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.....

Trials Time

As it is unlikely, that Frankel will be heading to Epsom, this year's trials take on added significance. It is doubtful that we saw a contender at Chester this week and today's Derby trial at Lingfield looks undistinguished, although interested to see how Marahaba Mayloon runs. We should learn more tomorrow from the Derrinstown at Leopardstown, if Recital settles better, but perhaps the most informative race will be the Dante at York on Thursday. The Oaks picture looks equally opaque albeit, Wonder of Wonders did well on the Roodee.

Despite a busy day, winners look hard to find making it a watching, rather than playing afternoon. The early season notebook brief will be monitoring Bated Breadth (again) + Victoire de Lyphar, Passion for Gold (long absent), Bourne (Haydock), and Berling.

However, a particular focus will be on the Victoria Cup at Ascot, with a view to the forthcoming series of 7 furlong handicaps on the track over the season. Competitive as ever, going to go with two from either side of the draw, Lutine Bell and Zero Money.

Across the ocean, the Kentucky Derby rounds off a full day. Uncle Mo's absence takes the shine of this year's renewal but curious to see how Master of the Hounds runs for Ballydoyle after his unusual prep at Meydan (globalisation indeed).

good luck...

Quiet Weekend

All relatively quiet on the NH front this weekend after the exhilarations of Festival week at Cheltenham. Newbury offers little on the punting front but interested to see how Saludos fares in a competitive Chase at Navan (5pm). 


Irish trained runners were in fine fettle recently and one wonders how fit will the Aidan O'Brien contingent be at Meydan following the recent good weather. Interesting to see Coolmore participating and curious to see Jamie Spencer on board Cape Blanco, who on his best form looks the top horse in the main race. While the cards look good, the form and well being is hard to assess, so will be restricted to a watching role.


cheers....

Post Cheltenham Blues

Despite my best intentions, could not resist a look at today's NH cards. Finding little of interest aside from Rare Bob running in a decent chase at Navan (5.05), my eyes were drawn to the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster. Not the race it used to be, but could not help but notice a notebook horse from last season, Prime Exhibit, running for a new stable (Richard Fahey). Well drawn, bottom weight, improving claimer on board and having the benefit of a primer over 6f, he looks to have a good chance at a good price!

Whilst temporarily moving onto a flat groove, a cursory look at Meydan seemed in order. The large prize money has inevitably attracted a lot of high profile horses (excepting any from Ballydoyle) and has resulted in competitive fields. Intrigued to see Henry Cecil running Twice Over in the "World Cup" and if maintaining his form, he should be thereabouts. Sheikh Mohammed certainly deserves support for his investment but one wonders if the meeting will have an impact on the quality of the forthcoming summer flat season.

good luck....