News from the North(ern) Hemisphere

[mardigras]

56 minutes ago, Stodge said:

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.

Aspetar holds a Cox Plate nom and there has been talk of him coming down. And a little betting on him also.

[Stodge]

Thought I would update this with my occasional  burblings on racing issues up here.

We have a fixture list from September 1st after much huffing and puffing and helped by the British Horseracing Authority committing more money to boost prize money with an aim to return to pre-Covid levels.

There's a very large fly in that ointment, however.

As of now, we still have no paying spectators at UK racecourses - some Owners and media are allowed on-course but strict protocols and social distancing rules still apply and while there is talk of some limited crowds returning to Scotland this week and England next month, we remain a very long way from normal.

Racecourses are starting to feel the strain - there have been redundancies at two tracks and Goodwood has asked its annual members (who have been unable to attend a single meeting this year) to gift the course the £384 annual membership fee.

The York CEO William Darby was on ITV last week stating the course was losing money while staging racing and I thought, hang on, no one is forcing York or any other racecourse to hold meetings. If it's not cost effective to race, why race? Had the entire York meeting been transferred to Doncaster, for example, all the races would have happened and ARC would have borne the costs.

Big venues don't make their money from media rights - they make money from the thousands who pay through the turnstiles, eat the overpriced food and drink and bet with the on-course bookies. In addition, racecourses, on non racing days, make money via conferences, exhibitions, weddings and the like and that income stream has also been badly hit. 

Smaller courses and those holding midweek meetings get the income from the media rights so they want to race and it's a paradox the current situation could and should have been used to bring venues like Salisbury, Leicester and Hamilton into the spotlight with tv coverage and exposure but instead it's been the traditional Group 1 venues which have had all the attention.

The entire summer evening season - another hugely lucrative money spinner for many courses - has also been lost in its entirety. Courses like Windsor and Bath have lost huge amounts of income yet have still staged meetings to try to get back perhaps 30% from media rights.

As we move into the autumn, it will be interesting to see how the notion of having large numbers of people inside stands and other buildings plays out. 

[Stodge]

"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."

Yep, that's what I said last Thursday and for those who have the stupidity to follow my inane nonsense, a nice winner.

The final day at York took place on Soft ground as the course was again battered by heavy squally showers which plagued three of the four days.

The feature City of York Stakes saw SAFE VOYAGE throw his hat into the 1400m division which looks incredibly strong currently. He saw off ONE MASTER who ran another good race but as she showed at Goodwood, 1400m is getting short for her and I think she's a 1600m mare as she showed in the Falmouth. SAFE VOYAGE had no luck behind SPACE BLUES in the Lennox but even with a clear run I think he'd have been second best. 

To be fair, SAFE VOYAGE ran a fine third in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day last year and if it came up soft or heavy at Ascot, he'd be worth an each way punt though PALACE PIER, in the sad absence of MOHAATHER, is going to be a short priced favourite to bring home the bacon (perhaps with some chips and a couple of fried eggs as well).

The Ebor went to FUJAIRA PRINCE and almost immediately Greg Carpenter was on the tv (via Zoom from Melbourne I presume) to basically invite connections to have a go at the Cup. The problem is FUJAIRA PRINCE is very fragile and as a Pivotal, is always going to prefer softer turf. If you could guarantee a soft or heavy track at Flemington, he'd have a chance but connections don't sound keen and he may well try the stayers race at Champions Day.

GLENCADAM GLORY ran a blinder in second having been up with the pace all the way and he'll be back for the Ebor next year but the one from the race which is in my notebook is MONICA SHERIFF who was having her first run for 301 days and ran a fine fourth having tracked the second through and just getting tired in the final 150m.

Deauville on Saturday had a couple of interesting Group 2 races - the ground was Very Soft and TAWKEEL made hard work of landing the odds in the Nonette but she toughed it out and I imagine the Vermeille or the Opera will be the next step - if it came up quick at Longchamp she'd have a leading chance in either race. In a quieter year, she'd be an Arc contender but this year's renewal looks very strong. The Calvados for the juveniles saw British raider FEV ROVER grab the prize against what I thought was weak local opposition. 

At the gorgeous Del Mar racecourse just up the coast from San Diego, Saudi Cup winner MAXIMUM SECURITY looked a much fitter and better horse when running out a comfortable winner of the Pacific Classic. I thought SHARP SAMURAI ran well in second but the winner is on course for the Breeders Cup and presumably a return visit to Riyadh.

[Stodge]

In my rush to catch up with Saturday's racing, I forgot to mention the two Irish Group 2 races at The Curragh for the juveniles. They were run on Soft ground following overnight and morning showers.

The Debutante for the fillies saw PRETTY GORGEOUS comprehensively reverse Silver Flash form with SHALE winning well and she looks a nice prospect. No surprise as she is a daughter of Lawman that she enjoyed the softer turf and on such conditions she is obviously very good. SHALE ran well and I'd love to see her back on quicker ground.

The Galileo saw a minor surprise as MAC SWINNEY, who was well held in the Tyros, reverse places with the better fancied runners from that race. He was always close to the pace and this home bred son of New Approach showed plenty of determination to hold off the late challenge of CADILLAC and to overhaul ONTARIO on whom Padraic Beggy had appeared to have made a decisive move 400m out but it didn't quite work. CADILLAC had won his maiden by nine lengths at Leopardstown and I thought this son of Lope de Vega would follow up here but it all happened too quickly and he ran home very strongly  You'd think on breeding 1600m would be the optimum but the dam is related to Sadler's Wells so he might get 2000m and could be a really nice prospect.

On then to Deauville on Sunday and a stellar card to not complete the traditional August Festival. The ground had dried to Soft but I thought it would be against CAMPANELLE in the Morny for the juveniles over 1200m.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P20gez54WD4

Well, I got it wrong in spades, didn't I? To be honest, Frankie got a soft lead on the filly and that enabled him to hold her kick in reserve but she seemed perfectly fine on the ground and she's clearly very good. NANDO PERRADO, the Coventry winner, ran a decent race in defeat and I know the Fahey team think a lot of RHYTHM MASTER who ran well in third. The time suggested the ground was quicker than the official report but for all that TACTICAL was disappointing. Once again, the British and Americans have put the locals to the sword in the juvenile division and it's curious given France resumed three weeks before Britain to see their juveniles seemingly miles behind the British.

On then to the Jean Romanet over 2000m for the fillies and mares and another British raider but not the one you (and indeed I) might have expected:

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

This was what they call a "right turn up". NAZEEF was hugely disappointing - she was beaten 500m out. AUDARYA was 48/1 in France and 33/1 with the UK bookies. She had carried top weight to victory in a Newcastle handicap but was running here off 99 which is barely Listed let alone Group 1 level. The second had won the Corrida at Lyon-Parilly over 2100m last time so you knew she was going to stay and was coming back at the winner before the end but I'm genuinely puzzled by this race - perhaps the winner is improving fast and maybe we''ll see her in the Matron or the Sun Chariot.

With three late scratchings including GET SHIRTY and RED VERDON, the Kergorlay was a slightly depleted event but CALL THE WIND returned to form with a fine win beating the German colt ASHRUN. The winner had been beaten in this last year by MARMELO before running second in the Cadran and winning the Royal Oak and I imagine that will be the plan again. He was disappointing when beaten in the Vicomtesse Vigier by GET SHIRTY so a rematch later will be interesting.

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.

Having done my conkers on TACTICAL in the Morny, I managed to get a little back with EBAIYRA who looks a really smart staying filly. She found the 2000m of the Diane too sharp and like so many of the Aga Khan's top fillies and mares, she loves the 2400m if not further. I think she may go for the Vermeille next.

[Stodge]

Another day of heavy rain here in London Town and we have the final decs for Saturday's racing.

Just seven go in the Group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday for which the ground is currently Good to Soft. BENBATL is clear top rated and is 2/1 favourite. The problem is the balance of his form is on a sound surface - he looked very good slamming KING OF COMEDY at Newmarket last autumn on decent ground but on Champions Day he was tailed off last in the Queen Elizabeth II on Heavy ground. He was last seen running third to MAXIMUM SECURITY on the dirt at Riyadh in the Saudi Cup. He might have too much class for this lot.

REGAL REALITY has mixed it with the very best and had a nice confidence-boosting win at Salisbury last time on quick ground. She seems to go on any ground and has a great chance. She saw off DUKE OF HAZZARD that day and the latter has something to prove in this grade. CENTURY DREAM won the Diomed at Epsom and was fifth in the Ispahan which would be a better race than this. POSITIVE was behind CENTURY DREAM in the Ispahan and behind REGAL REALITY at Salisbury and he's far from certain to enjoy slower ground.

I'm backing REGAL REALITY if I can get on at 3s or bigger.

The big race in North America is the Sword Dancer at Saratoga. This is run over 2400m which is not a usual American trip and it's on the grass so this is a stepping stone to the Breeders Cup Turf, a race often won by the Europeans. A number of these met four weeks ago in a very rough Bowling Green Handicap over 2100m. SADLER'S JOY was first past the race but demoted to fourth for causing interference and CROSS BORDER got the race with HIGHLAND SKY promoted to second and MARZO to third. They all look closely matched to me and the one that interests is PEDRO CARA who was last seen running third in Doha. He was second in the Jockey Club Derby last year and could just be a notch above these.

[Stodge]

A few snippets from up here this evening.

Spectators are set to return to a racecourse for the 4-day St Leger meeting at Doncaster next month. 3,240 will be allowed on day one and 6,000 on the other three days. The local Mayor has protested but the racecourse owners, ARC (Arena Racing Company), are keen to proceed (understandably). Tickets range from £25 to £60 and racegoers will be confined to an alloted area for the afternoon within which masks will be mandatory indoors and no food and drink will be allowed in to the course.

I imagine they'll get plenty of takers though it's not for me and whether, compared with a normal Leger day, it will have any atmosphere remains to be seen but no doubt it will be hailed as a "triumph" by the uncritical racing media.

As for on track action, seven go in Sunday's Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville over 2500m. It was 2800m when RED VERDON won the Maurice de Nieuil last time while TELECASTER was fourth at York over 2000m so what are we to assume of both horse's ability to act over this in-between trip? I prefer ZIYAD who was third in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last time and while the very soft ground is a question, I always like Group 1 form in Group 2 company.

As of next Tuesday, a more "normal" fixture list returns in the UK with 7-race cards replacing the 9 and 10 race meetings we've had since June so we are going back to 4-5 meetings per day instead of three. While the light allows, there will be 3 afternoon fixtures and 2 evening meetings and with a number of the all-weather tracks operating under floodlights, we'll have a thin gruel of evening winter flat racing to stir the soul. 

[Stodge]

It's been phenomenally wet up here and the Bank Holiday has been the coldest for 50 years.

Goodwood raced on ground described as Soft, Heavy in places on Saturday and the Group 2 Celebration Mile went to CENTURY DREAM who relishes wet turf and came away well in the final 200m. Ryan Moore sent REGAL REALITY to the front but while he ran okay at Ascot on Soft in June this was proper slow, heavy turf and he just couldn't handle it coming home a well beaten third with SIR BUSKER following up a fine run in a Group 3 last time with a decent effort in the higher grade.

CENTURY POWER heads for the Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot on Champions Day in mid October and connections will be hoping for an autumn bog.

In America, they had rain at Saratoga and the flat track went Soft which completely went against PEDRO CARA in the Sword Dancer. The winner was CHANNEL MAKER who made every yard but Soft ground is such a rarity at American turf tracks he'd be very unlikely to get it in the Breeders Cup Turf but we know he handles it.

Sunday saw the final day of the Deauville August Festival and again it was Heavy ground after more rain. The British raiders had another excellent afternoon with TELECASTER running away with the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville by six and a half lengths. He's obviously very effective on heavy turf and let's not forget he got to within a length and a half of LORD NORTH at Haydock earlier in the season. SOFT LIGHT and ZIYAD were the best of the locals taking the minor places.

Looking ahead to the coming weekend, it's a big one - at Haydock we have the Group 1 Sprint Trophy while at Kempton ENABLE makes her final appearance in the UK in the September Stakes. In America it's the delayed Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday evening and finally it's the Moulin at Longchamp on Sunday. More on all of these through the week.

[Stodge]

Nine have been entered for the September Stakes but LOGICIAN won't run so ENABLE, who is already 1/4, will be even shorter. PRINCE OF ARRAN will doubtless be having is pre-Australia prep run but he's 15 lbs behind ENABLE on the numbers and I can't see him getting anywhere near her in all honesty.

15 have been entered for the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Trophy over 1200m. The ground has improved to Good to Soft and news already the July Cup winner OXTED won't run - he worked poorly at trainer Roger Teal's yard this morning. 

DREAM OF DREAMS was very impressive over 1400m in the Hungerford and is likely to be favourite. Last year's winner HELLO YOUMZAIN was fifth in the July Cup but is a top sprinter and must be in calculations. He was then second to SPACE BLUES in the Maurice de Gheest over 1300m with LOPE Y FERNANDEZ third and GOLDEN HORDE fifth. ART POWER is the third of the 3-y-o but he was very poor in the Nunthorpe last time.

[Midnight Caller]

On 8/31/2020 at 9:23 PM, Stodge said:

It's been phenomenally wet up here and the Bank Holiday has been the coldest for 50 years.

Goodwood raced on ground described as Soft, Heavy in places on Saturday and the Group 2 Celebration Mile went to CENTURY DREAM who relishes wet turf and came away well in the final 200m. Ryan Moore sent REGAL REALITY to the front but while he ran okay at Ascot on Soft in June this was proper slow, heavy turf and he just couldn't handle it coming home a well beaten third with SIR BUSKER following up a fine run in a Group 3 last time with a decent effort in the higher grade.

CENTURY POWER heads for the Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot on Champions Day in mid October and connections will be hoping for an autumn bog.

In America, they had rain at Saratoga and the flat track went Soft which completely went against PEDRO CARA in the Sword Dancer. The winner was CHANNEL MAKER who made every yard but Soft ground is such a rarity at American turf tracks he'd be very unlikely to get it in the Breeders Cup Turf but we know he handles it.

Sunday saw the final day of the Deauville August Festival and again it was Heavy ground after more rain. The British raiders had another excellent afternoon with TELECASTER running away with the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville by six and a half lengths. He's obviously very effective on heavy turf and let's not forget he got to within a length and a half of LORD NORTH at Haydock earlier in the season. SOFT LIGHT and ZIYAD were the best of the locals taking the minor places.

Looking ahead to the coming weekend, it's a big one - at Haydock we have the Group 1 Sprint Trophy while at Kempton ENABLE makes her final appearance in the UK in the September Stakes. In America it's the delayed Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday evening and finally it's the Moulin at Longchamp on Sunday. More on all of these through the week.

Regal Reality was a little disappointing Stodge! I saw him win at Sandown, which may have been the Brigadier Gerard evening meeting which he won, and thought they may have a really nice stayer in the making! He just doesn't  seem to have come on this season, with what he had shown earlier. 

Edited September 3, 2020 by Midnight Caller

[Stodge]

7 hours ago, Midnight Caller said:

Regal Reality was a little disappointing Stodge! I saw him win at Sandown, which may have been the Brigadier Gerard evening meeting which he won, and thought they may have a really nice stayer in the making! He just doesn't  seem to have come on this season, with what he had shown earlier. 

Yes, he was very good last year - the Eclipse third was quality form and he moved up to 120 in the ratings.

He has never run as well on soft ground and when he has encountered it in lower grade races he's never run up to his form.

His rating this year fell back to 116 and Sir Michael put the visor on after he ran sixth in the Eclipse and then was well held behind ASPETAR in a Group 2 at York. He was dropped to Group 3 at Salisbury on really quick ground and did it very well. 

As often happens, the visor didn't work so well second time and he just couldn't hold the lead at Goodwood and weakened tamely behind a soft and heavy ground specialist in CENTURY DREAM. The ground was equally quick when he won the Brigadier Gerard last year so an uphill finish on really quick ground look to be the keys to this horse.

[Stodge]

The weekend beckons and there's a lot going on up here and across the Atlantic.

Saturday sees the Group 1 Sprint Trophy at Haydock. 13 stand for the 1200m race on ground which was downgraded to Soft this afternoon. It looks between six on paper and that's not to completely rule out THE TIN MAN but he looks to be declining. He was beaten by the lightly-raced TABDEED at Newbury last time but that looked a weak Group 3 and TABDEED has a little to prove on this ground at this level.

There are three 3-y-o in a race which the classic generation have won and with some quality horses down the years. Are this year's classic runners that good? ART POWER never went a yard in the Nunthorpe and that sharp 1000m wouldn't have suited given his wins have been on much stiffer tracks like Ascot and Naas. I think he has a big chance on the ground.

LOPE Y FERNANDEZ has been placed three times in four races this year and all have been Group 1 heats. His second place in the Jean Prat and third in the Maurice de Gheest read really well but hint he may be more of a 1400m horse and the one race he failed to place was over this trip in the Commonwealth Cup behind GOLDEN HORDE. From there, GOLDEN HORDE ran third in the July Cup and fifth in the Maurice de Gheest and I think he needs 1200m and decent ground and I just think if it stays soft that will be against him.

HELLO YOUMZAIN won this last year as a 3-y-o and this year won the Diamond Jubilee on re-appearance. He was fifth in the July Cup and second in the Maurice de Gheest and that reads really well. The horse he beat at Ascot, DREAM OF DREAMS, is favourite after romping away with the Hungerford but that as over 1400m and I wonder if that's his trip these days.

So, ifs and buts about all of these - I'm minded to back ART POWER at 8s each way and overlook the Nunthorpe run but if the ground dries a little I'd be on HELLO YOUMZAIN who brings the most consistent level of form at this trip about one or two of these who look to now want a bit further.

ENABLE has six rivals in the September at Kempton and she is 1/6 which tells you all you need to know.

In America, it's Derby night at Churchill Downs and while the sun may shine bright on my old Kentucky home, TIS THE LAW looms the clear favourite in the Derby. Interestingly, both the favourite and his two most obvious opponents, HONOR A and AUTHENTIC have been drawn in the car park berths, but that doesn't make finding an alternative any easier. KING GUILLERMO was second in the Arkansas Derby and has been primed for this but TIS THE LAW looked the business at Belmont and if he can win this the Preakness will be at this mercy.

At Saratoga, the feature is the Woodward over 2000m for the older horses, TACITUS mixed it with the very best as a 3-y-o and was third in the Derby and second in the Belmont. He was fifth in the Saudi Cup and returned after a break to slam MORETTI nine lengths last time, He looks one of the leading older contenders for the Breeders Cup Classic along with MAXIMUM SECURITY.

The best race of the weekend is saved for Longchamp on Sunday with the Moulin over 1600m. Just six runners but all quality. It's so good the two locals, PERSIAN KING and VICTOR LUDORUM, both classic winners, are outsiders at 8s and 10s respectively. PERSIAN KING couldn't cope with the Heavy ground in the Marois and the current Good to Soft ground will be much more to his liking and I rate him highly even in this company.

ROMANISED was fifth in the Marois and I'm just not convinced in this company. SISKIN won the Irish 2000 Guineas but the older horses had the edge in the Sussex and he finished third with CIRCUS MAXIMUS second. I love CIRCUS MAXIMUS and you'll never see a braver horse and he may just tough it out. Favourite is PINATUBO who was third in the 2000 Guineas, runner up to PALACE PIER (form which now looks very strong) in the St James's Palace and won the Jean Prat last time. I just think he's a 1400m horse though it's not a straight 1600m in Paris and in the absence of any pace the race might set up nicely for him.

I'm not playing but it's a race to enjoy and I think PINATUBO will get the run of the race and have too much speed for CIRCUS MAXIMUS close home.

[Stodge]

Forgot to mention it's the Kentucky Oaks over 1800m tonight at Churchill Downs and a clash between two superstar fillies in SWISS SKYDIVER and GAMINE.

SWISS SKYDIVER was an impressive winner of the Alabama just three weeks ago and that puts her right in this but GAMINE has been awesome albeit at shorter distances. She bolted yp in the Acorn over 1600m by 19 lengths and then destroyed the field in the 1400m Test winning by seven lengths. There's a question about her over the 200m extra and she has a half-sister who raced in the UK and was a moderate handicapper.

The Racing Post US correspondent fancies DONNA VELOCE and the trip will be no problem but she's not run since early March and it will be some feat to get her match-fit after a six month lay off.

The season resumes in Hong Kong on Sunday as well.

Doncaster's four day Leger Festival starts on Wednesday and the ground is currently Soft, Good to Soft in places but that will dry out a lot and it could be on the quick side by this time next week. The opening day is fairly quiet but two Group 2 races on the Thursday include the May Hill over 1600m for the juvenile fillies. Joseph O'Brien has entered three but John Gosden's INDIGO GIRL went into everyone's notebook with a stellar debut win on soft at Yarmouth and normal improvement should see her make the jump to Pattern company.

The Park Hill over 2800m is known as the fillies' St'Leger though it's more like the Irish version in that older fillies and mares can run as well. 13 have been entered. The four 3-y-o include ALPINISTA who was five lengths behind LOVE at York and was four and a half lengths in front of MANUELA DE VEGA, who looks the best of the older fillies. 

[Midnight Caller]

On 9/3/2020 at 7:15 PM, Stodge said:

The weekend beckons and there's a lot going on up here and across the Atlantic.

Saturday sees the Group 1 Sprint Trophy at Haydock. 13 stand for the 1200m race on ground which was downgraded to Soft this afternoon. It looks between six on paper and that's not to completely rule out THE TIN MAN but he looks to be declining. He was beaten by the lightly-raced TABDEED at Newbury last time but that looked a weak Group 3 and TABDEED has a little to prove on this ground at this level.

There are three 3-y-o in a race which the classic generation have won and with some quality horses down the years. Are this year's classic runners that good? ART POWER never went a yard in the Nunthorpe and that sharp 1000m wouldn't have suited given his wins have been on much stiffer tracks like Ascot and Naas. I think he has a big chance on the ground.

LOPE Y FERNANDEZ has been placed three times in four races this year and all have been Group 1 heats. His second place in the Jean Prat and third in the Maurice de Gheest read really well but hint he may be more of a 1400m horse and the one race he failed to place was over this trip in the Commonwealth Cup behind GOLDEN HORDE. From there, GOLDEN HORDE ran third in the July Cup and fifth in the Maurice de Gheest and I think he needs 1200m and decent ground and I just think if it stays soft that will be against him.

HELLO YOUMZAIN won this last year as a 3-y-o and this year won the Diamond Jubilee on re-appearance. He was fifth in the July Cup and second in the Maurice de Gheest and that reads really well. The horse he beat at Ascot, DREAM OF DREAMS, is favourite after romping away with the Hungerford but that as over 1400m and I wonder if that's his trip these days.

So, ifs and buts about all of these - I'm minded to back ART POWER at 8s each way and overlook the Nunthorpe run but if the ground dries a little I'd be on HELLO YOUMZAIN who brings the most consistent level of form at this trip about one or two of these who look to now want a bit further.

ENABLE has six rivals in the September at Kempton and she is 1/6 which tells you all you need to know.

In America, it's Derby night at Churchill Downs and while the sun may shine bright on my old Kentucky home, TIS THE LAW looms the clear favourite in the Derby. Interestingly, both the favourite and his two most obvious opponents, HONOR A and AUTHENTIC have been drawn in the car park berths, but that doesn't make finding an alternative any easier. KING GUILLERMO was second in the Arkansas Derby and has been primed for this but TIS THE LAW looked the business at Belmont and if he can win this the Preakness will be at this mercy.

At Saratoga, the feature is the Woodward over 2000m for the older horses, TACITUS mixed it with the very best as a 3-y-o and was third in the Derby and second in the Belmont. He was fifth in the Saudi Cup and returned after a break to slam MORETTI nine lengths last time, He looks one of the leading older contenders for the Breeders Cup Classic along with MAXIMUM SECURITY.

The best race of the weekend is saved for Longchamp on Sunday with the Moulin over 1600m. Just six runners but all quality. It's so good the two locals, PERSIAN KING and VICTOR LUDORUM, both classic winners, are outsiders at 8s and 10s respectively. PERSIAN KING couldn't cope with the Heavy ground in the Marois and the current Good to Soft ground will be much more to his liking and I rate him highly even in this company.

ROMANISED was fifth in the Marois and I'm just not convinced in this company. SISKIN won the Irish 2000 Guineas but the older horses had the edge in the Sussex and he finished third with CIRCUS MAXIMUS second. I love CIRCUS MAXIMUS and you'll never see a braver horse and he may just tough it out. Favourite is PINATUBO who was third in the 2000 Guineas, runner up to PALACE PIER (form which now looks very strong) in the St James's Palace and won the Jean Prat last time. I just think he's a 1400m horse though it's not a straight 1600m in Paris and in the absence of any pace the race might set up nicely for him.

I'm not playing but it's a race to enjoy and I think PINATUBO will get the run of the race and have too much speed for CIRCUS MAXIMUS close 

 

I would have to agree Stodge!Circus Maximus is an owners dream!He just gives his all and I love how he really eyeballs the opposition the last two furlongs, looking for a dog fight!

Edited September 4, 2020 by Midnight Caller

[Stodge]

Time to start the review of last weekend's action in the northern hemisphere.

Friday evening (UK) saw the opening day of the Derby meeting at Churchill Downs which was held in glorious early September weather. The feature Kentucky Oaks looked a match on paper between GAMINE and SWISS SKYDIVER but in the end both were run down by SHEDARESTHEDEVIL who had won the Indiana Oaks previously but had finished 14 lengths off SWISS SKYDIVER in an earlier meeting. As expected, GAMINE and SWISS SKYDIVER went hard, perhaps too hard, from the front and GAMINE patently didn't get beyond 1600m.

On Saturday afternoon in the UK, two significant races took place. At Haydock, the Group 1 Sprint Trophy saw DREAM OF DREAMS follow up his emphatic Hungerford success with a smooth win defeating outsider GLEN SHIEL with the 3-y-os GOLDEN HORDE and ART POWER third and fourth. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cJkXUxMYU0

In an incredibly crowded and quality field of 1200m and 1400m horses at the moment, in has come DREAM OF DREAMS and I'd love to see him take on SPACE BLUES and perhaps PINATUBO in the Foret which, whisper it quietly, might be the race of the day in Paris in early October. He's a gelding so will be around next year and it may just be we've not seen the best of him yet. GLEN SHIEL has come through handicaps and ran a stormer under Hollie Doyle, the jockey of the moment up here. GOLDEN HORDE didn't get home in the ground and I'd want to see him back on a sound surface and this was much better than ART POWER for all he has come from handicaps to Group 1 level as well.

HELLO YOUMZAIN was beaten four lengths in fifth and LOPE Y FERNANDEZ was a slightly disappointing seventh behind the veteran THE TIN MAN.

At Kempton, ENABLE was backed in to 1/14 but if you had a spare £14,000 down the sofa your investment was never really in doubt as the dual Arc winner won by seven lengths.

BUT....

I wasn't impressed - she completely blew the start fly-jumping in the stalls and she can't do that on Arc day as she will be left well out of her ground. Don't forget although the Arc is a French race it will be run as a British race with plenty of pace.

Frankie Dettori said after the race she wasn't coping with the deeper Polytrack - for those who don't follow All-Weather racing (you soon will once you have half a dozen down in NZ), the surface can be harrowed in different ways. If it's deep-harrowed, the surface rides a lot slower (this is often done when jumps horses run on it to simulate winter turf conditions) but ordinary harrowing creates a surface akin to decent summer turf so it's favoured by flat horses. The Polytrack at Kempton has been relaid and new surfaces need deep harrowing to settle in so it was riding I'd say the equivalent of Soft to Heavy turf and I think ENABLE prefers a sound surface.

I can't see her winning the Arc - I know that's tantamount to treason but she doesn't look the same horse as in past seasons. Her defeat to GHAIYYATH in the Eclipse reads very well in hindsight (on fast ground) but the King George win was nothing with JAPAN losing a shoe. LOVE gets 12 lbs and let's not forget ENABLE only just held off SEA OF CLASS on a similar weight concession in 2018 with the latter having an awful draw.

[Stodge]

Final declarations are through for the second day of the Leger meeting at Doncaster where the ground is currently Good to Soft, Good in places.

The Group 2 May Hill for the juvenile fillies over 1600m has nine runners. Two unbeaten fillies dominate - INDIGO GIRL won on the soft at Yarmouth but ZABEEL QUEEN, a daughter of Frankel, looked the part in a maiden at Ascot which usually turns up a good one and I can see why she's favourite. That being  said, I think INDIGO GIRL will come on for the debut experience and the better ground and she'd be my choice.

The Park Hill over 2800m has eight runners with four 3-y-o taking on four older fillies. The favourite and clear top-rated is ALPINISTA and if she reproduces her second place to LOVE in the Yorkshire Oaks, she'll win this. BELIEVE IN LOVE has been a prolific winner but in handicap company and I much prefer the Aidan O'Brien trained SNOW in first-time blinkers with Frankie Dettori on board. At 8/1, she's a sporting each way bet.

It's Irish Champions weekend and I'll be posting a preview of all the top races at Leopardstown and The Curragh in the next couple of days. Thee are six Group 1 races over the two days. 

[Stodge]

Seven stand in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup over 3600m on Friday. REVOLVER has won six on the bounce and has moved up nearly three stone in the ratings from a mark of 57 to 98. He's won plenty of handicaps but this is Group 2 for all he gets weight from the older horses. SPANISH MISSION is favourite having won well at Chester last time and while he was no match for STRADIVARIUS at Goodwood that's no disgrace at this level.

Both EAGLES BY DAY and RED VERDON have questions to answer in terms of the trip and in the latter's case, the ground. One who won't have a problem with the trip is THE GRAND VISIR who relishes extreme distances running second in the Queen Alexandra and fourth in a 4000m handicap at Goodwood. It's not a betting proposition with jut the seven but he'd be my idea of a winner at a big price.

The variety of UK racing is on display with the other Group 2 on Friday the Flying Childers for the speedball juveniles over 1000m. The filly SACRED was runner up in the Queen Mary and the Lowther so that's solid Group 2 form. THE LIR JET won the Norfolk and was just touched off in the Papin before being decisively defeated in the Phoenix Stakes. STEEL BULL was well behind that day and the other Irish raider, FRENETIC, makes more appeal - on a line through MISS AMULET she comes up close to SACRED.

 

 

[Stodge]

On then to last Saturday evening and the iconic Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

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

Strangely for an American race they went no early pace and that allowed John Velazquez on AUTHENTIC to recover from a slow start and get over to lead by the clubhouse turn. I imagine Manuel Franco wasn't unhappy with the position he had on TIZ THE LAW but AUTHENTIC piled on the pace down the back straight and as they came off the home turn TIZ THE LAW led but the slow early allowed AUTHENTIC to rally and in the end he won going away by a length and a half. TIZ THE LAW was second with outsider MR BIG NEWS in third while HONOR AP, who looked to hate the track, plugging on for fourth.

I imagine AUTHENTIC and TIZ THE LAW will re-match in the Preakness and I think the latter may well benefit from a more traditionally run American race.

Back in France on Sunday, soft ground greeted the six runners for the Moulin over 1600m.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGfuO6TsTTw

This was a strange race and a dominant performance by PERSIAN KING who had won the Poulains in 2019 before being beaten by SOTTSASS in the Jockey Club. He was eight lengths behind PALACE PIER in the Marois but I suspect the Longchamp 1600m suits far better than a straight 1600m at Deauville. CIRCUS MAXIMUS tried to go with the winner but wilted in the final 200m and was beaten a long way in third. PINATUBO was held up for a run but the bird had already flown in the final 300m. It wasn't a bad effort by the second and take out PERSIAN KING and we'd be hailing him as an impressive winner.

I still think PINATUBO is a 1400m horse and I'd love to see him take on some serious rivals in the Foret.

As for the winner, he might come to Ascot but the Queen Elizabeth II is, I think, run on the straight mile rather than the round course.

[Stodge]

Huge day on Saturday with significant races in both the UK and Ireland.

At Doncaster it's Leger day - the ground has dried to Good, Good to Soft in places and might be near perfect by Saturday. Before the classic there are two Group 2 races - the Champagne for the juvenile colts over 1400m is a race with a rich history. ALBASHEER won on debut in a maiden over course and distance by six and a half lengths. It was visually hugely impressive and while the obvious question is whether he beat trees, the fact remains he could be anything.

CHINDIT has on both his starts and won a Listed at Ascot last time. His form is better than ALBASHEER's but the latter could be a superstar.

The Park Stakes is also a Group 2 over 1400m but it's for the older horses and this division is, as we know, full of talent this year. Eight go but it's another strong field. ONE MASTER is a Foret winner but this year's renewal is going to be red-hot and she's now looking like a 1600m filly. LIMATO is now eight and won this way back in 2015. He's mixed it with some very good horses and returned with a nice win at Newmarket. I think he would want even quicker ground and I'm more interested in WICHITA who was second in the 2000 Guineas and third in the St James's Palace, True, he was well held in the Sussex and I can excuse his run in the Maurice de Gheest on the ground. I think this is a real opportunity and they've brought him here rather than go for a race in Ireland.

Twelve go in the St Leger over 2800m and it's a trappy race. PYLEDRIVER did me a huge favour at York and could well be the one while SANTIAGO has to bounce back after a moderate effort in the Goodwood Cup but he won the Irish Derby and the Queen's Vase so back among his age group he has real claims.

ENGLISH KING won the Lingfield Derby Trial and was favourite for the Derby. He wasn't the only one who had a miserable experience but looked below par at Goodwood in the Gordon and has questions to answer. HUKUM came into prominence with an impressive win at Newbury last time. He's lightly raced and has obvious claims. GALILEO CHROME represents Joseph O'Brien and won his last two by wide margins but this is Group 1 not Listed and he has it to do.

Among the bigger prices I'm keen on BERKSHIRE ROCCO who was running on at York behind PYLEDRIVER and is a knocking each way bet at 33/1.

Who wins the Leger? I like Group 1 form in Group 1 races and that means SANTIAGO - he is back in his own age group and is a classic winner so he'll do for me with BERKSHIRE ROCCO to sneak into the frame at a price.    

In Ireland, it's day one of Champions Weekend which takes place at Leopardstown where the ground is currently Good.

Eleven go in the Group 1 Matron for the fillies and mares over 1600m. PEACEFUL and FANCY BLUE were first and second in the Irish 1000 Guineas back in mid June but the latter has gone on to win the Diane and the Nassau at Goodwood but these are both over 2000m and I just wonder if that may be her trip. PEACEFUL was a neck behind her in the Diane and I think back at this trip she will come out on top. ALBIGNA is held on Irish Guineas form but KNOW IT ALL could be the one. She was a fine third in the Rothschild at Deauville mixing it with some decent older fillies. I think the sharp track will suit and she's my choice.

The Juvenile Colts race is a Group 2 over 1600m. Not quite sure what to make of this - CADILLAC was hugely impressive on debut but was beaten on soft ground at The Curragh in the Futurity and it has to be hoped the sharper track and quicker ground will help. FERNANDO VICHI was a clear maiden winner over course and distance last time but his jockey cannot claim his allowance. The one that interests me is IDES OF AUGUST who has been absent since a debut win over 1400m at Leopardstown in June. I suspect he's been kept for this and Ger Lyons can produce the horses cherry ripe after a break.

Just six go in the Irish Champion Stakes, a Group 1 over 2000m. This is often one of the best races of the year and it's got another stellar line up. GHAIYYATH has won three Group 1 races in England - the Coronation Cup, the Eclipse and the Juddmonte International last time. A sharp 2000m will be fine and he has every chance. JAPAN was a shade disappointing behind ENABLE in the King George and I'm not convinced this is his trip. MAGICAL is a wonderful mare as we know but she was well held by GHAIYYATH at York last time and I don't see why she should reverse the places. SOTTSASS is the French raider and adds hugely to the race. He won the Jockey Club last year beating PERSIAN KING (and that looks serious form now)and ended up with a third in the Arc which was a great run. He looked really good in the Ganay but wasn't so effective on the heavy at Deauville last time. I remember Almanzor winning this race when it was the race of the season and SOTTSASS is going to go close if he can lay up with GHAIYYATH and pounce late but the latter brings the best form to the race and should win.

Ten go in the Group 2 Boomerang Mile - SAFE VOYAGE was a nice winner at York and I take him to beat CENTURY DREAM who relished the soft conditions at Goodwood last time. SAFE VOYAGE was third in the Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot so a sharp 1600m should be ideal.

[Midnight Caller]

On 9/8/2020 at 9:50 PM, Stodge said:

Final declarations are through for the second day of the Leger meeting at Doncaster where the ground is currently Good to Soft, Good in places.

The Group 2 May Hill for the juvenile fillies over 1600m has nine runners. Two unbeaten fillies dominate - INDIGO GIRL won on the soft at Yarmouth but ZABEEL QUEEN, a daughter of Frankel, looked the part in a maiden at Ascot which usually turns up a good one and I can see why she's favourite. That being  said, I think INDIGO GIRL will come on for the debut experience and the better ground and she'd be my choice.

The Park Hill over 2800m has eight runners with four 3-y-o taking on four older fillies. The favourite and clear top-rated is ALPINISTA and if she reproduces her second place to LOVE in the Yorkshire Oaks, she'll win this. BELIEVE IN LOVE has been a prolific winner but in handicap company and I much prefer the Aidan O'Brien trained SNOW in first-time blinkers with Frankie Dettori on board. At 8/1, she's a sporting each way bet.

It's Irish Champions weekend and I'll be posting a preview of all the top races at Leopardstown and The Curragh in the next couple of days. Thee are six Group 1 races over the two days. 

Indigo Girl and Pista look nice types to follow!Both still a bit quirky and won with a bit in hand.Like Apperate today.

[Stodge]

If you think Saturday is huge, Sunday is going to be huger (if that's a word).

The second day of the Irish Champions Weekend and Arc Trials Day mean six Group 1 races on a stellar afternoon at The Curragh and Longchamp respectively.

Kicking off in Ireland with what is effectively the climax of the Irish Flat Racing season at The Curragh with four Group 1 races but these are preceded by the Group 2 Blandford for the fillies and mares over 2000m. MAGIC WAND has mixed it with the very best including running fourth in the Eclipse and fifth in the Nassau at Goodwood. On her last run in Group 2 company she romped home by four and a half lengths in the Lanwades over 1600m. Back at Group 2 and with no boys present, she must have a huge chance. CAYENNE PEPPER was second in the Irish Oaks but was beaten in a Group 3 at Cork last time so I'm not sure.

While MAGIC WAND is a fine older filly, ONE VOICE is the answer from the classic generation. She finished in front of MAGIC WAND in the Nassau and was seven lengths behind LOVE in the Yorkshire Oaks. That's not bad form and the drop back in trip will suit so she is my selection.

The Group 1 Championship races kick off with the Flying Five over 1000m. I think this is a sub-standard Group 1 in all honesty. GLASS SLIPPERS won the Abbaye last year and has twice run behind the mighty BATTAASH and on a line through that star holds A'ALI but not by much. A'ALI was fourth in the Nunthorpe but QUE AMORO was second and if that form is accurate, should take all the beating in this. MAKE A CHALLENGE is probably the best of the locals but was beaten by A'ALI back in July and hasn't mixed it at the very highest level unlike some of these. I quite like A'ALI back on a course where he has scored before, but GLASS SLIPPERS is coming to a peak nicely (the Abbaye the intended target I would imagine).

The first of the two juvenile championship races is the Moyglare over 1400m for the fillies. PRETTY GORGEOUS beat SHALE in the Debutante last time and I see no reason why it should be any different this time. The once-raced AUNTY BRIDY is possible but this looks a modest renewal.

The colts go in the National and this looks a fascinating race with Phoenix winner LUCKY VEGA moving up 200m and taking on the likes of BATTLEGROUND and MASTER OF THE SEAS coming over to represent Godolphin from the Charlie Appleby stable. These three dominate the race and are possibly the three bet juvenile colts seen out so far.

LUCKY VEGA did it really well over 1200m last time and you wouldn’t have any doubt about the extra 200m. In time, I suspect, the other two may go over further but I was very taken with MASTER OF THE SEAS at Newmarket in the Superlative and he has an obvious chance. BATTLEGROUND won the Chesham at Ascot and followed up in the Vintage at Goodwood.

I come back to Group 1 form in a Group 1 race and for that reason I’ll go with LUCKY VEGA but it’s not an easy call.

Finally, the Irish St Leger over 2800m. TWILIGHT PAYMENT had former Irish Derby winner SOVEREIGN in third when winning the Vintage Crop (BARBADOS second) and then won the Group 2 Curragh Cup by eight lengths. He’s 40/1 for the Melbourne Cup and a win here will help get him a run at Flemington. FUJAIRA PRINCE won a big 2400m handicap at Royal Ascot and followed up in the ultra-competitive Ebor. This is a logical step and he makes plenty of appeal for all this is a better race in terms of quality. SEARCH FOR A SONG won this last year and showed signs of a return to form behind MAGICAL last time. She’s no back number and might be the each way bet of the race at 8/1.

Meanwhile, at Longchamp it’s Arc Trials day which this year has the added spice of the Grand Prix de Paris which is normally held in mid-July but has been rescheduled this year to be the 3-y-o trial instead of the Niel.

The Foy remains the 2400m trial for the older colts. Only six run, but it’s a class field. WAY TO PARIS beat NAGANO GOLD in the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud and there won’t be much between them but into the mix comes a former English Derby winner in ANTHONY VAN DYCK and the triple Ascot Gold Cup winner STRADIVARIUS. Both were behind GHAIYYATH in the Coronation Cup earlier in the season but that was no disgrace, and both come here with real claims against the locals. My only thought is whether the French racing style will suit either horse particularly STRADIVARIUS who would be more effective over 4000m than 2400m.

The two Group 1 races are also over 2400m and as said the Grand Prix de Paris is effectively the Arc trial for the 3-y-o colts and sees the long-awaited return of English Derby winner SERPENTINE. Debate has raged all summer as to whether his Epsom win was real or a fluke but there’s no doubt, he was given a superb ride, handled the undulations well and was clearly best on the day.

On Epsom form he has nothing to fear from HIGHLAND CHIEF, MOGUL and ENGLISH KING, all of whom were held in the Gordon at Goodwood. The main local challenge is PORT GUILLAUME, who I believe has been sold to Australian interests. The 2000m of the Jockey Club was too sharp and he looked much better in the Hocquart, which is decent form.

If SERPENTINE is the real deal, 7/4 is free money but I need to be convinced and would rather be on PORT GUILLAUME.

The Vermeille is the Group 1 Arc Trial for the fillies and given we have ENABLE and LOVE in the Arc line-up, it’ll take a good one to crash the party but there’s a view in France RAABIHAH is something special. Ten go to post with four older fillies taking on six from the classic generation. RAABIHAH was beaten half a length when fourth in a bunch finish for the Diane and followed up well at Deauville but EVEN SO did nothing wrong winning the Irish Oaks and on a line through CAYENNE PEPPER, there’s little between her and TARNAWA while English raider DAME MAILLOT was a close third in the Preis von Europa last time and that gives her an each way chance.

Speaking of the Preis von Europa, the winner, DONJAN, heads the market for the principal German trial for the Arc, the Grosser Preis von Baden. He didn’t have much to spare over KASPAR with BARNEY ROY fourth. The one that catches my eye is the German Derby runner up TORQUATOR TASSO who was a big price that day but ran a blinder on only his second outing and has huge scope for improvement.

[Stodge]

4 hours ago, Midnight Caller said:

Indigo Girl and Pista look nice types to follow!Both still a bit quirky and won with a bit in hand.Like Apperate today.

Got 7/2 about INDIGO GIRL for £20 win which was very pleasing. She's a nice prospect but I see her as an Oaks type more than a Guineas type - perhaps a 2021 Arc contender?

[Midnight Caller]

19 hours ago, Stodge said:

If you think Saturday is huge, Sunday is going to be huger (if that's a word).

The second day of the Irish Champions Weekend and Arc Trials Day mean six Group 1 races on a stellar afternoon at The Curragh and Longchamp respectively.

Kicking off in Ireland with what is effectively the climax of the Irish Flat Racing season at The Curragh with four Group 1 races but these are preceded by the Group 2 Blandford for the fillies and mares over 2000m. MAGIC WAND has mixed it with the very best including running fourth in the Eclipse and fifth in the Nassau at Goodwood. On her last run in Group 2 company she romped home by four and a half lengths in the Lanwades over 1600m. Back at Group 2 and with no boys present, she must have a huge chance. CAYENNE PEPPER was second in the Irish Oaks but was beaten in a Group 3 at Cork last time so I'm not sure.

While MAGIC WAND is a fine older filly, ONE VOICE is the answer from the classic generation. She finished in front of MAGIC WAND in the Nassau and was seven lengths behind LOVE in the Yorkshire Oaks. That's not bad form and the drop back in trip will suit so she is my selection.

The Group 1 Championship races kick off with the Flying Five over 1000m. I think this is a sub-standard Group 1 in all honesty. GLASS SLIPPERS won the Abbaye last year and has twice run behind the mighty BATTAASH and on a line through that star holds A'ALI but not by much. A'ALI was fourth in the Nunthorpe but QUE AMORO was second and if that form is accurate, should take all the beating in this. MAKE A CHALLENGE is probably the best of the locals but was beaten by A'ALI back in July and hasn't mixed it at the very highest level unlike some of these. I quite like A'ALI back on a course where he has scored before, but GLASS SLIPPERS is coming to a peak nicely (the Abbaye the intended target I would imagine).

The first of the two juvenile championship races is the Moyglare over 1400m for the fillies. PRETTY GORGEOUS beat SHALE in the Debutante last time and I see no reason why it should be any different this time. The once-raced AUNTY BRIDY is possible but this looks a modest renewal.

The colts go in the National and this looks a fascinating race with Phoenix winner LUCKY VEGA moving up 200m and taking on the likes of BATTLEGROUND and MASTER OF THE SEAS coming over to represent Godolphin from the Charlie Appleby stable. These three dominate the race and are possibly the three bet juvenile colts seen out so far.

LUCKY VEGA did it really well over 1200m last time and you wouldn’t have any doubt about the extra 200m. In time, I suspect, the other two may go over further but I was very taken with MASTER OF THE SEAS at Newmarket in the Superlative and he has an obvious chance. BATTLEGROUND won the Chesham at Ascot and followed up in the Vintage at Goodwood.

I come back to Group 1 form in a Group 1 race and for that reason I’ll go with LUCKY VEGA but it’s not an easy call.

Finally, the Irish St Leger over 2800m. TWILIGHT PAYMENT had former Irish Derby winner SOVEREIGN in third when winning the Vintage Crop (BARBADOS second) and then won the Group 2 Curragh Cup by eight lengths. He’s 40/1 for the Melbourne Cup and a win here will help get him a run at Flemington. FUJAIRA PRINCE won a big 2400m handicap at Royal Ascot and followed up in the ultra-competitive Ebor. This is a logical step and he makes plenty of appeal for all this is a better race in terms of quality. SEARCH FOR A SONG won this last year and showed signs of a return to form behind MAGICAL last time. She’s no back number and might be the each way bet of the race at 8/1.

Meanwhile, at Longchamp it’s Arc Trials day which this year has the added spice of the Grand Prix de Paris which is normally held in mid-July but has been rescheduled this year to be the 3-y-o trial instead of the Niel.

The Foy remains the 2400m trial for the older colts. Only six run, but it’s a class field. WAY TO PARIS beat NAGANO GOLD in the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud and there won’t be much between them but into the mix comes a former English Derby winner in ANTHONY VAN DYCK and the triple Ascot Gold Cup winner STRADIVARIUS. Both were behind GHAIYYATH in the Coronation Cup earlier in the season but that was no disgrace, and both come here with real claims against the locals. My only thought is whether the French racing style will suit either horse particularly STRADIVARIUS who would be more effective over 4000m than 2400m.

The two Group 1 races are also over 2400m and as said the Grand Prix de Paris is effectively the Arc trial for the 3-y-o colts and sees the long-awaited return of English Derby winner SERPENTINE. Debate has raged all summer as to whether his Epsom win was real or a fluke but there’s no doubt, he was given a superb ride, handled the undulations well and was clearly best on the day.

On Epsom form he has nothing to fear from HIGHLAND CHIEF, MOGUL and ENGLISH KING, all of whom were held in the Gordon at Goodwood. The main local challenge is PORT GUILLAUME, who I believe has been sold to Australian interests. The 2000m of the Jockey Club was too sharp and he looked much better in the Hocquart, which is decent form.

If SERPENTINE is the real deal, 7/4 is free money but I need to be convinced and would rather be on PORT GUILLAUME.

The Vermeille is the Group 1 Arc Trial for the fillies and given we have ENABLE and LOVE in the Arc line-up, it’ll take a good one to crash the party but there’s a view in France RAABIHAH is something special. Ten go to post with four older fillies taking on six from the classic generation. RAABIHAH was beaten half a length when fourth in a bunch finish for the Diane and followed up well at Deauville but EVEN SO did nothing wrong winning the Irish Oaks and on a line through CAYENNE PEPPER, there’s little between her and TARNAWA while English raider DAME MAILLOT was a close third in the Preis von Europa last time and that gives her an each way chance.

Speaking of the Preis von Europa, the winner, DONJAN, heads the market for the principal German trial for the Arc, the Grosser Preis von Baden. He didn’t have much to spare over KASPAR with BARNEY ROY fourth. The one that catches my eye is the German Derby runner up TORQUATOR TASSO who was a big price that day but ran a blinder on only his second outing and has huge scope for improvement.

Great weekend of racing Stodge!I will be watching with interest.

[Stodge]

Plenty of time to pick the bones out of the weekend just gone so a bit further back to start the review.

Day Two of the Leger meeting took place on ground that was basically perfect and under sunny skies - the problem was we were back behind closed doors and Doncaster's Owners were looking at a £250,000 loss.

After an ordinary opening day, Thursday saw two Group 2 races for the fillies. The May Hill for the juveniles over 1600m saw a taking performance from INDIGO GIRL who came away in the final 200m despite looking very green and wandering to the left. I imagine the plan will be the Fillies' Mile but while she was getting some quotes for the Guineas and Oaks, the former may be too sharp and I would need convincing she would deal with the unique contours of Epsom. That said, she's an exciting prospect.

The Park Hill over 2800m saw a successful smash-and-grab raid by the Irish as Joseph O'Brien's PISTA came with a late run to defy VIVIONN and favourite BELIEVE IN LOVE. PISTA is a daughter of American triple crown winner American Pharoah and this was the stallion's biggest win in the U.K to date. Physically, she looked a lovely stamp of a filly and while her future as a broodmare is assured, the plan is to go for the French equivalent race, the Royallieu, in three weeks.

I'm not sure this was the strongest Park Hill ever in all honesty but the winner looks decent.

I wouldn't normally mention a two-runner Class 2 Conditions race but it saw the return of last year's Leger winner, LOGICIAN. I must admit I thought he would be a big player in all the top 2400m races but unfortunately an attack of peritonitis left him close to death on two occasions so it's a triumph of veterinary and training that he is back on the course at all. He looked like a bull to be honest and there's plenty on which to be worked but he did it nicely having a decent gallop round and winning easily as you would expect.

Trainer John Gosden was understandably non-committal after the race and is just hoping the horse takes well to the race over the next 7-10 days. I suspect big targets like the Arc or the Breeders Cup Turf will be off the agenda this year but he could be a real force next year and will become Gosden's stand bearer as both ENABLE and STRADIVARIUS are retired. He looks a potential top notch 2400m horse.

[Stodge]

Plenty to catch up from last weekend and I will get to it and it's just as well the coming weekend is going to be MUCH quieter.

The feature on Saturday at Newbury is the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes (named after the 1971 Derby and Arc winner). 12 have been entered - RHYTHM MASTER's third in the Morny looks the best bit of form on offer. The ground is Good and should quicken up with a dry week forecast. We have a huge handicap - the Ayr Gold Cup which has spawned two consolation races - the Silver Cup and the Bronze Cup - rumours of a Paper Cup as the fourth consolation prize have been discounted.

Sunday sees the start of the 7-day Harvest Festival meeting at Listowel, a wallet-draining, liver-busting occasion by all accounts and though there's not a Group race to be seen, some decent horses have started their careers there and it's a meeting where Aidan O'Brien often introduces a nice one.

Nothing much happening in France either.

[Stodge]

Time to review the Doncaster action from last Friday with the ground drying all the time but a windy day with quite a headwind up the long home straight.

The two Group 2 races were hugely contrasting - the Flying Childers for the juveniles over 1000m and the Doncaster Cup for the stayers over 3600m.

The Flying Childers saw Lowther runner up SACRED go off favourite but it didn't quite go according to plan as she got caught on the wrong side of the track and couldn't quite get to UBETTERBELIEVEIT who provided a right boilover at 40/1. This was a first Group 2 for trainer and jockey and the horse had over-raced when trailing home last in the Gimcrack and clearly the 1000m suits well. SACRED did nothing wrong in defeat and back among her own gender she'll be very hard to beat. FRENETIC was disappointing - she broke well but simply didn't get home in the final 200m.

The Doncaster Cup was a poor renewal but SPANISH MISSION was a convincing winner dishing out the same beating to SELINO he had at Chester in Listed company. It's fair to see with STRADIVARIUS retiring at the end of the season, the staying division looks incredibly weak and while one of the 3-y-o might emerge as the "new kid on the block", SPANISH MISSION and NAYEF ROAD look the best of a weak older group. THE GRAND VISIR is a one-paced plodder but kept on for third and I suspect may next be seen in the Cesarewitch over 4000m at Newmarket. It was all too much for the handicapper REVOLVER but next year he may be up to this.