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Analysis & Selections by
.t.h.e. .r.o.o.k.
Whether it be
"the race of the day" or a small prize round the gaffs, we will attempt to use our knowledge of the formbook to highlight the fancied horses participating each day and their characteristics and requirements. Hopefully this 'second opinion' provides you with a winner or two each day, or even reinforces your own view on a particular may even convince you to back some of those horses which we feel are the "ones to fear", or have decent eachway claims. whichever is the case, we hope the information is of use to you.
SELECTIONS - For each race, we have given you who, in our view, are the likeliest winners;
(1er CHOICE), as well as
the next best runners (in our view, this can include any horses who could run well at eachway
odds). Any runner from our features are shown before each race's analysis.
THE EBOR MEETING -
DAY THREE
Thursday 22nd August
¦ 1er. YORK ¦¬>- 2:05 European Breeders Fund Galtres Stakes (Listed Race) (Fillies & Mares) - £40000 added, 3yo plus fillies, 1m 3f 195yds, penalty £28145, 10 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Nashwan Rose, [the winner of a handicap at the Curragh after
finishing in the ruck in the Oaks d'Italia (Group 1)], Rosa Parks, [the winner of a
maiden at Haydock last time out]; Salim Toto, [a winner twice earlier in the season who last time out chased home Love everlasting at Newbury], Alexander Three D, [Not beaten very far by
Irresistible Jewel in the Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) at the Royal Meeting], Marani and Frosty Welcome, [who dead-heated in teh Aphrodite Stakes (Listed Race) on their most recent starts] and L'Affaire Monique, [13
-½lengths behind the winner in teh Irish Oaks (Group 1)] all appeal in the
opener on the final day of the Ebor Meeting. This is quite competitive however Salim Toto,
makes most appeal, especially if Mick Kinane adopts her customary front-running role, which would give her (in my view) a distinct
advantage You have to respect the fact that Luca Cumani believes that Rosa Parks is good enough for this event.
Both Rosa Parks and Marani rate as the main dangers
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Salim Toto,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Rosa Parks,
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>-Marani
¦ 2e. YORK ¦¬>- 2:40 Lowther Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) - sponsored by Peugeot - £85000 added, 2yo only fillies, 6f, penalty £50575, 5 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Russian Rhythm, Romantic Liason, Wunders Dream, Danaskaya, and Wimple make up a
select field contesting this Group two event. This is a fascinating race; Wunders Dream will
probably be in front from the outset. Her rivals had better beware as this nifty filly will set them a stiff task, ad if she is in the same form when winning the Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) at
Glorious Goodwood, her rivals wont find it easy. Russian Rhythm, having her fits race for Sheikh Mohammed steps out to six furlongs for
the first time however when she won the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 3) at the Royal Meeting, she raced as though an extra
furlong wouldn't represent a problem.... She probably has more scope than Wunders Dream and should be able to subdue this rival.... Romantic Liason, is another matter. Sir Michael Stoute's entrant is proven at the trip and looked special
when landing the Princess Margaret Stakes (Group 3) on her latest start...She looked an excellent prospect that day and should progress,
particularly next year. She gets the vote, although Russian Rhythm probably will not go down without a fight.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Russian Rhythm (USA)
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Romantic Liason,
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Wunders Dream
¦ 3e. YORK ¦¬>- 3:15 Bradford & Bingley Rated Stakes H' cap - £50000 added, 3yo plus, 7f 202yds, penalty £35351, 20 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Atlantic Ace, Calcutta, Vicious Knight, Demonstrate, Pie High, Zarin, Spanish Don, Faithful Warrior,
Judicious, Freya's Dream, Funfair Nashaab and Bestam all have claims in this renewal of the Bradford & Bingley Handicap. Punters may well latch onto Atlantic Ace, who flew home when getting daylight in the William Hill Mile at Glorious
Goodwood- only just failing to catch Smirk. He was a "telephone tipster" horse that day and just failed to land a touch... I hope that happen again as that makes Demonstrate even more appealing despite a poor draw. He excelled himself racing from a mark 9lb higher than when successful over the course and distance at Royal Ascot, when
finishing seventh in the Tote International Stakes . He 'won' his race decisively on the unfavoured side of the course from two good yardsticks in Norton, and Mine, [who disapointed
yesterday over 6f]. This is no easy "ask" but this horse is clearly still on the upgrade and is worth taking
a chance with. Bustam, [who ran well at Salisbury last time out] is another poorly
drawn horse who I'd hope will go well, whilst Faithful Warrior is getting no luck in running, but is threatening to figure in a race like this ... he is worth an eachway interest
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Demonstrate
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Bustam
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Faithful Warrior (USA), [e/w]
¦ 4e. YORK ¦¬>- 3:50 Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) - sponsored by Victor Chandler -£185000 added, 2yo plus, 5f, penalty £107300, 17 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Kyllachy, Malhub, Dominica, Continent, Danehurst, Bahamian Pirate, Porlezza, Jessica's Dream and Rudi's Pet all
have chances in the Nunthorpe stakes. Dandy Nicholls has a strong hand her as both Continent and Bahamian Pirate, Continent is probably his first string on the back of his win in the July Cup (Group 1). On that occasion he had Bahamian Pirate
½length back in second with Danehurst, (third), and Malhub, (sixth) well behind him. That was over six
furlongs, which is probably his optimum trip and he is far from certain to confirm placings.
He did also finish behind Dominica in the King's Stand Stakes (Group 2) at the Royal Meeting though arguably that was his best effort over the
minimum trip. He got a dream run near the stands' rail and would probably have won in another couple of strides. Considering that was Dominica's first run since landing the Cornwallis Stakes (Group 3) over course and distance last October, that was a
magnificent effort and as long as the ground isn't too far fast she should give a good account of herself.
Malhub is another with a live chance. He won the Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) fair and square, from Danehurst, with
Continent 5lengths behind in fifth. He can be forgiven a poor effort in the July Cup as the soft ground may not have suited and he has a
better chance than may be immediately obvious.
Kyllachy, and Danehurst both come here with something to prove. Danehurst has run well on both starts this term, however hasn't been quite good enough. Although she stays six furlong, a fast
five furlongs like York's may be where she is likeliest to win a Group 1 race, and it would come as no surprise to see her go very close The wheel came off of the Kyllachy bandwagon in the King Stands Stakes, however before that he had looked our best sprinter in landing the Victor Chandler Palace House Stakes (Group 3) and Tripleprint Temple Stakes (Group 2) with
consummate ease. He was very unlucky in the King Stands getting no run at all before Jamie Spencer switched outside - losing precious momentum. Not getting a clear run is always the danger for his supporters, as he needs cover to settle, however if he gets a clear run here he is still the one i'd want to be on.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Kyllachy,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Danehurst,
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Malhub (USA), [e/w]
¦ 5e. YORK ¦¬>- 4:20 Melrose Rated Stakes (H' cap) £35000 added, 3yo only, 1m 5f 194yds, penalty £22471.52, 10 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Distinction, Windermere, Dune, Stance, Lingo, Old California, Halawellfin Hala, Kasthari, Autumn Fantasy, and Total Turtle look to have th best chances in this stayers handicap, confined to three-year-olds. Distinction, [a good third to Dawn Invasion in the Tote Gold Trophy at Glorious Goodwood], and Stance, [a winner at Newbury, beating
amongst others Shalamantika who won at Epsom last week] are likely to attract most
interest in the betting exchanges and are sure to figure prominently. Distinction gets the vote although Kasthari could be interesting if he settles well enough to get this trip. His third to
Nysaean at Chepstow wasn't a bad effort, and he could be capable of stepping up here -
particularly over this extra distance.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Distinction,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Kasthari, [e/w]
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Stance,
¦ 6e. YORK ¦¬>- 4:50 McArthurglen Designer Outlet City of York Stakes (Listed Race)
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¦ (THEY'RE OFF 2002) - are there any horses from "they're off" our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the flat season?¦:¬>- L'Oiseau d'Argent (USA)
¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-L'Oiseau d'Argent, Lipstick, Bouncing Bowdler, Needwood Blade, Millennium Dragon, and Border Subject make most
appeal in the penultimate race of the meeting. Having looked so impressive first time out L'Oiseau d'Argent seems to have gone the wrong way and folded tamely last time out at Goodwood behind
Where on when. As he stays a mile, this drop back to six furlongs (6f 214yds - almost 7furlongs) is a
little bit of a concern, howevr I'm certain that is because they intend to let him race from the tape. I like him
a lot and am certain he'll be much better next season, when he should have
finally begun filling his huge frame - I wouldnt be too surprised if he did
oblige, howevr Millennium Dragon, [a good fifth in the July Cup from an unfavourable draw, who
didn't run too badly behind Nayyir at Goodwood] appears to be the safest option.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>-Millennium Dragon,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>-?¦ L'Oiseau d'Argent (USA)
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Border Subject, [e/w]
¦ 7e. YORK ¦¬>- 5:20 Blue Bicycle Stakes (Nursery, [2-Year-Old H' cap] £15000 added, 2yo only, 6f 214yds, penalty £11245, 14 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Looking Down, Logsdail, Dharkan, Rodeo Drive, New Wish, Tourmalet, Strong Hand and Dark Champion are likely to head the market
for the finale of the meeting. I don't really have a strong view of this race, however Dharkan, who showed promise in better company at Newmarket on his debut, did benefit from that effort when
landing a Southwell Maiden last time out. He is well drawn here and should be capable of further
improvement. The stable haven't aimed too highly here and he should give a good account of himself.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Dharkan,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Dark Champion, [e/w]
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Logsdail,
THE EBOR MEETING -
DAY TWO
Wednesday 21st August
¦ 1er. YORK ¦¬>- 1:45 Motability Supported By Royal SunAlliance Rated Stakes (H' cap) - £30000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 2f 85yds, penalty £19174.80, 9 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Nine runners have been declared for the opening race of day two of the meeting. Leadership, [third to Vintage Premium in the 43rd John Smith's Cup over course and distance]; Kirovski, [second in front of Leadership in the John Smith's Cup, who has since run creditable at Glorious Goodwood], Johannian, [eighth in the John Smith's Cup beaten 6lengths, who had previously ran well behind Foreign Affairs at Doncaster], Norton, [winner of the Royal Hunt Cup, who has since run creditably in the Shergar Cup Mile]; Imbibing, [who beat Waverley at Newbury four days ago], Donna's Double, [a winner three times this term, who may be in the grip of the handicapper] and Superiority, [in good form last term in the
U.A.E. - has since joined current connections after finishing in the ruck in the Dubai Duty Free (Group 1)... still acclimatising]. all have chances. Leadership, and Kirovski are closely match on their recent meeting here and are likeliest to land this prize ... Leadership is taken to reverse placings. Imbibing could turn out to be the best eachway value.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>-Leadership,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>-Imbibing, [e/w]
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>-Kirovski
¦ 2e. YORK ¦¬>- 2:20 Yorkshire Oaks (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) - sponsored by Aston Upthorpe - £250000 added, 3yo plus fillies, 1m 3f 195yds, penalty £145000, 11 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Vodafone Oaks heroine Kazzia heads a field of eleven fillies which will take their chance in the Yorkshire Oak. Kazzia bids to retain her unbeaten record this season having previously landed the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. Quarter Moon, who finished behind her that day took her on again in the Oaks, however despite putting up a bold showing, was only "second best that day". Islington, and Mellow Park were well behind that day, but like Quarter Moon could be given chances to reverse form, especially with the "indifferent" form of Godolphin's most recent runners.
Sir Michael Stoute's Islington was eighth to Kazzia at Epsom, however is better judged on her impressive success in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, where she had Quarter Moon another
4-½lengths back in third. This is probably her optimum trip and she can has strong claims. Quarter Moon has run creditably all season, however it is a bit of a worry that she hasn't won this term. She was reportedly ins season last time and could therefore finish closer, however the stable is under a cloud, due to having a virus and she is more difficult to fancy.
Jeremy Noseda's Mellow Park, and Dermot Weld's Ribblesdale Stakes winner Irresistible Jewel both have questions to answer. Both of these were strongly fancied for the Irish Oaks (Group 1), but were very disappointing finishing seventh and eighth respectively. The bare form suggests they are held by Quarter Moon, however they have both shown better form that this and are best judged on those formlines rather than the Irish Oaks form. John Gosden's Sulk, [who retuned to form in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood], and the Mark Johnston trained Love Everlasting, [who won a listed race at Newbury] are another couple who should play their parts in the race - although I doubt whether they will be playing leading roles.
The most intriguing runner in the field is the Peter Schiergen-trained German raider Guadalupe. Those of you who have been enjoying our occasion preview of some of the major meetings in Europe, may remember that we expected Guadalupe to go close in the Oaks d'Italia (Group 1). She was given a brilliant ride by Kieran Fallon, coming wide and fast to pip the Barry Hills trained Bright And Clear 500 metres or so from the post. She hasn't been out since June, where she was a fair third to Salve Regina in the Ostermann Preis der Diana (Group 1) (the German Oaks), where she given a bit too much to do, but was staying on best at the finish. A strongly run affair will suit her and in no forlorn hope.
If they all ran to form; Islington, Quarter Moon, Kazzia, Irresistible Jewel, and Guadalupe would strike me as the likeliest to score I have been keen on Kazzia all season and I still think that at her best, she is best of the fillies due to line up. Islington and Quarter Moon sill look to be her main dangers, whilst Irresistible Jewel, and Guadalupe are the best eachway options .... I've chosen the German raider
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>-Kazzia (GER),
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>-Islington,
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>-Guadalupe (GER), [e/w]
¦ 3e. YORK ¦¬>- 2:55 The Ebor (H' cap) - sponsored by The Tote £185000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 5f 194yds, penalty £120250, 22 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-The Mick Easterby trained Sarangani heads a maximum field of twenty-two set to line-up for Wednesday's Tote Ebor at York. He comes here on the back of two successive victories, the most recent occasion was here over course and distance, where he was the most ridiculously easy winner of the season [Jamie Spencer didn't move a muscle on him to win swinging off of the bit by two lengths... not bad considering he was carrying 10st-0lbs!!!. As usual, this is no one horse race though as chances can be given to amongst others; Charley Bates, Barathea Blazer, Sarangani, Contraband. Harlestone Grey, Cupboard Lover, Pole Star, Bourgeois, Mana d'Argent and Dawn Invasion
Charley Bates; a son of Derby winner Benny The Dip, is likely to go off as favourite here having run a great race last time out in the Goodwood Cup. This "hold-up" horse should go well, although being drawn 21 of the 22 runners is a disadvantage. Barathea Blazer is another likely to attract strong supports having run well this term most recently, when finishing runner-up in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock in July. Michael Kinane has been booked for the ride, which has to be a positive sign..
Of the other runners; Harlestone Grey, [just beaten by Warrsan at Goodwood in May], Pole Star, [upped in trip, having run well behind Ulundi at Ascot in June], Bourgeois, [who won here over 1m4f in July], Moon Emperor and Mana d'Argent, [first and second in the Shergar Cup Stayers Stakes], Hambleden, [a model of consistency... or a bookies friend, depending on your viewpoint], Cupboard Lover, [a winner of three of his last four races, most recently at Sandown in July], Jasmick, [given a dubious ride in the Shergar Cup Stayers Stakes, she is probably better judged on her victory over Scott's View at Kempton in July], Hugs Dancer; [ who landed the Goodwood Stakes over 2m5f on his last start, Contraband, [not seen out since winning a 1m4f Handicap at Ascot] and Dawn Invasion [who won the Tote Gold Trophy at Glorious Goodwood on his latest start], have to be given a "second glance".
This looks to be a particularly open renewal of this race, however Dawn Invasion is preferred. His last performance was a really good effort under top weight. The second Waverley has come out and run well again last weekend at Newbury, franking the form. He is a progressive middle-distance stayer who should go close here ... he is the selection.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Dawn Invasion
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Barathea Blazer
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Harlestone Grey,
¦ 4th Choice³ ¦:¬>-Hambleden, [e/w]
¦ 4e. YORK ¦¬>- 3:30 Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) - sponsored by Scottish Equitable - £125000 added, 2yo only colts and geldings, 6f, penalty £72500, 11 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Country Reel, Mister Links, Greek Revival, Masterpoint, Revenue, Tizzy May, and Fiddlers Reach are my idea of the likeliest winners of the Gimcrack Stakes, which comes next on the card. Mister Links comes into the race having won all his three starts thus far, most recently when landing the July Stakes (Group 3) at the July Meeting at Newmarket. He has to concede weight all round here but should give a good account on himself. however Country Reel (a rare first-time-out winner this season for David Loder) is preferred. This son of Danzig was given a beautiful introduction by Frankie Dettori, always travelling well towards the outside of the field before showing a nice turn of pace when asked for his effort. He could be useful and looks sure to win more races.... hopefully today is the first of many. .
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Country Reel (USA)
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Mister Links,
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Revenue, [e/w]
¦ 5e. YORK ¦¬>- 4:00 Costcutter Roses Stakes (Listed Race) - £25000 added, 2yo only colts and geldings, 5f, penalty £18775.25, 10 runners.
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¦ (THEY'RE OFF 2002) - are there any horses from "they're off" our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the flat season?¦:¬>- Sir Edwin Landseer (USA)
¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Sir Edwin Landseer, Folio, Sir Albert, Inter Vision, Arran Pilot, Cumbrian Venture, and Avening makes most appeal in the fifth. I'll be hoping that Sir Edwin Landseer can atone for recent misfortune here. After not getting one of Kevin Darley' s best rides in the Super Sprint at Newbury, Sir Edward Landseer was a good second to Wunders Dream in the Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) at Glorious Goodwood - a good effort considering he tended to be hang right throughout. He is better than that and given the rune of this race can give his rivals the slip
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>-Sir Edwin Landseer (USA)
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Avening, [e/w]
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Folio,
¦ 6e. YORK ¦¬>- 4:30 Convivial Maiden Stakes - £25000 added, 2yo only, 6f, penalty £18294.25, 6 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- You could probably argue a case for each of Governor Brown, Arctic Burst, Court Masterpiece, Wise Petorius, Weavers Pride, or Moritat in the sixth race on the card. Governor Brown; [a half-brother to 3 winners, notably very useful 8f-10f winner Hataab], Court Masterpiece;. [who should come on for his debut run behind Garros at Ascot} and Arctic Burst, [fourth on his debut at Goodwood, behind Wahsheeq, Gala Sunday and Al Jadeed (who won on Saturday at Newbury)] make most appeal .... The last-named Artic Burst is just preferred
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Arctic Burst (USA)
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Governor Brown (USA)
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Court Masterpiece
¦ 7e. YORK ¦¬>- 5:05 Eventmasters Falmouth H' cap - £25000 added, 3yo only, 5f, penalty £19376.50, 18 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Plateau, Mornin Reserves, Colonel Cotton, Good Girl, Strathclyde, Dubaian Gift, Yorkie, Matty Tun, Kangarilla Road, Bryano de Bergerac, Noble Nick and Mitsuki all have chances in a frightenly open handicap, which ends the card. Plateau is interesting having run creditably behind Suggestive on his seasonal reappearance at Yarmouth. He built of that effort winning at Yarmouth, and should give a good account of himself , however he dopes seem to have a lot of weight. I prefer Dubaian Gift - a winner last time out Dubaian Gift reversing previous Newmarket form with Strathclyde (who reopposes here). Kangarilla Road continues to find trouble in running however she is bound to get it right one day and her price should reflect here ill fortune ... she is my eachway "alternative" to the selection.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Dubaian Gift,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Kangarilla Road, [e/w]
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Plateau,
THE EBOR MEETING -
DAY ONE
Tuesday 20th August
¦ 1er. YORK ¦¬>- 1:45 Paradime Acomb Stakes (Listed Race) £30000 added, 2yo only, 6f 214yds, penalty £22132.50, 6 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Bourbonnais, Wahsheeq, Amandus, Armada Grove, and Salcombe are the horses that appeal most in the opening race of the Ebor Meeting. They are a nice bunch these; Wahsheeq, [a winner on his second start at Goodwood], Amandus, [fourth on his debut behind Surbiton, who improved to be a good second at Ascot last time out behind Garros]; Armada Grove, [a winner on the sand at Lingfield] and Salcombe, [a nice winner of a three -runner affair at Ascot] all look capable of further success this term, however they are likely to find Bourbonnais too tough an opponent, if this lovely individual repeats the form shown last time out at Goodwood, when finishing second to Dublin in the Champagne Victor Vintage Stakes (Group 3) (beaten
1-¼lengths). He is the selection
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>-Bourbonnais,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>-Amandus (USA)
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>-Salcombe
¦ 2e. YORK ¦¬>- 2:20 Lonsdale Stakes (Group 3) - sponsored by Weatherbys Insurance. £100000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 7f 195yds, penalty £58000, 7 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-With the exception of rank-outsider Movie King, you can make cases for the remaining six runners in this 1m-6f event. Three of these met last time out in the Goodwood Cup (Group 2). On that occasion Jardines Lookout came out on top, staying on in really determined fashion, to withhold the late challenge of Give Notice (beaten
1-½lengths), with Cover Up another 13-½lengths back in sixth. Give Notice has a good chance of reversing placings here, however Jardines Lookout excels around this course and is probably a few pounds better here than most other courses... that could prove to be significant. This is no two horse race however as Boreas, [disappointing last time out, however a good second to Zindabad in the Yorkshire Cup (Group 2), beating Jardines Lookout]; Bangalore, [the game winner of the Northumberland Plate], and Darasim, [who made all to land the Glorious Rated Stakes (Listed Race) at Glorious Goodwood from The Whistling Teal, who franked the form on Saturday] all pose serious threats. I will stick with Jardines Lookout, howevr Boreas will have this run to suit, and only just failed to get my vote.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Jardines Lookout
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>-Boreas
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Bangalore,
¦ 3e. YORK ¦¬>- 2:55 Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) £450000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 2f 85yds, penalty £261000, 7 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes first and second; Golan and Nayef head a select field of just seven horses for The main race of day one - The Juddmonte International Stakes. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old Golan renews rivalry with Nayef after their titanic battle at Ascot. On that occasion Golan appeared to outstay Nayef who had travelled sweetly throughout and appeared to have done all that was required until Golan came late from out of the pack to steal the spoils close home. These are good horses and it is unfair to pour some scorn of this form, however there is no doubt the Ascot executive's decision to water the ground, that night before backfired, [the overcast conditions th next day ensured plenty of this water was still evident on the ground come race time]. this isn't meant to suggest that wont win today, however just o illustrate there is some doubt about the real value of the form. A anyway it isn't a forgone conclusion that these two will battle out the finish as Noverre, No Excuse Needed, Chancellor and Indian Creek are interesting opponents.
Godolphin's Noverre, is particularly interesting as there are many good judges that believe that this son of Rahy should revel over this sort of trip. He has been second on all of his starts this term - most recently when running a solid race but having no answer to the Rock of Gibraltar change of gears in the Sussex Stakes (Group 1). with No Excuse Needed [who was set plenty to do] another four lengths back in fourth. His first attempt at this 10-furlong trip is eagerly awaited. No Excuse Needed, is also unexposed at this trip and is best judged this term on his win in the Queen Anne Stakes (Group 2) at the Royal Meeting. He requires a strong pace and should get that with recent Curragh winner Chancellor set to take his chance. Last [but by no mean least] is David Ellsworth's runner Indian Creek, who disappointed in the Coral Eclipse (Group 1), however is best judge on his second to Grandera in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) at the Royal Meeting.
I believe the market has got this wrong, and I'm surprised how short Nayef and Golan are. Whilst they are the likeliest the win, neither of their recent form suggest they are invincible. I have reservations about Golan, who seems to need at least ten furlongs these days and he may not now have the pace to win at that this trip despite winning a Guineas. Nayef hasn't progressed as much as I suggest that Marcus Tregoning had hoped early last term, and is vulnerable. It wouldnt surprise me if Noverre or No Excuse Needed didn't cause a surprise... I'd take a chance and go with Noverre.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>-Noverre (USA)
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>-Nayef (USA)
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>-No Excuse Needed,
¦ 4e. YORK ¦¬>- 3:30 Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) £150000 added, 3yo only colts and geldings, 1m 3f 195yds, penalty £87000, 6 runners.
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¦ (THEY'RE OFF 2002) - are there any horses from "they're off" our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the flat season?¦:¬>- Systematic,
¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Bandari, Bollin Eric, Systematic, Highest, Bustan and Frankies Dream make up an interesting line-up for the Voltigeur. Bandari is certain to go off as favourite here. Such a disappointment in the Derby itself, Bandari bounced back in the Gordon Stakes (Group 3) at Glorious Goodwood, making all and pulling well clear of First Charter and Izdiham who had thrown down challenges early in the straight. When he is allowed to dominate from the start he has looked impressive, however it is interesting that connection feel he is a little soft/immature if tackled early on. Gordon Stakes (Group 3). it is interesting that Mark Johnston takes him on here with stablemate Systematic, who likes to be handy. I expect these two to try and control the race from the "off". Bollin Eric, Highest, and Bustan settled rear, will need to be on their guard otherwise they find themselves having to make up too much ground on this unforgiving circuit. Bollin Eric has been running well without winning this term, and I can see him plugging on when others may be crying "enough" Highest, and Bustan are of more interest. Highest only just failed to catch Systematic in the King George V Stakes (Handicap) at the Royal Meeting and is weighted to finish whether Systematic finishes. Bustan did finish behind Bollin Eric in the King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), however he met trouble in his run that day and is best judged on his win over Al Moulatham at Newmarket. Bandari, should win this on all know form however it wouldnt surprise me if Systematic, and Bustan didn't ruffle him.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>-Bandari,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>-Systematic
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>-Bustan
¦ 5e. YORK ¦¬>- 4:00 Ladbroke Knavesmire H' cap £25000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 3f 195yds, penalty £20338.50, 22 runners
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Knavesmire Omen, Robandela, Tissifer, Celtic Island, Afadan, Conquering Love, Researched, Cool Spice, Collier Hill, Spectrometer, Zandeed and Solo Flight all appeal in a very open twelve furlong handicap. I don't know what to make of his race as Tissifer [claimed out of Martin Pipe's yard after winning two average claimers] heads the market. Knavesmire Omen, and Robandela, from Mark Johnston's yard have strong claims and should go well, especially as both of these are likely to be handy from the "off". They may need to at their best, because Sir Michael Stoute's runner Researched appeals as the sort who should improve during the second half of the season. He was probably too immature to do himself justice, when finishing
19-½lengths behind Fight Your Corner in the Chester Vase (Group 3). This half-brother to decent 10f to 20f winner Cover Up is bred to progress given time and could leave that form behind here... he is the selection. Celtic Island and Solo Flight frustrate punters regularly but are good enough to figure here given the run of teh race.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Researched,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Celtic Island,
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Solo Flight, [e/w]
Two sprints end the card;
¦ 6e. YORK ¦¬>- 4:30 Gerrard Wealth Management Eglinton Stakes Nursery, [2-Year-Old H' cap] £15000 added, 2yo only, 6f, penalty £11394.50, 8 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Nuit Sombre, Magic Myth, Sierra Vista, Queens Jubilee, Foolhardy, and Aries all have chances in the sixth. I am really sweet on the chances of Nuit Sombre, the winner of his last two starts, most recently when winning at Newcastle thirteen days ago. Nuit Sombre usually is handy from the "off", however he sat back in the stalls and missed the break. He then struggled to get a run for most of the race before extricating himself close home. Hopefully connections have learnt something from this near-calamitous error and given a clear he should have too many guns for his rivals here.
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Nuit Sombre,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Foolhardy,
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Aries (GER), [e/w]
¦ 7e. YORK ¦¬>- 5:05 Links of London Stakes Showcase H' cap £25000 added, 3yo plus, 6f, penalty £20579, 20 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Kingscross, Albashoosh, Budelli, Bond Boy, Trace Clip, Forever Times, Toldya, Mine, Armagnac, Doctor Spin and Talbot Avenue, all have claims in the last. The handicapper seems to be getting the measure of our friend Budelli, who failed to land the Great St Wilfrid Stakes [Handicap] at Ripon last Saturday. Steward's Cup winner Bond Boy meets him on far more favourable terms than when they met at Goodwood earlier in teh season, however hopefully Budelli still has one more win in him and is just preferred to Mine, [who connections think has a decent 6f race in him] and Kingscross,
¦ 1er. CHOICE¹ ¦:¬>- Budelli,
¦ 2nd Choice² ¦:¬>- Mine,
¦ 3rd Choice³ ¦:¬>- Kingscross, [e/w]
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