ROYAL ASCOT – FRIDAY

5:40 G2 King Edward VII Stakes

Voyage (Pat Dobbs)

Everyone saw what happened at Epsom and it was obviously very disappointing for everyone, especially Julie Wood, his owner, who has always wanted a runner in the Derby, but at least we can say I trained the first past the post, albeit there are no prizes for finishing in front without the jockey!

He was extremely impressive on debut at Newbury and after taking quite a grip, still showed a good turn of foot to quicken away from the field to score nicely. We learnt absolutely nothing at Epsom, so we’re still in the dark as to how good he actually is and hopefully this will tell us a lot more. This does look a very good renewal, though, and he obviously needs to improve again.

ROSALLION

I’m pleased to report that Rosallion has come out of the St James’s Palace Stakes in great order. Everyone at home is still buzzing and they have a right to be, because it’s a massive team effort. Timmy Murphy, who rides him every day, has done a brilliant job with him at home and deserves a lot of credit. Everyone knows the regard in which I’ve always held him, so it’s great that our faith has been justified and there’s no doubt he is one of, if not the best, we could have at Herridge. He’ll have entries in all the major mile races, and, at this stage, I’d say he’s most likely to run at Goodwood in the Sussex Stakes and take on Charyn – that should be another brilliant ‘duel on the downs’!

ELSEWHERE

We’ve got a few runners at Newmarket and Goodwood on Friday evening and I’d be expecting a good run from The Coffee Pod, who steps back in trip in the 8:35, and Specialisation should go well in the 7:45 at HQ.

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