Newmarket, Richard Fahey offered this possible explanation: ’I don’t think his mind was on the job at Naas, he was flighty and on his toes beforehand and he just didn’t run his race.  I knew he was better than that but he had to come here and prove it, so I´m delighted.’

AIR VICE MARSHAL (A P O´Brien) – Prior to his run in the Superlative Stakes, he had won a 7F maiden but had encountered Good to Yielding ground over 6F at The Curragh on his debut when he finished third.

BEAVERBROOK OR 101 (Mark Johnston) – Prior to his run in the Superlative Stakes, he had finished fourth in the 6F Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.  Before the Newmarket race, Mark Johnston said: ‘‘I hope we have made the right decision taking Beaverbrook up to seven furlongs in what looks a very hot Superlative Stakes.’  Having weakened inside the final furlong, it remains to be seen whether 7F is his best trip at the moment.

GALILEO GOLD OR 92 (Hugo Palmer) – A winner of his last start at Haydock at 7F on Good to Soft ground.  After that win, Hugo Palmer said: ‘I don’t think he needs an ease in the ground.  It was pretty fast when he ran the first twice and it had rained on fast ground at Haydock, so it wasn’t genuinely soft.  I think he’s versatile.  He is a well-balanced horse and moves too well to want really soft ground.’

IBN MALIK  (Charles Hills) – A winner of a 7F Class 4 maiden at Newmarket on debut and the second and third have both won maidens on their next starts.  After his win, Charlie Hills said: ‘We were delighted with Ibn Malik’s win, who had been working well at home so we were hopeful he would put up a good show.  He was very nervous when he came in and the team at home did a great job settling him down.  He was still a bit fractious in the paddock but racing experience should improve that side of things.’

PALAWAN OR 90 (Richard Hannon) – Prior to his run at Chester, he had finished fourth in the 7F Chesham Stakes (Listed) before winning a 7F maiden at Salisbury.  After the Salisbury run, Richard Hannon senior said:  ‘I was quite impressed with PALAWAN in the Chesham and think he’s a very nice horse.  I very nearly didn’t run him as it’s quite quick.  He’ll be better with a bit of ease and he probably needs a little further.  We’ll see what the handicapper does, and if he gets a reasonable mark he´ll go down the nursery route.’

STRONG CHALLENGE (Saeed bin Suroor) – Two runs to date finishing second at Lingfield on debut, beaten 1¾ lengths by a subsequent Listed race winner who has been given an OR of 101.  His next outing was at Goodwood where he won a 6F maiden.  GUTAIFAN (OR 92), the runner up on that day  won a Group 2 race in France on Sunday.  On face value, it appears that this may have been a relatively weak for the grade.  It may be a negative that STRONG CHALLENGE has been off for nearly two months.

TWIN SAILS (Dean Ivory) – A 28/1 winner on debut before following up in a 6F Class 3 race at Salisbury.  After the Salisbury win, Dean Ivory said: ‘He had three things against him at Salisbury in that we probably ran him a week too soon after his other run, while the slight drop back in trip worked against him as you can see that he wants further than six furlongs.  It was also on a more undulating track which was a bit of a disadvantage, but if he goes to Goodwood he will have to learn how to handle them.  All in all it was a good run, but I am not going to excited about things just yet.’

WELFORD OR 93 (Mark Johnston) – After beating PALAWAN at Chester when he had an OR of 80, Charlie Johnston had said ‘If he is in a nursery this week he would look well in off just 86.’ As a result of that win, the handicapper has raised him to a mark of 93.  He was due to contest a nursery at Newbury last Thursday with his previous rating but was a non runner because of the going (Good to Firm).  Perhaps, Mark Johnston’s hand has been forced by the handicapper’s action as this race didn’t appear to be on the agenda a week or so ago.

Connections comments

Richard Fahey: ‘It won’t be easy tomorrow, he’s giving everything 3lb.  I wouldn’t know what happened to him when we took him to Ireland.  He played up in the preliminaries, he didn’t go down to the start that well and just wasn’t himself.  It was a filthy day – maybe that was it – it was just off the cuff.  When it rained over there I thought he’d love that, so we won’t be using the ground as an excuse tomorrow.  I’m happy with him, though, he’s done everything we’ve asked since Newmarket.’

Dean Ivory: ‘Twins Sails is well and we are excited.  Obviously, we are stepping him up quite a bit – maybe a little bit too high but we won’t know until we run him.  The Vintage Stakes looks a stiff race.  He should handle Goodwood.  The course is a little bit up and down but he has handled the gallops here at home very well and also won at Salisbury, so that should help him. The step up to seven furlongs should be fine for him.  As I say, it is a tough race and he has to improve.  If he gets in the frame, I would be delighted.  My father Ken, who has a part share in Twin Sails, will be attendance.  He had many great days and loves Goodwood.  Everyone loves Goodwood.’

Charlie Hills: ‘Paul Hanagan rode him on Saturday morning and was happy with him.  He’s one of the most inexperienced in the field but is a horse we like.’

Angus Gold (on IBN MALIK): ‘The form of his maiden has worked out with the second and third winning, but it’s the usual case of we’ll know a lot more after this.  He’s only run one race so I wouldn’t want to sound clever saying what ground he’d like.  If anything the rain might have helped him as I wouldn’t have thought he’d be suited to very quick ground coming down the hill.’

Saeed bin Suroor said: ‘STRONG CHALLENGE is doing well.  He won his last race nicely and the form of that race looks very strong, with the runner-up winning a big race in France over the weekend.  He is in good form and seven furlongs is a nice trip for him.’

Richard Hannon; ‘PALAWAN would need to improve to win the Vintage, but his fourth in the Chesham now looks smart form following the subsequent successes of Ballydoyle (second) and Sixth Sense (third), and he will be staying on when some of the others have cried enough.’

Hugo Palmer: ‘Galileo Gold is in great form and obviously it’s a big step-up in class to the Vintage Stakes on Tuesday.  There’s going to be quite a lot of rain in the area and he’s got form on soft ground.  I know that the favourite Birchwood doesn’t like soft ground so that puts him in a good place.  It’s obviously important for his new owners Al Shaqab to have runners at the meeting with Qatar putting vast amounts of very welcome money into it.  I hope he can do himself justice and give them a cheer in the race but he’s jumping straight into Group Two class from a novice.  That said, that’s something that two-year-olds do quite a lot.  I’ve always liked him and fingers crossed that he run a nice race.  I think he’ll handle the track and he’s versatile as far as ground is concerned.’

Preview: Thursday 23 July – Star Stakes (Listed)

Sandown 3.30 – 7F Star Stakes (Listed) Good

Eight fillies have been declared for this Listed race and all of the runners have previously won a race.

Three of these fillies met at Doncaster in a 6½F fillies maiden (Class 5).  All were making their debuts.  The first seven horses home were separated by just four lengths:

1st RAAQY

4th DESSERTOFLIFE (beaten nearly two lengths)

7th ANEESAH (beaten four lengths)

With a furlong to go, DESSERTOFLIFE and ANEESAH were in front and RAAQY was a couple of lengths back.  However Paul Hanagan was maybe slightly fortunate to get a clear run through run through but RAAQY kept on well to win by a short head.  Both DESSERTOFLIFE and ANEESAH were not hard ridden when beaten.  The runner up in that race won a Class 5 maiden next time out but then finished second in a nursery, beaten a length, having been given an OR of 87.

Runner summary

ALINSTANTE OR 80 (Sir Mark Prescott) – A winner of a 6F Class 4 maiden at Chelmsford on debut.  There have been four subsequent runners from this race and they have only managed to beat a total of five rivals in those four starts.

ANEESAH OR 75 (Roger Varian) – Following her debut at Haydock, she went to Chester for a 7F Class 4 maiden.  She was tucked in behind the leaders but managed to get out in the home straight and just got up in the final strides to win by a head.  The fourth horse in that race, beaten just over three lengths, has since contested to sellers finishing runner up and then winning.

BAHAARAH (Richard Hannon) – Third at Newmarket over 6F on debut, before winning a 7F Class 5 maiden at Doncaster, where she finished 2½ lengths in front of CANNY STYLE. Previously that horse had been beaten 2½ lengths (received 3lb by way of an apprentice claim) by ANEESAH at Chester.

CHIRINGUITA (James Bethell) – A comfortable winner of a 6F Class 5 fillies maiden at Pontefract by 2¾ lengths,  Afterward, her trainer had said: ‘She’s a very nice filly and we’ve always thought quite a lot of her at home.  You never quite know until you get them to the track, but she’d been pleasing us and I hoped she’d run well.  Hopefully she can go onto better things and I think we’ll probably try and get some black type and go for a Listed race with her next time.  She is quite big and gangly, so I don’t think we’ll be in any great rush.’  The sixth horse from that race won a Class 5 maiden next time out but, along with the runner up, finished down the field in the Super Sprint (Class 2) last Saturday.

DESSERTOFLIFE OR 81 (Mark Johnston) – Following her Doncaster debut, she returned to that track to record a 4½ length victory in a 7F Class 4 fillies maiden on soft ground.  She then finished sixth in the Chesham Stakes (7F Listed) at Royal Ascot.

FIREGLOW (Mark Johnston) – A winner of a 5F Class 5 fillies maiden at Catterick on debut before staying on well to finish fourth, without troubling the leaders, in the 6F Albany Stakes (Group 3) at Royal Ascot.  The winner of that race, followed up in a the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) next time out.

FLYING EMPRESS OR 79 (Ralph Beckett) – Won a 6F Median Auction Maiden Stakes (Class 5) at Windsor by ½ length on debut.  Nine subsequent runners from that race have managed just one place between them.

RAAQY (Barry Hills) – The winner of her only start at Doncaster, see above.

Selection

There is no obvious reason why RAAQY should not confirm the form with DESSERTOFLIFE and ANEESAH.  BAHAARAH should be closely matched ANEESAH.  The form of the other horses has not been franked by any subsequent runners with the exception of FIREGLOW. Her dam won at 8F and siblings have won between 7F and 16F suggest that an extra furlong will not be a problem and the Albany Stakes form has already been confirmed.

Likely to be favourite, FIREGLOW will be a strong selection for this race.

Previews: Tuesday 14 July Bath 2.00 and Lingfield 6.20

Bath 2.00 – 5F Nursery (Class 5) Firm

Six runners are due to contest this nursery handicap and only one of the runners has won previously.  Both POWERFUL DREAM and WICKED WOO are out of the handicap and are set to carry 3lb and 10lb extra respectively.

THEE AND ME (Bill Turner) – The most experienced runner in the field and the only winner, that success coming in a Class 5 maiden at Wolverhampton on his second start.  After that win, Ryan While said: ‘THEE AND ME wants an easy 5F and he’ll be alright on grass, but we could keep him on the AW.  He galloped to the line well.’  He drops back to Class 5 today and reverts to 5F.

SING SOMETHING (David Brown) – Given a break after three maiden runs and returned in the first nursery of the season at Haydock over 6F on softish ground.  He challenged a furlong out but was one paced thereafter and finished third.  Drops back to 5F today.

SILVER SPRINGS (David Evans) – The best of her three runs to date came in a seller at Windsor when she finished ½ length behind stable companion KUMANAVSUMFUN (who finished 2¼ lengths in front of SING SOMETHING at Haydock).

SHOWMETHEWAYAVRILO (Malcolm Saunders) – Nursery debut after three maiden runs, the last two at 6F.  When finishing  fifth at Salisbury on his penultimate start, it was in a Class 3 maiden and both the winner and second horse have won in Class 2 and Class 3 company since.  His dam won three races at 5F (highest winning OR of 61).

POWERFUL DREAM (Ron Harris) – She has only beaten one rival on her last two starts (hung right throughout at Brighton on her latest outing).  On debut she finished fourth at Goodwood, six lengths behind the third placed horse, PASS THE MOON.  That horse, conceding 5lb, finished ¾ length behind SING SOMETHING at Haydock.

WICKED WOO (Jo Hughes) – Last ran two months ago and has only beaten four rivals in three starts.

Summary

Having dismissed the chances of the two runners from out of the handicap, I think that SING SOMETHING will be the likeliest winner.  The break suggests that a campaign in nurseries was the plan after his three maiden runs.  The return at Haydock may well have put him right for today.

SILVER SPRINGS whilst weighted to finish in front of SING SOMETHING on a line through KUMANAVSUMFUN, is now being apprentice ridden for the first time.  Also, the act that Cathy Gannon sticks with SHOWMETHEWAYAVRILO could be seen as a negative for the Evans runner.

A case could possibly be made for SHOWMETHEWAYAVRILO on that Salisbury race but his last run was not particularly encouraging.

The return to 5F for THEE AND ME should be a positive but he will be conceding weight all round.  However, if you look at the names of the winners of the races he has been beaten in, there are some decent 2yos included.

Lingfield 6.20 – 7F Nursery/Seller (Class 6) – Standard

Five fillies and one gelding have been declared for the first nursery/seller of the season and only one of the runners has won previously.  Both SKY FERRY and LADY KATHERINE are out of the handicap and are set to carry 2lb and 3lb extra respectively.

Three of these runners met in a 7F seller at Thirsk on 1 July.  DYLAN ALEXANDER was sent off the 8/15 favourite and tried to make all leading until the final strides, going down by a neck (trading at 1.01 in the process).  CLIODHNA finished in third, four lengths away but is 18lb better off today (13lb taking into account the Tom Marquand’s claim).  SKY FERRY finished last of the six runners but and was eased before the finish and afterwards, it was reported that the gelding hung left handed throughout.  He had been backed from 22/1 to 14/1 and was wearing a hood for the first time.  That hood is left off today.

Q TEN GIRL, CLIODHNA and SKY FERRY had previously met in a 6F seller at Windsor in June.  On that occasion, Q TEN GIRL had finished sixth, CLIODHNA seventh (1½ lengths back) and SKY FERRY eighth (a further 2¼ lengths back).  Including allowances for apprentices, CLIODHNA  is 4lb worse off with Q TEN GIRL but SKY FERRY is 18lb better off. Josephine Gordon, who is booked to ride SKY FERRY, is set to carry 7-7 but it should be noted that her lowest riding weight in the last twelve months is 7-10 (which she achieved last week). In the report of that race, the Stewards looked at instances of interference which affected both CLIODHNA and SKY FERRY but it should be noted that Q TEN GIRL was also stopped in her run.

Before her run at Windsor, Q TEN GIRL had finished sixth in a Class 5 maiden at Leicester. The fifth in that race finished fourth in the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) on his next and then won a Class 4 maiden.  Mark Usher said of his filly after that race ‘she will improve for running on a flatter track and in a lesser grade.’

Of the other runners, TAHITI ONE won a seller here over 6F last time out.  Her task was helped when the leader ran wide on the final turn, giving her the perfect run through on the inside rail and she went on to win by ¾ length.  She was staying on at the finish, so she will probably not be inconvenienced by today’s extra furlong.   I T GURU finished second, having run wide.  That horse had previously finished fourth in the Windsor seller detailed above.

LADY KATHERINE steps up to 7F having raced in three maidens at 6F in which she was beaten in total over sixty lengths and has only beaten four rivals in those three starts.  In the most recent of those, she wore blinkers but they are dispensed with today.

Summary  

I would expect DYLAN ALEXANDER to try and make all again and, if so, there must be the possibility that she will trade at a short price in running.  With the support for SKY FERRY last time out, and the hood being left off today, I would expect there to be improvement from him. However the selection will be Q TEN GIRL who, on a line through I T GURU, is closely weighted with TAHITI ONE.  Hopefully she can improve on her run at Windsor and win at a fair price.

Friday 10 July: Newmarket Duchess of Cambridge Stakes

Newmarket 2.40 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes 6F (Group 2 – Fillies) Good to Firm

Nine fillies have been declared for this Group 2 race.  All are set to carry 9 stone and every runner has already won a race.  Only one of the fillies did not appear at Royal Ascot and the eight that did were split between the Queen Mary Stakes (five), the Albany Stakes (two) and the Chesham Stakes (one).

HORSE	TRAINER	JOCKEY
Besharah	William Haggas	Pat Cosgrave
Blue Bayou	Brian Meehan	Ryan Moore
Easton Angel	Michael Dods	Paul Mulrennan
Glenrowan Rose	Keith Dalgleish	Frankie Dettori
Illuminate	Richard Hannon	Richard Hughes
Kurland	Martyn Meade	Fergus Sweeney
Rah Rah	Mark Johnston	William Buick
Silk Bow	James Given	Paul Hanagan
Sixties Sue	Mick Channon	Silvestre De Sousa

Queen Mary Stakes (5F Group 2)

2nd – EASTON ANGEL – beaten 1½ lengths

3rd – BESHARAH – beaten 4 lengths

4th – KURLAND – beaten 6½ lengths

10th – RAH RAH – beaten 11 lengths

14th – SILK BOW – beaten 17½ lengths

Albany Stakes (6F Group 3)

1st – ILLUMINATE

5th – GLENROWAN ROSE – beaten 5 lengths

Chesham Stakes (7F Listed)

8th – SIXTIES SUE – beaten 10 lengths

ILLUMINATE and SIXTIES SUE had previously met over 5F at Salisbury in May when both were making their debuts.  On that day, the Hannon filly won the race finishing four lengths in front of SIXTIES SUE.

The only filly not covered above is BLUE BAYOU.  She won at Haydock on her only start to date, in a Class 5 maiden.  The fourth horse from that race won a Class 5 maiden next time out and the third was beaten by a nose in a Class 4 maiden.

Summary

If either ILLUMINATE or EASTON ANGEL win this race, they will be entitled to be called the best British 2yo filly seen so far.  There seems no obvious reason why any of the Royal Ascot form can be reversed, in which case it comes down to whether the 5F Group 2 runner up is better than that of the 6F Group 3 winner.  A race to enjoy rather than bet in for me.

Pre-race quotes from connections

Ritchie Fiddes (part owner of EASTON ANGEL): ‘We’re very much looking forward to getting her back on the racecourse after what she did at Royal Ascot.  She bumped into a freak that day but proved she can perform at Group level.  The way she galloped past the line would suggest she should stay the six furlongs well.  She looks to be well drawn and hopefully has every chance of running a big race.  All her work has been good since Ascot.  We always weigh our horses, and the race actually took very little out of her.  Even straight after the race you’d hardly know she’d had a race.  She is just a pleasure to own as she has such a great attitude and hopefully we can start looking at Group One targets if all goes well.  I think the Cheveley Park Stakes will probably be her main target.’

Richard Hannon: ‘lLLUMINATE had only done one piece of fast work before she beat our subsequent Listed winner Great Page first time out at Salisbury so it came as something of a surprise, though she is a lovely filly with a pretty head and we have always liked her a lot.  She can get a bit warm and it is imperative that Hughesie can get her relaxed both in the race and during the preliminaries on what looks like being a hot day.  He got her switched off at Ascot, but Wes Ward’s filly (Laxfield Road) went so fast that Lochsong would have been able to switch off in that race, so I just hope that there is again plenty of pace on and that Hughesie can use her finishing kick to similar advantage.  She looked a very smart filly at Ascot and hopefully she can prove here that she has what it takes to go on to races like the Lowther and the Cheveley Park.’

Assistant trainer Michael Channon on SIXTIES SUE: ‘It’s a wildcard one.  She ran really well in the Chesham.  was slung in there and wasn’t beaten far by the Albany winner (Illuminate) on her debut, though I know that probably doesn’t mean anything.  She’s there to pick up any pieces and her price will speak for itself.’

Mark Johnston: ‘RAH RAH has come out of Ascot fine and it is going to be very interesting to see how she gets on over six furlongs.  I think this trip might be more comfortable for her, which is a big plus.  It’s a very tough race and in some ways that’s a good thing.  We are taking on the second, third and fourth from the Queen Mary Stakes again and we will be able to see how much she comes on for the step up in distance.’

Preview Thursday 9 July: Newmarket 2.40 July Stakes 6F (Group 2)

Newmarket 2.40 – 6F July Stakes (Group 2 – colts and geldings) Good to Firm

Eight colts and one gelding have been declared for this Group 2 race.  All are set to carry 9 stone and every runner has already won a race.

HORSE	TRAINER	JOCKEY
Areen	Kevin Ryan	Jamie Spencer
Elronaq	Charles Hills	Paul Hanagan
Eltezam	Richard Hannon	Frankie Dettori
Experto Crede	Ed Walker	Ryan Moore
Orvar	Richard Hannon	Richard Hughes
Sandahl	Ralph Beckett	Richard Kingscote
Shalaa	John Gosden	Robert Havlin
Sixth Sense	Mark Johnston	William Buick
Steady Pace	Saeed bin Suroor	James Doyle

AREEN – Won on debut at York in a Class 3 maiden before appearing in the National Stakes (Listed) at Sandown, finishing sixth (STEADY PACE was third). Just about everything which could go wrong did that evening.  His next outing was in the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) when he came from a fair way back to challenge with a strong run to finish second, beaten a head.  He reversed the form with STEADY PACE ¾ length back in third; ORVAR was nearly four lengths further back in sixth.  Steps up to 6F today (his dam won at 7F).

ELRONAQ – Finished 1¼ lengths behind ELTEZAM at Haydock on debut (the winner had the benefit of a previous run).  On his next start, he won his maiden over course and distance by 3¼ lengths.  Of the four runners to have raced since, none have been placed.

ELTEZAM – A winner at Newbury on debut, finishing in front of SIXTH SENSE and SHALAA who were also making their debuts.  Beat ELRONAQ at Haydock before finishing third in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2).  Holds a Group 1 entry in Ireland later in the season.

EXPERTO CREDE – A winner of a Class 4 maiden over course and distance on debut; the two subsequent runners from this race have been unplaced.  290000 guineas purchase at a Breeze Up sale.

ORVAR – Won a 5F Class 4 maiden at Salisbury by 2½ lengths under a hands and heels ride on debut and then was sixth behind AREEN and STEADY PACE in the Windsor Castle Stakes. Steps up to 6F today (three siblings have all won at 7F).  Holds a Group 1 entry in Ireland later in the season.

SANDAHL – The only gelding in the race.  Fourth on debut at Nottingham before winning a Class 3 maiden at York by ¾ length.  Second, third, fourth and fifth from that race have all won maidens next time out.  Was due to carry top weight in a nursery at Pontefract on Tuesday but was a was a non runner (girth gall).

SHALAA – Last of eight at Newbury in the race won by ELTEZAM before winning a Class 4 maiden at Newmarket (Rowley).  Of the five runners to have raced since, two have been placed.  After the race John Gosden said: ‘He had a bit of stage fright at Newbury and was just looking around at the other horses. He was still learning today.  We don’t want to rush him.  He will go for a conditions race, then on to something at the July meeting.  He is a nice horse that just needs to learn to grow up a bit. He is only a baby, so we won’t be roaring off to Royal Ascot with him.’

SIXTH SENSE – The most experienced horse in the race with five runs under his belt.  His only win came at Pontefract over 5F but last time out finished third in the 7F Chesham Stakes (Listed) where he tried to make all but was headed inside the final furlong.  After the race Mark Johnston said:  ‘When he won at Pontefract [over five furlongs] we said he would be a Chesham horse and we were not too far wrong.  I’m very happy with that.  When he went clear inside the final furlong, I did wonder whether coming back to six furlongs would have been better but James [McDonald] said he was happy over seven furlongs, just the others stayed a little bit better.’  Drops back to 6F today.   Holds a Group 1 entry in Ireland later in the season.

STEADY PACE – A comfortable winner of a Class 3 maiden at Ascot, he then finished third in the National Stakes (Listed) and third, behind AREEN in the Windsor Castle Stakes.  Steps up to 6F today.  After his last run James Doyle said: ‘Something was amiss at Sandown.  STEADY PACE was back to himself this time. He will be better over six.’   Holds a Group 1 entry in Ireland later in the season.

Summary

An interesting line up where we get the chance to see the form from the Coventry Stakes compare with the Windsor Castle Stakes.  In the Dragon Stakes at Sandown last Friday, the form of the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) held up over the Windsor Castle Stakes.

If Mark Johnston had sent BURATINO to run in the July Stakes, I would suspect he would be a fairly short priced favourite.  However he runs SIXTH SENSE, so we will also get a comparison with the Chesham Stakes form.  Having put up SIXTH SENSE at 20/1 for the Chesham, I am not confident that he will step up to Group 2 company today.

AREEN seems the likeliest winner from the Windsor Castle runners.

It might be expected that ELRONAQ could improve on his debut run to reverse the placings with ELTEZAM, but the form of his Newmarket win has not been franked so far.

It was suggested that SHALAA would have another run before this race.  The fact that he hasn’t could be a positive that he didn’t need one or a negative that he hasn’t had one.

EXPERTO CREDE, an expensive Breeze Up purchase could be anything and as it was proposed to run SANDAHL in a nursery this week, I can’t think he could win this race.

A watching brief for me but if you put a gun to my head, I would plump for ELTEZAM to uphold the Coventry Stakes form.

Pre-race quotes from connections

Richard Hannon: ‘ELTEZAM is a big colt and, though he ran a smashing race to finish third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, we feel that he has improved since.  He has strengthened and put on weight and, though Goodwood is definitely on the cards, the July Stakes is too good a race to pass by and the three-week gap is ideal.  ORVAR will need to step up on his sixth in the Windsor Castle Stakes, but his 17 draw did him no favours there as all the action was far side and he did not get competitive until it was all over.  The extra furlong will suit him.’

Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum on ELRONAQ:  ‘He’s just had the two runs, running a very promising race first time before winning his maiden well.  Hopefully he’s come on again from that and he is potentially a nice horse, I think.  It will be interesting to see how he gets on.’

James Doyle on STEADY PACE: ‘He is better than he has shown in his last two starts and, granted better luck, can show his true colours.  I was really pleased with him at Ascot.  To be fair I felt things didn’t really went our way.  We were drawn slightly away from all the pace.  They merged over to that far rail and we were stuck in the middle a bit on our own.  I felt he did everything right.  His previous race in the National Stakes was just a write off really.  He had a horse gallop into the back of him for the best part of three furlongs which set him alight a little bit and then when I moved over to let that horse, go we were posted about six off the far rail on the sprint track at Sandown.  We put a line through that.  It was a much better performance at Ascot. He’s come on again and has thrived since that race so he’s done really well.’

Ed Walker on EXPERTO CREDE: ‘He’s very exciting.  He was an expensive breeze-up colt. He’s a big, good-looking horse.  I think in time he’ll be good enough.  Whether it comes a bit early in his career, time will tell and it’s only two weeks after his debut.  He’s still a big colt and possibly a little bit on the weak side, but we think he’s very smart and we’re looking forward to seeing him out.  He did it really well.  He was very babyish and very green. Antonio Fresu gave him a lovely introduction and he just did it very naturally.  I think there will be a lot of improvement.  He’s such a big colt I just think it might come a bit too quick, but he’ll get better with time as the year goes on.’

John Gosden on SHALAA: ‘I was rather keen on running him in the nice maiden at Newbury the day before he ran in the conditions race but his owner was there.  He found the pace of the novice race a bit beyond him.  Shalaa won his maiden well at the Rowley Mile.  Richard Hughes (who was on the third horse Nisser) said it was a very quick, and good, maiden and the best one he had ridden in before Ascot.’

Pointers Monday 6 July: Ayr Windsor and Ripon

This is not intended to be a full preview but a guide to some, hopefully, salient points.

Ayr 2.05 – 6F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good

CANDELISA – Fifth at Haydock on debut.  That race has thrown up three subsequent winners; also the winner went on to be third in the Coventry Stakes.  Made some good late headway to finish second at Hamilton, beaten ½ length next time out but the progress was too late to trouble the winner.  The winner was favourite for the first nursery of the season before being withdrawn late on.

CARLOVIAN – Sixth of seven at Haydock on debut over 7F, the winner was second in a Class 4 Novice Stakes next time out.  Drops to 6F today.  Possible place chance at a large price (currently 33/1).

DONJUAN TRIUMPHANT – Second at Redcar on debut; before the race, Richard Fahey had said ‘He’s been working really well at home and although he’ll be better for the experience I’m hoping he can run a big race.’  He cost 58000 euros as a foal but and was then resold at a Breeze Up sale for 30000 guineas.

GALESBURG – 2¾ lengths behind CANDELISA at Hamilton on his only run to date.  Probable improver.

MR POTTER – Last York on debut, 8½ lengths behind TICKING AWAY who finished tenth.

TICKING AWAY – See MR POTTER.

Windsor 6.25 – 6F Maiden Stakes (Class 5) Good to Firm

EDIFICATION – Finished fourth on debut at Goodwood, the second has since won a Class 3 maiden.  Followed up with a second at Newmarket, the winner had previously finished behind the subsequent Coventry Stakes third, beaten 1¼ lengths.

HONIARA – Four lengths behind EDIFICATION on debut.

IMPERIOUS ONE – Full brother to a Listed race winner at 7F.

ORNATE – Dam won at 6F and later fourth in Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1).  Half brother was a winner on debut and later won Richmond Stakes (Group 2).  Another half brother won at 5F, including on debut.

TRIKINGDOM – A previous non runner because of Good to Firm going.  60000 guineas purchase. Fourth on debut on AW at Lingfield, beaten nearly seven lengths; 0/3 winners from that race.

Ripon 6.35 – 6F Maiden Auction Fillies Stakes (Class 5) Good

BLACK DIAMOND GIRL – Off for two months after finishing last on debut.  Reappeared here over 5F when dead heating for fifth place after leading until inside the final furlong.  Half brother won at 5F and 6F (highest winning OR of 79).  Seventh won a Class 5 maiden next time out. Place chance at big odds or if racing prominently a Back To Lay, opportunity (25/1 at present).

LADY ARGENTUM – Presumably something amiss after her second run as she has had a month off since finishing last in a Class 4 maiden.  On debut finished 2½ lengths behind RISK ASSESSED who was set to carry top weight in a nursery.  A repeat of that performance could see her go close, possibly at a big price

LITTLE SWIFT – Sets the standard.  Fourth on debut, on her next appearance at Newbury, she had been the widest of all the runners, coming down the centre of the track.  Having taken the lead over two furlongs out, she kept on well, trading at a low of 1.08 as she was collared close home.  She was purchased as a foal for 10000 euros and was resold as a yearling for £18000. Her dam won between 7F and 8F (highest winning OR of 80) and LITTLE SWIFT is her first foal to race.

MOZIMBA – Off for nearly two months and now visored for the first time.  Her last race here has thrown up three subsequent winners, including the fifth who finished a short head in front of MOZIMBA (25/1 at present).

Preview: Friday 3 July Beverley 6.45 5F Novice Stakes

Beverley 6.45 – 5F Novice Stakes (Class 4)

Five runners for this race consisting of two colts and three fillies.  All of the runners are previous winners.  The runners are:

HORSE	AGE	WGT	TRAINER	JOCKEY
Excessable	2	9-7	Tim Easterby	David Allan
Furiant	2	9-7	Mark Johnston	Joe Fanning
Penny Pot Lane	2	9-2	Richard Whitaker	George Chaloner
Lydia´s Place	2	8-13	Richard Guest	Rob Hornby (5)
Satin Chic	2	8-13	Bryan Smart	Connor Beasley

EXCESSABLE – Has not been seen out since winning on debut by 3½ lengths at Ripon in April, justifying support from 14/1 to 100/30.  The runner up that day, RISK ADJUSTED runs in the nursery at Haydock today (Thursday 2 July).  Before Royal Ascot, Tim Easterby said: ‘He’s perfectly fine but he won’t be going to Ascot.  He’ll go to Newbury for the Super Sprint.  It’s worth more money and because he cost next to nothing he’ll have barely any weight.  I’ll probably find another race somewhere beforehand first.’  With the Super Sprint being on 18 July, this presumably is the warm up race.

FURIANT – A winner on debut at Musselburgh on debut before finishing unplaced in two Class 2 Stakes races.  Dropped back to a Class 4 novice race and stepped up in distance to 6F at Kempton, he finished second, beaten a neck.  He had been entered, but not declared to run, in the Haydock nursery mentioned above, where he was due to carry 2lb less than RISK ADJUSTED.

PENNY POT LANE – A winner of a Class 5 maiden at Ripon by a short head on her third start. At Catterick on her previous start, she finished third, 1½ lengths in front of COPACOBANA, who is also entered in the Haydock nursery.

LYDIA’S PLACE – Was due to run in a similar race at Chester on Saturday but was a non runner (cut leg).  She missed the break on her debut run but then won a Class 6 maiden at Catterick by 1¼ lengths.  From seven reappearances, there have been no subsequent winners.

SATIN CHIC had finished fourth on debut, beaten over ten lengths, but on her next appearance at Hamilton, she was away quickly and made all to win.  In that race, she finished ¾ length in front of LONDON PROTOCOL (conceding 11lb) who had previously been 1½ lengths behind RISK ADJUSTED.

Summary

All the evidence points to EXCESSABLE being the winner of this race and I expect him to be a warm favourite.  The only real doubt is whether he will be fully primed for this race having not raced for over two months and the fact that his real target is a couple of weeks away.

Preview: Friday 3 July Sandown 2.50 Dragon Stakes 5F (Listed)

Sandown 2.50 – 5F Dragon Stakes (Listed) – Good

Six runners have been declared for this Listed race.  They include four colts and two fillies, all of the runners have recorded wins in the past.  Only one filly has won this race in the last ten years, and that was back in 2006.  The runners are:

HORSE	WEIGHT	TRAINER	JOCKEY
Barbarous Relic	9-2	K R Burke	William Buick
Halsall	9-2	David O´Meara	Jamie Spencer
Riflescope	9-2	Mark Johnston	James Doyle
Soapy Aitken	9-2	Clive Cox	Ryan Moore
Ejaazah	8-11	Richard Hannon	Paul Hanagan
Promised Money	8-11	Edward Lynam	Richard Hughes

BARBAROUS RELIC – Fourth on debut over 5F at Catterick (winner next time out finished 5th in the Albany Stakes – Group 3).  He then stepped up to 6F at Ayr where he made all and although driven two furlongs out, held on to win by ½ length.  Karl Burke trained the winner of a 2yo Listed fillies race last Saturday.

HALSALL – Beaten by ½ length on debut by a subsequent Class 2 winner, traded at 1.01 in running.  Disappointing next time out, he then won a Class 5 maiden at Redcar by a nose – no subsequent winners have come from this race.  Finished ninth in the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed), just over 5 lengths behind SOAPY AITKEN.

RIFLESCOPE – A winner of a Class 4 maiden at Lingfield on his second start.  Stepped up to 6F next time out, he finished seventh of eight at Newbury before being given a month off.  He then was dropped back to 5F at Royal Ascot, finishing fourth in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes.

SOAPY AITKEN – A winner of his first two starts at Leicester and Windsor, he then finished fourth in the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed), beaten 2½ lengths.  On debut, he finished 1¼ lengths in front of Mark Johnston’s ROGUES’ GALLERY.  That horse later finished one length behind RIFLESCOPE in the Norfolk Stakes.

EJAZZAH – Finished ninth on her debut in what has turned out to be a smart Ascot maiden (six subsequent winners).  She then won a Class 4 maiden at Chester by 2¼ lengths.  The third and fifth have finished runners up in maidens since and the tailed off last, won a seller on their next starts.

PROMISED MONEY – A winner of a maiden at Cork on her second start before finishing third, beaten seven lengths, in a Listed race over 6F at Naas.

Summary

On a line through ROGUES’ GALLERY, there seems very little to choose between SOAPY AITKEN and RIFLESCOPE and it could come down to a choice as to whether the form of a ten runner Group 2 is better than that of a twenty seven runner Listed race.  Fillies have a poor record in the race and I don’t think we have seen enough so far to suggest that these two will be able to match the colts’ form.  Karl Burke was pretty confident about his Listed winning filly last week and I have not seen anything to suggest he is as confident about the chances of BARBAROUS RELIC and HALSALL has to find more after his Royal Ascot run.

Without the benefit of any prices at present, the selection will be SOAPY AITKEN but only by a narrow margin over RIFLESCOPE.

Nursery Notes: Thursday 2 July Haydock 3.20

Haydock 3.20 – 6F Nursery Handicap (Class 5)

The first nursery handicap of the season will be run on Thursday at Haydock over 6F.  There were 31 entries, including multiple entries from Kevin Ryan (four), Richard Hannon (three), Karl Burke (two) , Tim Easterby (two), David Evans (two) and Mark Johnston (two).  Those entered but not declared to run are shown at the end of this article, with their OR.  The twelve declared runners are:

HORSE	WEIGHT	TRAINER	JOCKEY	OR
Risk Adjusted	9-7	Ann Duffield	P J McDonald	77
Wedge	9-4	Richard Hannon	Ryan Moore	74
Pass The Moon	8-13	Hugo Palmer	Martin Harley	69
Bint Aldar	8-11	Kevin Ryan	Graham Lee	67
Highway Dream	8-11	William Jarvis	Joe Doyle (3)	67
Bukle	8-8	Rod Millman	Ben Curtis	64
High Speed	8-7	Charles Hills	Franny Norton	63
Kumanavsumfun	8-7	David Evans	Philip Prince (3)	63
Sing Something	8-7	David Brown	Sean Levey	63
Pippin Street	8-7	Richard Fahey	Tony Hamilton	63
Copacobana	8-7	Tim Easterby	Duran Fentiman	63
Mustn´t Grumble	8-7	Bill Turner	Noel Garbutt (5)	63

Here are some comments and observations on what the declared runners have achieved to date:

RISK ADJUSTED – He had already had three runs, finishing second on all of these before winning a 5F Class 5 maiden.  Until that victory, it seemed that he always bumped into something a bit better.  His dam was a useful performer, winning three times at 7F, with a highest winning OR of 92 and a half brother has won off an OR of 95.  Has previously beaten SING SOMETHING by 5½ lengths (concedes 14lb today).

WEDGE – Eighth on debut at Newmarket before winning a Class 4 maiden at Chelmsford (SING SOMETHING receiving 3lb was about 3½ lengths behind).  He then finished seventeenth in the Windsor Castle (Listed).  His dam won nine races in Britain and Ireland between 8F and 9F, including three Listed races.  SING SOMETHING is 8lb better off today for that 3½ lengths beating.

PASS THE MOON – A three length second to CARRINGTON on debut (second in a Class 2 race next time out) followed by finishing third beaten 2¾ lengths behind NELSPRUIT (runner up in the Woodcote Stakes – Listed next time out) and SECRET TALE (winner of a Class 5 maiden on next run, makes an opening OR of 69 seem attractive.  However, on her third run she stepped up to 6F and finished fifth.  Her dam was placed on her only run, but is a full sister to a Grade 1 and 2 winner in the USA over 10F and 8F.  Hugo Palmer has a record of 4/26 in 2yo handicaps, with a LSP of 15.00.

BINT ALDAR – Fifth at Pontefract on debut, she then made all to win a Class 5 maiden at Hamilton.  Dam won a maiden at 5F and she has produced one foal who has won at 7F and 8F, achieving an OR of 95.

HIGHWAY DREAM – Unplaced on her first two starts, she was then stepped up in distance to 6F in the first race in which she had not been ridden by an apprentice jockey.  She finished second, beaten two lengths after trying to make all.  The winner followed up with a victory in a Class 4 Novice Stakes.  Switches to turf today.  Her dam won a 12F maiden but is a full sister to a multiple Group winner, Classic Cliche, whose victories included the St Leger and Ascot Gold Cup.  She has produced winners in Britain between 6F and 16F; other foals have won in Hong Kong and UAE, including a place in a Group 3 race. Previously beaten about five lengths by COPACOBANA but that form is probably best ignored.

BUKLE – Unplaced in his first two starts before finishing third at Chepstow on soft ground in a Class 5 maiden.  His full sister won a maiden at 6F and a half sister won over 8F off an OR of 74.

HIGH SPEED – Third in the Class 3 Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester before being given a break.. Returned to finish fifth at Leicester when stepped up to 6F (winner won a Class 5 maiden next time out).  Both of these runs were on softish ground.  Her dam won over 6F (OR 67) and she has produced two winning foals, including one who won a 5F maiden before being placed in Listed and Group races in Britain and the UAE up to 9F.  Finished nearly four lengths in front of MUSTN’T GRUMBLE in the Lily Agnes and is off similar weights today.  Charlie Hills has a record of 10/84 in 2yo handicaps, with a LSP of 17.11.

KUMANAVSUMFUN – Third in a 6F seller at Ripon on debut before finishing third, beaten about a length in a Class 5 maiden at Lingfield.  Dropping back to a seller, she justified favouritism but had to be hard ridden to win by ½ length.  In the Ripon seller, she was beaten three lengths by MUSTN’T GRUMBLE (similar terms today) but that can probably be ignored as KUMANAVASUMFUN has probably improved since then.  The winner at Lingfield went on to finish fourth in a Listed race, beaten less than two lengths.  Her dam won at 5F and 6F (highest winning OR of 78) and she has produced winning foals, including a full brother who won a 6F maiden.

SING SOMETHING – Finished fifth, third and fourth on his three starts to date (see RISK ADJUSTED and WEDGE above.  Steps up to 6F today.  His dam won twice at 6F (highest winning OR 75).

PIPPIN STREET – A second on debut (a race which has provided two subsequent winners) was followed by a fourth in a Class 5 maiden.  She then finished fourth in a Class 3 seller at York (the fifth won a Class 5 seller on Monday).  Her dam won at 5F and 6F (highest winning OR 49) and has produced two winners between 5F and 7F, including the Hilary Needler when it was a Listed race (that winner has since herself produced a Grade 3 winner in USA at 8F). Richard Fahey has a record of 52/349 in 2yo handicaps with a LSP of 48.75.

COPACOBANA – Third on debut and was staying on inside the last (jockey dropped his rein approaching the line), before finishing fourth on next two starts (see HIGHWAY DREAM). Steps up to 6F and is visored for the first time today.  Her dam won two races at 5F (highest winning OR 61) and she has produced one winning foal at 5F and 6F (highest winning OR 90).

MUSTN’T GRUMBLE – Five starts to date, including a win in a seller and a second in a claimer (both Class 6).  Form ties in with HIGH SPEED and KUMANAVASUMFUN, see above.  His dam won four races in Ireland at 5F and 6F (highest winning OR of 75).

Those entered but not declared to run:

HORSE	TRAINER	OR
Dodgy Bob	Kevin Ryan	85
Ferryover	Kevin Ryan	79
Halsall	David O´Meara	79
Dutch Mist	Kevin Ryan	79
Dark Defender	Keith Dalgleish	78
Another Boy	Ralph Beckett	76
Ground Control	Richard Hannon	75
Furiant	Mark Johnston	75
Secret Ambition	Mark Johnston	73
Majestic Bond	Geoffrey Oldroyd	71
Auxiliary	William Haggas	69
Stroke Of Midnight	Richard Hannon	68
Rose Eclair	Tim Easterby	68
Saturn Lace	John Quinn	67
Clive Clifton	David Evans	65
Millennium Falcon	K R Burke	64
East Street Revue	Tim Easterby	60
Q Ten Girl	Mark Usher	52
Little Lotte	K R Burke	51