June 17 – Ascot – Gstaad – 81
Unsurprisingly, events at Royal Ascot are going to dominate the text of this column from last week and we kick off by highlighting by some way the best two-year-old contest during the five days. 20 runners were sent to post in what looked a wide open Coventry Stakes on paper, but it ended up being totally dominated by another Aidan O’Brien juvenile, a theme which has been a reoccurring one for the last decade. The way he charged his way through the field before pulling clear was reminiscent of Caravaggio back in 2016 and it would come as no surprise if the son of Starspangledbanner ended up being as good as the previously housed Ballydoyle inmate. Time may tell he stays beyond six furlongs but he showed so much speed at the Berkshire venue that next season’s Commonwealth Cup is the more likely target.
June 17 – Ascot – Field Of Gold – 85
Arguably the most impressive winner of the entire week and John & Thady Gosden’s inmate rubber-stamped the view that he is one of the best milers we have seen for some time. Since his well documented defeat in the English 2000 Guineas, the son of Kingman has totally dominated this division and the way he disposed of his old rival Ruling Court and French Guineas winner Henri Matisse befitted a horse lauded as currently the best horse in training.
June 17 – Ascot – Haatem – 82
A really competitive listed contest run at a sound clip and Richard Hannon’s inmate proved that this sort of trip is well within his range. Seen as a pure miler prior to facing the starter at the Berkshire venue, the four-year-old colt moved ominously well in behind the pace, and when heading into unknown territory, he answered every call by staying on best of all in the closing stages. This victory now opens up a whole range of options for connections and The Coral Eclipse could well be next on the agenda for the son of Phoenix Of Spain. Of the rest, King’s Gambit once again caught the eye from the rear of the field but at least he proved back to something his best and he remains an interesting project going forward.
June 18 – Ascot – Ombudsman – 85
A quality renewal of the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and we saw the arrival of the new kid on the block in this division. Prior to coming here, John & Thady Gosden’s inmate was the real unknown quantity against a field of established performers but he shone when several others failed and his manner of victory was incredibly stylish. Brought along steadily by his astute connections, he now appears to be bearing fruit of their patience and he looks another who has booked his ticket for the Eclipse next month – a race which is building up into one hell of a contest.
June 18 – Ascot – My Cloud – 84
The term, “a Group horse in a handicap” is banded around a lot but that was the view heading into this year’s Hunt Cup as far as Roger Varian’s inmate was concerned. He was certainly backed as though it was the case and to be fair to the horse, he duly delivered the goods despite not getting the best of runs towards the stands side rail. Had he obtained a smoother passage he would have no doubt won by an even more impressive margin and the time figure he posted backed up the view we are dealing with a horse who was someway ahead of his 95 pre-race assessment.
June 19 – Ascot – Trawlerman – 84
Arguably one of the most dominate displays all week and a brilliant ride executed by William Buick. Setting out to make it a proper test at the trip, Buick knew that he had to try and draw the sting out of his main danger Illinois, who was unproven beyond two miles, and his aggressive ride paid dividends in spades. Relentless right to the end, the seven-year-old left the impression he could have kept galloping for another mile and he looks the one to beat in this division for the remainder of the season at the very least.
June 19 – Ascot – Never So Brave – 82
A race dominated by the high draw but that shouldn’t detract from the fact the winner won in the style of a horse capable of plying his trade out of handicap company. The way he travelled before quickening well to walk away with the prize backs up that view and his speed figure also speaks favourably of his performance. Likely to head to the Bunbury Cup next month, the stiff seven furlong at Newmarket should equally play into his strengths and he rates a worthy favourite for that similarly competitive handicap.
June 20 – Ascot – Amiloc – 82
A race billed as a straight match between Amiloc and Zahraan and that is how events transpired with the pair pulling well clear of the rest. The winner overcame slight doubts about the ground and in doing so, thrust his name into the King George conversation back at the same track next month. Whether he will get his conditions remains to be seen but either way, ralph Beckett’s inmate is one to keep on side for the foreseeable future. As for the runner-up, he too looks to have a bright future ahead and it was probably lack of experience that cost him victory on this occasion. Given more ease in the ground come the autumn and Johnny Murtagh’s colt can take high rank in this division.
June 21 – Ascot – Get It – 84
The data suggests there was precious little between the big Group 1 race won by Lazzat (84) and this handicap over the same C&D and that bares testimony to how hard George Baker’s inmate went from the outset. Only in the last furlong did he begin to slow down but by then, last season’s Stewards Cup winner had already done the damage and it was a victory his early endeavours deserved. As for the runner-up, More Thunder, connections will be ruing the fact he didn’t get his run going until it was too late and there was little doubt he was the best horse on the day.
Based on the data, William Haggas’ inmate ran the last three furlongs the same time as Satano Reve (33.8) and actually quicker than Lazzat (34.0), so it would come as no surprise if connections were to scrap any future plans in handicaps and pursue a career in pattern company. Looking at the July Cup, it appears up for grabs and should connections bite the bullet and supplement, More Thunder would easily be one of the main players. Future down the line, there is also the Maurice De Gheest to consider and the extra half a furlong of the French race would suit his run style.
June 21 – Ascot – Rebel’s Romance – 86
Charlie Appleby’s gelding not only got his stable out of a hole for the week, he also ended up posting the fastest speed figure and this globe-trotting seven-year-old’s performance proved what a reliable character he has become over the last few seasons. Come rain or shine, he always turns up and his gritty determination sets him apart from many others in this division.