June 30 – Curragh – Los Angeles – 86
Many anticipated a terrific tussle between the runner-up and third in the English Derby and so it proved, but on this occasion, Aidan O’Brien’s colt proved good enough on the day to turn around the form with his old rival. Whether it was all down to the fact the son of Galileo was on home soil or Ambiente Friendly just didn’t quite see out the trip on a stiffer track, he was a worthy winner on the day and all roads now lead to the St Leger.
June 30 – Curragh – Booyea – 84
It’s very rare there are two top class speed figures on one card but Thomas Gibney’s inmate was able to almost match the one posted by the Irish Derby and for that reason, we would highly recommend the form is followed closely. Staying on best of all off strong fractions, the four-year-old chestnut scored with more in hand than the bare result suggests and even off his new mark of 96, he remains one to keep on side.
June 5 – Beverley – Walter Hartright – 80
This low grade handicap was turned into a procession by a horse who had looked just as good over the same C&D the time before and the hat trick looks well and truly on the cards. Clearly a much improved horse since fitted with blinkers, Ed Dunlop’s charge seems happiest when allowed to bowl along in front and even his revised mark of 74 might not be enough to derail him next time.
June 6 – Haydock – Queen Of The Pride – 84
A really strong all round performance by John & Thady Gosden’s filly and her time figure reflected her dominance. Held up towards the rear, she made good headway to race behind the leaders two from home and once in top stride, she readily pulled clear to score with plenty in hand. On the evidence of this display, the daughter of Roaring Lion wouldn’t be out of place at Group 1 level and the Yorkshire Oaks looks well within her capabilities.
June 6 – Sandown – City Of Troy – 80
A brilliant winner of the Derby, this looked a good opportunity for Aidan O’Brien’s colt to cement his claims to be one of the best we’ve seen over middle distances for some time and while he didn’t impress everyone with the manner of his victory, the clock still suggests he ran to a useful standard. Workmanlike rather than spectacular, did what he had to do, and it would come as no surprise if he were to show his true worth on much quicker ground next time.
June 7 – Ayr – Born Ruler – 80
A warm order despite having suffered a series of near misses on four previous outings this season, the market proved an accurate guide as Sir Mark Prescott’s gelding made a mockery of his mark of 82, Staying on powerfully in the closing stages, the four-year-old pulled right away to win as he liked and he looks in the sort of mood to kick on from this point and run up a bit of a sequence.