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SELECTIONS
- For each race, I have given you who, in my view, are the likeliest
winners, as well as horses who could run well at eachway odds. 'R*ecommended'
horses have, in our view, the best chances of success each day. Any
horses from our 'Horses To Follow' list are shown at the foot of each
race's analysis.
POSTING TIMES FOR SELECTIONS_
Selections for Monday - Friday should be available after 9:30pm the
previous evening, however on Saturday and Sunday due to other
commitments won't be posted until after 8:30am those respective mornings
unless otherwise stated. Hopefully this helps
KING GEORGE MEETING [ASCOT]
Sunday 29th July
2.15 Sino Group Trophy (Classified Stakes) (Class B) 1m 2f Penalty £10010 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]-->Masterful, Everlasting Love, Serge Lifar, and Blue Sugar, are the ones to consider in the opener. Masterful, had been disappointing before winning easily at Ascot beating Houseparty by 5lengths. Plenty of use of him was made that day, and if that tactic is employed he could be very hard to beat. Blue Sugar, who is better that his poor effort behind Foreign Affairs at York, last time, and Serge Lifar, who won at Windsor over 1m 4f are preferred, as they may be able to swoop on this previously poor finisher. Serge Lifar is preferred of the two
[#1st Choice] --> Serge Lifar,
[Positives/Negatives?] -->Trappy race. Masterful, was impressive last time, but is still haunted by three weak efforts at the business end of his races. Serge Lifar may take advantage
[e/w alternative]-->Blue Sugar
2.45 Hong Kong Auction Stakes (Class B) 7f Penalty £14202.50 2yo only
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]--> Lady High Havens, Playful Spirit, Young Lion, Lake Verdi, Gold Guest, Dowhatjen, and Reefs Sis, appeal in the second. Playful Spirit, unbeaten in two starts really caught the eye last time out, making smooth headway to challenge on bit, before beating Global Princess by 1 1/2lengths ... a repeat of that should be good enough here
[#1st Choice] --> Playful Spirit,
[Positives/Negatives?] --> The selection has been impressive in two starts, and has the advantage of a lightweight. She should be hard to beat.
[e/w alternative]-->Dowhatjen,
3.15 Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint (Showcase Handicap) (Class B) 5f Penalty £46400 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]-->Another 5furlong sprint at the meeting. Magic Rainbow, Boanerges, Ellens Academy, Candleriggs, Atlantic Viking, Beyond The Clouds, Ellens Lad, Henry Hall, Lord Kintyre, Proud Native, Connect, Eastern Purple, Guinea Hunter, and Mitcham, are worthy of consideration. Proud Native interests me, he has always threatened to be a useful sprinter, and though he hasn't quite made the breakthrough, he could go well, if he gets the run of the race. He is preferred to Boanerges, and Ellens Academy,
[#1st Choice] --> Proud Native, (e/w)
[Positives/Negatives?] -->Listed class sprinter, who could go well if he gets the run of the race.
[e/w alternative]--> Ellen's Academy
3.50 Year Of The Snake Maiden Fillies' Stakes (Class D) 1m Penalty £5395 3yo only fillies
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[RUNNER [S] FROM OUR "HORSES TO FOLLOW" FEATURE] --> BARATHEASTAR
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]-->Baratheastar who showed promise behind Lilium at Newmarket as a two year old; Miss Indigo, who last time out, didn't fear too badly behind Masterful at Ascot; Mowaadah, only just touch off by Notecard at Doncaster on her debut, and Saaryeh, who disappointed when favourite behind Intrepidous at Windsor, are the horses I'd consider in the fourth. Although she may need this, the beautifully bred Baratheastar can add a little more to her value by taking this
[#1st Choice] --> Baratheastar
[Positives/Negatives?] --> Baratheastar has the best form in the race, if she is fit enough to do herself justice
[e/w alternative]-->Saaryeh,
4.25 Sha Tin Handicap (Class D) 1m 4f Penalty £6792.50 3yo only
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]-->Rainshine, High Spot, Pinot Noir, Mostabshir, Stands To Reason, Contraband, and Petrov, appeal in the fifth. Rainshine, and High Spot renew rivalry after meeting at chepstow. On that occasion Rainshine took the victory staying on well beating High Spots by 5lengths. She should appreciate this longer trip, and should confirm placings at their revised terms. I take her to score from Pinot Noir, and the reluctance Petrov who is good enough to score if he is in the mood
[#1st Choice] --> Rainshine,
[Positives/Negatives?] --> Rainshine is an improving filly stepping up a trip, which should suit
[e/w alternative]--> Petrov,
4.55 Happy Valley Handicap (Class C) 1m Penalty £6873.75 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]--> Kelburne, Intricate Web, Khitaam, Invader, Honest Borderer, Tribal Prince, Knocktopher Abbey, and Stromsholm, appeal in an open finale. Khitaam makes most appeal. He managed to win a soft maiden last time out, however it looked a useful performance as he helped force that pace off an stayed on well on ground that may not have suited. His handicap mark looks fair on the balance of previous form, and he meets rivals slightly off of the boil
[#1st Choice] --> Khitaam,
[Positives/Negatives?] --> Improved effort last time out, and isn't that harshly treated here
[e/w alternative]-->Honest Borderer,
KING GEORGE MEETING [ASCOT]
Saturday 28th July
2.00 Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Rated Stakes (Class B Handicap) 1m 2f Penalty £15013.29 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]--> Culzean, Nadour Al Bahr, Ice, Down to the Woods, and Bogus Dreams appeal in a trappy opener . BOGUS DREAMS is in great heart at present and demolished Range Trader by a long looking 9lengtths. He likes to dominate, and appears make dampen ICE's enthusiasm. he needs to dominate, as he did last time when making all, when winning at his beloved York. he may be best passed over. CULZEAN who beat Tarboush at kempton, last time out, and DOWN TO THE WOODS:, an unlucky 3rd behind Freefourinternet at Ascot are others to consider, but i will stick with Bogus Dream
[#1st Choice] --> Bogus Dreams
[Positives/Negatives?] -->Uncomplicated ride, who is in great heart. He should win the battle for the lead, and will be hard to beat
[e/w alternative]--> Down to the Woods
2.35 Princess Margaret Stakes (Class A) (Group 3) 6f Penalty £24000 2yo only fillies
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->t
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]-->Eight line up for the second. Gerald Butler's SWISS LAKE, who was always travelling well, when easily, winning on her debut at Sandown in the manner of a good animal. She looked up to this step up in class, and in preferred to XTRASENSORY who won at Goodwood on her only star
[#1st Choice] --> Swiss Lake
[Positives/Negatives?] -->Travelled like a 'goodun' on her debut, she should improve for the run
[e/w alternative]-->Xtrasensory
3.10 Tote International Stakes (Showcase Handicap) (Class B) 7f Penalty £87000 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "HORSES TO FOLLOW" feature] --> TILLERMAN
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]-->The third looks awfully competitive; Nice One Clare, Atavus, Tillerman, Hurricane Floyd, Misraah, True Night, Proceed With Care, Velvet Glade, Needwood Blade, Zucchero, Baaridd, Blue Mountain, Camberley, Duke Of Modena, Orientor, and Royal Artist, are amongst those with chances. Royal Hunt Cup winner NICE ONE CLARE, is in great heart at present and didn't disgrace himself when finishing behind Shibboleth at Newmarket in June. MISRAAH, you can argue is in even better heart, having run a great race to finish 3rd behind Mozart in the July Cup. If he is effective at this distance, he should be that far away. That comment applies to last year's winner TILLERMAN, who didn't finish that far behind Misraah that day, and will be far better suited to today's conditions, he excels on lightning fast ground. others that appeal are ATAVUS who won The Bunbury Cup at Newmarket with a ton in hand, plus ZUCCHERO and TRUE NIGHT who are in decent form at present.
Atavus will be very popular in this, and there are many judges who feel that he is a group horse shrouding off of a low weight in a handicap. It is worth remembering though, that Volontiers, who carried 9-10 in the Bunbury Cup, would definitely have figured bar meeting serious inference. whilst this horse is a good individual, he doesn't boast Group form, that both Tillerman, and Misraah do. I'm not convinced therefore that the 20lbs (inclusive of Atavus' jockey weight claim) difference is enough to stop these two, and as a result I wouldnt be surprised if they both go very close. Tillerman is favoured more by the draw, and if he manages to get a run he will go close he is the selection.
[#1st Choice] --> Tillerman, (e/w)
[Positives/Negatives?] --> Tillerman, and Misraah have solid Group form and have racing weights ion a tough handicap. They have clear claims on the book, however Misraah, may have a poor draw despite the winner of the Hunt Cup coming from the far side
[alternative]--> Misraah
3.50 King George Vi And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (Class A) (Group 1) 1m 4f Penalty £435000 3yo plus
Chimes At Midnight /Luke Comer/ 49-7b/W Smith
Fantastic Light/Saeed Bin Suroor/59-7t/L Dettori
Give The Slip/Saeed Bin Suroor/ 49-7/D O´Donohoe
Golden Snake/J L Dunlop/ 59-7/Pat Eddery
Hightori /Demercastel / 49-7/G Mosse
Millenary/ J L Dunlop / 49-7/K Fallon
Mutamam /A C Stewart/ 69-7/R Hills
Anabaa Blue /C Lerner/ 38-9/C Soumillon
Galileo /A P O´Brien / 38-9/M J Kinane
Ice Dancer /A P O´Brien/ 38-9/P J Scallan
Morshdi / M A Jarvis/ 38-9/P Robinson
Storming Home/B W Hills/ 38-9/M Hills
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]--> A fascinating clash of the generations. of those lining up, I like Galileo, Fantastic Light, Anabaa Blue, Hightori, Morshdi, Mutamam, and Storming Home. GALILEO, the easy winner of the Epsom Derby, followed up with a more impressive effort in the Irish equivalent, always travelling wel before bating Morshdi by 4legnths. He will appreciate the strong early pace here and has a favourite's chance. FANTASTIC LIGHT appeals to several observers, not surprising if you think of how easily he won at Royal Ascot putting 2 1/2 lengths between himself and Kalanisi. He has been primed for this and should be far away. in that event HIGHTORI was a staying on 3rd , and may reduce the deficit over this longer trip. The same comments apply to MORSHDI 2nd to Galileo in the Irish Derby, if the early pace is very strong. Of the others ANABAA BLUE, a tenacious winner of the French Derby, and MUTAMAM, who put in a great effort to win at Newmarket (when looking in need of the run), would be ones to consider.
SUMMARY
The early pace of the race could determine the outcome, I am very surprised that Godolphin have effectively provided Galileo with the early pace that he needs in their duel, rather than leaving the job to Ice Dancer, who may have been found wanting. As good a horse as Fantastic Light is, his record suggests that he struggles to fully effective at this trip, and its possible that the so-called clash of generation may prove to be a bit of a damp squib. Whilst Galileo has strong claims, again he represents no value whatsoever to the ordinary punter, and whilst he is the likeliest winner I'll do what I did in the Irish Derby and pass him over here .... Who gets my vote. I think Mutamam is incredible value at 20/1, and may repeat the tactics used in the Breeders Cup Turf when he sat near the really pace and kicks for home up the final straight. That tactic would ensure a decent finishing position, but as was the case on that occasion, he could be found wanting close home. It wouldn't surprise me if French Derby winner Anabaa Blue 'does him' . I like this individual and the fact that the second and third in that event have subsequently franked that form make him all the more appealing. His current price suggests that he may be being underestimated, and therefore an interesting alternative to Galileo
[#1st Choice] --> ANABAA BLUE, (e/w) 'R*ecommended'
[Positives/Negatives?] --> Galileo is the likely winner but no value, Chichicastenango, Grandera and Okawango, who all finished behind my selection, have franked the form of the French Derby. He has conditions to suit, and should run his race
[alternative]--> Galileo
[long*shot] --> Mutamam
4.25 Mirror Of Portugal Diamond Handicap (Ladies Race) (Class C) 7f Penalty £8716.50 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]-->Gift Of Gold, Tornado Prince, Taffs Well, Dress Rehearsal, Bintang Timor, Cryfield, Caution, Effervescent, Full Spate, Ile Michel, Janiceland, Labrett, Choto Mate, and Face D Facts, appeal. Tornado Prince, who won this last year, returned to form at just he right time, when just getting pipped by Digital last time out at York. If he handles this surface then he could again go close, however Dress Rehearsal should excel on it. The ground may explain his bad run last time out, and he may be the best bet here. Labrett at the head of the weights, and Janiceland who won last time out, and running well to be considered as eachway options
[#1st Choice] --> Dress Rehearsal
[Positives/Negatives?] --> A race to watch really, I hope that the ground helps a disappointing horse
[e/w alternative]--> Labrett
5.00 European Breeders Fund Crocker Bulteel Maiden Stakes (Class D) 6f Penalty £6711.25 2yo only colts and geldings
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]--> The penultimate event is a newcomers event... Six line up. SHAKRAN; a half-brother to the useful individual Ghayth out if a dam who herself was a useful individual on the track, makes plenty of appeal, and is preferred to MACAW, and WING COMMANDER; a half-brother to last season's winning 2yo Rumpole.
[#1st Choice] --> Shakran
[Positives/Negatives?] --> Shakran' s pedigree, and trainer's form make him the safest choice
[e/w alternative]-->
5.35 Jwaneng Diamond Stakes (Handicap) (Class C) 1m 4f Penalty £8927.75 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[t.h.e. r.o.o.k.]-->The last is very trappy. Thundering Surf, Mana D'Argent, Bid For Fame, Establishment, Marrakech, Pirro, Hambleden, and Veridian, make most appeal. Thundering Surf has a solid profile at 10f, and has been very consistent at that distance. It was no disgrace to have been beaten by a vastly improved Ulundi last time out, and could improve at the step up in trip. It is worth pointing out though how few times he has got his head in front, and as a result you wonder what sort of value he represents. Establishment impressed me when winning over course and distance last time and should go well again here, however Hambleden appeals. He was very impressive over 1m6f at Sandown two runs ago, and appears to have disapointed twice since. He didn't run that badly against Hannibal Lad on soft ground last time out, and previously never really threatened to land a blow after trying to come from the rear at York. He still gives the impression that he may be a horse to keep on the right side of and over this trip, on ground that should suit, he may surprise
[#1st Choice] --> Hambleden,
[Positives/Negatives?] --> Don't like Thundering Surf's profile. I'll take a chance with a horse with conditions to suit today
[e/w alternative]-->Establishment
The
Flatman's selections for day two of the meeting have been posted on his
webpage ...Continued
KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH DIAMOND STAKES AT ASCOT - DAY ONE OF THE MEETING
A quiet opening to the King George Meeting; relatively small fields, bar the main handicap on the card, but hopefully there are a few runners for the future
KING GEORGE MEETING [ASCOT] - DAY ONE
Friday 27th July
2.15 Gerrard Maiden Stakes, 6f Penalty £8053.50 2yo only fillies
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[T.H.E. R.O.O.K.]-->Five line up in the opener, two of whom stand out; Carafe, a Selkirk filly out of the very useful Caramba., and Ya Hajar, who came up against a useful sort, when she was beaten by our winning selection Gossamer, a useful filly in Luca Cumani's care, when they met in the last race of the July Meeting at Newmarket. Both of these could prove to be useful, however Ya Hajar 's racecourse ex0erince could prove decisive, and she gets the vote
[#1st Choice] -->Ya Hajar
[Positives & Negatives?] --> Well supported in the market on her debut, and came up against a 'good un' . She should come on again for that run.
[e/w alternative]-->
2.45 John Guest Brown Jack Stakes (Handicap), 2m 45yds Penalty £12610 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[T.H.E. R.O.O.K.]--> Several familiar handicappers from the jumps [Danegold, Juyush, Lady Coldunell, and Pluralist], plus Taffrail Box Builder, and Prairie Falcon, will have their supporters in race two. All have claims, but it may pay to go with Classic Conkers. This horse was one of the easiest winners of the season when running away in an Amateurs riders event at Doncaster. That was his first attempt at an extended distance of ground, and as he is unexposed at this trip. He is open to further improvement, and is worthy of eachway consideration. Taffrail, who is in good form this term, is the alternative
[#1st Choice] --> Classic Conkers
[Positives & Negatives?] --> Unexposed at this sort of trip, ridiculously easy winner last time out
[alternative]--> Taffrail
3.15 City Index Rated Stakes Showcase Handicap, 6f Penalty £12493.20 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[T.H.E. R.O.O.K.]--> The third race on the card, is the most competitive race on the card. Sixteen sprinters line up, and several can be entertained. Trainer Milton Bradley is having his best ever season, and has a very strong hand here, with Brevity , Juwwi, and Salviati all coming into the race is good heart. These three, plus, Ajwaa, Pips Magic, Trace Clip, Bon Ami, and Differential, are my choices against the field. I could have been interested in Ajwaa, if this useful juvenile from last term had, had a previously run. As he hasn't, it maybe his asking too much of him here, to win this on his first start since last November, however I've decided to play safe, and go with Brevity, who has got onto the scorecard already six times this season, and won so cosily last time that its conceivable that he can win from his revised handicap mark
[#1st Choice] --> Brevity
[Positives & Negatives?] --> I may have gone with Ajwaa if he'd had a run, so I stick with a horse in the form of his life, with a trainer is similar heart
[e/w alternative]--> Ajwaa
3.50 October Club Charity Handicap, 1m 2f Penalty £8326.50 3yo only
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[T.H.E. R.O.O.K.]-->The fourth race is an interesting handicap. Expect plenty of support for four times winner Stretton, and Its A Secret, who should go well. I will stay loyal to Transatlantic, who was a winner eachway selection of our [SP 14/1], when winner at Kempton last week. That was a marked step up on previous efforts, and Transatlantic is open to plenty of improvement, and is a hopeful selection
[#1st Choice] --> Transatlantic
[Positives & Negatives?] --> Won with a bit in hand last week, and should be still open to further improvement
[e/w alternative]-->
4.25 European Breeders Fund Maiden Stakes 7f Penalty £6825 2yo only
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[T.H.E. R.O.O.K.]--> Only five line up in the fifth. Sohaib, who beta all bar the useful Dubai Destination on his debut at Newmarket should be a warm order in the fifth and is hard to oppose. He is the selection, however newcomers Comfy, Light Scent and In Disguise appealed on paper and should be noted for the future
[#1st Choice] -->Sohaib (USA)
[Positives & Negatives?] -->
[e/w alternative]-->
4.55 City Index Maiden Stakes 1m 2f Penalty £6743.75 3yo plus
[±±"THE FURLONG POLE!!"±±]
[Runner[s] from our "#########" feature] -->
[T.H.E. R.O.O.K.]--> Another disappointing turnout for the final race of day one of the meeting, only five runners line up for this ten furlong maiden. all look capable of winning their maidens, however Jabaar, a half brother to the useful Group winner Aljabr, is worth chancing here
[#1st Choice] --> Jabaar (USA)
[Positives & Negatives?] --> Uninspiring field with a well bred newcomer in it. Jabaar, wouldnt need to be special to take the prize.
[e/w alternative]-->
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