June 15 – Ascot – Dramatised – 95
Seemingly one of the hottest renewals of the Queen Mary on paper beforehand and it turned out to be good in terms of pure numbers in the aftermath. Impressive on her debut at Newmarket, Karl Burke’s filly was well-supported in the ante-post lists and on the day itself and she duly justified her position in the market with the best performance by any juvenile at the meeting. Once again catching the eye with the way she travelled throughout, the daughter of Showcasing readily pulled clear of her rivals late on and she left the impression there was more left in the locker if needed. Likely to be stepped up in trip, races such as the Prix Mornay and Lowther Stakes look viable options later in the season. Of the rest, the runner-up, Maylandsea deserves credit on just her second start, while favourable mentions go out to Maria Branwell and Carmela, who both finished off their races with purpose.
June 16 – Ascot – Thesis – 101
There were many top-quality handicaps run during the meeting, but the best on the figures by some margin was the Britannia won by Harry & Roger Charlton’s colt. Although runner-up three times on the spin, the son of Kingman had run well in defeat each time and a more patient ride turn out to be the major difference in the final analysis. Quickening up well to pick up the running inside the final furlong, he established a big enough advantage to just about hold on from the fast-finishing Saga, and with the pair nicely clear of the rest in a fast time, there is no reason to doubt their credentials as possible Group-race contenders going forward. Of those vanquished, Jimi Hendrix comes out of the race with credit having raced up with the speed from the start and Whoputfiftyinyou also deserves plenty of praise for being easily the best of those drawn high.
June 17 – Ascot – Candleford – 97
The Duke Of Edinburgh is the other big-field handicap worth noting and if the winner does not go on to prove himself in pattern class further down the line, it would be a major surprise. The way he swept by most of the field in the closing stages suggests he has a huge amount of ability and if it wasn’t for the fact his trainer stated he has to go right-handed, he would be the first name down on the shortlist for this season’s Ebor at York.
June 18 – Ascot – Naval Crown – 100
As you would expect with such a high-class field of sprinters assembled, a fast time was the end product and it went the way of another Godolphin-trained performer who benefitted from racing over in Dubai during the winter. Although only fourth in the Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night, the fact he did best of those drawn low meant he probably had a better chance than his odds implied and it would come as no surprise if he were to uphold the form with many in the July Cup next time. Runner-up and stable mate Creative Force is likely to go down a similar route and he deserves plenty of credit from his low draw (stall 1).
June 18 – Ascot – Missed The Cut – 96
One of the shrewdest gambles of the week, George Boughey’s gelding never gave his supporters too many anxious moments and he looks a colt of some quality and potential going forward. Eased into contention rounding the home turn, he really opened up down the straight and his winning margin of four lengths in no way flatters him. A big, strong scopey son of Quality Road, he can kiss goodbye to handicaps from now on.
June 18 – Haydock – Dornach Castle – 90
Away from Royal Ascot, we would like to draw your attention to the performance from Charlie & Mark Johnston’s colt on debut, as he is likely to prove himself above average during the rest of the season. Jumping out to establish an early lead, the son of Gleneagles got into a lovely rhythm up front and once asked to stretch down the home straight, he gradually ran right away from his toiling rivals. Although there may have not been any superstars in behind, everything about his performance was one of a thoroughly professional and likeable colt and this powerful galloper looks destined for a bright future based on his opening set of numbers.