I hope you all enjoyed Champions day at Ascot last Saturday. The racing was of the highest standard even if the ground conditions were pretty much bottomless. All the races were of the highest quality and that includes the handicap that ended the days proceedings.
There is talk next Season of including the group one Racing Post Trophy as the the only thing missing was a grade one juvenile contest. My old mate Tony Bloom was at it again with his Librisa Breeze winning the sprint giving Dean Ivory and Robert Winston well deserved success.
Mind you in my opinion I must agree with Matt Chapman that on a summers day at Royal Ascot or Newmarket that Caravaggio and Harrys Angel would reverse the form.
The highlight was obviously the run away win of Cracksman giving his sire Frankel his first group one winner in Europe. This sets up a mouth watering match against the Arc winner Enable next season in the top middle distance races. However I believe one horse will come to the front next year to put them both in the shade in the shape of Martyn Meades Eminent.
If you remember this was my early season tip for the classics who duly romped home in the Craven before running well in the 2,000gns and 4th in the Derby. The thing with this particular son of Frankel is that he was still growing into his big frame most of this year and I would expect him to turn into an improved horse when these wonderful horses meet in the future.
It was interesting to see that over the last 30 years the Queen has won £6.7million in prize money but she does it for the love of the game not the money. Her knowledge on the sport is second to none yet she has never placed a bet in her racing life. She still has an ambition to win the Derby which is one race that has eluded her however she has one horse that could put the record straight next June in the Sir Michael Stoute trained Elector who won his only race to date at Newbury.
Lots of racing today but the bulk of the cards are made up of 2 year old maidens which to me are a total lottery. So for Howie’s Hottie I suggest an investment in Archie 6.50 Kempton. The gelding has dropped to a tempting mark and was unlucky in running last time when drawn wide and then hampered turning for home.
EYE-CATCHERS
FLAT
Al Zaman trainer S.Crisford – He looked to be coming with a winning run when boxed in on the rail at Newcastle but when switched ran on strongly. I think this is a 5 star eye catcher not to be missed next time.
Zaparanah trainer Pam Sly trainer – Just missed out last time but the mile seems his best trip
Treaty of Rome trainer D.Shaw – Ran on strongly over 5 furlongs and an extra furlong will suit especially at Southwell.
Pear Spectre trainer P.Mc Entee – Regular readers would know this was a winning Howie’s Hottie earlier in the year at 33/1 and the gelding showed he is coming back into form when beaten on the nod last week.
Hourglass trainer M.Botti – Noted staying on at Yarmouth and an increase in trip can help.
Tha ir trainer M.Appleby – He could not get a clear run in the Newcastle straight yet finished strongly. Looks a winner waiting to happen.
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