Le Reconnaissance

Arrived and agog with excitement!! Greetings from the billet in Boulogne-Billancourt and looking forward immensely to our first visit to Hippodrome de Longchamp this afternoon. Today is very much about getting our bearings and sussing the lay of the land in advance of Sunday's Group 1 fest and of course, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Comments, impressions etc will be reported on in due course but at this stage with the mediterranean temperatures, it is difficult to predict anything but fast going for the big day.

This afternoon's card pales into insignificance but the Prix Dollar looks intriguing with Godolphin's improving French Navy looking to have an obvious chance.

bonne chance.....

Sunday Best

Despite interesting cards today at Newmarket and Haydock, the weekend's best action takes place tomorrow at Deauville and the Curragh. Two scintillating Group 1s dominate the picture. First up is the Maurice de Gheest where July Cup winner, Dream Ahead is challenged by Golden Jubilee winner, Society Rock, Sprint stalwarts Genki, Markab, Marchand D'Or and the very interesting back in trip, Zoffany. Value looks likely in a hot field but very hard to oppose Dream Ahead and expect him to land the spoils (impressive last time and course winner-Prix Morny).

The first Group 1 of the season for two year olds, the Phoenix Stakes is run at the Curragh. Power, from  Ballydoyle should improve for his win at Royal Ascot, but in an equally competitive contest, it is difficult to ignore the chances of English challengers, Frederick Engels, Lilbourne Lad and Gatepost, with Jim Bolger's Parish Hall worth a close look if the rain desists. There is also an intriguing two year fillies race on the card, where Maybe (another impressive Ascot victor) takes on a progressive field including Remember Alexander, who should give us a clue to Parish Hall's credentials. Value options abound but expect favourites to prevail (Dream Ahead, Power, Maybe).

Saturday's action pales somewhat, but the Sweet Solera is always informative. Godolphin's Discourse looks the likely winner, but Sir Mark Prescott usually does not waste his time at this level and Kinetica may prove to be a better bet. Meanwhile at Haydock, it appears Hot Prospect (won this day last year) has his ideal conditions in the Rose of Lancaster stakes.

good luck....

Empires Strike Back

A noticeable aspect of today's King George at Ascot is the predominance (again) of the bloodstock oligarchy (Coolmore, Godolphin and Juddmonte) with the hardly penurious Rothschilds also represented. A sign of the times perhaps, but nevertheless still providing a fascinating renewal of the high summer traditional feature. The going may be the most pertinent factor and even at this stage it is still hard to predict. However, good horses should handle what will prevail this afternoon, unless it dramatically dries out.

Workforce is the highest rated and last season's Derby and Arc winner is entitled to go off favourite. Bizarrely he was available at 4/1 last weekend but the ensuing rain has come to his advantage. However his ignominious showing in this race last year casts a shadow. The prevailing wisdom suggests he was undone by the going but one wonders if the track was also a factor! How he will cope with the shortish straight and small field? A challenge undoubtedly for his very capable connections, Sir Michael (back in form) and Ryan Moore.

Rewilding was seven lengths behind Workforce at Epsom but has improved this season with a classy win at Meydan and a gutsy victory at the Royal meeting. He is certainly good enough but one feels that he had a very tough outing last time in denying So You Think and may not have recovered from those exertions.

Ballydoyle have selected St Nicholas Abbey from their crack squad of middle distance horses. Relatively low mileage and a return to a Group 1 podium in the Coronation at Epsom demonstrated his potential for this, but he still needs to improve a few pounds. The jockey booking (is Aidan O'Brien a tiger dad?) compounds one's usual suspicions over Coolmore's stallion strategies, but it is difficult to believe they are not entering the fray less than 100% prepared. The young O'Brien certainly will learn for the experience and is worth noting that in a possible tactical race, St Nicholas Abbey looks to have the sharpest turn of foot.

The progressive three year old Nathaniel completes the line up (pacemaker excepted). Albeit impressive at Royal Ascot, presumably the hefty supplementary fee was paid on the basis of soft going. At this stage, it looks as if there won't be enough rain to enable this promising colt to overcome his more experienced rivals (should run well though).

In summary, I find it difficult to desert Workforce and expect Ryan Moore to get him home with St Nicholas Abbey, the possible danger and value (3s or bigger?)

There is plenty of other racing to consider, particularly the International over 7f. The draw provides the usual quandary so picking one from either side, Bronze Prince and The Confessor.

best of luck and enjoy.....

Oaks Reprise

The Irish Oaks at the Curragh sees the main players from Epsom re oppose this afternoon. Albeit, on this occasion the ground, following heavy rain showers, will ride softer and the fairer nature of the track should negate any clever tactical ploys. Nevertheless, it should be a cracking contest with little between the main protagonists; Epsom winner Dancing Rain taking on the big guns Wonder of Wonders (Coolmore) and Blue Bunting (Godolphin). It's a difficult one to call, but the Godolphin filly on breeding (Limamix) appears to be best equipped to handle the soft going and attendant stamina issues.

Looking forward to being on track to see the action unfold particularly with top jockeys, Dettori, Fallon, Moore and Murtagh engaged. The supporting card is competitve with the opening maiden on the card deserving close scrutiny as it's recent roll of honour includes Pathfork, Sea The Stars (unplaced) and the Bolger pair, New Approach and Teofilo. Wild Wind should finally land a decent prize and the progressive Celerina is of interest in the sprint handicap despite a poor draw.

enjoy.......

Dewhurst Decider

The Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket today looks likely to be the best race of the flat season with 3 potential superstars taking each other on. Frankel so far has looked outstanding but has yet to meet a horse of any calibre. Nevertheless, he looked frighteningly good when coming round the bend at Ascot to bolt clear in the Royal Lodge. The manner of Dream Ahead's victory in the Middle Park was almost freakish but the conditions may have accentuated the winning distance. Despite already winning two group 1s, he will go off second favourite with doubts about ground and distance bringing out the best in him. The third protagonist, Saamid is coming into the race slightly under the radar, due to the hype over Frankel. Godolphin obviously rate him highly following a promising performance at Doncaster and he is the one who may be most comfortable over 7 furlongs. Hopefully, we will have a cracking contest and the beginning of stellar careers. While a bet is not really necessary, it will be difficult to desist if Saamid drifts to 7s or bigger.

The remainder of Champions Day is equally intriguing with a high class and competitive card. However, with winners looking hard to find, particularly at this stage of the season, I am opting for a relaxing afternoon with a sporting yankee and a speculative wager on Alwaary in the Champion Stakes

Yankee: Saamid, Vision D'Etat, Deauville Flyer + Rumoush.

good luck and enjoy....

Duncan to do the slaying this time ????

The highlight of the European flat season, the Prix de l'Arc augmented by a super supporting card takes place at Longchamp today. This year's renewal sees all the big guns represented in an open looking contest. Local reconnaissance reported heavy rain yesterday and suggests that the testing conditions will be the most salient factor.

Workforce is perhaps the horse with the greatest ability but one has to take his well being on trust. Currently little value but worth a bet at 10s or better. Ballydoyle send three, but hard to fancy Fame and Glory (not seen recently) and Cape Blanco (best at 10f), while Midas Touch (should be suited) is not good enough. Godolphin, in good form lately, run last year's third, Cavalryman (disappointing this season), who has solid place claims and looks as he if will benefit from the softer ground.

The Aga Khan has favourite, Behkabad who heads market, but offers little value and the promising Sarafina who may not get home. The other home contenders include Lope de Vega (stamina doubts) and Planteur, who is likely to be a popular selection but does not look good enough either.

In conclusion, the heavy going combined with lack of an outright favourite, and negatives over all the main players, we may have a surprise result and to that end, I expect a big run from Prix Foy winner, Duncan. By Dalakhani, who won this on holding conditions and trained by the shrewd John Gosden, he handled the track well last time and could give his connections due recompense for last year's injustice.

The supporting card is equally compelling with hopefully informative group 1 two year old contests (particularly the fillies races), the Foret which sees Goldikova and Paco Boy re oppose over 7f and the Opera where the unexposed Field Day is of interest.

enjoy and bonne chance....

National Enquiry

After strong two year old performances in the past few days from Wooton Bassett, White Moonstone, Zebedee and Frankel, today sees Ireland's top juvenile contest run at the Curragh. The National Stakes has a stellar roll of honour and hopefully a future star will be added this afternoon. Included in that list is Godolphin's prodigious stallion Dubawi and it is interesting to see their colours carried by Janood along with the highly regarded Casamento who will be wearing the seldom seen Sheikh Mohammed silks. However Ballydoyle's Zoffany and the progressive Pathfork are the main players, with the latter looking as if he could improve again, in what should be a solid test. Jim Bolger's battle hardened Glor na Mara should not be overlooked either in a race that is probably best viewed (and reviewed) rather than punted.

Rewilding looked the Leger winner in waiting at Goodwood in May and nothing has happened in the meantime to change one's mind. However he is too short currently against an interesting field. Oaks winner Snow Fairy has to have a great chance but will she stay? Ballydoyle pair Midas Touch and Joshua Tree chased Rewilding home in the Voltigeur with latter looking the most attractive at the prices following his eye catching/encouraging run. Nevertheless, my heart will be with Dandino, representing the Elite Racing Club who hopefully will give us a good run.

There is plenty of other top class action over the weekend particularly at Longchamp, but will be keeping a close eye on Arazan at the Curragh on Sunday, making his return to the track after a long absence. Worth noting that he was matching Sea the Stars on the gallops before the 2,000 guineas last season.

enjoy.....

Twice Over possible value in an intriguing International Stakes!

The International Stakes is the feature of Day 1 of the Ebor Meeting at York. The four main challengers all have solid claims but Twice Over currently available in places at 5/1, looks the value bet. He seems sure to be placed and with 9 runners could be a tempting free each way wager. However it is a tight field with Rip Van Winkle heading the market. While long being a fan, I feel Rip's best performances have come on undulating tracks (Sandown, Goodwood and Epsom) and he may not prosper on York's straight. Byword looks to be a similar standard to Twice Over (based on Royal Ascot form) but is nearly half the price. Dick Turpin is the season's most admirable performer but his breeding suggests he won't stay. Cavalryman looks best of outsiders but he will need to improve markedly on recent runs. In a race definitely worth watching, if not playing in, a tentative vote goes to the Henry Cecil charge.

The Voltigeur looks to be between the big 2 (Ballydoyle + Godolphin) and expect Rewidling to prevail whilst establishing St. Leger pecking order.

enjoy.....

Sweet Solera 2010

The rain has changed the prevailing going and directed one's thoughts towards the Autumn 2 year old contests. The Sweet Solera at Newmarket usually provides an early indicator to the juvenile filly standings and today's renewal looks as if it will be quite informative. Khor Sheed was impressive last time but Clinical (from the always worth watching Sir Mark Prescott yard) and Musharakaat shaped as if they could be improve considerably. The Godolphin filly caught the eye at Ascot but perhaps was flattered by her rail passage. A race for study rather than betting however!!!

The weather has certainly changed in the north of England and it is strange to see it being declared soft at Haydock. It is here where today's fancy runs, namely Magaling (3.25). Running on well to a solid horse (Cappioni) at York recently, after there was decent money looking for value before the off on Betfair, he looks the sort who could do well in this type of contest. From a canny stable, unexposed at trip and with a win on soft, he could be worth a wager.

Today's other racing attraction is the Shergar Cup, which I suppose will be diverting, but in an age of limited resources, one wonders why go to the bother, particularly with punter's attention focussed on the bulging Scoop 6 pot!

best of luck...

Curragh Sunshine

Enjoyed a pleasant afternoon at the Curragh yesterday in the sweltering sunshine. Canford Cliffs dispelled any doubts regarding his stamina, winning in an excellent manner and now looks the top miler this season, although the quicker going is undoubtedly the key. Xtension did his best but it was a tad disappointing that he did not make the frame. Steinbeck also ran a nice race but there must be a question mark now over his ability to compete at the highest level.

Samuel Morse was the other impressive winner on the day and tellingly from a Ballydoyle aspect, he was the only one of their leading chances to attract market support. There was no luck on the punting front, so going to have another go today with the 1000 Guineas in mind.

This looks very open with quite a few runners having a decent chance. Music Show is entitled to be favourite and while it would be nice for her connections to finally land a Classic, she looks a bit short. Godolphin acquisition, Anna Salai looks handy but not sure if she will be favoured by the going. Similar concerns apply to Termagant (really thrived on heavy in Moyglare) and Lolly for Dolly (nice win last time). Cille na Greine seeks to frank Newmarket form but she may have been flattered by her proximity to the front pair. Lillie Langtry looked a high class filly last season and if fully recovered from her injury must have a solid chance. She is a tentative selection but with a proviso that one should wait until seeing the level of market support. I would also like to suggest Lady Darshaan as an outside bet (second in Fillies Mile and a winner on good to firm) with jockey (Richard Hughes) in form on board.

Also on the card Fame and Glory should win the Tattarsalls and very interested to see how Jan Vermeer goes. Goldikova returns at Longchamp to further enhance an intriguing afternoon's fare.

good luck....

Newmarket Finale

This afternoon sees the final day's racing at Newmarket for the current season. The ubiquitous Godolphin team are out in force again looking to continue their phenomenal recent strike rate. Shaweel and Prince Siegfried look hard to oppose but neither offer value at evens particularly as they would have preferred a little more rain.

The most interesting runner and perhaps, best bet of the day is Infiraad, who returns, after running as if something was amiss at Royal Ascot. He showed plenty of potential in the spring and if returning in full health, should be good enough, off a nice weight.

good luck....

Q.E. II

A select band take part in the Q.E. II at Ascot. Rip Van Winkle is the best horse and if near full fitness should win. The race itself marks Godolphin's return to the limelight, once again challenging Coolmore. However, expect Rip to thwart both Delegator & Aqlaam and further enhance his bid for glory at Santa Anita. The other group 1 looks much more open with no stand out runner. I was impressed with You'll be Mine at Leopardstown but this is much tougher. Long Lashes ran no race in the heavy going at the Curragh and has to be given another chance. However as it not really a betting event, going to watch and see if Sent From Heaven can continue her improvement. She won last time but not sure she is group 1 standard.

The main betting medium is the 7 furlong handicap which as usual, is fiercely competitive. Going to eschew a few old friends this time and tentatively propose Proclaim, as a sporting bet. Very consistent, running off lowest mark since spring, advantageously drawn and doubtlessly fit from the Johnston yard, he looks nicely priced on Betfair.

enjoy.....

St. Legers

John Oxx returns to the limelight with creditable chances in both Legers. Mourayan's credentials can be questioned with the fast going and Mick Kinane's decision to go the Curragh. However in a weakish race, his form lines with Fame and Glory look the strongest and at 8 or 9s offers a bit of value, despite obvious negatives. Mick Kinane rides Alandi in the Irish Leger, but in a good field, All the Aces looks progressive on soft ground and could be the one to upset departing hero, Yeats.

Ballydoyle should have better luck in the top 2yo races. The Champagne Stakes at Doncaster is always a good guide and Aidan O'Brien sends 3 to take on Godolphin's vulnerable favourite Poet's Voice. Of the 3, like the profile of Await the Dream and keen to see how he fares. Alfred Nobel should have too much experience for his rivals in the National Stakes but Prendergast runners should always be respected while Chabal showed a lot of promise last week at Leopardstown.

In a busy day, the big betting race is the Portland Handicap. As usual, it is very competitive, but Intrepid Jack is worth a look (finished well last time at York to show he still has ability and is running off a winning mark).

best of luck.....

Celebration Mile

The Celebration Mile is the main race of what looks lack lustre fare for a Saturday with the best action, despite the going, taking place at the Curragh on Sunday (more anon). At Goodwood, Delegator appears to be a certainty on the book, but as ever a move to Godolphin casts a doubt. Taking on a progressive horse, Zacinto on a tricky track makes him vulnerable and with neither offering any value, it might be worth looking to Beacon Lodge for a sporting bet (particularly if going is not too fast) as he ran creditably in Sussex. The Prestige for 2yo fillies is of more interest and going to stick with Sent From Heaven whose chance last time was impaired by having to run wide -she should improve but a competitive race. Palace Moon looks to have found a nice opportunity in a listed race at Newmarket, while at Beverley, Noble Storm should continue his winning run from a favourable draw.

The Moyglare on Sunday at the Curragh sees Lillie Langtry taken on by Long Lashes (form to be tested today) in the first major Coolmore/Darley contest for a while. Lillie Langtry should prevail in the conditions and it is always worthwhile keeping an eye on the Prendergast runners. Another filly of interest is Perfect Polly who has been in great form since returning home.

good luck....

Solario Stakes

After a thrilling and exciting week's racing at York, it is difficult to raise any enthusiasm for the rather more mundane fare on offer at Sandown and Chester. The Solario can on occasion be informative (Raven's Pass winner in 2007) and this year's running sees a Godolphin representative (Buzzword) try to maintain their upward curve in the 2yo ranks. However not sure if he is a worthy favourite and would be more interested in Simenon who foiled a hot favourite last time in a good maiden at Newmarket. As it is not really a betting race, going to look elsewhere for a bit of sport. Macdillion (5f handicap at Sandown) is a track winner who ran well first time out but never showed last time, looks unexposed and if well, should run a good race.

Greatly enjoyed York this week and nice to see John Dunlop back in the limelight. Undoubted highlight was Sea The Stars who should be thoroughly enjoyed as it unlikely we will see his like for another 20 years.

cheers.....

Hungerford Stakes

A rather low key afternoon in advance of the Ebor festival. The main race being the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. Evasive with his exceedingly strong Group 1 form lines should be way too good for this field and further frank Sea The Stars' credentials. However there is the possibility that he may have been "godolphined" which in addition to his running his best race with cut in the ground, makes him slightly vulnerable. The most intriguing runner is Palace Moon (an unexposed 4yo half brother to Sakhees Secret) and he might be worth a small interest.

The punting race of the day is at Ripon, the Great St. Wilfrid. The draw is normally very influential here but the firmish (first time in years!!!!) going negates that factor. Best to adopt a dutching strategy picking 2 or 3 against the field. Tentative selections for Striking Spirit and Pearly Wey.

good luck...

Royal Ascot Day 1

Three Group 1s kick off the annual feast of racing at Ascot. Gladiatorus gets a chance to confirm his standing following his excellent run in Dubai and hopefully he does not suffer from the Godolphin "effect". Main Aim has progressed nicely this season but doubt he will truly stay a mile and the favourite's stablemate may give him most to do.

It is difficult to assess the sprint with added international dimension. Amour Propre has a decent chance but a better value bet may be Tax Free.

Mastercraftsman is very hard to oppose in St James Palace and should further enhance 2,ooo guineas form. Evasive is next best while Intense Focus may enjoy quicker going.

The Coventry looks interesting with a few in with a chance. Canford Cliffs is highly touted and looking forward to see how he goes. A pity Steinbeck does not show up.

good luck....