WE hit the cross bar quite a few times at Royal Ascot last week which is obviously very frustrating but I don’t think one horse put in a bad show and they all ran very well including Persian Force in the Coventry who may have just been on the wrong side. He still proved he’s a very good colt and the next logical step would be the G2 July Stakes at Newmarket’s July Meeting next month.
Mojo Star ran a stormer in the Gold Cup and we were all absolutely delighted. To do what he did on his first run of the season was very special and he proved he stayed the trip for these sort of races so it’s a distinct possibility that he’ll go for the Goodwood Cup next.
Lusail also ran his heart out in the St James’s Palace Stakes and proved he stays a mile, although for the moment we’ll drop him back to seven furlongs for a crack at the G1 Prix Jean Prat next month.
Heredia was exceptional in the Sandringham Handicap and remained unbeaten to make it four from four. It was a remarkable performance and she showed she is improving at a rate of knots. I’m also delighted for Sean who rode his first winner at Royal Ascot. Her owners are coming down on Tuesday and we’ll discuss future plans because there are a couple of options at Sandown on Eclipse weekend but she’s in the G1 Falmouth Stakes, which we won with Snow Lantern last year, and we are leaning towards that, but a final decision won’t be made until we’ve all sat down and talked about it.
Runners at six meetings up and down the country this weekend and my thoughts on their chances are below.
NEWCASTLE
2:55
Reverend Hubert (PJ McDonald)
Both times he run over two miles he’s won so it makes sense to step him back up and he’s also scored on the All Weather before so we don’t have any worries on that score. He ran ok at Newmarket in a funny race last week but he’s better than that and is generally consistent. This looks a suitable race and he’s hardly done anything all week.
NEWMARKET
2:05
Minnetonka (Jim Crowley)
This is a race we have a decent record in because between me and dad we’ve won it about five or six times, and this is a real nice filly who was very impressive on debut at Salisbury last time when making virtually all the running and I’d like to think she’ll improve for that, too. This is obviously a big step up the ladder but she has lots of ability and I’m very hopefully she can go well.
WINDSOR
2:15
Signcastle City (Andrea Atzeni) – NON RUNNER
He’s a lovely homebred of Sheikh Obaid’s by Dark Angel who has been showing plenty at home and is a colt with a lot of ability. This looks a very good starting point and he’ll go well.
Al Hargah (Pat Dobbs)
She’s another nice homebred of Ziad Galadari’s who has done everything right at home and will be winning races, but I do think she’ll come on for the run.
2:48
Miami Girl (Pat Dobbs)
She was only beaten four lengths by Dramatised in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot which was an excellent run, also bearing in mind she got bumped leaving the stalls. We’ll make plenty of use of her and the drop down to this grade, taking on just two rivals, would suggest she’s winning material.
3:20
Chindit (Pat Dobbs) – NON RUNNER
He’s back down to Listed class and doesn’t have Baaeed to contend with which obviously makes his task much more easier and we’ve done nothing with him at home since Royal Ascot. My Oberon has some smart form, and is joint top rated with us, while Modern News has won around here, so it’s a competitive little affair, but this still looks a very good opportunity for Chindit and he has obvious claims.
4:30 Hcap
Sir Rumi (Pat Dobbs)
He raced quite keen at Ascot last time but still finished his race well so to be honest I’m at odds as to what his best trip might actually be because I’m not convinced he really stays 1m6f. The Handicapper has dropped him a couple of pounds and he has no excuses.
CHESTER
1:55
Silencer (Dane O’Neill)
He put up a brilliant effort in the Windsor Castle in a first time tongue tie and this race is obviously a lot easier than that. He’s drawn in pole position and it’s just up to Dane to steer him in the right direction.
LINGFIELD
6:15
Keep Right On (Hayley Turner)
He was kept busy over the winter so, after a short break, was entitled to need his first run back at Wolverhampton and he’s got course and distance winning form. He’s no world beater but is good in his grade and has a solid each-way shout.
DONCASTER
7:30
Dazzling Gem (Sean Levey)
She’s shaped with promise on all three runs and we’ve given her a nice break since April so she comes here a fresh horse. Charlie Hills’ filly brings some decent form into the race and is probably the one to beat but my filly is improving and capable of making her presence felt.
8:00
Pure Dreamer (Sean Levey)
He comes here in great form having won his last three and I think there could be even more improvement stepping up to seven furlongs. He’s now up to 85, so needs to show he’s up to it, but I’ve been happy with him at home and he looks set for another bold show.
