News from the North(ern) Hemisphere

[Stodge]

On then to last Sunday and first stop a sun-drenched Deauville for the Maurice de Gheest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtDDQw9Tc84

SPACE BLUES was given an excellent ride by William Buick in my view. 1300m is a strange trip and while you'd think it would suit the 1200m horses, on a straight track I would want to be on the proven 1400m performer every time. The ground was officially Good but they returned a decent time and of course what happened was the 1200m specialists like GOLDEN HORDE and EARTHLIGHT went hard up front and had no answer to the 1400m specialist SPACE BLUES in the final 50m.

It was a real bunch for the minors with second to fifth split by half a length. HELLO YOUMZAIN and GOLDEN HORDE will presumably re-match with July Cup winner OXTED at Haydock early next month and that already looks a race to savour. LOPE Y FERNANDEZ ran another good race in defeat and comes out with a lot of credit. EARTHLIGHT just didn't get home and I'm not sure where the next step is for last year's top juvenile.

For SPACE BLUES, I imagine the Foret will be the main target though I'd love him to have a tilt at the Breeders Cup Mile for which I think he would be well suited.

Meanwhile at The Curragh, the first Irish Group 1 for the juveniles took place. The Phoenix Stakes used to be run at the old Phoenix Park racecourse on the outskirts of Dublin before the course was lost to housing. This year's renewal looked well up to standard and while there had been plenty of earlier juvenile form advertised, this saw a new star emerge in the form of LUCKY VEGA who erased the memory of his narrow defeat in the Railway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNs2kACHJIE

LUCKY VEGA was always going well and quickened nicely to win this by over three lengths. A bit of argy-bargy between ALOHA STAR and THE LIR JET resulted in the places being reversed in the stewards' room. The problem was ALOHA STAR's jockey, Chris Hayes, had his whip in the incorrect hand so was deemed not to have done enough to prevent interference. Make of that what you will. I thought LAWS OF INDICES , who had sprung a huge shock when beating LUCKY VEGA in the Railway, ran an eye-catching fourth and is crying out for an extra 200m. ST MARK'S BASILICA was well held in fifth but I wouldn't write him off yet but VENTURA TORMENTA was very disappointing and came home last.

Looking ahead to the coming weekend, again, not much happening in the UK with a Group 2 the feature at Newbury on Saturday. At Deauville, it's another busy weekend with the Group 2 Guillaume D'Ornano on Saturday and the Group 1 Jacques le Marois over 1600m on Sunday. We'll get some idea of the field for the Marois as the week goes on but St James's palace winner PALACE PIER is due to run as is ROMANISED.

[Freda]

'  The problem was ALOHA STAR's jockey, Chris Hayes, had his whip in the incorrect hand so was deemed not to have done enough to prevent interference.'

 

Fancy stewards being aware of 'which hand'  the whip is in.....what a novel idea.     🙂

 

Edited August 11, 2020 by Freda

[Stodge]

Next Wednesday sees the start of the four-day York August Festival which is for many the end of summer and the first sign of autumn.

It's a cracking meeting - not quite the strength in depth of Royal Ascot but for me it's the second best meeting of the year.

The first day sees the Juddmonte International over 2000m. 14 have been entered, six from Aidan O'Brien and three from John Gosden whose dual Arc winner ENABLE will miss a clash with LOVE in the Yorkshire Oaks for the September Stakes at Kempton as her prep race for Paris.

I'll leave a full preview until next Monday when we have the final runners but it looks a very hot race. 

The Group 2 Voltigeur over 2400m is traditionally a Leger Trial though CROSS COUNTER ran in it before his exploits at Flemington. Again, 14 entries and again 6 from Ballydoyle.

The ground on the Knavesmire is currently Good to Firm but after a hot spell much cooler and more unsettled conditions are taking over.

[Stodge]

On 8/12/2020 at 12:16 AM, Freda said:

'  The problem was ALOHA STAR's jockey, Chris Hayes, had his whip in the incorrect hand so was deemed not to have done enough to prevent interference.'

 

Fancy stewards being aware of 'which hand'  the whip is in.....what a novel idea.     🙂

 

Connections have appealed the demotion so we'll see. There's a big debate going on about the interference rules up here and whether stewards are being too strict on jockeys.

Seamie Heffernan got four days at Gowran Park yesterday and went on Racing TV to complain about the ban saying it was harsh.

The Interference "Rules" up here aren't the same as in other racing jurisdictions.

Basically there are three questions:

1) Did Interference take place?

2) Did it affect the result?

3) Could the rider have done anything to prevent the interference?

Chris Hayes failed on both 2) and 3) - 2) because he only beat THE LIR JET a short head and 3) because even though ALOHA STAR was leaning into THE LIR JET, Hayes made no effort to correct it by putting his whip down or pulling it through.

Compare with Ryan Moore on TILSIT at Goodwood. There was undeniable interference but Moore was able to convince the stewards he'd have won anyway and he also persuaded them he could not have foreseen TILSIT swerving so sharply right and while he tried to correct it once it happened he was unable to prevent it happening. He kept the race.

[Stodge]

The weekend beckons up here and elsewhere but it's not the busiest.

Tomorrow, the feature UK race is the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury over 1400m. 10 go to post and with SPACE BLUES the top dog at this distance after his wins in the Lennox and the Maurice de Gheest, this looks a slightly below-par renewal. DREAM OF DREAMS has finished second in the Diamond Jubilee in the past two seasons but last year he never followed up that run and I'm sceptical over the extra 200m. I think he's an Ascot specialist and I'd want to be against him.

Both GLORIOUS JOURNEY and THREAT ran down the field in the Lennox but GLORIOUS JOURNEY won this race last year and that's a big plus in my book. The 3-y-o PIERRE LAPIN has flopped on his two runs this year. One of interest is the German raider NAMOS who was eighth in the July Cup but this is more reasonable and he's a tempting e/w bet at 10s but I'm sticking with GLORIOUS JOURNEY.

The Group 1 Preis von Europa at Cologne sees BARNEY ROY take on DAME MAILLOT. as well as the third and fourth in this year's German Derby. The problem is BARNEY ROY has never run 2400m and they didn't think he stayed it as a 3-y-o whereas DAME MAILLOT looked good at Newmarket last month and is readily preferred.

At Deauville, the Group 2 Gontaut Biron over 2000m is a re-run of the Jockey Club from last month. Convincing winner MISHRIFF faces THE SUMMIT and Poulains winner VICTOR LUDORUM who filled the places. It's hard to see why the result should be difficult but it's a small field and could be tactical which would suit the speed of VICTOR LUDORUM.

On to Sunday and seven go in the Jacques Le Marois, which, like many French Group 1 races, is open to colts and fillies but not geldings. It's a quality renewal and a real clash of the generations. Representing the 3-y-o we have the winners of the championship races at the Royal Ascot meeting - PALACE PIER won the St James's Palace with a convincing performance but ALPINE STAR did me a nice favour in the Coronation Stakes. After that, she was touched off by subsequent Nassau winner FANCY BLUE in the Diane. Over this straight 1600m, I think I prefer the filly who we know gets the thick end of 2000m while I just wonder if the way the race was won suited PALACE PIER at Ascot.

They are very strong contenders but we have some top older horses in opposition. CIRCUS MAXIMUS won the Queen Anne over the straight 1600m at Ascot and he ran a blinder in defeat to MOHAATHER in the Sussex. We know he lacks for nothing in courage and a straight 1600m plays to his strengths. ROMANISED won this last year before going under by a nose to CIRCUS MAXIMUS in the Moulin. He was impressive on his return albeit in lesser company over 1400m at The Curragh and he's no outsider in this class.

Last but by no mean least, we have PERSIAN KING who won the Poulains and was second in the Jockey Club as a 3-y-o and returned to Group 1 winning form last time when winning the Ispahan though that possibly wasn't the strongest renewal.

This is another really good race for the division and the equivalent of the Sussex though the Goodwood and Deauville tracks are very different. With only seven runners, the punting angle isn't easy - I like ALPINE STAR but she is up against the boys and that will be tough. I keep coming back to my old mate CIRCUS MAXIMUS who is proven on a straight 1600m and will outbattle any of these if it comes down to a duel in the final 200m. 

It's a race to which I am really looking forward.

Looking ahead to Thursdsy, eight fillies have been entered for the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks over 2400m. Aidan O'Brien has entered both LOVE and MAGICAL and while I'd love to see him lock horns I don't think it will happen with MAGICAL going for the Juddmonte the previous day. To be honest, LOVE looks a class above these and they are no mugs in opposition.

[Stodge]

Final declarations are through for Day One of the York Ebor Festival. After heavy weekend rain, the ground has eased to Good and with an unsettled forecast through the week could ease further.

The Juddmonte International over 2000m is Wednesday's feature but just five go to post with the withdrawal of ASPETAR this afternoon. Two 3-y-o take on three older horses. Starting with the youngsters and while the filly ROSE OF KILDARE won the Musidora, she's well behind these on official figures.

KAMEKO has been a frustrating type - he won the Guineas at Newmarket, was fourth in the Derby and an arguably unlucky fourth in the Sussex at Goodwood. With PALACE PIER now looking the top colt miler after yesterday's win at Deauville, KAMEKO has it to prove over 2000m but it's probably his trip. Tactically, Oisin Murphy will have to be a shade more astute than he was at Goodwood.

The three older horses are all in the 120s and are all quality - MAGICAL needs no introduction from me and won the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time. She's mixed it with ENABLE so taking on the boys shouldn't be a problem. She only gets 3 lbs from the colts so has it to do but she is top class and will go close. LORD NORTH came from the Brigadier Gerard to win the Prince of Wales at Ascot and that was a huge step forward putting him right in this.

Finally, we have Coronation Cup and Eclipse winner GHAIYYATH. There was no denying he was superior to ENABLE at Sandown but, as the song goes, that was then and this is now. We know he loves to set the pace and we know he bounces off quick ground. York isn't a bad track for a front runner but these won't give him any rope and I just wonder if any softening of the ground will go against him.

It's a race to savour - no question. Put $10 in my hand and I'd be on MAGICAL at 9/2 simply because you know she will run to the line. IF LORD NORTH goes on again from Ascot he will be very hard to beat while I think both GHAIYYATH and KAMEKO are opposable.

Eight go in the main supporting race - the Voltigeur - over 2400m for the 3-y-o. It's often a Leger trial and of course CROSS COUNTER was placed in it before going onto Flemington. MOGUL won the Gordon Stakes, the equivalent of this race at Goodwood, beating HIGHLAND CHIEF and SUBJECTIVIST and is now perhaps beginning to fulfil some of the lofty ambitions held for him at Coolmore. He's entitled to be favourite but there are plenty of options - BERKSHIRE ROCCO was second to ENGLISH KING at Lingfield and then second to subsequent Irish Derby winner SANTIAGO at Ascot. We know he goes on slow ground and stays every inch of 2400m.

PYLEDRIVER won the King Edward VII at Ascot and was fancied for the Derby but got lost in the confusion that day and ended up eleventh. I suspect he hated the contours of the Downs and the flat Knavesmire will suit so much better. Finally, we have the unbeaten and unexposed DARAIN who has a lot to find on the numbers but who is on the upgrade.

I'm hoping for some rain and if it comes I'll back PYLEDRIVER each way at 12s as I think he's the forgotten horse of the race.

[mardigras]

Shopping pretty well to get Magical at 9/2. Be a good race I think.

[Stodge]

28 minutes ago, mardigras said:

Shopping pretty well to get Magical at 9/2. Be a good race I think.

For me, it's the race of the season so far. 

[Stodge]

Starting the weekend look-back with Saturday's action.

At Deauville, the ground was Heavy after a deluge of rain but that didn't stop MISHRIFF following up his Jockey Club success with an even more emphatic win in the Guillaume D'Ornano slamming THE SUMMIT by four and a half lengths with VICTOR LUDORUM, who again looked a non-stayer over 2000m, back in third. MISHRIFF has proved himself very good at the trip and it'll be interesting to see where connections go next - the Irish Champion perhaps although they might be tempted to try 2400m though I'd be doubtful on breeding.

On the same card, the 2019 Jockey Club winner SOTTSASS came up a neck short to SKALLETI in the Gontaut Biron and I'm just doubtful if he's quite as good as he was. SKALLETI is a solid Group 2 performer but has never run in a Group 1.

At Newbury, the ground had also been softened by rain and DREAM OF DREAMS absolutely hosed up in the Hungerford winning by seven lengths. This was a very impressive performance from a horse who has twice finished second in the Diamond Jubilee at Ascot and was second in this back in 2018. He's been a bit inconsistent on occasions but if they've found the secret with him he could be a real threat to SPACE BLUES over 1400m and there's no reason why he couldn't get the 1600m on breeding.

At Saratoga, SWISS SKYDIVER booked a Kentucky Oaks match up with GAMINE with a smooth win in the Alabama - connections had thought of taking on the colts in the Derby but TIZ THE LAW's hugely impressive win in the Travers has convinced them to stay with her own gender.

[Stodge]

York starts tomorrow with the ground Good, Good to Soft in places and more rain forecast.

I've already chewed over tomorrow's big races - the final declarations are through for Thursday.

Six stand in the Yorkshire Oaks over 2400m and LOVE is 2/5 favourite to follow up her Guineas and Oaks success and it looks a brave move to oppose her. ONE VOICE was a good second to FANCY BLUE in the Nassau and for me has much better form than FRANCONIA from the Gosden yard - indeed, 9/1 for ONE VOICE might be a decent bet were it not for the numbers.

FRANKLY DARLING won the Ribblesdale but was no match for LOVE at Epsom while MANUELA DE VEGA is in great form and won the Lancashire Oaks last time, she'll need a lot more rain to have a chance against LOVE.

14 go in the Group 2 Lowther over 1200m for the juvenile fillies and it's fair to say the hierarchy in that division is a long way from revolution. Ante post favourite is Queen Mary runner up SACRED who had looked good on debut but this is an extra 200m. SANTOSHA won the Princess Margaret at Ascot after running a close third in the Duchess of Cambridge.

SUSSEX GARDEN represents Jessica Harrington but she was well held at Naas last time behind MOTHER EARTH who was herself behind ALOHA STAR at The Curragh last weekend so that ties through to the best of the Irish juvenile form.

UMM KULTHUM and NOORBAN are 1-1 but they won small northern maidens on debut and most years you wouldn't think that anywhere good enough.

[Stodge]

York stages the final day of the Ebor meeting on Saturday and the feature Group 2 is the City of York Stakes over 1400m and someone will have to explain to me why two Group 2 1400m races are being run on consecutive weekends - it's a disappointing bit of scheduling as far as I can see. A number of those who ran in the Hungerford have been entered but ONE MASTER was never considered for Newbury and she stands out on Foret form.

The Ebor is down to a £140k first prize but 43 have been entered. Unfortunately, FOX VARDY is number 41 so needs 19  to come out to get a run but if you miss the cut you'll get your stake back.

FUJAIRA PRINCE won the Copper House Handicap at Ascot convincingly and among those in his week that day was SHAILENE but I thought the latter ran a blinder at Goodwood three weeks ago and looks worth a look at 16s especially with a bookie paying down to five or six places.

In Ireland on Saturday, there are two Group 2 races at The Curragh as the build up starts towards Irish Champions Weekend in three and a half weeks. The Debutante and the Galileo are trials for the Moyglare and the National respectively. The ground at The Curragh is currently Yielding and 15 juvenile fillies have been entered for the Debutante including MOTHER EARTH (see previous). The Galileo has 18 entries with seven from Aidan O'Brien so we'll leave those until Thursday.

Deauville continues over the weekend with the Nonette for the staying fillies on Saturday and a stellar card on Sunday featuring two Group 1 races and two Group 2 events. The Group 1 races are the Morny for the juveniles over 1200m - 18 have been entered, 11 colts and 7 fillies and it looks a strong race at this stage featuring the Queen Mary winner CAMPANELLE and the very food colts SUPREMACY and TACTICAL. There's also the Romanet for the fillies over 2000m - 23 have been entered and I'll look more closely at these races later in the week.

[mardigras]

In the Voltigeur at York tonight, I couldn't back Mogul at 3s which is about where I price him. So I'll be on the outsider of the field in Juan Elcano at 25s, who I've priced in single digits.

Nothing in the Juddmonte appeals to me as a betting proposition with the field at or around my assessed marks.

[Stodge]

24 minutes ago, mardigras said:

In the Voltigeur at York tonight, I couldn't back Mogul at 3s which is about where I price him. So I'll be on the outsider of the field in Juan Elcano at 25s, who I've priced in single digits.

Nothing in the Juddmonte appeals to me as a betting proposition with the field at or around my assessed marks.

MOGUL now 2s or 9/4 with many books over here. JUAN ELCANO has drifted from 12s to 20s but he and PYLEDRIVER are rated at 110 above MOGUL on 109. I fancy PYLEDRIVER but I can see why you like JUAN ELCANO - fifth in the Guineas, third in the Dante and crying out for 2400m on breeding. As long as it's the "dead eight" as we call it over here, 20s or bigger looks a bet to nothing. 

I think the Juddmonte is a race to enjoy - GHAIYYATH is 11/8 favourite, LORD NORTH and MAGICAL at 7/2 and KAMEKO at 5s. On the numbers that's pretty fair - I fancy MAGICAL but you've got four proven Group 1 performers lining up so it's a quality renewal.

[Stodge]

Before we talk matters York, a final look back at last weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NITlazX16wI

The Marois was run on heavy ground at Deauville but it was a huge win for the 3-y-o with PALACE PIER coming home three quarters of a length in front of my old friend ALPINE STAR thus saving my each way croissant at 6/1. He was always travelling well but she wasn't being the first off the bridle but the two cleared away from some smart performers and I'd rate both very highly. PALACE PIER is certainly the best 3-y-o colt miler but ALPINE STAR has the small issue of LOVE in her generation. The Marois also suggests there's very little between the 3-y-o colts and fillies at this trip though I'd put LOVE well in front of the colts at this time.

The older horses were put firmly in their place though CIRCUS MAXIMUS ran his usual genuine race in third in front of the disappointing PERSIAN KING and ROMANISED. 

I presume next stop for the winner will be the Moulin while the filly could go for the Matron at The Curragh.

[Stodge]

Final declarations through for Friday at York.

Eight go in the Group 1 Nunthorpe over 1000m for which BATTAASH is 1/2 favourite and that can't be a surprise on form. The only worry might be really slow ground while the two 3-y-o ART POWER and A'ALI are obviously speedy types they don't have Group 1 form and that means they have a lot to do against one of the best sprinters of recent times.

The Group 2 features are the Lonsdale over 3200m and the Gimcrack over 1200m. With no STRADIVARIUS,  the Lonsdale looks wide open - ENBIHAAR looked very good in the Lillie Langtry at Goodwood but she loves fast ground and I would oppose her if the Knavesmire turned soft. NAYEF ROAD has no ground worries and for all he was beaten nine lengths in the Gold Cup he got much closer to STRADIVARIUS at Goodwood and he is a confident choice.

He holds EAGLES BY DAY on Goodwood running and for all DASHING WILLOUGHBY is unbeaten this season I just think he would prefer a sounder surface though I don't underestimate him. WITHHOLD won a Northumberland Plate and returned to form at Newmarket in a small race last time but neither he or the jumper STRATUM look good enough.

Ten go in the Gimcrack and the 2-y-o form remains difficult to evaluate. The problem here is going to be the unknown of slow ground. Both MINZAAL and MOHAIR KING bounced off quick ground on their recent wins and on a firm surface would be the obvious fancies but I'm less convinced. The best form is probably with YAZAMAN who was beaten by TACTICAL at Newmarket and was well held by SUPREMACY in the Richmond at Goodwood. He has obvious claims.

UBETTERBELIEVEIT has won twice at 1000m so the trip is a query while MYSTERY SMILES has won a couple of small races.

At a bigger price I prefer LAUDED who was only just behind YAZAMAN at Goodwood having previously run seventh in the Coventry which wasn't bad. He's available at 11s so may be worth the proverbial each way play.

[mardigras]

Good stuff there with Pyledriver Stodge. 

[Stodge]

23 hours ago, mardigras said:

Good stuff there with Pyledriver Stodge. 

I ended up backing PYLEDRIVER and having a small saver on JUAN ELCANO but it's fair to say that was a nice performance and Mrs Stodge will enjoy a nice steak supper at the weekend. Pity about MAGICAL - I thought she ran very well and I didn't think GHAIYYATH would be able to back up the Eclipse run and he's beaten MAGICAL about as easily as he beat ENABLE at Sandown so he's improved loads this year.

[Stodge]

Final declarations are through for Saturday's racing.

Nine go in the Group 2 City of York Stakes over 1400m  and it's a solid field (ratings from 107 to 114). Favourite is the Foret winner ONE MASTER for whom the trip and ground look ideal. The 1600m of the Falmouth was just too much and she needed every inch of the sharp 1400m at Goodwood last time so this will be ideal on slower ground.

SAFE VOYAGE was fourth to SPACE BLUES in the Lennox last time and that's serious form with the latter going on to win a Group 1 at Deauville next time. SAN DONATO is very lightly raced - he had only one run as a 3-y-o but that was a third in the Poulains and this year he's gone up against MOHAATHER twice at Ascot and Goodwood. The drop back in trip is interesting but I always prefer the 1400m specialists. THREAT was taken out of the Hungerford last Saturday because the ground had eased - he didn't do much last time and has plenty to prove.

While I really respect ONE MASTER, I'm going to give SAFE VOYAGE a chance to continue his upward path - he's hovering around 9/2 and 5/1.

In Ireland, the ground at The Curragh is yielding. Eight go in the Group 2 Debutante for the juvenile fillies. Five of the eight are trained by the O'Brien clan - Aidan has three including MOTHER EARTH, Joseph has one while Donnacha runs the top-rated SHALE who won the Silver Flash at Leopardstown last time. The logical progression for the Irish fillies is the Silver Flash, the Debutante and then the Moyglare so we'll see.

The route for the colts is the Tyros, the Futurity and the National Stakes and Tyros winner MILITARY STYLE looks to have a big chance in the Galileo Futurity but the horse he beat in the Tyros, stable companion VAN GOGH, could well reverse places. 

[Stodge]

The first day at York's Ebor Festival took place on ground described as Good, Good to Soft in places but rain started to fall during the first and while it wasn't torrential it was persistent.

The feature on Day One was the Juddmonte International:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GC8eUdDp2Q

No denying, this was an impressive front running performance by GHAIYYATH - I thought Buick taking him up the centre of the track and avoiding eyeballing MAGICAL was a shrewd move. GHAIYYATH has such strong mid-race and tactical speed, he quickened fully 700m down but still had enough to see the race out.

MAGICAL hit a flat spot and lost second briefly to KAMEKO but she's one of the toughest around and battled back for second as KAMEKO's stamina gave out. LORD NORTH got third in the final 50m but never got involved in the race.

So do they take GHAIYYATH to the Arc to take on LOVE and ENABLE? Much will depend on whether he gets an uncontested lead in Paris which seems unlikely. MAGICAL ran really well in defeat - she's been beaten by ENABLE so on a line through her GHAIYYATH is the best around currently over 2000m but at 2400m? KAMEKO will, I suspect, go back to 1600m after this. I wonder if LORD NORTH will go for the Irish Champion next month. He ran a decent race and, to be fair, this is as good as it gets and to come up slightly short in this company is no disgrace whatsoever.

I've already mentioned the Voltigeur and a huge win for PYLEDRIVER who laid the ghost of a disastrous experience at Epsom firmly to rest. He's been backed for the Leger though Martin Dwyer, the jockey, thought he had enough speed to win at 2000m. I think the owners will go to Doncaster rather than try to swim with the sharks in the Arc and he must have a big chance. It was a fine tactical ride by Dwyer and they have to be respected and PYLEDRIVER is generally 5/1 with the English bookies for Doncaster.

HIGHLAND CHIEF, another for whom Epsom didn't go well, ran a fine race in second and I just wonder if the rain had turned the ground against MOGUL who really bounced off the fast ground at Goodwood but looked rather one-paced here.

[Midnight Caller]

On 8/13/2020 at 7:29 PM, Stodge said:

Connections have appealed the demotion so we'll see. There's a big debate going on about the interference rules up here and whether stewards are being too strict on jockeys.

Seamie Heffernan got four days at Gowran Park yesterday and went on Racing TV to complain about the ban saying it was harsh.

The Interference "Rules" up here aren't the same as in other racing jurisdictions.

Basically there are three questions:

1) Did Interference take place?

2) Did it affect the result?

3) Could the rider have done anything to prevent the interference?

Chris Hayes failed on both 2) and 3) - 2) because he only beat THE LIR JET a short head and 3) because even though ALOHA STAR was leaning into THE LIR JET, Hayes made no effort to correct it by putting his whip down or pulling it through.

Compare with Ryan Moore on TILSIT at Goodwood. There was undeniable interference but Moore was able to convince the stewards he'd have won anyway and he also persuaded them he could not have foreseen TILSIT swerving so sharply right and while he tried to correct it once it happened he was unable to prevent it happening. He kept the race.

Spoke to Fozzy! He's  still a bit fired up about the relegation  and I copped a good minute of expletives about the decision😄. Stable is ticking over and has a couple of e/w chances at Killarney.The 2yr old in the mile race looks interesting. 

Edited August 20, 2020 by Midnight Caller

[Stodge]

More detail on the weekend's racing in this part of the world.

Two Group 2 races at Deauville tomorrow where the ground has improved to Very Soft. The Nonette is over 2000m for the 3-y-o fillies and clear favourite is the unbeaten TAWKEEL who was a runaway winner of the Saint Alary last time. If she can reproduce that form she'll win this. Fabre runs two and SOLSTICIA was third in the Saint Alary and seventh in the Diane while ALKANDORA was beaten in a Group 3 last time and will have to improve.

Eight go in the Calvados for the juvenile fillies over 1400m. Not sure how strong a field this is in all honesty - Frankie Dettori has missed York and has ridden in France all week. He's on NO SPEAK ALEXANDER for Jessica Harrington who bolted up on heavy ground at Roscommon in a maiden last time so this is a big jump. FEV ROVER was second to DANDALLA in the Duchess of Cambridge and followed up in a Listed at Sandown. She's favourite and deservedly so especially as the local challengers are either coming out of Parisian maidens or from the provinces.

In America, the feature is the Pacific Classic at the gorgeous Del Mar racetrack just up the coast from San Diego. MAXIMUM SECURITY won the inaugural Saudi Cup at the end of January but didn't impress last time scrambling home in a handicap over course and distance. I'm sure he'll be much better and should confirm placings with MIDCOURT and HIGHER POWER.

On to Sunday and an excellent card at Deauville which marks the climax of the August Festival. Nine go in the Morny for the juveniles and while CAMPANELLE was good in the Queen Mary, I'm always wary of these American types on really slow turf. TACTICAL handled soft ground at Newmarket and has the best form while we will find out whether NANDO PERRADO's win in the Coventry was a fluke or a brilliant piece of training. At 7/1 he represents a bit of value against TACTICAL given his trainer Clive Cox is an excellent handler of these speedy juveniles.

Twelve go in the Romanet but NAZEEF has far and away the best form having tasted Group 1 success in the Falmouth. She was beaten in the Nassau when not getting an ideal run and while I've a doubt about her over the trip on this ground it won't be an end-to-end gallop and I think Frankie Dettori will be in his element sitting off the pace and coming through late on. 

The Group 2 Kergorlay over 3000m is a real test. Plenty of these meet regularly in these French staying races. RED VERDON won the Maurice de Nieuil at Longchamp while SAN HUBERTO was third that time having previously beaten CALL THE WIND in the Vicontesse Vigier. I don't know - CALL THE WIND is a tentative selection.

Finally we have the Pomone for the staying fillies over 2400m and this is a trial for the Vermeille next month. The sole 3-y-o EBAIYRA is from one of those wonderful staying families from which the Aga Khan does so well. She got going too late in a muddling Diane and this will be much more to her liking.

[Stodge]

22 hours ago, Midnight Caller said:

Spoke to Fozzy! He's  still a bit fired up about the relegation  and I copped a good minute of expletives about the decision😄. Stable is ticking over and has a couple of e/w chances at Killarney.The 2yr old in the mile race looks interesting. 

Desperate ground at Killarney - a beautiful track on a sunny day. SAN MARTINO had too much experience and won well but DOLCE NOTTE ran a very promising debut. 

Many moons ago, DOLCE NOTTE's dam threw the half sister CAMBINA (by Hawk Wing). She was trained by Tommy Stack and once chased home CHRYSANTHEMUM in a Listed race before going to America. She dead heated in the American Oaks in 2011 and performed well. 

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Looking back to the second day at York and after the disappointing weather of day one, much better conditions and the ground dried throughout the afternoon.

The feature was the Yorkshire Oaks over 2400m for the fillies and mares:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poW0kj4ZRho

This was a visually hugely impressive performance by LOVE. Ryan Moore never got anything like serious on her and she won as she was entitled to and while PALACE PIER has performed well at 1600m, LOVE is for me the top 3-y-o running up here currently. She will go for the Arc for which she is now second favourite behind ENABLE and in front of GHAIYYATH and if they all turn up in Paris in early October, it will be, as it should be, the top race of the European season.

I was visually reminded of ENABLE's romp in the 2017 Yorkshire Oaks and LOVE will be in receipt of 7 lbs from ENABLE and 10 lbs from GHAIYYATH in Paris and you'd have to think that could be significant.

The Group 2 Lowther went to MISS AMULET who was able to hold the late run of SACRED who perhaps didn't quite see out the 1200m on the dead ground. SANTOSHA lost her race by falling out of the stalls and losing lengths on the others. The first two were nicely clear of the others but I'm not sure we know much more about the juvenile fillies.

 

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Day Three at York and the weather had once again turned inclement with frequent squally showers and a very strong wind blowing across and behind the runners in the straight. The ground was Good to Soft by the end of the day.

The feature was the Group 1 Nunthorpe over 1000m, one of only two Group 1 races in the UK over the minimum trip (the other is the King's Stand at Ascot).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGaQ_K0YG3s

BATTAASH got there in the end but this was an unconvincing display from the 4/9 shot who seemed ill at ease on the ground. QUE AMORO was getting 3lbs from the winner but is rated 104 while BATTAASH is at 126 and with MOSS GILL in third running close to the form he and QUE AMORO had shown in a Listed race over course and distance in mid July, the only conclusion I can draw is BATTAASH ran at least a stone if not more below form. He's won on soft before but the wet ground didn't help - even so, this was a lacklustre display from the horse.

Presumably, he'll head to Paris for the Abbaye (geldings can run in that French Group 1) but a number will fancy their chances against him especially if it comes up soft or heavy. QUE AMORO ran a huge race in defeat as did MOSS GILL in third but the two 3-y-o, A'ALI and ART POWER were both very disappointing.

The Group 2 supporting races were very interesting. The Lonsdale for the stayers saw the mare ENBIHAAR beat the boys as she saw out the 3200m well as she had always threatened so to do. The obvious target for her is the Royallieu over 2800m for the fillies and mares. STRATUM, who's a decent hurdler on his day, ran a fine race in second while NAYEF ROAD seemed not to have the pace for 3200m  and I'd love to see him over 3600m on better ground at Doncaster.

Looking further afield, I have to say DASHING WILLOUGHBY didn't do much and WITHHOLD's limitations at Group level were once again.

The Gimcrack is a traditional Yorkshire race for the juveniles over 1200m. To be fair, Gimcrack himself only ran twice at York and was beaten on both occasions but the club set up in his name had its first meeting at York and the annual Gimcrack Dinner gives the winning Owner a platform to vent on anything to do with racing. I suspect there'll be nothing too controversial from Angus Gold, racing manager for Sheikh Hamdan-al-Maktoum but he has a lot to consider regarding the future of MINZAAL who did this in style.

He had won easily at Salisbury on his previous outing but took to the slower ground and better class without any problem and indeed Jim Crowley rode an excellent race, missing the break and allowing the others to do the work before coming through with 300m to go and easing away to win two lengths. He's a son of freshman sire Mehmas who won the July Stakes and the Richmond as a juvenile but was retired at the end of his juvenile campaign so we'll have to wait to next year to see if progeny like MINZAAL or SUPREMACY are classic contenders or just precocious juveniles.

The previously unbeaten horses DEVILWALA and MYSTERY SMILES (another son of Mehmas) were second and third and the former looks a really nice prospect.

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I'm still catching up the weekend's racing but sad news today Sussex Stakes winner MOHAATHER has been retired owing to significant bone bruising to his near-hind fetlock. He's obviously a potentially valuable stallion prospect but it would have been nice to have seen him take on PALACE PIER in the Moulin or at Ascot. He was SHOWCASING's most successful son up here and to be fair the stallion has also produced Group 1 performers in ADVERTISE, QUIET REFLECTION and TASLEET so he's done very well as a stallion.

It will be fascinating to see if MOHAATHER's progeny can carry that forward.

Looking ahead to the coming weekend and as you might expect it's not too busy up here - the main meeting is at Goodwood where the ground is currently Soft after plenty of rain. 12 have been entered for the Group 2 Celebration Mile on Saturday and REGAL REALITY, who had a nice confidence-boosting win in lower grade at Salisbury last time, is favourite over BENBATL, who got to within two lengths of WINX in the 2018 Cox Plate and was last time third to MAXIMUM SECURITY in the Saudi Cup after wins in Group 2 company on grass and dirt in Dubai. He's a class act on his day but I'm less convinced soft ground works for him. POSITIVE and DUKE OF HAZZARD were well behind REGAL REALITY at Salisbury but the latter in particular goes well on slower turf.

The Deauville August meeting closes on a low-key note with a two-day meeting over the weekend. The feature is the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville over 2500m. 20 early entries have been made including ASPETAR who was a late withdrawal from the Juddmonte last week.