Royal Ascot 2011
To open Royal Ascot 2011, The Queen unveiled a magnificent bronze sculpture in the Ascot's main paddock of Coolmore's stallion, Yeats, who is the only horse to win Ascot's Gold Cup four times.
It set a quality tone for international racegoers and fans on the first day of Royal Ascot which offers three Group 1 races featuring some of the world's top Turf horses.
This year is also the first year of the British Champions' Series and winners of those three Group 1s qualify for inclusion.
The King's Stand Stakes also qualified for the Global Sprint Challenge.
Breeders' Cup executives actively scout the races on Day 1 and 2 for talent to include in their November championship races which will be held November 4 and 5 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.
Arguably the first and third races generated the most interest generated by the presence of Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova in the first and mega-star Frankel in the third.
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m)for 4yo+
Canford Cliffs got the better of Goldikova. Photo ©David Hastings
Flash Dance was pacemaker for Freddie Head's Goldikova, 6yo triple Breeders' Cup Mile winner and 13-Group 1 winner, who was sent out with her jockey Olivier Peslier weighing in two pounds overweight.*
Handicap officials acknowledge that the extra weight negated her fillies' allowance and cost her a length.
With trainer Richard Hannon gunning for blood after his colt Paco Boy's multiple losses to the mare (costing him over £1.5 million in earnings) and a very fit Canford Cliffs under top jockey Richard Hughes, Goldikova could expect no mercy.
With the weight disadvantage, her jockey should not have taken the lead too early if he wanted to avoid setting her up as a sitting duck.
Further, he did not appear notice Canford Cliffs oncoming assault 1f out and responded too late for even a dead heat.
Goldikova is a mare who will always try with her tremendous speed and determination if she gets the jockey signal soon enough. She did not get it and came in second by 1 length.
Cityscape was another 1¾ lengths in third. The talented Cape Blanco had an off day 16 lengths behind the winner and beat only Flash Dance home and behind Rio De La Plata and Ransom Note.
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge), 5f (5/8m, 1000m) for 3y0+
Nineteen runners from eight countries competed in this sharp 5f sprint and the impressive foreign competitors looked to have the advantage over Britain's horses.
Robert Cowell's four-year-old gelding, Prohibit, beat out three foreign-trained horses in a tight close with Australia's Star Witness, South Africa's mare Sweet Sanette and Hungary's speedster Overdose.
Prohibit races best from behind under a strong pace and he got his conditions paying 7/1.
He gave Ballydoyle's Zoffany the chance to streak from the rear 1f out to nearly, but never able to, catch him.
Favourite Kingsgate Native at 11/2 was 3¾ lengths behind the winner in sixth and the second favourite at 13/2, Sole Power, was eighth by 4¼ lengths.
*In Peslier's attempt to lose his extra 2 pounds, he took a sauna and grabbed boots which looked like his. They were not and he was fined £650. Not his best day.
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo entire colts
The world's highest-rated horse, unbeaten Frankel, won his cliffhanger St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This must be the race of races at this year's Royal Ascot.
There is no adequate description of the excitement leading up to seeing the world's highest rated horse, Frankel, annihilate another hapless field of the year's best three-year olds.
Yet confused signals between the pacemaker Rerouted who went too fast burning himself out early and the wilful Frankel who forced himself into the lead 2f out and then dawdled almost contemptuously.
The playful Frankel left part of the audience holding its collective breathe and other sounding as if they were having heart attacks with the tension.
After watching Goldikova's being pipped, it was good to see jockey Tom Queally rally his colt thereby averting disaster.
Zoffany has the rare distinction of getting closest to the Wonder at a ¾ length, but only because of a failed Cecil (Sir Henry) team tactic.
Cecil promised to change tactics in future races and defended his jockey from what he felt was unfair criticism.
Marco Botti's Excelebration lost again to Frankel - this time ceding second to Zoffany and just holding third from Neebras by a head. They were 2¼ and 2½ lengths behind the winner.
The other five competitors were too far behind to be in the same class: Dream Ahead, Dubawi Gold, Wootton Bassett, Grand Prix Boss from Japan and pacemaker Rerouted.
The three races were fast on good ground, but this race was the fastest by 0.76s (1m 39.24s).
One can only admire Sir Henry Cecil for allowing the Juddmonte colt his head and experimenting with different tactics.
He is not playing it safe. Frankel will have his chance to show how good he really is.
Day Two
Races with international 'star' horses and good weather increased Royal Ascot's opening day crowd by 10% over last year to 43,354. Even Tote betting increased by 14% over last year to £1,245,535.
The second day of Royal Ascot has three world-class Group races which were full of surprises and without a favourite winning.
The Jersey Stakes (Group 3), 7f (7/8m, 1400m) for 3yo
After seeing Richard Hannon's Strong Suit in the saddling area, it was difficult to imagine the imposing colt not being the favourite (11/1), but Codemaster was at 7/4.
Strong Suit was one of last year's best two-year olds. Breathing problems developed this year and he had surgery to relieve the difficulty.
When he powered up, Codemaster and the third Western Aristocrat at 9/2 had no answer. Strong Suit was out front by ½ length and a neck in 1m 26.09s (fast by 0.61s).
The victory gave trainer Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes their second Group victory in Royal Ascot's opening races.
The Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 4yo+ fillies and mares
Ireland's Lolly For Dolly bested 12 far more experienced and higher-rated fillies to win by 1½ lengths over Sir Henry Cecil's Chachamaidee and David Simcock's First City (by another length).
Tommy Stack, trainer of the winner. attributed her victory to staying ability and newly-fitted blinkers. Wayne Lordan gave her a perfect ride and was thrilled with his first win at Royal Ascot.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 4yo+
Frankie Dettori's flying dismount from Godolphin's Rewilding after winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This race probably had the most shocking conclusion of any during the meet.
Ballydoyle's famous import from Australia, So You Think NZ, was sent out 4/11 favourite. Any and all would probably have done battle over his being the one sure winner of the day.
Godolphin did not agree and they sent in their Debussy and Rewilding, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, to take on the challenge.
Debussy is a better frontrunning horse at 7f or a mile and Rewilding is a true 1m4f stayer who lags in the back to make bursting closes.
Godolphin bet on So You Think's actually not being a stayer and Rewilding having the ability to handle a sharper trip than usual. And they have jockey Frankie Dettori.
The saddling-up area is the best place to assess the fitness and mood of potential winners. Those three horses, plus the underestimated Sri Putra, looked the best.
I bet on the sleek and lightly-raced Rewilding, half brother of Dar Re Mi by dam Darara, who looked outstanding to me.
Jan Vermeer, who was So You Think's pacemaker, missed the break and took 2f to get to the front putting SYT in second to be closely shadowed by Debussy.
Ryan Moore had trouble settling his mount SYT who was sweating in the paddock.
Once they hit the front, it appeared the race was locked down 1f out until the Dettori torpedo shot from back of the pack to wear down So You Think winning by a neck with Sri Putra third 6 lengths out.
The crowd was stunned and Godolphin jubilant.
Dettori did his flying dismount after earning himself a nine-day ban for excessive use of the whip.
Aidan O'Brien claimed his horse lost, because he was not fit enough. Australians and New Zealanders had much more unkind assessments.
Day Three
The third day of Royal Ascot draws the largest crowd of the Meet as it is Ladies' Day and the ladies come in droves to outdo each other in fashion.
It is also Gold Cup Day. For the last four years, the race was won by Yeats who is now retired to the Coolmore Stud and commemorated on Day One by The Queen when unveiling his statue in the main paddock.
This year's tussle for Royal Ascot's iconic was between the two major racing empires: Opinion Poll for Godolphin (Darley) and Fame And Glory for Ballydoyle (Coolmore).
The Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 2m4f (20f, 2½m, 4000m) for 4yo+
Yeats' worthy successor Fame And Glory outclassed Royal Ascot's Gold Cup field winning by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll. Photo ©David Hastings
The race was slowly run in 4m 37.51s (16.51s) and perfectly set up for jockey Jamie Spencer to bring Ballydoyle's relaxed Fame And Glory to the front of 14 other competitors in the final furlongs of the Gold Cup.
His stamina gave him the edge in the staying race over Godolphin's respected Opinion Poll and trainer Andre Fabre's accomplished Brigantin who raced for owners Team Valor.
Fame And Glory won easily by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll and a further 4½ lengths over Brigantin.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed that the five-year old horse will be prepared for October's Arc de Triomphe and he will return to Royal Ascot next year to try to equal or best Yeats' Gold Cup record.
Day Four
Thursday at Royal Ascot may be Ladies' Day, but the fourth day of Royal Ascot or Friday has the showcase mile race for the best international fillies of the three-year-old Classic generation.
The Corronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo fillies
Robert Collet and son brought their dynamic filly duo, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, from France to take first and second in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Twelve fillies competed led by some of Britain and Ireland's best females.
France's Robert and son Ron Collet believed they had two of the best three-year old fillies, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, of 2011 and committed them to Royal Ascot's prestigious Coronation Stakes.
They were right. The beautiful Immortal Verse beat her beautiful compatriot Nova Hawk by 2¼ lengths followed a half length by Richard Fahey's Barefoot Lady.
The British were stunned but gracious to the happy Frenchmen. Regretfully, there is some truth in the French trainers complaint to the French press that they received only a tepid reception for their victories.
The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) for colts and geldings
Trainer John Gosden usually has good reasons when he brings a three-year-old colt who has only won a maiden to compete in one Royal Ascot's Group 2 historic races.
Nathaniel was second to Treasure Beach in the Group 3 Chester Vase and did not face as stiff competition in the King Edward.
The handsome Nathaniel, who has proven to be best at 12 furlongs, waltzed 5 lengths past his nearest rival (of nine) Fiorente and another 2 lengths ahead of Alexander Pope in a slow 2m 34.48s (slow by 4.48s).
Young jockey William Buick rode Nathaniel to perfection.
The team is just beginning its upward curve for they have a very talented colt.
Day Five
Royal Ascot's closing day on Saturday is often family day which has one of the best races for two-year olds and a prestigious 6f sprint which is part of the Global Sprint Challenge along with the 5f King's Stands Stakes won by Britain's Prohibit on opening day.
Many foreign sprinters come to Royal Ascot just to compete in both races as the 5 and 6 furlong distances.
Until recently the British sprinters were easy prey for the superior foreign horses, but that has changed with Prohibit and Society Rock (below).
The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge, 6f
Society Rock outpowered Monsieur Chevalier and Star Witness in Royal Ascot's Golden Jubilee Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Australia's Star Witness travelled to Royal Ascot to compete in both its Global Sprint Challenge races a 5 and 6 furlongs.
He was unfortunate to be touched off by Prohibit in the King's Stands Stakes, but had no excuses when he lost to Society Rock by 1¾ lengths. He was third 1¼ lengths behind trainer Richard Hannon's Monsieur Chevalier who has recovered much of his earlier form.
Trainer James Fanshawe always seems to produce a winner at Royal Ascot.
The Chesham Stakes (Listed Race), 7f for 2yo fillies and colts
Future star Maybe in the Ballydoyle Tabor colours imposed herself on 15 other 2y olds by 2¼ lengths in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Sometimes trainers are overly enthusiastic about their horses, but Aidan O'Brien's words about his two-year-old filly Maybe were understatements.
With Ryan Moore on board, the filly was sent out 5/2 favourite in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes and she thrashed the field of 16 - 2¼ lengths in front of Fort Bastion and another 3 lengths before Self Centered.
The youngster is a very finished professional filly and one expects great things from her.
The O'Brien/Moore team also won the second race of the day, the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f for 4yo+, with four-year-old colt Await The Dawn who beat Harris Tweed by 3 lengths and Drunken Sailor in third.
Overall World Top Ten Ratings
Outstanding winners and seconds enhanced their reputations on the World Top Ten Ratings with their Royal Ascot Turf performances:
Canford Cliffs and Goldikova rose to 130 and 126 respectively for the Queen Anne race.
Rewilding and So You Think raised their ratings to 130 and 129 respectively for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Frankel retains his 133 world leader rating for the 2000 Guineas though his impressive St James's Palace Stakes did not rate a 133.
Workforce earned his 127 from the Brigadeer Gerard and did not compete in Royal Ascot.
Five of the world's top Turf horses competed at Royal Ascot and six of the 11 are European.
Posted June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot Will Set Season's Form Again
To open Royal Ascot 2011, The Queen unveiled a magnificent bronze sculpture in the Ascot's main paddock of Coolmore's stallion, Yeats, who is the only horse to win Ascot's Gold Cup four times.
It set a quality tone for international racegoers and fans on the first day of Royal Ascot which offers three Group 1 races featuring some of the world's top Turf horses.
This year is also the first year of the British Champions' Series and winners of those three Group 1s qualify for inclusion.
The King's Stand Stakes also qualified for the Global Sprint Challenge.
Breeders' Cup executives actively scout the races on Day 1 and 2 for talent to include in their November championship races which will be held November 4 and 5 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.
Arguably the first and third races generated the most interest generated by the presence of Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova in the first and mega-star Frankel in the third.
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m)for 4yo+
Canford Cliffs got the better of Goldikova. Photo ©David Hastings
Flash Dance was pacemaker for Freddie Head's Goldikova, 6yo triple Breeders' Cup Mile winner and 13-Group 1 winner, who was sent out with her jockey Olivier Peslier weighing in two pounds overweight.*
Handicap officials acknowledge that the extra weight negated her fillies' allowance and cost her a length.
With trainer Richard Hannon gunning for blood after his colt Paco Boy's multiple losses to the mare (costing him over £1.5 million in earnings) and a very fit Canford Cliffs under top jockey Richard Hughes, Goldikova could expect no mercy.
With the weight disadvantage, her jockey should not have taken the lead too early if he wanted to avoid setting her up as a sitting duck.
Further, he did not appear notice Canford Cliffs oncoming assault 1f out and responded too late for even a dead heat.
Goldikova is a mare who will always try with her tremendous speed and determination if she gets the jockey signal soon enough. She did not get it and came in second by 1 length.
Cityscape was another 1¾ lengths in third. The talented Cape Blanco had an off day 16 lengths behind the winner and beat only Flash Dance home and behind Rio De La Plata and Ransom Note.
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge), 5f (5/8m, 1000m) for 3y0+
Nineteen runners from eight countries competed in this sharp 5f sprint and the impressive foreign competitors looked to have the advantage over Britain's horses.
Robert Cowell's four-year-old gelding, Prohibit, beat out three foreign-trained horses in a tight close with Australia's Star Witness, South Africa's mare Sweet Sanette and Hungary's speedster Overdose.
Prohibit races best from behind under a strong pace and he got his conditions paying 7/1.
He gave Ballydoyle's Zoffany the chance to streak from the rear 1f out to nearly, but never able to, catch him.
Favourite Kingsgate Native at 11/2 was 3¾ lengths behind the winner in sixth and the second favourite at 13/2, Sole Power, was eighth by 4¼ lengths.
*In Peslier's attempt to lose his extra 2 pounds, he took a sauna and grabbed boots which looked like his. They were not and he was fined £650. Not his best day.
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo entire colts
The world's highest-rated horse, unbeaten Frankel, won his cliffhanger St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This must be the race of races at this year's Royal Ascot.
There is no adequate description of the excitement leading up to seeing the world's highest rated horse, Frankel, annihilate another hapless field of the year's best three-year olds.
Yet confused signals between the pacemaker Rerouted who went too fast burning himself out early and the wilful Frankel who forced himself into the lead 2f out and then dawdled almost contemptuously.
The playful Frankel left part of the audience holding its collective breathe and other sounding as if they were having heart attacks with the tension.
After watching Goldikova's being pipped, it was good to see jockey Tom Queally rally his colt thereby averting disaster.
Zoffany has the rare distinction of getting closest to the Wonder at a ¾ length, but only because of a failed Cecil (Sir Henry) team tactic.
Cecil promised to change tactics in future races and defended his jockey from what he felt was unfair criticism.
Marco Botti's Excelebration lost again to Frankel - this time ceding second to Zoffany and just holding third from Neebras by a head. They were 2¼ and 2½ lengths behind the winner.
The other five competitors were too far behind to be in the same class: Dream Ahead, Dubawi Gold, Wootton Bassett, Grand Prix Boss from Japan and pacemaker Rerouted.
The three races were fast on good ground, but this race was the fastest by 0.76s (1m 39.24s).
One can only admire Sir Henry Cecil for allowing the Juddmonte colt his head and experimenting with different tactics.
He is not playing it safe. Frankel will have his chance to show how good he really is.
Day Two
Races with international 'star' horses and good weather increased Royal Ascot's opening day crowd by 10% over last year to 43,354. Even Tote betting increased by 14% over last year to £1,245,535.
The second day of Royal Ascot has three world-class Group races which were full of surprises and without a favourite winning.
The Jersey Stakes (Group 3), 7f (7/8m, 1400m) for 3yo
After seeing Richard Hannon's Strong Suit in the saddling area, it was difficult to imagine the imposing colt not being the favourite (11/1), but Codemaster was at 7/4.
Strong Suit was one of last year's best two-year olds. Breathing problems developed this year and he had surgery to relieve the difficulty.
When he powered up, Codemaster and the third Western Aristocrat at 9/2 had no answer. Strong Suit was out front by ½ length and a neck in 1m 26.09s (fast by 0.61s).
The victory gave trainer Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes their second Group victory in Royal Ascot's opening races.
The Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 4yo+ fillies and mares
Ireland's Lolly For Dolly bested 12 far more experienced and higher-rated fillies to win by 1½ lengths over Sir Henry Cecil's Chachamaidee and David Simcock's First City (by another length).
Tommy Stack, trainer of the winner. attributed her victory to staying ability and newly-fitted blinkers. Wayne Lordan gave her a perfect ride and was thrilled with his first win at Royal Ascot.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 4yo+
Frankie Dettori's flying dismount from Godolphin's Rewilding after winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This race probably had the most shocking conclusion of any during the meet.
Ballydoyle's famous import from Australia, So You Think NZ, was sent out 4/11 favourite. Any and all would probably have done battle over his being the one sure winner of the day.
Godolphin did not agree and they sent in their Debussy and Rewilding, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, to take on the challenge.
Debussy is a better frontrunning horse at 7f or a mile and Rewilding is a true 1m4f stayer who lags in the back to make bursting closes.
Godolphin bet on So You Think's actually not being a stayer and Rewilding having the ability to handle a sharper trip than usual. And they have jockey Frankie Dettori.
The saddling-up area is the best place to assess the fitness and mood of potential winners. Those three horses, plus the underestimated Sri Putra, looked the best.
I bet on the sleek and lightly-raced Rewilding, half brother of Dar Re Mi by dam Darara, who looked outstanding to me.
Jan Vermeer, who was So You Think's pacemaker, missed the break and took 2f to get to the front putting SYT in second to be closely shadowed by Debussy.
Ryan Moore had trouble settling his mount SYT who was sweating in the paddock.
Once they hit the front, it appeared the race was locked down 1f out until the Dettori torpedo shot from back of the pack to wear down So You Think winning by a neck with Sri Putra third 6 lengths out.
The crowd was stunned and Godolphin jubilant.
Dettori did his flying dismount after earning himself a nine-day ban for excessive use of the whip.
Aidan O'Brien claimed his horse lost, because he was not fit enough. Australians and New Zealanders had much more unkind assessments.
Day Three
The third day of Royal Ascot draws the largest crowd of the Meet as it is Ladies' Day and the ladies come in droves to outdo each other in fashion.
It is also Gold Cup Day. For the last four years, the race was won by Yeats who is now retired to the Coolmore Stud and commemorated on Day One by The Queen when unveiling his statue in the main paddock.
This year's tussle for Royal Ascot's iconic was between the two major racing empires: Opinion Poll for Godolphin (Darley) and Fame And Glory for Ballydoyle (Coolmore).
The Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 2m4f (20f, 2½m, 4000m) for 4yo+
Yeats' worthy successor Fame And Glory outclassed Royal Ascot's Gold Cup field winning by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll. Photo ©David Hastings
The race was slowly run in 4m 37.51s (16.51s) and perfectly set up for jockey Jamie Spencer to bring Ballydoyle's relaxed Fame And Glory to the front of 14 other competitors in the final furlongs of the Gold Cup.
His stamina gave him the edge in the staying race over Godolphin's respected Opinion Poll and trainer Andre Fabre's accomplished Brigantin who raced for owners Team Valor.
Fame And Glory won easily by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll and a further 4½ lengths over Brigantin.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed that the five-year old horse will be prepared for October's Arc de Triomphe and he will return to Royal Ascot next year to try to equal or best Yeats' Gold Cup record.
Day Four
Thursday at Royal Ascot may be Ladies' Day, but the fourth day of Royal Ascot or Friday has the showcase mile race for the best international fillies of the three-year-old Classic generation.
The Corronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo fillies
Robert Collet and son brought their dynamic filly duo, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, from France to take first and second in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Twelve fillies competed led by some of Britain and Ireland's best females.
France's Robert and son Ron Collet believed they had two of the best three-year old fillies, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, of 2011 and committed them to Royal Ascot's prestigious Coronation Stakes.
They were right. The beautiful Immortal Verse beat her beautiful compatriot Nova Hawk by 2¼ lengths followed a half length by Richard Fahey's Barefoot Lady.
The British were stunned but gracious to the happy Frenchmen. Regretfully, there is some truth in the French trainers complaint to the French press that they received only a tepid reception for their victories.
The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) for colts and geldings
Trainer John Gosden usually has good reasons when he brings a three-year-old colt who has only won a maiden to compete in one Royal Ascot's Group 2 historic races.
Nathaniel was second to Treasure Beach in the Group 3 Chester Vase and did not face as stiff competition in the King Edward.
The handsome Nathaniel, who has proven to be best at 12 furlongs, waltzed 5 lengths past his nearest rival (of nine) Fiorente and another 2 lengths ahead of Alexander Pope in a slow 2m 34.48s (slow by 4.48s).
Young jockey William Buick rode Nathaniel to perfection.
The team is just beginning its upward curve for they have a very talented colt.
Day Five
Royal Ascot's closing day on Saturday is often family day which has one of the best races for two-year olds and a prestigious 6f sprint which is part of the Global Sprint Challenge along with the 5f King's Stands Stakes won by Britain's Prohibit on opening day.
Many foreign sprinters come to Royal Ascot just to compete in both races as the 5 and 6 furlong distances.
Until recently the British sprinters were easy prey for the superior foreign horses, but that has changed with Prohibit and Society Rock (below).
The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge, 6f
Society Rock outpowered Monsieur Chevalier and Star Witness in Royal Ascot's Golden Jubilee Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Australia's Star Witness travelled to Royal Ascot to compete in both its Global Sprint Challenge races a 5 and 6 furlongs.
He was unfortunate to be touched off by Prohibit in the King's Stands Stakes, but had no excuses when he lost to Society Rock by 1¾ lengths. He was third 1¼ lengths behind trainer Richard Hannon's Monsieur Chevalier who has recovered much of his earlier form.
Trainer James Fanshawe always seems to produce a winner at Royal Ascot.
The Chesham Stakes (Listed Race), 7f for 2yo fillies and colts
Future star Maybe in the Ballydoyle Tabor colours imposed herself on 15 other 2y olds by 2¼ lengths in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Sometimes trainers are overly enthusiastic about their horses, but Aidan O'Brien's words about his two-year-old filly Maybe were understatements.
With Ryan Moore on board, the filly was sent out 5/2 favourite in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes and she thrashed the field of 16 - 2¼ lengths in front of Fort Bastion and another 3 lengths before Self Centered.
The youngster is a very finished professional filly and one expects great things from her.
The O'Brien/Moore team also won the second race of the day, the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f for 4yo+, with four-year-old colt Await The Dawn who beat Harris Tweed by 3 lengths and Drunken Sailor in third.
Overall World Top Ten Ratings
Outstanding winners and seconds enhanced their reputations on the World Top Ten Ratings with their Royal Ascot Turf performances:
Canford Cliffs and Goldikova rose to 130 and 126 respectively for the Queen Anne race.
Rewilding and So You Think raised their ratings to 130 and 129 respectively for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Frankel retains his 133 world leader rating for the 2000 Guineas though his impressive St James's Palace Stakes did not rate a 133.
Workforce earned his 127 from the Brigadeer Gerard and did not compete in Royal Ascot.
Five of the world's top Turf horses competed at Royal Ascot and six of the 11 are European.
Posted June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot Will Set Season's Form Again
The five-day Royal Ascot Meet occurs during the early peak season for most horse. Its races are known to establish the year's form for the horses competing in its wide range of races and distances.
It is suitable, that given 2011 is the 300th Anniversary of Royal Ascot, the QIPCO British Champions Series should start its first Series in the same year having seven of Royal Ascot's races are part of the Series.
Three major QIPCO BCS races are on opening day June 14th.
The Queen Anne Stakes (1m, 4yo+) has lured six-year-old Goldikova back to England to repeat her success last year. She is up against very tough competition against powerful males like Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Citiscape, Ransom Note and Rio Del La Plata. Flash Dance will be her pacemaker.
Given the mess in the Prix de Diane, one hopes Goldikova's jockey remembers that she is 2010 Horse of the Year in both England and France as well as being the three-times' winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile.
The King's Stand Stakes (5f, 3yo+) has attracted 19 of some of the world's finest sprinters - except Black Caviar who will compete in 2012 - and trainers.
Overdose is back for the Czech Republic. Todd Pletcher brought Bridgetown and Wesley Smith brought Holiday For Kitten to be ridden by Zenyatta's partner Mike Smith who is riding in Britain this Spring.
Star Witness is currently favourite and hails from Australia.
The European home team claims the favourites in Sole Power and game Kingsgate Native.
This is the most open race of the three starting the RA/BCS Series.
The St James's Palace Stakes (1m, 3yo) promises to be a thriller with eight taking on Frankel who is the highest-rated colt in the world at 130.
Japan is not affraid of him. It has sent Grand Prix Boss with Dubai World Cup winner Mirco Demuro on board. Dumuro is proving to be one of the world's top jockeys in and out of Italy along with his chum Frankie Dettori.
Dubawi Gold and Wootton Bassett return to the challenge against Frankel along with Dream Ahead, Excelebration, Rerouted, Godolphin's Neebras and Ballydoyle's Zoffany.
Many think Canford Cliffs will beat Goldikova. He may, but my heart is always with her.
I cannot predict the sprint outcome, but I cannot see any colt beating Frankel unless he has his first bad day.
Inside international horse racing paddocks with form expert Susan Trevelyan-Syke
Ireland 2011
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Ballydoyle's Nephrite Defeated Oxx's Born To Sea
Sent out 8/11 favourite, punters and commentators alike were deeply disappointed in Born To Sea when he slowed down about 100-150 metres out from the post in the 7-furlong Group 3 JRA Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown; thereby conceding the race to Ballydoyle's Nephrite (Pivotal) by 1½ lengths.
Many lamented that Born To Sea IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE) was only so highly-regarded, because he is a half brother of Sea The Stars (via their late dam Urban Sea USA).
Jockey Johnny Murtagh was roundly criticised for 'going easy' on the colt who lost some of his action, but continued racing like a pro in only his second race.
Those who watched the race more closely noticed that something went wrong and were proven correct when Born To Sea was discovered to be lame at the end of the race.
No doubt, Murtagh felt the change of what had been an excellent pace and saved the horse from further injury.
Kevin Prendergast's Aaraas (Haafhd) was third by another 2¾ lengths.
Bookmakers were impressed with Nephrite and boosted him to 10/1 for next year's one-mile 2000 Guineas and dropped Born To Sea to 12/1 from 6.
Ballydoyle's Camelot remains 3/1 favourite after his easy Racing Post Trophy victory.
Joseph O'Brien rode Camelot and Nephrite to their victories for his father Aidan O'Brien.
The JRA Killavullan Stakes was the second race for Born To Sea and Nephrite.
Nephrite won his Curragh maiden by 4 lengths and Born To Sea made an impressive debut in a 6f Listed race at the Curragh September 11. See below for video.
Assuming that Born To Sea recovers from his injury, one can expect to see him competing at the high end of racing and probably beating Nephrite the next time out.
Trainer John Oxx said "He ran well, I'm happy...the 2000 Guineas is still the plan (for Born To Sea)."
©Posted October 30, 2011
Born To Sea's Next Race
Trainer John Oxx has scheduled a second career race race for his two-year-old prodigy, Born To Sea, in the 7f Group 3 Killavullan Stakes Sunday at Leopardstown.
The half brother of Sea The Stars won an impressive debut in a 6f Listed race at the Curragh September 11 (see Ireland for video).
His performance landed him in second betting favourite for the 2000 Guineas behind Camelot who won both his two races including the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy.
The two horses share the late great dam Urban Sea USA (along with Europe's top sire Galileo IRE), a trainer in Oxx and owner in Hong Kong's Christopher Tsui.
Born To Sea's sire is Invincible Spirit IRE and Sea The Stars' is Cape Cross IRE.
Galileo carries on the fine breeding lines of his sire Sadler's Wells USA and is the world's second most popular sire.
©Posted October 26, 2911
Ballydoyle Update
Brave Cape Blanco, winner of the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont on Saturday, split a cannon bone in the race and has been retired to stud.
His victory was the third Grade 1 in the USA this year and puts him in line for the Eclipse Turf Horse of the Year Award.
Better news is that So You Think came out of the Arc de Triomphe in good nick and may be kept in training next year.
He will be five on November 10 and his connections do not believe he is ready to retire to stud.
Given the way he chased home the three Arc fillies, I am not so sure.
Will Ballydoyle relent and run him in the Breeders' Cup November 6?
The October 15 QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot is too soon after the Arc.
Heart-Stopping Dead-Heat
Sometimes big horse races put one's heart in serious danger. It amazes me that more people are not carried out in ambulances.
Doncaster's Group 1 Ladbrokes St Leger ran the legs off the poor horses except the winner Masked Marvel and the Curragh's Irish Field St Leger, 1m6f, left one praying that neither horse would lose until the photo proved a dead-heat.
Justice was served and hearts quieted down.
The Classic's 8/13 favourite, Fame And Glory, faded early and the running was taken over by the international gutsy grey Jukebox Jury IRE (Montjeu IRE) who was challenged in a bouncing, back-and-forth duel by dark knight Duncan (Dalakhani IRE).
Course specialist Johnny Murtagh found every ounce of reserve in JJ and Eddie Ahern pushed his tricky Duncan to his limits and Ahern achieved his first ever Classic victory.
There was not even a pixel difference between them on the photo line.
Duncan's trainer John Gosden won his second St Leger on the same day - another first.
Jukebox Jury's trainer, Mark Johnston, specialises in dominant frontrunners. He missed the race as he was off to the sales to find more like JJ who is likely to compete in the Melbourne Cup.
Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux (Cadeaux Genereux) was third another length behind the winners.
It was a British raider wipeout of the Irish Classic.
©Posted September 11, 2011
Oxx's 2yo Ace - Born To Sea
After the success of trainer John Oxx's filly Alanza and colt Saddler's Rock at Doncaster, he was further blessed with two-year-old Born To Sea's debut victory in the listed Irish Field Blenheim Stakes, 6f, at the Curragh.
Born To Sea IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE) is half brother to Sea The Stars out of the great dam Urban Sea and wears the colours of STS' owner Christopher Tsui.
Urban Sea was also the dam of Galileo and BTS is her last colt.
Even bookies are excited over BTS' chances for the next year's 2000 Guineas and Derbys making him second favourite for both based on his one and only winning run.
Watch his effortless victory and look to his future. He has his brother STS' beautiful head and authoritative fluency. Barring injury, this is a colt with a big career ahead.
We can hope.
©Posted September 11, 2011
Another Blue Bunting Surprise In Irish Oaks
From recent history, it appeared impossible for any non-Irish horse to beat the Ballydoyle team on its home racecourse - the Curragh.
Hence, Wonder Of Wonders USA was betting favourite over the two fillies who beat her in England's Classics: Blue Bunting USA in the 1000 Guineas and Dancing Rain IRE in the Investec Oaks.
Godolphin has always proven resourceful in figuring out how to break Ballydoyle's advantages and they have their own secret weapon in jockey Frankie Dettori.
Yet, they had never won the race that their associate stud Darley sponsors - the Darley Irish Oaks.
The Group 1 is Ireland's Classic for three-year-old fillies who race at 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) on Turf.
To assure a good pace and challenge Ballydoyle's control of the race, Godolphin entered filly Ruhm GER as Blue Bunting's pacemaker. She competed for control with Ballydoyle's pacemaker Amazing Beauty IRE for WOW and Gemstone.
Trainer James Bolger also entered a third pacemaker Hurricane Havoc IRE to set up a good pace for his talented Banimpire IRE.
Jessica Harrington's Laughing Lashes USA was on her own.
The three pacemakers set a good pace challenging each other with Ruhm lasting the longest 2½f out when the three of the four favourites made their play for victory.
Banimpire dominated in the final two furlongs and looked the winner despite the best efforts of WOW and Laughing Lashes.
The race appeared to be a washout for Blue Bunting who was trapped on the rail in sixth until Dettori managed to find a space 1 furlong out, pulled her wide, balanced her and kicked her home on the outside.
She and Dettori pipped the unfortunate Banimpire by a shoulder on the line who was followed by Wonder Of Wonders and Laughing Lashes by ½ length and a shoulder respectively. Dancing Rain was another 1½ lengths behind in fifth.
It takes an extraordinary three-year old who can respond to such abrupt commands in split seconds.
After seeing Blue Bunting's quick responses, her devastating turn of foot and amazing acceleration in both this soft ground and the good ground of the Guineas, there can be no doubt that she is one of the most versatile European fillies on Turf at any distance.
Her connections were clearly right about her being as good or better at mid-distance. As favourite in the Investec Oaks, she should have won. She seemed to be unsettled on Epsom's difficult course and lost third when her jockey dropped his hands on the line earning himself a 10-day ban.
Perhaps the tactic of waiting a bit too long to challenge, allowing Dancing Rain a soft lead and waiting through the usual battle among the Ballydoyle fillies also cost her in that race.
In spite of all those challenges and more, nothing could stop her from winning the Irish Oaks.
Many urge her connections to enter her in England's fifth and final Classic of the sesaon - the Doncaster St Leger in September at 1m6f though she is more likely to compete in the Yorkshire Oaks in August.
This gorgeous filly is one of the best her exceptional sire Dynaformer USA has produced and she is a credit to him and her dam Miariza FR (out of Linamix FR).
She also has a talent for late surprises.
©Posted July 20, 2011
So You Think: 'Favourite' For Everything
It took only a spectacular career in Australia for Cox Plate winner So You Think NZ (High Chaparral IRE) to scare off most competitors in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group 1), 1m 2½f on good Turf, at the Curragh.
The field was down to pacemaker Windsor Palace IRE who did a credible job, Godolphin's Campanologist USA as the only horse who might have caught the winner and only valued at 14.1, a hopeful Famous Name sent out at 7.1 and the mare Mid Mon Lady IRE.
They were so outclassed by the five-year old winner that "they looked flat" according to winning trainer Aiden O'Brien. Actually, they looked pedestrian with Campanologist getting the closest at 4½ lengths under Frankie Dettori's stewardship.
Ryan Moore effortlessly rode the smoothe moving So You Think and was awed.
So You Think was immediately installed as favourite for Royal Ascot's Prince of Wales Stakes, the Eclipse, the King George and the Arc de Triomphe.
Moore, who will ride Sir Michael Stoute's Workforce (King's Best USA) in most of those races, would not commit as to which is the best horse.
©Posted May 23, 2011
Misty For Me Won Irish Guineas
In the one fast race of the day, Misty For Me IRE (Galileo IRE) beat out her stablemate Together IRE (Galileo IRE) by ¾l for the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas (Group 1) for three-year-old fillies, 1m, at the Curragh.
Seamie Heffernan whipped up the far side of the rail on MFM to spoil Together's lead. Laughing Lashes USA (Mr Greeley USA) was another 1l behind for third.
On May 1, Together came second to Blue Bunting USA (Dynaformer USA) in the English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
In the same race, Misty For Me faded to 11th on the straight Rowley Mile, but will take on Blue Bunting in the Investec Oaks at Epsom on June 3. BB is installed as favourite.
Together will seek victory in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Aiden O'Brien's Ballydoyle team won four of the seven races at the Curragh including all the Group races.
©Posted May 23, 2011
Roderic O'Connor: Irish 2000 Guineas
In the article comparing the three major European Guineas (Classic of one mile for three-year olds), I explained that the Irish versions tend to be dominated by home-grown talent usually from Ballydoyle.
This year's Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas for entire colts and fillies was no different.
The Group 1 race was run in a typical strung-out manner with the Ballydoyle team leading along the rail on good to firm ground. It started raining during the race at the Curragh.
Pacesetter Oracle IRE (Danehill Dancer IRE) provided a perfect set up for Roderic O'Connor IRE (Galileo IRE), usually in second, to take over from him at about the 1 furlong marker.
That sort of soft lead is especially difficult to peg back when a horse likes to close from the rear and, even more difficult, when his jockey leaves his move too late running into trouble along the way.
That was the fate of the favourite Dubawi Gold IRE (Dubawi IRE) when his jockey Richard Hughes dawdled, jumped in an out nearly unbalancing the colt who managed to close fast coming within ¾ of a length of the winner.
Oracle was third by another ½ length.
One hopes Hughes does better for late-runner Presvis (Sakhee USA) tomorrow in the Singapore International Cup.
Trainer Luca Cumani must regret his replacement choice after seeing this race now that Frankie Dettori is freed up from Calvados Bleus.
The winner has won three of his six starts with one second and one third. His 11th behind Frankel in the English 2000 Guineas was considered an anomaly.
Roderic was ridden by Joseph O'Brien, 17-year-old son of trainer Aiden, to his first Classic victory. He savoured it as he is growing so tall, he will not be a Flat jockey for long.
Dubawi Gold's trainer Richard Hannon, Richard Hughes' father-in-law, must be very disappointed that his progressive colt missed out.
©Posted May 21, 2011
Irish 1000 Guineas
John Oxx's Emiyna now heads betting for the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas, 1m, at the Curragh.
She leapt ahead of expected favourite, Aiden O'Brien's Together,who was second to Blue Bunting in the English Guineas at Newmarket.
Unbeaten Chrysanthemum, Banimpire, Ballybacka Lady, who won the Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial, are also money movers.
Last year's brilliant two-year-old filly Memory has been pulled from this race, a second recent withdrawal, after placing last in the English Guineas.
©Posted May 21, 2011
Sent out 8/11 favourite, punters and commentators alike were deeply disappointed in Born To Sea when he slowed down about 100-150 metres out from the post in the 7-furlong Group 3 JRA Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown; thereby conceding the race to Ballydoyle's Nephrite (Pivotal) by 1½ lengths.
Many lamented that Born To Sea IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE) was only so highly-regarded, because he is a half brother of Sea The Stars (via their late dam Urban Sea USA).
Jockey Johnny Murtagh was roundly criticised for 'going easy' on the colt who lost some of his action, but continued racing like a pro in only his second race.
Those who watched the race more closely noticed that something went wrong and were proven correct when Born To Sea was discovered to be lame at the end of the race.
No doubt, Murtagh felt the change of what had been an excellent pace and saved the horse from further injury.
Kevin Prendergast's Aaraas (Haafhd) was third by another 2¾ lengths.
Bookmakers were impressed with Nephrite and boosted him to 10/1 for next year's one-mile 2000 Guineas and dropped Born To Sea to 12/1 from 6.
Ballydoyle's Camelot remains 3/1 favourite after his easy Racing Post Trophy victory.
Joseph O'Brien rode Camelot and Nephrite to their victories for his father Aidan O'Brien.
The JRA Killavullan Stakes was the second race for Born To Sea and Nephrite.
Nephrite won his Curragh maiden by 4 lengths and Born To Sea made an impressive debut in a 6f Listed race at the Curragh September 11. See below for video.
Assuming that Born To Sea recovers from his injury, one can expect to see him competing at the high end of racing and probably beating Nephrite the next time out.
Trainer John Oxx said "He ran well, I'm happy...the 2000 Guineas is still the plan (for Born To Sea)."
©Posted October 30, 2011
Born To Sea's Next Race
Trainer John Oxx has scheduled a second career race race for his two-year-old prodigy, Born To Sea, in the 7f Group 3 Killavullan Stakes Sunday at Leopardstown.
The half brother of Sea The Stars won an impressive debut in a 6f Listed race at the Curragh September 11 (see Ireland for video).
His performance landed him in second betting favourite for the 2000 Guineas behind Camelot who won both his two races including the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy.
The two horses share the late great dam Urban Sea USA (along with Europe's top sire Galileo IRE), a trainer in Oxx and owner in Hong Kong's Christopher Tsui.
Born To Sea's sire is Invincible Spirit IRE and Sea The Stars' is Cape Cross IRE.
Galileo carries on the fine breeding lines of his sire Sadler's Wells USA and is the world's second most popular sire.
©Posted October 26, 2911
Ballydoyle Update
Brave Cape Blanco, winner of the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont on Saturday, split a cannon bone in the race and has been retired to stud.
His victory was the third Grade 1 in the USA this year and puts him in line for the Eclipse Turf Horse of the Year Award.
Better news is that So You Think came out of the Arc de Triomphe in good nick and may be kept in training next year.
He will be five on November 10 and his connections do not believe he is ready to retire to stud.
Given the way he chased home the three Arc fillies, I am not so sure.
Will Ballydoyle relent and run him in the Breeders' Cup November 6?
The October 15 QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot is too soon after the Arc.
Heart-Stopping Dead-Heat
Sometimes big horse races put one's heart in serious danger. It amazes me that more people are not carried out in ambulances.
Doncaster's Group 1 Ladbrokes St Leger ran the legs off the poor horses except the winner Masked Marvel and the Curragh's Irish Field St Leger, 1m6f, left one praying that neither horse would lose until the photo proved a dead-heat.
Justice was served and hearts quieted down.
The Classic's 8/13 favourite, Fame And Glory, faded early and the running was taken over by the international gutsy grey Jukebox Jury IRE (Montjeu IRE) who was challenged in a bouncing, back-and-forth duel by dark knight Duncan (Dalakhani IRE).
Course specialist Johnny Murtagh found every ounce of reserve in JJ and Eddie Ahern pushed his tricky Duncan to his limits and Ahern achieved his first ever Classic victory.
There was not even a pixel difference between them on the photo line.
Duncan's trainer John Gosden won his second St Leger on the same day - another first.
Jukebox Jury's trainer, Mark Johnston, specialises in dominant frontrunners. He missed the race as he was off to the sales to find more like JJ who is likely to compete in the Melbourne Cup.
Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux (Cadeaux Genereux) was third another length behind the winners.
It was a British raider wipeout of the Irish Classic.
©Posted September 11, 2011
Oxx's 2yo Ace - Born To Sea
After the success of trainer John Oxx's filly Alanza and colt Saddler's Rock at Doncaster, he was further blessed with two-year-old Born To Sea's debut victory in the listed Irish Field Blenheim Stakes, 6f, at the Curragh.
Born To Sea IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE) is half brother to Sea The Stars out of the great dam Urban Sea and wears the colours of STS' owner Christopher Tsui.
Urban Sea was also the dam of Galileo and BTS is her last colt.
Even bookies are excited over BTS' chances for the next year's 2000 Guineas and Derbys making him second favourite for both based on his one and only winning run.
Watch his effortless victory and look to his future. He has his brother STS' beautiful head and authoritative fluency. Barring injury, this is a colt with a big career ahead.
We can hope.
©Posted September 11, 2011
Another Blue Bunting Surprise In Irish Oaks
From recent history, it appeared impossible for any non-Irish horse to beat the Ballydoyle team on its home racecourse - the Curragh.
Hence, Wonder Of Wonders USA was betting favourite over the two fillies who beat her in England's Classics: Blue Bunting USA in the 1000 Guineas and Dancing Rain IRE in the Investec Oaks.
Godolphin has always proven resourceful in figuring out how to break Ballydoyle's advantages and they have their own secret weapon in jockey Frankie Dettori.
Yet, they had never won the race that their associate stud Darley sponsors - the Darley Irish Oaks.
The Group 1 is Ireland's Classic for three-year-old fillies who race at 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) on Turf.
To assure a good pace and challenge Ballydoyle's control of the race, Godolphin entered filly Ruhm GER as Blue Bunting's pacemaker. She competed for control with Ballydoyle's pacemaker Amazing Beauty IRE for WOW and Gemstone.
Trainer James Bolger also entered a third pacemaker Hurricane Havoc IRE to set up a good pace for his talented Banimpire IRE.
Jessica Harrington's Laughing Lashes USA was on her own.
The three pacemakers set a good pace challenging each other with Ruhm lasting the longest 2½f out when the three of the four favourites made their play for victory.
Banimpire dominated in the final two furlongs and looked the winner despite the best efforts of WOW and Laughing Lashes.
The race appeared to be a washout for Blue Bunting who was trapped on the rail in sixth until Dettori managed to find a space 1 furlong out, pulled her wide, balanced her and kicked her home on the outside.
She and Dettori pipped the unfortunate Banimpire by a shoulder on the line who was followed by Wonder Of Wonders and Laughing Lashes by ½ length and a shoulder respectively. Dancing Rain was another 1½ lengths behind in fifth.
It takes an extraordinary three-year old who can respond to such abrupt commands in split seconds.
After seeing Blue Bunting's quick responses, her devastating turn of foot and amazing acceleration in both this soft ground and the good ground of the Guineas, there can be no doubt that she is one of the most versatile European fillies on Turf at any distance.
Her connections were clearly right about her being as good or better at mid-distance. As favourite in the Investec Oaks, she should have won. She seemed to be unsettled on Epsom's difficult course and lost third when her jockey dropped his hands on the line earning himself a 10-day ban.
Perhaps the tactic of waiting a bit too long to challenge, allowing Dancing Rain a soft lead and waiting through the usual battle among the Ballydoyle fillies also cost her in that race.
In spite of all those challenges and more, nothing could stop her from winning the Irish Oaks.
Many urge her connections to enter her in England's fifth and final Classic of the sesaon - the Doncaster St Leger in September at 1m6f though she is more likely to compete in the Yorkshire Oaks in August.
This gorgeous filly is one of the best her exceptional sire Dynaformer USA has produced and she is a credit to him and her dam Miariza FR (out of Linamix FR).
She also has a talent for late surprises.
©Posted July 20, 2011
So You Think: 'Favourite' For Everything
It took only a spectacular career in Australia for Cox Plate winner So You Think NZ (High Chaparral IRE) to scare off most competitors in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group 1), 1m 2½f on good Turf, at the Curragh.
The field was down to pacemaker Windsor Palace IRE who did a credible job, Godolphin's Campanologist USA as the only horse who might have caught the winner and only valued at 14.1, a hopeful Famous Name sent out at 7.1 and the mare Mid Mon Lady IRE.
They were so outclassed by the five-year old winner that "they looked flat" according to winning trainer Aiden O'Brien. Actually, they looked pedestrian with Campanologist getting the closest at 4½ lengths under Frankie Dettori's stewardship.
Ryan Moore effortlessly rode the smoothe moving So You Think and was awed.
So You Think was immediately installed as favourite for Royal Ascot's Prince of Wales Stakes, the Eclipse, the King George and the Arc de Triomphe.
Moore, who will ride Sir Michael Stoute's Workforce (King's Best USA) in most of those races, would not commit as to which is the best horse.
©Posted May 23, 2011
Misty For Me Won Irish Guineas
In the one fast race of the day, Misty For Me IRE (Galileo IRE) beat out her stablemate Together IRE (Galileo IRE) by ¾l for the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas (Group 1) for three-year-old fillies, 1m, at the Curragh.
Seamie Heffernan whipped up the far side of the rail on MFM to spoil Together's lead. Laughing Lashes USA (Mr Greeley USA) was another 1l behind for third.
On May 1, Together came second to Blue Bunting USA (Dynaformer USA) in the English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
In the same race, Misty For Me faded to 11th on the straight Rowley Mile, but will take on Blue Bunting in the Investec Oaks at Epsom on June 3. BB is installed as favourite.
Together will seek victory in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Aiden O'Brien's Ballydoyle team won four of the seven races at the Curragh including all the Group races.
©Posted May 23, 2011
Roderic O'Connor: Irish 2000 Guineas
In the article comparing the three major European Guineas (Classic of one mile for three-year olds), I explained that the Irish versions tend to be dominated by home-grown talent usually from Ballydoyle.
This year's Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas for entire colts and fillies was no different.
The Group 1 race was run in a typical strung-out manner with the Ballydoyle team leading along the rail on good to firm ground. It started raining during the race at the Curragh.
Pacesetter Oracle IRE (Danehill Dancer IRE) provided a perfect set up for Roderic O'Connor IRE (Galileo IRE), usually in second, to take over from him at about the 1 furlong marker.
That sort of soft lead is especially difficult to peg back when a horse likes to close from the rear and, even more difficult, when his jockey leaves his move too late running into trouble along the way.
That was the fate of the favourite Dubawi Gold IRE (Dubawi IRE) when his jockey Richard Hughes dawdled, jumped in an out nearly unbalancing the colt who managed to close fast coming within ¾ of a length of the winner.
Oracle was third by another ½ length.
One hopes Hughes does better for late-runner Presvis (Sakhee USA) tomorrow in the Singapore International Cup.
Trainer Luca Cumani must regret his replacement choice after seeing this race now that Frankie Dettori is freed up from Calvados Bleus.
The winner has won three of his six starts with one second and one third. His 11th behind Frankel in the English 2000 Guineas was considered an anomaly.
Roderic was ridden by Joseph O'Brien, 17-year-old son of trainer Aiden, to his first Classic victory. He savoured it as he is growing so tall, he will not be a Flat jockey for long.
Dubawi Gold's trainer Richard Hannon, Richard Hughes' father-in-law, must be very disappointed that his progressive colt missed out.
©Posted May 21, 2011
Irish 1000 Guineas
John Oxx's Emiyna now heads betting for the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas, 1m, at the Curragh.
She leapt ahead of expected favourite, Aiden O'Brien's Together,who was second to Blue Bunting in the English Guineas at Newmarket.
Unbeaten Chrysanthemum, Banimpire, Ballybacka Lady, who won the Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial, are also money movers.
Last year's brilliant two-year-old filly Memory has been pulled from this race, a second recent withdrawal, after placing last in the English Guineas.
©Posted May 21, 2011