The three-day 2020 Newmarket July Meeting gets started on Thursday (9th July) and with LIVE ITV races each day we’ve got everything covered from a trends and stats angle.
On day one the Group Two July Stakes and Prince of Wales's Stakes are the key contests - did you know that a 4 year-old has won 10 of the last 13 Prince Of Wales's Stakes?
As always, we are on hand to take you through each of the LIVE races, highlighting the main trends – use these to narrow down the runners and pin-point the best profiles of past winners of the race.
Enjoy!
Newmarket July Meeting - Day One,
Thursday 9th July 2020
1.50 – Bahrain International Sir Henry Cecil Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo) 1m ITV4
6/7 – Returned 10/1 or shorter
6/7 – Won 2 or 3 times in the past
6/7 – Ran in the last 3 weeks
6/7 – Had won over 7f or 1m in the past
5/7 – Drawn in stalls 5 or lower
4/7 – Ran at Ascot last time out
2/7 – Winning favourites
2/7 – Trained by Richard Hannon
The average winning SP in the last 7 runnings is 9/1
2.25 - Bahrain Trophy (Group 3) Cl1 1m5f ITV4
18/18 – Had 2 or more previous runs that season
16/18 – Failed to win last time out
16/18 – Never run on the Newmarket July Course before
12/18 – Ran at Royal Ascot last time out 11/18 – Had won over 1m2f (or further) before
10/18 – Favourites placed in the top three
10/18 – Won at 3/1 or shorter
10/18 – Finished fifth or worse in their previous race
5/18 – Winning favourites
4/18 – Trained by John Gosden (inc 4 of last 9 runnings)
3/18 – Ridden by Frankie Dettori
2/18 – Ridden by William Buick
2/17 – Winners that came from stall 1
Spanish Mission (13/2) won the race in 2019
17/18 – Had won over 5 or 6f previously
16/18 – Placed in their last run
15/18 – Had 2 or more previous career starts
14/18 – Won by either a Feb or March foal
10/18 – Won their last race
10/18 – Won at 9/2 or shorter 9/18 – Unplaced favourites
9/18 – Ran at Royal Ascot in their last race
6/18 – Trained by Richard Hannon
6/18 – Winning favourites
2/18 – Ridden by Paul Hanagan
1/18 – Winners that came from stall 1
Frankie Dettori has ridden 5 winners in the race
Royal Lytham (11/1) won the race in 2019
3.35 – Bet365 Handicap Cl2 6f ITV
14/14 – Had won no more than 3 times before
13/14 – Didn’t win last time out
13/14 – Raced in the last 4 weeks
12/14 – Had 3 or 4 previous runs that season
12/14 – Had won over 6f before
11/14 – Returned 9/1 or bigger in the betting
11/14 – Carried 8-12 or less
11/14 – Winning distance – 1 length or less
10/14 – Came from a double-figure stall
10/14 – Unplaced favourites
8/14 – Finished unplaced last time out
4/14 – Trained by Andrew Balding
4/14 – Ridden by David Probert
0/14 – Winning favourites
Pass The Vino (25/1) won the race in 2019
16/18 – Aged 4 or older (4 year-olds have won 10 of last 13)
16/18 – Previously won over at least 1m4f
15/18 – Had 2 or more runs that season
14/18 – Winners from stall 5 or lower
12/18 – Won at 8/1 or shorter in the betting
12/18 – Won a Group 1 or 2 race before
12/18 – Unplaced in their previous race
10/18 – Favourites that were placed
9/18 – Ran at Royal Ascot in their previous race
5/18 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute (won it 9 times in total)
4/18 – Ridden by Ryan Moore
4/18 – Won by trainer Mark Johnston Communique (11/1) won the race in 2019
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Normally run in May, but the York Dante Meeting was cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
However, the good news is three of their races have been moved to this Thursday (9th July) – the Musidora and Dante Stakes, plus the Listed Marygate Fillies’ Stakes – and will be shown LIVE on ITV Racing too.
We take a look at the three LIVE races with key trends and stats – use these to find the profiles of past winning horses.
14/15 – Had won over 5f before
14/15 – Had raced in the last 5 weeks
13/15 – Won by a horse foaled in February or later
13/15 – Drawn in stall 4 or higher
13/15 – Had won between 1-2 times before
13/15 – Won last time out
11/15 – Returned 7/1 or shorter in the betting
11/15 – Placed favourites
7/15 – Winners from stall 9
6/15 – Winning favourites
10 of the last 11 winners came between stalls 6-11 (inc)
Richard Fahey has trained 2 of the last 9 winners
Michael Bell has trained 2 of the last 12 winners
2019 Winner: Good Vibes (10/1)
17/18 – Had won a race before
15/18 – Returned 5/1 or shorter in the betting
14/18 – Had a previous run that season
14/18 – Finished 4th or better last time
13/18 – Came from stalls 1-4 (inc)
11/18 – Went onto run in the Epsom Oaks
8/18 – Won by the favourite
8/18 – Won their previous race
5/18 – Previous distance winners over 1m2f
5/18 – Trained by John Gosden (5 of the last 9)
4/18 – Ridden by Frankie Dettori (3 of last 5)
3/18 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute
2/18 – Ridden by William Buick
1/18 – Went onto win the Epsom Oaks (Sariska 2009)
0/18 – Had run at York before
11 of the last 14 winners returned 7/2 or shorter in the betting
Trainer Aidan O’Brien has never won the race
2019 Winner: Nausha (14/1)
16/18 – Winners that went onto run in the Epsom Derby (4 won)
14/18 – Finished third or better last time out
12/18 – Returned 8/1 or shorter in the betting
12/18 – Had a previous race that season
11/18 – Won their previous race
9/18 – Went onto be placed in the Epsom Derby
4/18 – Went onto win the Epsom Derby
4/18 – Winning favourites
4/18 – Had won over 1m2f before
3/18 – Won by trainer Aidan O’Brien (won it 4 times in all)
3/18 - Won by trainer Sir Michael Stoute (won it 6 times in all)
3/18 – Won by jockey Ryan Moore
3/18 – Trained by John Gosden (3 of last 5 runnings)
2/18 – Ridden by Frankie Dettori
2/18 – Ridden by William Buick
1/18 – Had run at York before
0/18 – Winners from stall 2
Just 2 winning favourites in the last 13 runnings
Golden Horn (2015) was the last Dante winner to go onto win the Epsom Derby
2019 Winner: Telecaster (7/1)
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It’s Derby Day at Epsom Racecourse this weekend and like every Saturday we’ve got all the LIVE ITV races covered from a trends and stats angle, plus our free tips on each contest.
Yes, normally run in early June, but due to the coronavirus outbreak has been moved to early July – with the Epsom Oaks joining the Derby to be run on the same day.
Did you know that 16 of the last 18 Epsom Derby winners had finished 1st or 2nd in their last race, while 12 of the last 18 Derby winners came from a single-figure stall?
Supporting the two big Epsom races are five more contests – four of which will also be shown LIVE by the ITV horse racing team.
Here at GeeGeez.co.uk we've got all the ITV LIVE Saturday races covered with the key trends - use these stats to find the best winning profiles of past winners!
18/18 – Ran within the last 4 weeks
17/18 – Had won over either 5 or 6f before
16/18 – Finished 1st or 2nd last time out
15/18 – Returned 7/1 or shorter in the betting
15/18 – Single-figured stalls that filled the first three home
14/18 – Had 2 or more previous runs
14/18 – Winners from stall 5 or lower
12/18 – Yet to win over 6f
9/18 – Winning favourites (2 joint)
9/18 – Won their previous race
5/18 – Trained by Mark Johnston (2002, 2003, 2011, 2015 & 2017)
3/18 – Trained by the Richard Hannon yard
2/18 – Trained by Mick Channon
2/18 – Ridden by Silvestre De Sousa
10 of the last 12 winners were foaled in Feb (3) or March (7)
10/10 – Had won over 6f+ before
10/10 – Drawn in stalls 7 or lower
9/10 – Had run in the last 6 weeks
8/10 - Rated between 95-107
8/10 – Never raced at Epsom before
7/10 – Drawn in stalls 3 or higher
7/10 – Won just 1-2 times before
7/10 – Had won over 7f before
7/10 – Returned 4/1 or shorter in the betting
6/10 – Placed favourites
5/10 – Winning favourites (1 joint)
5/10 – Ran at Newmarket last time out
3/10 – Won last time out
2/10 – Won at the track before
2/10 – Godolphin-owned
2/10 – Ridden by Silvestre De Sousa
The average winning SP in the last 10 runnings is 5/1
3:00 - Investec Handicap Cl2 (4yo+) 1m2f ITV
16/17 – Had won over at least 1m2f or further before
14/17 – Had raced within the last 5 weeks
14/17 – Aged 4 or 5 years-old
13/17 – Had won at least 3 times before
13/17 – Came from stall 9 or lower
12/17 – Returned 8/1 or shorter in the betting
11/17 – Rated between 86-98
11/17 – Carried 9-0 or less in weight
11/17 – Irish bred
11/17 – Placed favourites
10/17 – Came from the top three in the betting
10/17 – Winning distance – 1 length or shorter
7/17 – Had raced at the track before
6/17 – Won last time out
5/17 – Winning favourites
3/17 – Raced at Goodwood last time out
3/17 – Trained by Roger Varian
3/17 – Ridden by Andrea Atzeni
3:40 - Investec Oaks (Group 1) Cl1 (3yo) 1m4f ITV
18/18 – Ran within the last 5 weeks
15/18 – Horses from stall 1 that were unplaced
15/18 – Finished 1st or 2nd last time out
12/18 – Won over at least 1m2f previously
11/18 – Won from stall 5 or higher
11/18 – Favourites that were placed
10/18 – Won last time out
5/18 – Won by the favourite (1 joint)
5/18 – Returned a double-figure price
5/18 – Trained by Aidan O’Brien
5/18 – Irish-trained winners
4/18 – Ran in the English 1,000 Guineas
3/18 – Trained by John Gosden
2/18 – Ridden by Ryan Moore
2/18 – Trained by Ralph Beckett
1/18 – Had run over 1m4f before
0/18 – Had run at the course before
7 of the last 13 favourites were unplaced
Trainer Aidan O’Brien has won the race 7 times
Trainer John Gosden has won 3 of the last 6 runnings.
The average winning SP in the last 17 runnings is 11.5/1
Kazzia (2002) and Minding (2016) were the last horses to win both the 1,000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks
The horse from stall 2 has been placed in 7 of the last 16 runnings
4:15 - Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored By Investec) (Group 3) Cl1 (3yo) 1m½f ITV
17/17 – Returned 9/1 or shorter in the betting
17/17 – Had won at Listed or Group 3 class before
15/17 – Drawn in stall 4,5,6, 7 or 8
15/17 – Favourites placed
14/17 – Finished in the top three last time out
14/17 – Aged either 4 or 5 years-old
14/17 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
13/17 – Had won over at least a mile before
13/17 – Had won between 4-6 times before
12/17 – Had raced within the last 4 weeks
10/17 – Winning distance – 1 length or less
10/17 – Aged 4 years-old
9/17 – Winning favourites
9/17 – Had raced at Epsom before
9/17 – Drawn in either stall 5 or 6
8/17 – Won last time out
6/17 – Raced at Goodwood last time out
4/17 – Trained by Saeed Bin Suroor
3/17 – Won by a Cheveley Park-owned horse
2/17 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute
2/17 – Trained by Mick Channon
2/17 – Trained by Roger Charlton
Jockeys Silvestre de Sousa (2), James Doyle (3) and Frankie Dettori (3) have won 8 of the last 10 runnings
Godolphin have won 3 of the last 10 runnings
17/18 – Ran within the last 5 weeks
16/18 – Raced no more than 5 times before
16/18 – Returned 7/1 or shorter in the betting
16/18 – Finished 1st or 2nd last time out
16/18 – Had won a Group race before
12/18 – Favourites that were placed
12/18 – Won from a single-figure stall
12/18 – Won last time out
12/18 – Had run over at least 1m2f before
10/18 – Had raced no more than 3 times before
9/18 – Irish-trained winners
8/18 – Had won a Group One before
6/18 – Won by the favourite
6/18 – Trained by Aidan O’Brien (won 7 in all)
5/18 – Ran in the 2,000 Guineas that season (2 winners)
4/18 – Won the Dante Stakes (York) last time out
3/18 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute (won 5 in all)
3/18 – Winners from stall 12 or higher
2/18 – Won over 1m4f before
0/18 – Run at the course before
0/18 – Winners from stall 1
The average winning SP in the last 18 runnings is 13/2
10 Dante winners went onto win the Derby (Golden Horn, 2015 being the most-recent)
Only 1 horse that was beaten in the Dante (Workforce) went onto win the Derby
Epsom Derby Trainer Stats
Sir Michael Stoute won the race in 2010, 2004, 2003, 1986 & 1981
Aidan O’Brien won the race in 2002, 2001, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017 & 2018
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https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/sat-tv-trends-copy.png320830Andy Newtonhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngAndy Newton2020-07-03 13:00:502020-07-02 11:30:13Sat TV Trends: 4th July 2020
We the normal horse racing calendar still a bit up in the air at the moment, we’ve more LIVE ITV racing this Sunday – this time from Sandown and Haydock, who have both moved their big Coral-Eclipse and Old Newton Cup race days due to it being Derby Day on Saturday.
So, at Sandown we’ve the Group One Coral-Eclipse Stakes to look forward to – a race that the popular mare – Enable – will be all the rage in. Then up at Haydock, we’ve the Old Newton Cup and Group Two Lancashire Oaks are the two features that all join together for what will be a great Sunday of LIVE ITV Racing.
We’ve got all the key trends, plus our FREE tips for all the LIVE ITV Racing contests – use these stats to find the best profile of past winners.
1:50 - Coral Charge (Group 3) (Registered As The Sprint Stakes) Cl1 (3yo+) 5f ITV
18/18 – Had raced within the last 4 weeks
17/18 – Returned 7/1 or shorter in the betting
14/18 – Favourites placed
14/18 – Came from the top 4 in the betting
13/18 – Had won at least 3 times before
13/18 – Aged 3 or 4 years-old
12/18 – Finished in the top 4 last time out
8/18 – Winning favourites
7/18 – Had won at Sandown before
6/18 – Won last time out
5/18 – Ran at Ascot last time out
8 of the last 14 winners were Irish bred
11 of the last 14 winners came from stalls 1-4 (inc)
2:25 - Coral Henry II Stakes (Group 3) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m ITV
12/12 – Drawn in stall 7 or lower
11/12 – Had won over at least 1m6f before
11/12 – Placed in the top 5 last time out
10/12 – Returned 11/2 or shorter in the betting
10/12 – Aged 6 or younger
10/12 – Favourites placed in the top 3
10/12 – Rated between 109 and 117
9/12 – Had run in the last 8 weeks
8/12 – Won at least 6 times in the past
8/12 – Won over at least 2m before
5/12 – Had run at the course before
5/12 – Winning favourites
4/12 – Ran at Ascot last time out
4/12 – Winners from stall 5
4/12 – Won last time out
3/12 – Ridden by Frankie Dettori
The average winning SP in the last 10 runnings is 9/2
17/18 – Aged 6 or younger
16/18 – Carried 8-8 or more
16/18 – Previous winners over 1m (or further)
15/18 – Had 2 or more runs already that season
14/18 – Didn’t win their previous race
12/18 – Placed favourites
11/18 – Had run at Sandown before
10/18 – Aged 4 years-old
8/18 – Returned a double-figure price in the betting
7/18 – Ran at either York (2) or Ascot (5) last time out
5/18 – Winning favourites
2/18 – Trained by Andrew Balding
11 of the last 14 winners came from stall 8 or lower
18/18 – Won by a horse aged 5 or younger
14/18 – Had at least 2 runs already that season
14/18 – Won by a previous Group One winner
14/18 – Placed favourites
13/18 – Placed in their last race
12/18 – Raced between 2 and 3 times that season
11/18 – Raced at Royal Ascot last time out (three won there)
9/18 – Favourites that won
5/18 – Won by an Irish-trained horse
5/18 – Raced in the Epsom Derby that season
4/18 – Trained by Aidan O’Brien
4/18 – Trained by John Gosden (4 of last 8)
5 of the last 13 winners won last time out
2 of the last 11 Derby winners of that season went onto win the race
The last 6 year-old to win the race was in 1886
The average winning SP in the last 18 runnings is 9/2
12 of out the last 15 winners had run in the previous 30 days
11 out of the last 15 winners were Group 1 winners
14 of the last 15 winners came from the first four in the betting
13 out of the last 15 winners had won over 1m 2f or further
Other Eclipse Stakes Trainer Facts
Aidan O’Brien won the race in 2011, 2008, 2005, 2002 & 2000
Sir Michael Stoute won the race in 2007, 2001, 1997, 1994, 1993 & 2017
Godolphin-owned horses have won the race in 2004, 1998, 1996, 1995 & 2016
Trainer John Gosden has won 4 of the last 8 runnings
Haydock Horse Racing Tips and Trends
2.05 – bet365 Handicap Cl2 (3yo) 1m6f ITV
Trainer William Haggas has a 30% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer John Gosden has a 24% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer Alan King has a 24% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Jockey Martin Harley has a 26% record riding 3 year-olds at the track
15/18 – Had won at least at Listed class before
15/18 – Placed in the top 3 last time out
15/18 – Aged 3 or 4 years-old
14/18 – Priced 13/2 or shorter in the betting
14/18 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
13/18 – Placed favourites
12/18 – Had won between 1-3 times before
11/18 – Had raced within the last 6 weeks
9/18 – Won last time out
9/18 – Had won over 1m4f before
7/18 – Trained by John Gosden
5/18 – Had raced at Haydock before
4/18 – Winning favourites
3/18 – Raced at Ascot last time out
2/18 – Trained by David Elsworth
2/18 – Ridden by Paul Hanagan
The last 7 runnings have been won by a 4 year-old
3.15 - bet365 Old Newton Cup Handicap Cl2 (4yo+) 1m4f ITV
16/18 – Had won a race over 1m4f before
14/18 – Aged 5 or younger
14/18 – Officially rated between 89 and 97
13/18 – Won no more than 5 times before
13/18 – Carried 9-1 or less
12/18 – Drawn in stall 13 or lower
12/18 – Had won at least 3 times before
11/18 – Favourites placed in the top 4
11/18 – Aged 4 years-old
10/18 – Irish or USA bred
10/18 – Carried 8-12 or less
9/18 – Raced within the last 7 days
7/18 – Winners that came from the top 3 in the betting
7/18 – Placed horses (top three) from stall 4
6/18 – Had won a race at Haydock before
5/18 – Won last time out
4/18 – Raced at Ascot last time out
3/18 – Trained by Mark Johnston
2/18 – Trained by Clive Cox
2/18 – Winning favourites (1 joint)
The average winning SP in the last 18 years is 12/1
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https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.png00Andy Newtonhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngAndy Newton2020-07-01 16:00:522020-07-07 10:08:15Sunday TV Trends: 5th July 2020
This Sunday (28th June 2020) there is more LIVE ITV horse racing to enjoy with seven races spread across both Windsor and Newmarket.
We’ve got the key trends and stats for each race, plus our FREE TIPS. Use these key trends to whittle down the runners and find the best past winning profiles.
14/15 – Had between 1-3 previous wins
13/15 – Had won over 6f before
12/15 – Had raced in the last 5 weeks
12/15 – Drawn in stall 5 or lower
10/15 – Favourites that finished in the top 3
10/15 – Returned 9/2 or shorter in the betting
9/15 – Placed 1st or 2nd last time out
5/15 – Raced at Newmarket last time out
5/15 – Winning favourites
4/15 – Won last time out
3/15 – Drawn in stall 3
3/15 – Trained by Richard Hannon
The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 13/2
10/10 – Returned 8/1 or less in the betting
9/10 – Didn’t win last time out
9/10 – Ran at Newmarket (3), Ascot (4) or York (2) last time out 9/10 – Drawn in stalls 7 or lower
9/10 – Aged 5 or younger
8/10 – Rated between 102 and 110
8/10 – Favourites placed in the top three
7/10 – Drawn 4 or lower
7/10 – Won over at least 1m before
7/10 – Drawn in stalls 4 or lower
3/10 – Winning favourites
3/10 – Had run at the course before
The average winning SP in the last 10 runnings is 7/2
No previous runnings
Trainer William Haggas has a 36% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer Mark Johnston is only 2 from 27 (7%) with his 3 year-olds at the track
Jockey Silvestre De Sousa has a 29% record riding 3 year-olds at the track
Jockey Luke Morris has only a 4% record riding 3 year—olds a the track
18/18 – Never raced at the track before
16/18 – Returned 10/1 or shorter in the betting
15/18 – Had won over either 5 or 6f before
13/18 – Won by either a Feb or March foal
10/18 – Had either 2 or 3 previous runs
10/18 – Didn’t win their previous race
9/18 – Came from stall 5 or lower
7/18 – Winning favourites
5/18 – Ran at Royal Ascot last time (2 Albany, 3 Queen Mary)
4/18 – Trained by the Hannon yard
2/18 – Trained by Richard Fahey
2/18 – Ridden by William Buick
The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 6/1
3:20 - Betway Handicap Cl2 (3yo 0-105) 6f ITV4
No previous runnings
Trainer Roger Varian has a 16% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
3:55 - Heed Your Hunch At Betway Handicap Cl2 (4yo+ 0-105) 1m2f ITV4
No previous runnings
Jockey David Egan is only 1 from 35 (3%) riding 4+ year-olds at the track
18/18 – Had won over at least 1m2f before
15/18 – Aged either 4 or 5 years-old
15/18 – Had between 0 and 2 previous runs that season
14/18 – Didn’t win their previous race
14/18 – Placed favourites
13/18 – Had won over 1m4f (or further) before
11/18 – Had won a Listed (or better) class race before
11/18 – Aged 4 years-old
11/18 – Returned 10/3 or shorter in the betting
9/18 – Winning favourites (2 joint)
3/18 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute
2/18 – Won by the Kremlin House stable (Roger Varian)
8 of the last 10 winners drawn 5 or lower
The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 15/2
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00Andy Newtonhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngAndy Newton2020-06-27 15:00:232020-06-26 11:02:55Sunday TV Trends: 28th June 2020
Another decent day of LIVE ITV this Saturday as the cameras head to Newcastle and Newmarket.
The Northumberland Plate takes centre stage at Newcastle racecourse, while the ITV cameras also head to Newmarket, plus it’s Irish Derby Day over at the Curragh - here at GeeGeez.co.uk we've got all the TV races covered from a trends angle.
So, put the odds in your favour – if a certain trend has happened many times in the past then there is a good chance of it repeating itself. As always, we hope these stats help direct you towards a few winners and pay for the weekend expenses.
Let’s get started!
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Newmarket Horse Racing Trends (ITV and RacingTV)
2.05 – Betway Handicap Cl2 (3yo) 7f ITV
No previous runnings
Trainer Mick Appleby has a 38% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer Charlie Appleby has a 27% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer Tom Dascombe is only 1 from 21 (5%) with his 3 year-olds at the track
Jockey William Buick has a 24% record riding 3 year-olds a the track
Jockey Richard Kingscote is only 1 from 33 (3%) riding 3 year-olds at the track
16/18 – Won over 7f before
16/18 – Had won a Listed (or better) class race before
16/18 – Had at least 1 run already that season
13/18 – Aged 5 or younger
12/18 – Finished unplaced last time out
10/18 – Priced 6/1 or bigger in the betting
9/18 – Came from stall 3 or lower
8/18 – Unplaced favourites
6/18 – Winning favourites
4/18 – Returned a double-figure price in the betting
3/18 – Trained by Richard Hannon (3 of last 9 runnings)
8 of the last 10 winners came from stalls 5 or lower
The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 6/1
Limato won the race in 2019
Sir Dancealot won the race in 2018
13/13 – Had raced in the last 6 weeks
12/13 – Had won between 1-2 times before
11/13 – Had raced in the last 3 weeks
11/13 – Placed in the top 3 last time out
11/13 – Favourites placed in the top three
11/13 – Had won over 1m or further before
10/13 – Returned 3/1 or shorter in the betting
9/13 – Draw 1,2 or 3
8/13 – Had raced at Newmarket before (Rowley)
7/13 – Winning favourites
6/13 – Ran at Newmarket last time out
4/13 – US-bred winners
3/13 – Trained John Gosden
3/13 – Had won over 1m2f before
3/13 – Godolphin-owned winners
3/13 – Won last time out
2/13 – Trained by Richard Hannon
2/13 – Ridden by William Buick
The average winning SP in the last 10 runnings is 7/2
17/18 – Had won over 6f before
16/18 – Had raced within the last 7 weeks
15/18 – Unplaced last time out
14/18 – Returned 8/1 or shorter in the betting
13/18 – Has raced within the last 4 weeks
12/18 – Yet to win a Group race
11/18 – Placed favourites
10/18 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
10/18 – Had won at least 4 times before
8/18 – Aged 5 or older
8/18 – Ran at Ascot last time out
6/18 – Winning favourites (1 joint)
5/18 – Had run at Newcastle before
2/18 – Ridden by Paul Hanagan
2/18 – Trained by Richard Fahey
2/18 – Won last time out
11 of the last 17 winners came between stalls 1-5
Just 2 winners from stall 1 in the last 16 runnings (and only 4 horses placed)
The average winning SP in the last 10 runnings is 13/2
2.25 – Betfair Free Bet Streak Gosforth Park Cup Handicap Cl2 (4yo+) 5f
Just 4 past runnings
Trainers Richard Fahey, Tim Easterby, Paul Midgley and David Nicholls have won the race before
4/4 – Had run at Newcastle before
4/4 – Had raced in the last 3 weeks
3/4 – Rated between 88 and 93 (inc)
3/4 – Placed favourites
3/4 – Won over 5f before
3/4 – Aged 4 or 5 years-old
3/4 – Drawn in stalls 7 or higher
3/4 – Returned between 8/1 and 14/1 in the betting
2/4 – Won last time out
2/4 – Ran at Musselburgh last time out
1/4 – Winning favourites
The average winning SP in the last 4 runnings is 8/1
Copper Knight won this race in 2018
4/4 – Drawn stalls 5 or lower
4/4 – Favourites placed 1st or 2nd
3/4 – Placed in the top 3 last time out
3/4 – Yet to run at the track
3/4 – Had won over 1m2f before
3/4 – Ran in the last 6 weeks
3/4 – Rated between 95 and 100
2/4 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute
The average winning SP in the last 4 runnings is 4/1
16/17 - Had won over at least 1m4f before on the flat
16/17 – Finished fifth or better last time out
15/17 – Came from stall 14 or lower
15/17 – Aged 6 or younger
13/17 – Had won over at least 1m6f before on the flat
13/17 – Finished in the top three in their previous race
10/17 – Carried 8-12 or less
9/17 – Returned a double-figure price in the betting
8/17 – Had at least 2 turf flat runs already that season
6/17 – Won by a National Hunt yard
5/17 – Won their previous race
4/17 – Winning favourites
3/17 – Ran at Haydock last time out (inc 3 of the last 11 winners)
3/17 – Had won on the flat at Newcastle before
2/17 – Trained by Donald McCain
2/17 – Trained by Roger Charlton (2 of last 4)
1/17 – Won by a previous winner of the race
The average winning SP in the last 17 years is 13/1
Note: The 2016, 2017 & 2018 running was staged on the All Weather track at Newcastle
Other Northumberland Plate Facts
No horse older than 8 has won the race since 1985
Five of the last 13 winners ran at either Ascot or Haydock last time out
Nine winning favourites (1 joint) since 1985, including 3 of the last 7
Paul Cole trained the winner in 1997, 1998 & 2001
17/17 – Raced within the last 5 weeks
15/17 – Won by an Irish-based yard
15/17 – Favourites that were placed in the top 4
13/17 – Had 3 or more wins in their career
13/17 – Returned 6/1 or shorter in the betting
13/17 – Won a Group race before
13/17 – Had won over at least 1m2f before
12/17 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
12/17 – Finished in the top 3 last time out
12/17 – Failed to win their last race
12/17 – Ran in the Epsom Derby last time out
11/17 – Had never raced at the Curragh before
10/17 – Trained by Aidan O’Brien (won it 13 times in total)
7/17 – Placed in the Epsom Derby (3 winners, Harzand, Australia & Camelot)
4/17 – Previous Group 1 winners
3/17 – Ridden by Seamie Heffernan
The average winning SP in the last 17 years is 13/2
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https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/sat-tv-trends-copy.png320830Andy Newtonhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngAndy Newton2020-06-26 13:00:152020-06-25 12:00:32Sat TV Trends: 27th June 2020
The fourth day of five at Royal Ascot, and the last for which I offer my tuppence worth; Friday's highlights include the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes, Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes and the headline Group 1 Commonwealth Cup. Yum!
Proceedings commence a little more humbly, however, with the...
1.15 Palace Of Holyroodhouse Handicap (5f, Class 2, 3yo)
Yet another special race this year to start us off is this five-furlong three-year-old handicap. Draw and pace could be material, the map of both looking like this:
One of the features of this big field is the amount of forward-going types, even in the context of a sprint over the minimum. So, whilst early pace might normally be a key to winning, I'll be looking for a horse to finish off through tiring rivals: the race could change complexion markedly in the last half furlong.
The favourite, and a strong favourite at that, is Art Power. The Kingpower-owned, Tim Easterby-trained runner has won his last two in sensational style and might just be superior to handicap grade. But he's 2/1 or so in a field of a score and more.
Around about him in the high numbers are a couple that may be able to give us a thrill at a more working person's price. Keep Busy won one of those slightly sub-par French minor pattern events last backend and has already had two races since the resumption; as such, she's more match fit than most. She didn't seem to get home over Newcastle's straight six but ran well in second in the Listed Scurry Stakes over Sandown's five last time. She's 16/1.
And in the highest stall of all is Mighty Spirit, trained by Richard Fahey and ridden by Megan Nicholls. This Acclamation filly held her form really well in making the first two six times from nine runs, including the Listed Marygate Stakes, last season. She also ran fine races when sixth of 25 in the Queen Mary and third of 24 in the Weatherby's Super Sprint. She's tough and consistent and has a bit of class. She's also an 16/1 chance.
One other to throw into the pot at a big price is Flippa The Strippa. Trained by Charlie 'Battaash' Hills, her form tailed off towards the end of last season, but she was good enough early on to win the Listed National Stakes at Sandown. If she's benefited from the break she will be finishing on the far side better than many and is available at 28/1.
There are eighteen I haven't mentioned.
It's a good sprint handicap is this, with Art Power the obvious one who might just be too good for them. If he's not, I'll take a chance with two drawn high in Mighty Spirit and Keep Busy.
*
1.50 Albany Stakes (Group 3, 6f, 2yo fillies)
Six furlongs and two-year-old fillies, plenty of whom either won't get home or are not good enough. Wesley Ward's Flying Alaetha is the early favourite, but this turning five furlong dirt winner may not appreciate any rain. In any case it is impossible to quantify her form in the context of an Albany, though we know Ward is 0-for-10, just one placed, with seven of them sent off at single figure odds. Not for me.
Aidan O'Brien is only 1-for-15, though he has had four further placed runners. The winner, Brave Anna, was sent off at 16/1. APOB has had fillies beaten at 5/4, 11/8, 7/4, 2/1 twice and 5/2. Caution is therefore advised about Mother Earth, for all that the sins of her mothers should not necessarily be vested upon her.
Winners of this race have often come at prices, so it might pay to take a chance on something further down the lists. The one with form on the soft side is Golden Melody, trained by William Haggas and ridden by James Doyle. She won her sole start on Haydock's good to soft terrain, seeing off Star Of Emaraaty et al by more than two lengths. She is a natural for the shortlist having stretched away takingly there.
Mark Johnston won this two years ago with Main Edition, and he saddles Ventura Vision. Her sire, No Nay Never, has a fair record with soft ground two-year-olds running six furlongs; she can be expected to be a lot better under these conditions than a Chelmsford second might imply.
But perhaps the man to follow is Mick Channon. He of the windmill celebration of yesteryear has won three Albany Stakes and enjoyed another two placed runners from 16 sent to post. Thus, his entry Mahale commands respect. Only fourth on debut, she stayed on pretty well over five good to firm furlongs at Newmarket that day, a race which has already thrown three winners from four runners further back in the ruck. That great late work, allied to the extra furlong and her trainer's record makes 25/1 very interesting.
There are lots of other interesting candidates in a race where only the outsider has run more than once. But, given that half of the 18 Albany winners to date returned 10/1 or bigger, including 16/1 three times, 20/1 and 50/1, I'm playing 25/1 Mahaleeach way with four places. 8/1 Golden Melody may be the best value from the top shelf.
*
2.25 Norfolk Stakes (Group 2, 5f, 2yo)
Another juvenile heat, this time the fast five of the Norfolk. If the Albany often goes to a price, this Group 2 has tended to be a top of the market affair, two-thirds of the winners since 1999 returning 6/1 or shorter. The race has been a platform for stallions such as Dutch Art, No Nay Never, Johannesburg and Approve, and perhaps another will promote his claims for the breeding sheds at this early career juncture.
This is a race in which Wes has gone well, with a pair of winners from seven starters. Likewise, Aidan, whose haul reads 3 from 20, 6 more placed, a run that started with the magnificent Johannesburg.
Favourite, and short enough at 6/4, is Eye Of Heaven. The Mark Johnston runner beat Get It - fourth in the Windsor Castle earlier in the week - on their respective debuts, and they had subsequent Windsor Castle winner Tactical behind them in third. It is fair to say that that was an above average novice. Eye Of Heaven did it comfortably enough there and probably deserves to be jolly in spite of ground conditions being potentially quite different here; whether you're excited by an offer close to evens is another question. I am not especially. It does mean that the rest are varying degrees of each way prices.
Wesley runs Golden Pal, a son of Uncle Mo who didn't get home over four-and-a-half furlongs on debut at Gulfstream; how he'll handle the straight five is up for grabs. Although Ward has a solid history in the race, his recent Royal Ascot record is less good: a seven-runner washout last year and just one from nine in 2018. He is eminently capable of delivering winners on this stage, but they're all plenty short enough against the recent macro.
Like Golden Pal, Aidan's runner, Lipizzaner is also an Uncle Mo child: he's found one too good on both starts to date, but has shown both ground versatility and the ability to deal with a big field. His trainer won the Norfolk in 2015 and 2017 and should be on the premises once more.
The Lir Jet looked very good when romping his debut at Yarmouth and has since been acquired by Qatar Racing. Still trained by Michael Bell, whose two previous Norfolk entries ran second and third, but as far back as 2003 and 2006, the Jet will have to cope with better opposition and softer turf; but he is very quick and he might just do it.
From a very small sample, the juvenile progeny of Due Diligence have done really well on softish ground and that is a nod to Jo Jo Rabbit, a four-length winner on his second and most recent start.
This is a race that revolves around Eye Of Heaven who could be very smart and may just win. But his price offers nothing to value players given how many unexposed and well-bred rivals square up. In that spirit, I'll take a chance that 6/1 The Lir Jet can handle these conditions, and will have a small each way stab at 14/1 Jo Jo Rabbit, whose trainer Archie Watson can ready a rapid juvie. Four places, more if you can find 'em!
*
3.00 Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2, 1m4f, 4yo+)
A mile and a half Group 2 for older horses, and a race in which Sir Michael Stoute has a stranglehold: he's won no fewer than eight since 2006! Of course, that would be too easy... he doesn't have a runner this year!!
Mark Johnston is a four-time winner, though the last of that quartet was in 2005. He's only saddled four runners since, including Universal who was third in 2013. Communique was last a year ago. That one lines up again this time but it is his stablemate Elarqam who appeals more. That one, a Frankel half-brother to Maydanny, who ran earlier in the week, amongst others, just failed to peg back Lord North on his seasonal debut.
Lord North was a clear-cut victor in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday, beating Addeybb, who Elarqam had behind him when winning the York Stakes. In between times, he was third in the Group 1 Juddmonte International and, while stamina has to be taken on trust, his form looks as good as any in the field.
Last year's Derby winner, Anthony Van Dyck, is an obvious alternative. However, in six post-Epsom runs he's yet to revisit the winner's enclosure; and the fact that there was a mere three-quarters of a length covering the first five casts a further fog of doubt over the form. If that wasn't enough, he was also thumped in the King George over course and distance, though in his defence that may have come soon enough after two Derby efforts - he was runner up in the Irish Derby between Epsom and Ascot.
Defoe won this race last year, looking like a progressive horse in the process. Things haven't really panned out that way in three races since, however, including a further run over track and trip so he, too, has a little prove.
A winner over course and distance last October was Morando, and by six lengths, too, in a Group 3. This is a step up in grade with the ground likely to be a little less testing and he has a bit to find with an 'A game' Defoe on last year's Hardwicke form. That said, if it was very wet, he'd come into play.
Hamish steps into Group company for the first time, the William Haggas-trained four-year-old progressing through the handicap ranks last season. He needs to find nearly a stone with Elarqam.
Talking of progressive four-year-olds, Fanny Logan won a trio of Listed races last term, and then a Group 3 before running an excellent three-length fourth in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita. She was patently given too much to do on her seasonal bow at Haydock and, bred for the trip, is more interesting than many in receipt of her gender allowance.
Of the monster prices, Alounak's overseas form - in any of Germany, Canada or America - would give him an outside chance of making the first four. Remember, the Hungarian Nagano Gold nearly took the whole enchilada in last year's race, failing by only a half length at whopper prices.
At the risk of egg on face for a second time this week, I'm against a Ballydoyle favourite. I much prefer 3/1 ELARQAM to Anthony Van Dyck and have backed him accordingly. 17/2 Fanny Logan is playable each way and the big swingers might try 50/1 Alounak.
*
3.35 Commonwealth Cup (Group 1, 6f, 3yo)
This newish race, now in its sixth year, has been a hit from the get go. Winners like Muhaarar, Caravaggio and Advertise (pictured, top) have scorched the Ascot turf in dazzling victories.
Top rated this year is the filly Millisle on 115. She was sent off 4/1 for the 1000 Guineas but clearly didn't stay the trip and this looks much more appropriate. She raced exclusively at five and six furlongs last term, winning the Group 1 Cheveley Park amongst others. Sprinting is her game and, if the exertions of two trips across the Irish Sea for two races in a fortnight don't fatigue her, she is the one to beat. Her profile mimics that of last year's winner, Advertise, who put a non-staying Guineas run to bed in this.
Favoured is Pierre Lapin, unbeaten in two including a Group 2 at Newbury last September. He's been off for nine months, though most of Roger Varian's have been forward enough on their first run of the year. He has a few pounds to find with Millisle on form though clearly has scope to progress after just two spins.
Golden Horde had a few goes as a juvenile, winning the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood and running close up behind Earthlight twice, including in the G1 Middle Park last backend. Again, fitness must be taken on trust.
Wesley Ward has brought the rapid filly Kimari across. She was a head second to Raffle Prize in the Queen Mary here last June and a staying on fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in November. She opened her account over six furlongs in April and certainly has credentials to get involved: unlike many of Wesley's she settles well so Frankie will have every chance.
Lope Y Fernandez is another who comes from an abortive Guineas bid, this time in the Irish 2000 where he was a trouble-making third to Siskin. His sprint form was good last year though not quite at the level of a couple of these.
France is represented by Wooded, a six-furlong Group 3 winner last month. As you'll know if you've been reading these previews all week, I'm not a big fan of the French flat form just now, and am carpet opposing this colt on that basis. His form is at lower Group level anyway.
Remember when Mum's Tipple blitzkrieged his field by eleven lengths at York last year? He's been whacked twice since, most recently when not at all at the races in the 2000 Guineas, but a repeat of that effort on the Knavesmire would likely be just about enough.
This is another cracking serving of the Commonwealth Cup with lashings of speed and more than a little spice. I think it might go the way of the fillies and, to that end, I like both 7/1 Kimari and 11/1 Millisleto show the boys the way home.
*
4.10 Queen's Vase (Group 2, 1m6f, 3yo)
A recognised St Leger trial these days but it arrives ahead of the Derby in this topsy-turvy 2020. In point of fact, the Queen's Vase has actually become a top class rehearsal for future Cup horses, with all of Estimate, Stradivarius, Leading Light and Kew Gardens prevailing since 2012. What a National Hunt stallion Stradivarius is going to make! 😉
Since 1998, three trainers have operated a near cartel on the Vase: Mark Johnston has recorded seven scores, Aidan O'Brien six, and Sir Michael Stoute four. SMS is unrepresented this season as, remarkably, is 'Always Trying' (to win the Queen's Vase). Thankfully, APOB runs a pair.
Santiago is the choice of Ryan Moore, the son of Authorized stepping up from a mile and looking bred to appreciate it. He'll need to, though, as his form to date is only average.
Frankie Dettori is enjoying plenty of Ballydoyle partnerships as a result of the Irish/overseas riders having to go through quarantine, and he's on Nobel Prize, a brother to Highland Reel, Idaho and Cape Of Good Hope. He, too, steps up from a mile and he, too, has a pedigree that screams improvement. Those siblings really catch the eye and I expect this fellow to be a player.
Born With Pride is the favourite, trained by William Haggas. He won a Listed race over a mile on heavy ground on his career debut, testament to the esteem within which he is presumed to be held. It must have been a little disappointing, then, that he could only trail home seventh of nine on his next and most recent run 16 days ago; though that lifetime bow augurs talent, he's not much of a price on the recovery trail.
Godolphin's Al Dabaran was beaten in two back end runs in France so, while my casual dismissal of such form lines is going to go bad at some point, he's readily overlooked for all that he is the highest rated in the field and has a nice staying pedigree. He's had more tries than many of his rivals and my guess is that some will improve past him for this far greater test of stamina.
Berkshire Rocco is really interesting. Trained by last year's winning handler, Andrew Balding, he comes here from the Lingfield Derby Trial, a route trodden by four Queen's Vase winners since 2002. None of that quartet ran better than second at Lingfield, the position Berkshire Rocco occupied behind English King, himself favourite in most lists for the Derby. Rocco was seven lengths and more ahead of the rest of the Derby Trial field.
The remainder make limited appeal.
A fascinating race as always, and one in which the top three in the market have won 19 of the last 23 renewals. There are five horses vying for favouritism, the best backed being Born With Pride, Santiago and Nobel Prize. The weakness of Berkshire Rocco does put me off and, because of that, I'm siding with Nobel Prize, who comes from an excellent family, looks certain to stay well, handles give, and gets Mr Ascot, Frankie Dettori, on top. He's 11/2 in a few places.
*
4.40 Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Class 2 Handicap, 1m4f, 3yo+)
Friday ends with a big field mile and a half handicap. Keep in mind the weird draw bias against the low numbers. This PRB3 chart illustrates things clearly, with the dark blue line representing big fields, actual draw, and ground between good and soft.
Three trainers have impeccable records: Mark Johnston, Sir Michael Stoute and Hughie Morrison.
Now't from Stoute once more, and just a single arrow for Mark Johnston, the poorly-drawn (stall three) West End Charmer. A four-time winner last season, all in smallish fields, this is a different task from a tough post.
Durston also has an ostensibly poor draw in four, though he too has form credentials. He actually won over nearly two miles last year and that leads me to wonder whether he'll quite have the boot for this, especially if needing to thread a passage on the inside.
Hughie, whose Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes record is three winners from six runners - wow - saddles Le Don De Vie. Exiting from stall ten - plum - he has Ryan Moore booked for the steering job, not that I'm saying it will be a steering job, you understand! Don was a three-time winner last season on the undulations of Epsom (twice) and Goodwood. This more conventional track shouldn't pose a problem, nor should a nearer-front-than-back run style.
Hereby, a misser of the cut earlier in the week, gets in this time and bids to extend her winning sequence to five. Again this is a much bigger field but she had the speed to win around Chester and the stamina to score in Listed company over 1m6f on soft ground during that victory roll so she's not underestimated. Trap nine is workable, though the last single digit stall winner was in 2008.
Frankie and Johnny partner with El Misk, ideally housed in 15 and with a prominent racing style. He has, however, done all his winning - three of them - on all weather surfaces, and has earned joint top weight in that process. He won't shock if he wins but he's not for me at the price.
At a much bigger quote, Indianapolis can outrun his odds. A course and distance winner off 95 last summer, he is just four pounds higher here; he has a wide draw in 19 - last five winners drawn 12, 14, 19, 19, 21 - and represents a trainer, James Given, with a fine record in staying races in the past two years (five wins from 25 runs, four more placed, A/E 2.34, IV 1.85). Jockey Ben Curtis is hardly a negative.
Sixteen more with chances!
Obviously a head-scratcher of a chin-stroker of a brow-furrower of a puzzle. At the prices, always at the prices, I'm settling on 12/1 Le Don De Vie for Le Don de D(ukeofedinburghstakes), Hughie Morrison; and 33/1 Indianapolisfor another shrewd outfit, extra places aforethought.
**
And that's that for this week. Saturday's eight race jamboree will be a case of every many and woman for themselves. It might well be the case that such news is a merciful outcome after four days of reading through my losers. Regardless of win or lose, the effort and thought poured in is always the same: sometimes we are made to look good, more often to look somewhere between daft and imbecilic. Such is the folly of publicly nominating gambling outcomes. Happily, you, dear reader, are cut from the kind of considered cloth that takes the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune as part and parcel of racing's wagering fabric. Or, in plain English, you get it.
I very much hope you've got it - or at least got some of it - this week.
Humpback Day at Royal Ascot, perhaps better known as Gold Cup Day, and another seven head-scratchers for punters to unravel. The feature is the Group 1 for stayers and there is a trio of handicaps, and a similar number of minor pattern events, in support.
1.15 Golden Gates Handicap (1m2f, Class 2, 3yo)
Another of the 'for one year only' races gets us underwat, this time the ten furlong three-year-old Golden Gates Handicap, a boon for those too slow for the Brittania and lacking the stamina for the Duke Of Edinburgh. The Royal Ascot Ryanair if you will. There is not much in the way of draw and pace data to go on for fields of this size though what there is suggests a largely fair go for all.
With horses qualifying for a mark after just two runs at the moment there is even less to go on than your average early season three-year-old handicap. Regular readers will know that these events are a weakness for me so what follows will be mercifully brief:
Maori Knight has shown he can handle a little cut in the ground, and that he stays. He may try to lead from the front, which won't be easy but you'll at least get a run for your money at around 9/1.
And the 20/1 Yoshimi might be generous if there is any further rain. He stayed on nicely enough into third behind Palace Pier at Newcastle over a mile last time and is bred more for this trip.
Let's move on...
*
1.50 Wolferton Stakes (Listed, 1m2f, 4yo+)
An immediate comparison with the preceding three-year-old handicap is offered by the Wolferton Stakes run 35 minutes later over the same course and distance. The Wolferton at least has a historical profile for all that it's morphed from a handicap (from inception in 2002) to a pattern race since 2018. Indeed, it was won last year by none other than Addeybb, subsequent dual Group 1 winner.
John Gosden has a peerless record in the Wolferton, winning it four times since 2011, and he is doubly represented, by Dubai Warrior and Crossed Baton. The latter, winner of the Listed Churchill Stakes on the Lingfield all weather last autumn, is the chosen mount of Frankie Dettori. Second in last year's course and distance Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes, he probably wouldn't want it too soft but has otherwise fair credentials.
Rab Havlin reunites with Dubai Warrior, on whom he won twice before Christmas including in this grade. Frankie rode the Warrior last time when he added a Group 3 to complete an all-weather hat-trick but he was well beaten on his only turf run, in a French Group 3.
Top rated is Regal Reality, whose 119 figure is deserving of Group 2 company if taken at face value. Third to Enable and Magical in last season's Group 1 Eclipse, he also wasn't beaten far in the G1 Juddmonte International. With both of those top level races being the same range as this Listed event, Regal Reality has outstanding form claims. His trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, has won this twice in the past, and yet his runner is only the third choice in the betting.
Favourite at time of writing (Tuesday afternoon) is Fox Tal, a four-year-old son of Sea The Stars trained by Andrew Balding. He's got form on all ground, was third in a Saint-Cloud Group 1 at the trip and has Silvestre driving. He's been off for eight months, though, and is short enough to my eye.
Sandwiched between the Fox and Reality, in market terms at least, is Sir Dragonet, runaway winner of last year's Chester Vase. He was then a very close fifth in the Derby before flattening out a little in two subsequent 2019 outings. He has had a livener this season, when second at Naas in late March, and is a definite contender.
The rest are 16/1 and bigger and, of them, King Ottokar will handle give better than most, as he did when third in the Hampton Court Stakes last year. He becomes interesting given the weather..
I fear Sir D and Crossed Baton but I think Regal Reality's form looks very strong for the grade. If he's straight enough and if it hasn't got too wet, which it might have, for this 2020 debut he should be bang there, and 15/2 is playable.
If the rain has come in any quantity, King Ottokar is value on his Royal Ascot run last year at 16/1, 5 places with sky.
*
2.25 Jersey Stakes (Group 3, 7f, 3yo)
Another slightly betwixt and between sort of race is the Jersey: since the six-furlong Commonwealth Cup emerged as a powerhouse Group 1 alongside the established mile races for the Classic generation, the Jersey perhaps finds itself a tad marooned. Nevertheless, it will welcome another fullish field in 2020 and remains solidly worthy of its Group 3 status.
Richard Fahey has won this twice from just five runners, Ribchester in 2016 and Space Traveller last year. As such, his Ventura Lightning is interesting. This will be the grey son of No Nay Never's first attempt beyond six furlongs and, out of an El Prado mare, there is scope for improvement. Ventura enjoyed a satisfactory warm up in the Group 3 Pavilion Stakes at Newcastle a fortnight ago which ought to have brought him to concert pitch. He's a general 20/1 chance.
The market is headed by the unbeaten-in-two Gosden/Dettori entry, King Leonidas, a son of Kingman out of a black type-winning Galileo mare: nice! He's laughed at his rivals in a brace of Newmarket novices, the form of the first of which has worked out poorly and the second of which has yet to be tested. He is clearly talented; his street smarts for a big-field class elevation have to be taken on trust.
Second choice Molatham can count a seven-furlong verdict over Wichita amongst his four career starts. Trained by Roger Varian for Sheikh Hamdan, and ridden by Jim Crowley, he perhaps didn't get home when trying a mile for the first time on his final run of last term; the drop back to seven looks right though he will have to overcome a 250-day layoff.
Aidan O'Brien runs the American Pharoah colt, Monarch Of Egypt, just six days after his midfield finish in the Irish 2000 Guineas. That was a terribly messy race and the Monarch had no run at all. His form did tail off a little last season after a couple of close finishes with Irish 2000 winner Siskin, a level that would put him in the photo if reproduced two grades lower here.
With cross-channel interloper Celestin the question is whether you believe his run behind Victor Ludorum in the French 2000 Guineas. If you do, he's probably the bet, the winner's form being just about bombproof. But with second favourite Ecrivain running no sort of race, and most of the rest behind him unfancied, it looks a little questionable. What we can say is that Celestin can quicken off steady fractions and handles softer ground.
2019 Gimcrack second, Lord Of The Lodge, steps up to seven for the first time. That form behind Threat stands comparison but this straight test will ask questions of a fairly pacy pedigree (though he does have Cape Cross as mum's dad).
The Richard Hughes-trained Mister Snowdon is quite interesting at a bit of a price. He is unbeaten in two runs, a feature of both being how he has quickened from off the pace to win going away. The most recent of the pair was at Yarmouth - another straight seven - and, while this is a big step up, I like that sectional profile. There are many others to consider in a hard to call affair.
Having a bet in here is somewhere on the brave-foolhardy continuum and you'll better understand towards which end you reside once the result has been established. There would be few complete surprise winners and, as such, it might be worth tilting at a couple of windmills. Monarch Of Egypt can go well, but I'll chance Mister Snowdon and Ventura Lightning for beer tokens only. [I recognise the general weakness of my fancies in these previews, but it needs to be understood that they are a devilish set of conundrums, most of which constitute some form of vanity punting. To come out in front we'll need to be very lucky as well as pretty good]
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3.00 Chesham Stakes (Listed, 7f, 2yo)
The longest two-year-old race of the week is the seven-furlong Chesham Stakes. While the distance may be the same as the preceding Jersey Stakes, comparison across age groups make little sense. Nine once-raced juveniles - seven colts, two fillies - go to post.
The Charlie Appleby-trained Shamardal colt Modern News looks a worthy favourite based on the form seen to date. He needed almost every inch of Newmarket's six furlongs to get by the leader on debut and, with his trainer having an astonishing 33% strike rate second time out, he'll take a lot of beating. The fact that a certain Pinatubo scored for the same connections last season should not be overlooked.
But, naturally, it's deeper than one horse. Ballydoyle are represented by Battleground in a race they've previously won four times, including in 2016 (with subsequent dual 2000 Guineas scorer, Churchill) and 2017. Battleground, like Churchill, arrives here off the back of a debut defeat; and, like Churchill, was allowed to find his stride on that opening day and finish off his race. The first son of the outstanding race mare Found, he is certain to be much better than he's shown so far.
The Andrew Balding-trained Bright Devil was something of a shock debut scorer, coming home at 25/1 that day, but with his handler having a 20% second time out record, the son of Dark Angel can be expected to show improved form (like pretty much all of them, to one degree or another). He made all last time, which will be a difficult challenge over seven furlongs here.
Mark Johnston trained the Chesham winner three times in four years at the turn of the century, but has had little luck since: he's nought from twenty since 2003, just three places. That run includes nine at a single figure price, one of them sent off at 5/4. Tentatively stepping out of that shadow is Golden Flame, a son of Golden Horn who ran second on debut at Haydock. A second season sire, Golden Horn didn't have his first winner until July last year, and those are enough reasons for me to oppose this fellow at this stage of his career.
First Prophet, trained by Charlie Fellowes, is a son of first season sire New Bay, himself second in the French 2000 Guineas, winner of the Prix du Jockey Club and Prix Niel and third in Golden Horn's Arc. His five runners in UK and Ireland to date have yielded two winners and a further place. Regardless of how First Prophet performs, and he'll likely find one or two too good, New Bay is a sire to keep on side, for now at least.
Richard Hannon has enough juveniles to know which are the best in the yard, and Concessions gets the nod here. Winner of a three-horse race at Chelmsford (Seattle Rock last) on his sole spin thus far, it is not easy to quantify that form in the context of a Chesham: the trainer's five previous runners in this were all sent off at big prices, four of them running creditably in fourth or fifth of double-digit fields.
Hannon also saddles the New Approach colt, Clarendon Cross, who was doing his best work at the finish over seven panels at Haydock (March Law fourth). Although he bungled the start there, he was still beaten nearly four lengths and he has more improvement to find than most of these.
All of this nonet will end up better than they've had the opportunity to display hitherto; but the balance of probabilities is that the Godolphin and Ballydoyle colts are the smartest. I will take my chance with the longer-priced of the pair, Battleground, who is bred to be very good and who is certain to be straight for this second day at school. 7/2 seems fair enough.
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3.35 Gold Cup (Group 1, 2m4f, 4yo+)
The Gold Cup has been the province of multiple winners, most recently and perhaps most famously being Yeats' four-timer between 2006 and 2009. With owner Bjorn Neilsen in no rush to make a National Hunt stallion of his pride and joy, Stradivarius returns for a third tilt at the most prestigious staying race in the flat calendar.
Now six, the son of Sea The Stars saw his ten-race winning streak ended by Kew Gardens in the mud here last October, going down by a nose in an epic tussle. He was also beaten on his first start of 2020, though that was far less of a surprise as he took on a legit twelve furlong Group 1 horse over that one's trip. As a trial for this main event, it was better than good. With the ground not likely to be a concern and the opposition a notch below last season most likely, the hat-trick bid is a probable not a possible.
Who, if any of them, might give Stradivarius a race? The key player could be Cross Counter, the finisher in last year's renewal. He got to inside two lengths of Frankie that day, staying on; and if he can get less revved up beforehand this time, might give the champ something to think about. But he failed to get past Stradivarius twice last term and there's no real reason why form should be reversed now.
Technician, in the same ownership as Chesham runner Bright Devil, was a good staying three-year-old last term now stepping up into Cup company. His best form is on soft ground, but the son of Mastercraftsman has a bit to prove stamina-wise for me.
It's 12/1 bar that trio with Nayef Road perhaps making most (but still limited) appeal of the remainder. He was close to the pace at Newcastle when running away in the last quarter mile to record a two-mile Group 3 score; but this is a challenge of an altogether different kind.
For Hail Mary players, the outsider of the field, Mekong, may run better than a 66/1 shot. He was a six length fourth in the Champions Long Distance Cup in which Stradivarius was beaten last October, having completely missed the break. Since then he's picked up over £400,000 in prize money without winning, almost all of it for a second placed effort in Saudi Arabia in February. He is a habitual slow starter but if he can concede less ground at the stalls, he may hit the frame at a whopping price.
Ultimately, this looks STRADIVARIUS' race to lose, and I don't think he will. I hope he wins, and I hope Mekong might offer some sort of a run at massive prices for tiny stakes in a race that looks all about the favourite.
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4.10 Britannia Stakes (Class 2 Handicap, 1m, 3yo)
Two impossible straight mile three-year-old handicaps to close, this one being as difficult a race as you'll find at the meeting. Winners have come from across the track, from all sorts of price points and from a plethora of different trainers; so there's not much to cling to from the historical.
There are three tenuous angles which I'm going to deploy for shortlisting purposes, taken from Andy Newton's big race trends here, fully cognisant that the winner has likely been discarded. Those dodgy differentiators are:
- A previous winner at seven furlongs or a mile
- Did NOT win last time out
- Did place last time out (I've used top four)
That gives me six horses: Verboten, Cherokee Trail, Shared Belief, He's A Keeper, Grove Ferry, and Enemy
Enemy is favourite in some lists after just two career runs, a debut first and a subsequent second. Trained by John Gosden - whose debut winners are well worth following, as Jon Shenton highlighted here - Enemy found only Mister Snowdon too good in a Yarmouth novice 15 days ago. That one bids for Jersey Stakes glory earlier on the card so will offer a nod to the value of the form ahead of the Britannia.
Gosden has three further runners in the field, of which Verboten is both better fancied than Eshaasy and on the shortlist; Cherokee Trail also makes the shortlist. Verboten, a Godolphin runner, went from a Yarmouth novice to the Group 1 Vertem Futurity last year such, presumably, was the way he was working at home. He was only 8/1 in that G1 but ran down the field behind 2000 Guineas winner, Kameko. On his first run this campaign, he stayed on into a close fourth over seven furlongs at Lingfield (all weather, turning track). This is a stiffer stamina test for a pedigree that offers mixed messages - speed from No Nay Never, resolution from a High Chapparal mare. Frankie Dettori rides, Oisin Murphy getting first dibs on Enemy who is in the Qatar Racing ownership.
It is testament to the pulling power and the political ability of John Gosden that he can train horses for all of Qatar Racing, Godolphin, Sheikh Hamdan and Coolmore, and run them all in the same race! Cherokee Trail represents the last named firm, with Ryan Moore doing the steering. More experienced than his stablemates, this son of War Front (Galileo is nearly always in the dam's blood, if he is not the sire) drops back to handicap grade after three spins in pattern class. He'll obviously find it easier, has proven stamina and the best connections; but he might just be marooned a little in stall two, with the pace possibly coming down the middle. At least he should get a clear passage from there.
Gosden is a three-time Britannia Stakes winner, albeit from 34 runners, so he certainly knows what is required.
Shared Belief would be the first winner not to have run in the same calendar year since, I think, at least 1997, but of course there are mitigating circumstances in this truncated pandemic-affected season. A handicap debutant for Archie Watson - whose two-year record with such horses is 24% from 108 starters, whose layoff stats are 23% from 105 starters and whose 14-day form at time of writing is 30% from 33 starters - he won't be lacking for preparation!
Since a seven furlong soft ground maiden win this time last year, Shared Belief has been highly tried in a trio of pattern races, most recently running behind Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes winner, Pyledriver. He has a middle draw, a 'get on with it' run style and is a 40/1 shot.
He's A Keeper is the same price, and in truth I find it harder to make his case. Beaten five lengths and more in his last three starts, he has at least had a spin this season, but I'm not sure he'll stay a mile in what ought to be a truly run affair.
More credible, perhaps, is Grove Ferry. Progressive last term, winning twice in novice company before finishing one place ahead of Verboten in their respective 2020 pipe openers. Team Balding was flying at that time, though so too was Team Gosden, and this son of Excelebration has a high draw and a waited-with style of racing. He is ridden by David Probert, in the geegeez 'lucky pants', so fingers crossed.
As ever, there are bundles more with fine prospects that I've failed to mention.
For a fillies' version of the Britannia, this is typically a top of the market affair. Or was until recently. Three years ago, Con Te Partiro won at 20/1 for Wesley Ward, and was tipped in this preview. (I know, it was probably the last winner I flagged, hoo hoo hoo). And last year, 33/1 Thanks Be - not tipped here, or many other places for that matter - got the whole enchilada for Hayley Turner and Charlie Fellowes in that controversial finish. Second was a 7/1 chance who really should have been awarded the race. 19 of the preceding 20 winners had returned 12/1 or shorter, as did the 2018 victor.
It is not typically a race in which to be too cute.
What could be less cute than a 7/4 favourite in a field of 18? Step forward, African Dream. Johnny G's thrice-raced filly was a close second to Stylistique just a week ago, that one bringing genuine Group 2 form to the table. A mark of 80, when her nose vanquisher is rated 106, underscores the 'well in' factor, and she is ideally berthed in 14 with a patient run style and pace around her. If the race doesn't come too soon, she'll probably win.
Because Kieran O'Neill keeps the ride on the favourite (good job, well played connections), Frankie must 'settle' for Dubai Love, a 101-rated Nottingham maiden winner. She was beaten on her sole subsequent start, when trying to make all over a mile at Kempton, and she wouldn't be obviously well treated, particularly not in comparison with her barn mate.
Sir Michael Stoute saddles the twice-raced Soffika. A daughter of Zoffany out of a Sakhee mare, she's bred for middle distances for all that she's yet to win beyond three-quarters of a mile. However, that doesn't really tell her tale: she was a keeping on second in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes over seven at Newmarket last summer and can be expected to progress as most of her trainer's projects do.
At bigger prices, the Richard Spencer-trained Odyssey Girl has been super consistent, running in the frame in her last five races. She is more experienced than her rivals and has performed well in big field sales races. She might outrun her 25/1 odds.
And perhaps Al Rasmah is better than she was able to show in a tactical race last time. She finished best of the seven at Haydock (one mile) and will be delivered late by Andrea Atzeni here.
There are some nice fillies in this field but it is rare that we see a horse so potentially well treated as AFRICAN DREAM. A literal interpretation of her run a week ago makes her almost two stone ahead of the handicapper!
The second of five days of this alternative Royal Ascot experience sees another septet of top class tussles up for grabs. The feature of the day is undoubtedly the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes, where Japan takes on Headman, Barney Roy, Addeybb and more. We are also treated to the first juvenile race of the week, the 20-runner Windsor Castle Stakes; but matters commence with this year's customary huge field handicap, this time it is the...
1.15 Silver Royal Hunt Cup Handicap (1m, Class 2, 3yo+)
The Royal Hunt Cup is so impossible that they decided to duplicate it with this consolation version. Two dozen 90-odd rated handicappers hurtling up the full Ascot straight is a sight to behold, but it's a devilish wagering ask. Thank heavens for extra places with at least five up for grabs with most firms and six with a few.
The aim of the game is probably to find a hold up horse that loves a big field straight mile. That would bring in Sir Busker, Home Before Dusk, Red Bond, Ouzo, and Maydanny, all of whom have good straight mile-winning form, many of whom have done it in big fields.
Sir Busker, as top weight, was the last to miss the main cut. He's trained by William Knight, who is enjoying a great time of it since moving to Newmarket; and was a winner 15 days ago at Newcastle over a similarly straight mile, albeit on the synthetic surface. A winner of four, and placed in four more, of his 15 starts, he knows how to get the job done. With a middle to high draw and a hold up run style, Oisin Murphy will try to swoop late.
Keith Dalgleish saddles not one, not two, but three runners, with two of them being ridden by geegeez-sponsored jockeys. Of course, the best profile fit is the third string to Dalgleish's bow, Home Before Dusk, who has made a habit of finishing best at Gosforth Park, progressing from a mark of 58 this time last year to his current perch of 96.
Callum Rodriguez has been on board for the most recent three of six wins but jumps across to Red Bond this time for the Middleham Park Racing mob. He, too, is progressive, stepping forward from 75 to 92 in the space of four runs. He's likely to be close to the speed and that makes him susceptible to the massed ranks of later runners.
Rounding out the Dalgleish triumvirate is the David Probert-ridden Universal Gleam. Stall one should ensure he gets a run, assuming they come down the middle, and he'll be delivered late. He is another straight track mile winner and I'll be cheering him without necessarily wagering him, a truism whenever one of the geegeez riders is steering.
Back to the shortlist, and the remaining pair on that sheet are the top two in the market, Ouzo and Maydanny. Ouzo has good form on the Newmarket straight and ran a taking trial for this ten days back, getting collared late on. Ryan Moore retains what is an eye-catching partnership.
Well supported in recent days is Maydanny, about whom the the fancy prices are now gone. It is not hard to see why: this 1.35 million guinea yearling is a son of Dubawi out of the brilliant filly, Attraction, herself a winner of five Group 1's. With just three starts to his name, the four-year-old has clearly had his challenges but he laughed at a field of solid if unspectacular Class 4 handicappers a fortnight ago, coming away for a facile four length score. There's a really good chance he's a fair bit better than his current mark of 90.
Clearly a very trappy race and I'll be trying to get one into the first three, the bizarre requirement this week for placepot purposes even in 24-runner handicaps like this. Maydannymight just about still be backable at around 7/1 and I'll also take 12/1 Sir Busker to be in my corner.
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1.50 Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3, 1m2f, 3yo)
A ten furlong heat for those staying on in the 2000 Guineas but probably not good enough for the Derby and those rising up through the ranks. Its roll of honour is good but not great with every likelihood of that being the prevailing perception post-race.
Favourite is Her Majesty's First Receiver. For the first time, as I understand it, in 67 years, The Queen will not be at Royal Ascot though she will doubtless be cheering this easy last day victor up the straight as though she was in her customary vantage high in the stands. That Kempton romp is hard to contextualise but First Receiver's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, has won this race three times since 2009 so that's a clue. Mind you, Stoutey (if I might be so bold) has run 22 horses in this down the years which somewhat dilutes the still considerable merit of his achievement.
I was more taken with the effort of Juan Elcano last time when that one was a four length fifth in the 2000 Guineas. This represents a notable step back in grade which, allied to the extra quarter mile in trip, ought to see him go close if the exertions of a Classic run just 11 days ago have not left their mark.
Aidan O'Brien runs two, the better fancied of the pair being Derrinstown Derby Trial second Russian Emperor, a rare runner from the yard in non-Coolmore colours. In fact, as with all of the Ballydoyle horses it is a partnership, this time with Laurie Macri. Getting back to the horse, he was given plenty to do in a tactical race at Leopardstown that last day, finishing best but failing by a half length to reel in stablemate, Cormorant. You might say that the bird had flown. (sigh)
Eight days later and here he is in what may become another tactical affair, though Ryan Moore will have a match fit partner where Seamie perhaps was minded to tighten the bolts a little. That's all doublespeak for he'll be on his A game here and there will be no excuses.
Berlin Tango scored in Listed company under David Probert at Kempton last time, a beneficiary of trainer Andrew Balding's white hot form at the resumption. He's a progressive colt and showed a ready turn of foot about a quarter mile out which won him the race. He still has to show that his turf form is up to that level, however, and Oisin Murphy takes over from David.
Some way behind Juan Elcano at Newmarket was Kenzai Warrior, who completely fluffed the start. Whilst he is likely better than the bare form, I'm not sure the step up in trip is what he needs, or indeed whether he's good enough anyway. [We all know what happens now...]
Ralph Beckett's Zoffany colt, Mascat, looked to be crying out for the extra range after only just inhaling the leaders in a mile maiden at HQ last time. This is a leap and bound forward in class terms but he has reasonable credentials on both pedigree and form - he was second to the much-vaunted Palace Pier on his only other career start.
This is one of those races where I haven't really got a clue and, in that absence of idea, I tend to swing wildly for penny change. 20/1 Mascatis the horse to fit my requirements though he clearly has to improve some to get to the established level of some of these, and then a bit more to out-improve those other improvers, if you see what I mean. 7/2 Russian Emperor and 11/4 Juan Elcano are much more obvious, though commensurately shorter-priced, alternatives. But, it bears repeating, I have less of a clue than normal here.
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2.25 King George V Stakes (Class 2 Handicap, 1m 4f, 3yo)
The curious case of the mile and a half draw bias against low-drawn horses. It really does defy convention, except that perhaps those drawn low are either too far forward if they're quick at the gate, or stuck in a pocket if they're tardily away. Either way, the data bear out this counter-intuitive snippet which is a key to hoping to unravel a conundrum such as the King George V Stakes.
Here's a picture which shows the three-stall rolling average of percentage of rivals beaten (or PRB3 for short). 50% is the mid-point - where runners from a stall have beaten as many others as have beaten them - so north of 55% is a good figure and south of 45% is the converse.
The blue line is the filtered data - in this case good/firm to good going, 16+ runners, actual draw (accounting for non-runners) - which shows the poor record of inside boxes. As can be seen from the pink line, that disadvantage is regardless of going. We're dealing with small samples here so the usual caveat emptor applies, and one should note that horses from stalls three and six have won a race each; but those two scores are from 119 to exit logical (i.e. removing non-runners) traps seven or lower.
After all that, I'm sorry to report that the shortest-priced low drawn horse is 10/1 Kings Caper in stall five.
What else do we have to conjure with? Trainer Mark Johnston has saddled five winners but from 58 runners (-£8.50 at SP), Aidan O'Brien saddled his first winner last term from 14 starters to date, and Sir Michael Stoute is the king of the King George V with four winners and another seven placed from 28 starters.
Sir Michael, of course, is empty-handed this term, as is Aidan; but 'Always Trying' runs a quartet, three of which are drawn 1, 2 and 5. History says that may make life difficult; his fourth strand is Subjectivist from stall 15 and with Ryan Moore booked to ride. He drops from minor pattern company into a handicap for the first time, his open race form mixing it with the likes of Juan Elcano, Mohican Heights and Pyledriver, all of whom take on loftier pots this week. 25/1 may understate his prospects.
The favourite is Kipps, trained by Hughie Morrison and ridden by David Probert. This lightly-raced War Command colt is well thought of and was narrowly denied close home on his seasonal debut ten days ago. Ideally berthed in stall twelve he has an obvious chance for a trainer with a quietly impressive Royal Ascot record (7/76, 14 further places, +£17 at SP, which improves to 6/49, 15 further places, +£23 in handicaps only). Morrison has had two from five placed in this race and I obviously hope Kipps wins. But I can't back him at 4/1.
The Yarmouth race in which Bodyline was a strong-finishing second looks certain to work out well and Sir Mark Prescott's Australia colt ought to improve for the extra distance. Stall 17 is almost too wide, however, and tempers enthusiasm a touch.
John Gosden has had just one winner, from 18 runners (three more placed), in the King George V Stakes, but To Nathaniel has fair prospects of doubling his victory tally. No prizes for guessing his dad's name with stamina also imbued from the dam line, Sea The Stars being his maternal grandfather. To Nathaniel is unbeaten in two seven-runner lower-grade handicaps since stepping up to this sort of trip and since being fitted with cheek pieces. He can progress again.
Arthurian Fable is somehow still a maiden after just failing to get up on his fourth and most recent start. That was at ten furlongs, this is twelve, and the Brian Meehan yard are enjoying a good little spell. Jockey Martin Dwyer will, like all the car park lads (and the lass Hollie Doyle), need to negotiate a ground-saving passage; if he can, his mount could break his duck on the big stage.
There are lots more with chances, a universal truth in Royal Ascot handicaps.
Jeez, it's trappy. Better to be lucky than good, as they say, so I'm rolling the dice with 25/1 Subjectivistand 14/1 Arthurian Fable, for sticky bun stakes.
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3.00 Prince Of Wales's Stakes (Group 1, 1m2f, 4yo+)
The highlight of the day is the Group 1 mile and a quarter Prince of Wales's Stakes for older horses. Locking horns in a field where quality usurps quantity are the recent winners of Group or Grade 1's in Britain, France, Dubai and Australia.
Market leader at coin toss odds is Japan, third in the Derby, fourth in the Arc and a three-time winner in between, including the Prix du Jockey Club (1m4f) and the Juddmonte International at York over this trip. His form is the best in the race and he's likely to have strengthened up from three to four; but connections might just have an autumn campaign on their minds. I also wouldn't be completely sold on a waiting ride in what may be a tactical race, not at even money or so at any rate.
Second favourite is the Roger Charlton-trainer Headman, who won the always top-class London Gold Cup handicap before a brace of Group 2's in France, and finished off with a solid fifth in the Irish Champion Stakes. I'm just not at all sold on the French pattern form from last year with pretty much all of their black type races having been won by overseas raiders.
Barney Roy seems to have been around forever - indeed he won the St James's Palace Stakes in 2017 at this meeting, having run up to Churchill in the 2000 Guineas previously. More recently his best form has been in Dubai but, as a nine-furlong horse stretching out, he might have the tactical toe to outspeed rivals if it is a steadily run contest.
Officially rated the same as Japan - both on 122 - is Addeybb. He enjoyed a purple patch down under in the spring winning a pair of G1's; in beating the same horse twice, however, there may be reservations about the form. It is probably a lot fairer to say I am incapable of quantifying the Australian form. Historically, their best middle-distance horses have not been as good as ours. All that said, Addeybb was second to Magical in the Group 1 Champion Stakes on soft ground before leaving for Oz so he has rock solid course and distance form and any rain will support his cause.
John Gosden runs both the filly Mehdaayih and the progressive Cambridgeshire winner, Lord North. The former was sent off favourite for the Oaks last year: things didn't work out on that tricky track and she showed better form in a Group 2 in France subsequently. Despite getting closest to Japanese raider, Deirdre, in the G1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood last summer, and even with her gender allowance, she doesn't especially appeal on here second spin against the men here.
Lord North has moved forward a stone, from a mark of 98 to 112. That gives him ten pounds to find with the best of these and he was perhaps a little fortunate to beat Elarqam last time. It would be a surprise and, from a form perspective a disappointment, if Bangkok was good enough.
The Prince Of Wales's Stakes is a difficult race to weigh up this year. On the face of it, Japan should win: ten furlongs looks optimal for an improving multiple Group 1-winning colt. But perhaps not a steadily run ten furlongs; and perhaps not on his seasonal bow. At the prices - always at the prices - I'm going to take him on with Addeybb. He too is a risky proposition: is he over his travel exertions? Is that form actually good enough? But he does like a bit of cut and his run behind Magical in the Champion Stakes last autumn is high class and over track/trip. At 10/1 in a place, that'll do for me.
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3.35 Royal Hunt Cup (Class 2 Handicap, 1m, 3yo+)
An impossible cavalry charge down the straight mile. As always in such races, I'm looking for a hold up or midfield horse with big field form, ideally here. My shortlist is Kynren, Raising Sand, Indeed, What's The Story, and last year's winner, Afaak.
Kynren is a season ticket holder in these kind of events, finally snaffling an overdue win in a heritage handicap at the track over seven furlongs last autumn. Therein may lie the key, though: he is probably slightly better at seven than a mile for all that a form string of 052516 in huge field Ascot handicaps marks him down as an extra place each way wager.
Raising Sand has a similar profile to Kynren. He, too, has been uber-consistent in the context: 143078164310 is his string, which at a mile goes to 1763 and a mile on soft side of good 163. The '3' was in this race last year but another five pounds hardly makes his task easier. I respect this chap but will let him beat me.
Dominic Ffrench-Davis doesn't have many superstars but he is clearly eminently capable of handling a good one when it comes along. Enter Indeed, second in a soft ground nine-furlong straight track Group 3 last season, ideal credentials for finishing off this furlong shorter mission. He's gone very well fresh in the past and, while his handicap mark is no 'gimme', he's feasibly weighted from a mid-track position.
What's The Story will be ridden by Callum Rodriguez, so naturally I'll be hollering for him out of loyalty. But his form profile stacks up, too. Although there are mixed messages about softish ground, he has handled a variety of underfoot conditions and stays as far as ten furlongs as well as being nippy enough for seven. In other words, he's versatile. Whether he is quite enough of a specialist for this gig, I'm not sure.
Afaak, or something very similar, is what I was screaming twelve months ago as Jim Crowley repelled Jamie Spencer's late Clon Coulis charge. That was on soft ground and, remarkably, Afaak had been second in this same race a year prior to that. 2nd of 30 (rated 103) and 1st of 28 (rated 103) screams contender, especially off a mere three pound higher mark mitigated entirely by Cieren Fallon's three pound claim. There can be little doubt this has been the target.
There are any number of less exposed, more fashionable profiles at the top of the market but this is a race that tends to go the way of a battle-hardened handicapper with a touch of class. With that in mind, Indeedand Afaakare my each way two against the field, both at around 16/1. Try for fifteen places!
The first two-year-old race of the week, and as many as twenty of them go to post.
US trainer Wesley Ward is two from twelve in this race, most recently with Hootenanny in 2014. He's had a couple of shorties down the field since, and the soft ground is probably not optimal for Sunshine City. Although only midfield from the gate on her four-and-a-half furlong turning dirt track debut, she can be expected to bounce alertly here; but it won't be lost on many what a different proposition this will be. Of course, Wes has done it before and he might do it again. The price means I'll look elsewhere. Ward also runs Sheriff Bianco, beaten three lengths on debut and not on my wishlist.
Aidan O'Brien is the other obvious trainer in the race having saddled last year's victor, Southern Hills, and 2015 champ, Washington DC. He's also had a second, a third and four fourths from 16 entries. Chief Little Hawk, an impressive winner just a week ago, travelled well that day and quickened up readily. The ground will be a little softer here but he's feared.
The upstart in this juvenile sprint division is Archie Watson. He got the lot two years ago with Soldier's Call and has another live one in Mighty Gurkha. The cheaply bought Sepoy colt bossed things from the stalls on his sole jaunt thus far, a six-furlong Lingfield all weather spin. Soldier's Call also began on the Lingfield AW but he didn't scoot up by eight long lengths! Who knows what was behind Mighty Gurkha that day - the second has been disappointing since - but Watson's entry has both speed and relative stamina.
The Queen's Tactical, trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by James Doyle, has been backed recently in the manner of a horse that has come out of his debut well. That effort, 13 days ago, was a two-length third in a Newmarket maiden (Get It a length and a quarter ahead in second) where Tactical encountered a small amount of trouble in the run. Balding's horses invariably improve from first to second start - he wins second time out at 20%, first time out at 11%. He might be able to reverse the form with Get It, whose trainer Clive Cox scores at roughly 10% with horses on both their first and second starts.
At bigger prices, James Tate's Victory Heights and George Boughey's Astimegoesby are not without a chance, a comment which doubtless applies to several others unmentioned in these despatches.
Wagering the Windsor Castle is not for the faint-hearted, like most of what has preceded it, and Chief Little Hawk is an unimaginative though pretty solid suggestion. Mighty Gurkha could also go well at a bigger price.
A one off this year is the mile and three quarters Copper Horse Handicap, for older horses. With very few handicaps run over this trip at Ascot, and none with sort of field size, it is difficult to know what will be the impact of draw and pace. The likelihood, however, is that it might follow the pattern of big-field mile and a half handicaps, with a middle to wide draw and a good trip being optimal. Below is the Instant Expert view of the world:
As can be seen in the above, which is displaying place data, Alright Sunshine, Shailene, Fujaira Prince and Here And Now all have green for those components against which they've previously raced.
Alright Sunshine drops down in class from a Group 3 last time, his first run of the year, and if that has blown away the cobwebs he'll bring progressive handicap form, including on softish ground, to the party. A four pound rise for that recent outing doesn't especially help, however; nor does an inside draw for a hold up type: he will need plenty of luck in the run.
Shailene has trap one but at least has Silvestre de Sousa to navigate her. They may go straight for the lead - the alternative is almost certainly a boxed-in transit and frustration; either way, it will be hard to get the run of the race with so many rivals ostensibly setting up better. On form, her third in a similar handicap at Goodwood last summer when held up and never quite getting there gives her a squeak.
The favourite is Fujaira Prince. Trained by Roger Varian, the son of Pivotal has stamina on the dam side being out of a Dalakhani mare. That offers hope on this first foray beyond a mile and a half, having stayed on in such contests the last twice, including most recently in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at this meeting a year ago. His trainer has an excellent record with horses off a layoff - better than 21%, 50% hitting the frame - and Fujaira Prince has a wide draw to give jockey Andrea Atzeni options.
Here And Now is a massive price, largely because he hasn't run for two years. But I imagine he's well drawn in twelve and has a great profile fit on his old form. Those 2018 efforts include a five length score in a 16-runner two mile Class 2 York handicap. Harry Bentley is one of trainer Ralph Beckett's go-to 'handicap job jockeys' - according to one of my QT Angles anyway - so, while the layoff is clearly a huge question mark, he's worth a small chance at 33/1 or so. Beckett's record with handicappers off a 200+ day rest is 15%, though it is less impressive off an ultra-break like this.
Collide, Ranch Hand and Beckett's other entry and third reserve, Hereby, all have progressive profiles and winning form at this specific distance; as such all have clear chances.
A very trappy close to a fiendish day. Again, Fujaira Prince looks solid at the head of the betting; while I won't be able to resist a tiny tickle on Here And Now. But tiny is what it will be: there will be more feasibly winnable battles in the coming days.
Barely a fortnight after the start of the flat turf season, and Royal Ascot 2020 is upon us. Like everything else on the planet currently, this year's Royal meeting is trying to mend and make do in the face of enormous challenges. No crowds and no Royals are the most obvious absences; in their place are six additional races, one each Tuesday to Friday and two on Saturday's eight-race extravaganza.
The running order has also been rejigged, mainly to allow a little extra time for the juveniles between a debut and their big Berkshire date. We begin with an old friend, the Buckingham Palace Handicap, which was stood down in 2015 to make way for the (excellent) Commonwealth Cup; and also with a 75-minute earlier start time. Tune in at 2.30 and you'll be five minutes too late for the quadpot, let alone the placepot!
The going is good to soft. The forecast is warm with the possibility of thunder storms all week. In other words, it could dry out and it could get wetter - great!
1.15 Buckingham Palace Handicap (7f, Class 2, 3yo+)
A three-year-old-plus handicap with none of the Classic generation in attendance. Good news for form players as there are likely to be a few more lines in the book and a little less projection required.
In big fields over seven furlongs at Ascot, it pays to be waited with, but perhaps not in too exaggerated a fashion. Mid-div may be ideal. Middle to high may be best off from a draw perspective, but it's marginal and not worth lobbing an otherwise credible candidate for.
Big field seven furlong form, ideally here, is my route in and that offers the following shortlist:
Greenside, Kaeso, Cliffs Of Capri, Firmament
Greenside was second in a valuable course and distance handicap on his most recent start in early October last year. The drop back to a truly-run straight seven furlongs for the first time in a 17-race turf career looked to be a positive, and this strong-travelling type was more than three lengths too good for all bar the winner that day. Up five pounds doesn't make life easy, though he has a very good record fresh. Jockey Marco Ghiani, who rode him for the first time in that most recent run, keeps the mount; it will be only his second ride since the resumption (apprentices having not been eligible until 15th June).
Nigel Tinkler is a very shrewd trainer of handicappers and his Kaeso is as consistent as can be in this type of race. 3rd of 26 and 2nd of 23 in the Victoria Cup and International Handicap, both over course and distance, last season speak volumes for Kaeso's ability to handle the profile; and a cobweb-clearing canter down Newcastle's straight seven ten days ago should have brought him forward. Drawn in the middle, he'll be covered up in midfield most likely, and the booking of Oisin Murphy knocks the eye out.
Another profile type is Cliffs Of Capri, Jamie Osborne's globetrotter coming here off the back of a valuable handicap score in Dubai. Since then he ran second at Newmarket 12 days ago to prove his recovery from the travel. He's three pounds higher than when fifth of 20 in the Cunard Handicap in 2018 and would be far from a shock winner.
Firmament has been around a long while now. At least it seems that way; in fact, aged eight, he's a year younger than Greenside. A record of 0-from-14 at the track betrays some excellent efforts, including half a dozen top six efforts in 17+ runner handicaps. His consistency draws little favour from the handicapper, though, so while the booking of James Doyle again takes the eye, the balance of probabilities is that a place is a more playable proposition.
The market is headed by the lightly-raced and progressive Daarik, trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori. He is one of the most obvious handicap bets of the week and, as a direct consequence, will offer zero value (for all that he clearly has solid prospects). If you want a reason to oppose him, it is this: in five career starts, he's raced on turf only once - on debut when a 14 1/2 length last of ten. Of course there are counter-arguments - greenness, etc - but I don't typically want to bet a 4/1 chance in a 24-runner cavalry charge, thanks.
If I'm going to back a progressive blue blood, it'll be Roger Varian's gelded son of Dubawi, Mutamaasik. A winner of his last four starts, he's up just three pounds for a recent narrow verdict in a tactical affair. Drawn in the middle of the pack and probably in the middle of the pace will give Dane O'Neill options.
Clearly a wide open event to kick us off, keep in mind the advice about each way betting and extra places here. 8/1 Kaesoand 16/1 Greensideare the pair for me, each way, with all the extra places you can get.
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1.50 Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1, 1m, 4yo+)
The traditional curtain-raiser has its own warm up act this year, but still comes on stage 40 minutes earlier than usual. A sequence of 13 winners at odds of 15/2 or shorter came unceremoniously unstuck in 2018 when Accidental Agent recorded a 33/1 score. Last year was tricky, too, as 14/1 Lord Glitters got the better of a brace of 20/1 shots with a 25/1 poke in fourth.
The winners and runners-up, and indeed the next pair home last year, all raced in rear early: that's the tactic in big field mile races on the straight track as a rule, and so a quick squint at the pace map may be instructive.
As can be seen, there are not many out and out hold up types, exceptions being the 2018 winner (who planted in the stalls in last year's race); last year's 7f Jersey Stakes winner, Space Traveller; Bless Him, and Escobar.
In the midfield are likely to be such as the unlucky-on-the-round-course-last-year Fox Chairman, Skardu, Duke Of Hazzard and Mohaather.
The favourite is Circus Maximus, a good horse if a bit of a high-class grinder. This stiff test will probably be up his street but he is 0-from-3 on a straight track and he's another favourite I'll be opposing. I'm also against the progressive filly, Terebellum, a winner at Newmarket ten days ago but who is stepping back a quarter mile here. As well as the trip switch, she faces the boys and is up in class; all told, she's a poor price.
Fox Chairman was a big eye-catcher in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot last season when getting no run before finishing best to be a respectful second, two big lengths behind Sangarius. He duly converted a penalty kick at Newbury next time out, in Listed company, but hasn't been sighted in the eleven months since. Trainer Andrew Balding has been in cracking form at the start of the turf campaign, and they've reportedly minded the Chairman after a slight setback last term. Still, this straight mile is a very different test and again represents a class elevation.
Mustashry had a rough passage last season in this race, eventually finishing seventh beaten less than four lengths. Jim Crowley jumps ship this time, instead opting for Mohaather, which can hardly be viewed as a positive for all that jockeys habitually choose wrong. Mustashry is a legit G1 horse, having beaten Laurens in the Lockinge last term, and with Dane O'Neill a more than able deputy, he looks a very fair price at around 12/1.
There is a good chance Mohaather has strengthened up since his three-year-old year in 2019, and a sole defeat on heavy ground - in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over course and distance no less - is eminently forgivable. Trainer Marcus Tregoning has started in very good form, albeit from just a handful of runners, so the team will be excited about this lad.
William Haggas runs Skardu, another four-year-old in the line up. He wasn't beaten far in a trio of Group 1 events last season, all at a mile on similar ground. His straight track mile form includes third in the 2000 Guineas and fourth in the Irish equivalent, when perhaps a little fatigued from the previous engagement. Jockey James 'the Doyler' Doyle will have him wrapped up until the quarter pole most likely and I can see this one running a big race.
It's a wide open race once more this year and not one in which to be going 'all in'. For small money, each of 12/1 Mustashry, 14/1 Mohaatherand 14/1 Skarduhave claims. I'll be dutching the three of them. Hills are going FIVE places in the race and are the place to bet if your fancy is top price there and you want to play each way.
The Ascot Oaks, as this race is generally not affectionately known, comes before the actual Oaks in this topsy-turvy season. Indeed, such is the timing of events that it is very likely the pre-eminent trial for the Epsom fillies' Classic, with the possible exception of the 1000 Guineas.
Plenty have had a run already in these formative days of the turf season, including the favourite, Frankly Darling. The daughter of, you guessed it, Frankel, bolted up on the opening day back: that was on the tapeta at Newcastle, and over a mile and a quarter, but trainer John Gosden has been happy to send some of his best to break their maiden there, including Enable and Stradivarius.
This filly has a long way to go to reach that level, but she might very well dismiss her rivals here in the manner of an Oaks winner-in-waiting. If you fancy her here, the play might be to back her ante post for the Oaks at 12/1. That appeals to me more than taking 7/4 in this at any rate: if she does score nicely here, she'll be second favourite for Epsom.
Second choice is Trefoil, trained by dual Oaks-winning Ralph Beckett. She caught the eye when running on at Newmarket over a quarter mile shorter, but while the trip may suit better the opposition is undoubtedly warmer.
Miss Yoda is a drifter, in spite of winning the Lingfield Oaks Trial. It wasn't her fault the race was a slowly-run muddling affair and, given her track position through the race, the even money favourite that day can probably be marked up just a smidge. That's not to say I want to bet her here, but she is a credible second string to Gosden's bow.
Gosden has a third string, too, in the form of Anastarsia, who was all at sea behind Miss Yoda (and Golden Lips and West End Girl and So I Told You, all of which re-oppose) on the Lingfield slopes. She probably won't reverse places with all of them but she certainly had the most excuses that day and might go better than a 40/1 chance.
The one I like, however, is Passion. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, she was given a 'welcome to 2020, onwards and upwards' introduction by Seamie Heffernan in the Listed Salsabil Stakes at Navan. She'll have needed that to be an easy pipe opener as it came just six days prior to this and, of course, she has to travel over. But she is bred for this job - by Galileo out of an Anabaa mare, a sister to St Leger / Irish Derby winner, Capri, amongst other stayers - and she will have Ryan Moore to assist.
This is a race that looks certain to shake up the Oaks betting. It could easily go to the favourite, Frankly Darling, and she is worthy of small pre-race support for Epsom; but the each way play is Passion, whose price is shortening but is still 7/1 with Victor and Paddy. She's 33/1 for the Oaks.
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3.00 King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2, 1m4f, 3yo colts & geldings)
After the 'Ascot Oaks' comes the 'Ascot Derby', an ostensibly shallower contest this year, though undoubtedly one with Epsom on its mind: the odds-on favourite here, Mogul, is a single-figure price already for the Derby.
Beautifully bred, by Galileo out of a Danehill mare, he's a brother to Japan amongst other Group race winners and cost 3,400,000 guineas (count 'em!) as a yearling. He himself is already a Group 2 winner having achieved that level of performance in the Champions Juvenile Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend last autumn. Arguably a little flat on his final start of 2019, when only fourth in the Group 1 Vertem Futurity, relocated to Newcastle, that was his fourth race in the space of three and a half months.
Ballydoyle sends a second runner to post, Arthur's Kingdom, perhaps as a pacemaker, perhaps to test his own Derby credentials. A mere snip at €240,000 compared with his stable mate, the son of Camelot - do you see what they did there? - has yet to win in pattern company but was quietly impressive on heavy ground when breaking his maiden at the third time of asking.
It is always so hard to guess at the O'Brien pecking order: with myriad royally-bred lightly-raced colts at their disposal, the yard's insistence that even they don't know the hierarchy until early summer of the Classic campaign is totally plausible.
Sandwiched between the Ballydoylers in the King Edward VII Stakes betting is the David Simcock-trained Mohican Heights. Unbeaten in two last term, including a Listed race over a mile, the son of Australia - who changed hands for £520,000 at the boutique pre-Ascot Goffs London sale last year - makes his seasonal reappearance. Stamina shouldn't be an issue though he will be having his first run for nigh on 300 days and only the third of his life.
The pace may be put to the race by Silvestre de Sousa atop Kingpower's Papa Power. Unraced at two, he was winner of the final two of three novice events on the all-weather earlier this year, putting them to bed long before the finish each time. It will be interesting to see how that works out here: an uncontested lead, kicking at the top of the shortish home straight would make him tough to reel in. That name as well: I don't know for sure, but it just might be a nod to the much-loved Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, so tragically killed in that helicopter crash last year. If that's right, they must think a lot of this fellow.
Pyledriver and Sound Of Cannons are both more exposed, though both retain some appeal for another day, the latter - who ran a better than it looked race in the Lingfield Derby Trial - especially.
This could quite possibly be a tactical race. It also features an odds-on favourite. As such, it is less than compelling from a wagering stance. I'm fairly sure Mogul is the best horse in the race, but I'm not convinced the set up is optimal and, in the circumstances, it might be worth taking a chance on 9/1 Papa Power. Despite the hiatus, he's had more racing this term than his rivals and he could get to boss things from the front: no better man for that job than his pilot, SdS.
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3.35 King's Stand Stakes (Group 1, 5f, 3yo+)
One of the day one features, the King's Stand is the province of the speedballs. This term it looked set to be a match between the brilliant sprinter Battaash and the exciting upstart Sceptical. Disappointingly - especially as I held a 20/1 voucher for him in this contest - Sceptical waits until Saturday and the Golden Jubilee Stakes. I felt the stiff finish here, for a strong-travelling horse with a withering gear change, was optimal. He'll probably go and win the Saturday showcase now, and in truth I hope he does. Sigh.
Back to the here and now, and it is Battaash's to lose. On ratings he is ten pounds clear of the next best, and that horse - Glass Slippers - has been duffing up second-tier dashers in France.
A procession for Battaash then? Probably, though not definitely. Of course not definitely: it's a horse race after all!
Charles Hills' champion has had his Achilles heel exposed at Ascot in the past and has a record here of 022. But that pair of silvers was against another champion, Blue Point, for whom Ascot's stiff finish was optimal. With the stable in form, and no Blue Point or Sceptical, there are no excuses this time. He'll very likely win and 8/11 is not the worst value odds-on bet I've seen.
A race like this sets up perfectly for the 'without the favourite' players. Hills are the only one to price it up as I write, and they are 11/10 Glass Slippers, 4/1 bar. I'm happy to field against Glass Slippers for reasons flagged above - if I'm wrong, I'm wrong - so it's an attractive route into a race where we can simultaneously cheer a champ and collect on the 'underneath'.
The three-year-old Liberty Beach ticks plenty of boxes in receipt of weight-for-age. She obviously gets that for her relative lack of physical maturity, but she's rapid as she showed when winning the Listed Dragon Stakes and the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at this distance. She was also fourth (of 25) in the Queen Mary, and demonstrated her stamina credentials for this stiff finish when winning a Listed race over six furlongs on good to soft nine days ago. She'll not be too far off the speed.
The one at a price is Henry Candy's filly, Kurious. She has won her last two over five furlongs and has plenty of early speed. Not beaten far in the 2018 Queen Mary, she's been patiently handled since. 12/1 in the 'without' market makes some appeal.
Although he can get himself worked up beforehand, and although he's been susceptible in Ascot races to a spoiler in the past, I think BATTAASH will win. I hope he does because he's a bloody brilliant sprinter on his day. He's a sure fire 'on top' for exacta players and it might pay to select the two fillies Liberty Beach and Kurious underneath. They are sporting wagers in the 'without' market, too.
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4.10 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (1m, Group 2, 4yo+ Fillies & Mares)
Formerly the Windsor Forest Stakes, this is a mile on the straight course for older fillies and mares. A couple of the features of the race are the record of the French and the record of held up runners.
The French have run 17 femmes in the race since its 2004 inception, with a form string of 42301005982391531. So that's three winners (17.6%) and eight top three finishes (47%).
Moving along to run style, and hold up horses have won all of the last five renewals. Going further back, a combination of midfield and hold up horses have won every renewal since Strawberrydaiquiri made all in 2010.
There is one French filly in the field, Wasmya, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and ridden by... Frankie Dettori. Generally played from midfield, she's 10/1 currently but will surely shorten. The daughter of Toronado, out of a Danehill Dancer mare, is bred for the trip though she's having her first try since debut at it; she is also tongue tied for the first time. That breathing aid would not need to eke out massive improvement for her to have a squeak.
You'll have to take my word for Wasmya's general run style as we sadly do not yet have the French form in our database. Nevertheless, you can view the projected pace map for the remainder of the field below.
The unbeaten Miss O Connor will need to be good to repel her field given the historical advantage to waited with types, but she ought to be largely uncontested on the lead at least. The winner looks most likely to emerge from the later-running cluster drawn two to seven, with both Frankie and Jim Crowley, aboard favoured Nazeef, well berthed to track that early speed.
Nazeef is herself unbeaten in her last four races, most recently when seeing off the high-class Billesdon Brook in a Listed race at Kempton 13 days ago. If that turning all-weather strip bears no resemblance to the straight lawn here, her previous six-length romp in a Class 3 mile handicap at Newmarket (good to firm) showed such a configuration will not preclude an extension of her victory sequence to a nap hand.
Sir Michael Stoute has a peerless record in the race, with four winners from 17 runners, and nine in the frame in total (a 53% place rate). He saddles Jubiloso, third in the round course three-year-old Group 1 Coronation Stakes at this meeting a year ago. While three of Sir Michael's winners had had a seasonal run, this year's truncated beginning has meant Jubiloso arrives off a 290 day absence. The inaugural Duke Of Cambridge winner, Favourable Terms, overcame a similarly long layoff for the same trainer and the yard has been in great form since the resumption.
Jubiloso was a little disappointing after Ascot last season, however: only third as the even money favourite in a Goodwood Group 3 and one from last of eight when odds-on in a similar event at Sandown. That would be enough to dissuade me at the current prices.
Lavender's Blue was the winner of the Sandown race, her form at a mile looking solid. Indeed, she followed up that G3 score with a very good three-length fourth in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes. With just five career starts to her name, proven top level form over a straight mile, and a midfield run style, Amanda Perrett's four-year-old daughter of Sea The Stars - owned by Abba's Benny Andersson - could hit the right notes here. (Mamma mia!)
The other interesting filly is Queen Power, also trained by Sir Michael Stoute. She was staying on over ten furlongs last time and drops back in trip here, not an obvious play to my eye. A daughter of Shamardal, whose is an excellent Royal Ascot sire, she won't want James Doyle on Miss O Connor to amble along too steadily in front. In any event, the balance of her form is decent but typically in defeat.
If you're looking for a rag to outrun its price, Agincourt may offer a run for pennies. She won a Listed race on Newmarket's straight mile, and has a straight track record (seven furlongs and a mile) of 1221. Her trainer David O'Meara won this in 2015 for the same owner, Sir Robert Ogden. She's 40/1.
It's a competitive affair with lots of interesting runners. Nazeef looks a reasonable favourite, and I'd personally favour her over Jubiloso at the head of the betting - though the latter is clearly pleasing the pre-eminent race trainer at home. Price preference is for 6/1 Lavender's Blue and 10/1 Wasmya, the former whose form may be a little under-rated and who should be able to progress further this year, the latter who represents similar potential and a Gallic gear change. Agincourt at 40/1 is a Hail Mary of mild interest.
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4.40 Ascot Stakes (2m4f, Class 2 Handicap, 4yo+)
The lucky last on the opening day is the Ascot Stakes, a staying handicap. No winner has returned a bigger SP than 12/1 since 2008 and, in a race where we need all the whittling we can get, that's a reasonable starting point.
The draw has been an irrelevance since the maximum field size was reduced to 20, but what has been significant is the dominance of jumps or dual-purpose trainers - winners of the previous ten Ascot Stakes, all with horses aged five-plus and all bar one of which had already raced over hurdles.
Slightly more tenuously, all - bar two of Willie Mullins' four winners in the past decade, and Ian Williams' 2019 winner - had won over further over jumps.
Using the more robust of those criteria helps to form this tentative shortlist:
Verdana Blue, Blue Laureate, Coeur De Lion, Quloob, San Benedeto
Verdana Blue is the favourite, at around 7/2. She is a high class hurdler trained by Nicky Henderson, but Henderson's record in the race is 1 from 23, just four placed. Giving weight all round she's hardly a 'gimme'.
Blue Laureate represents last year's winning stable, super shrewd Ian Williams. This man is arguably the best 'target trainer' in Britain and everything he runs in a big race commands a second, and a third, glance. A five-year-old who has improved for longer trips, he was third in the 2m2f Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket last backend, and a keeping on second in a two mile Class 2 handicap on seasonal bow eight days ago. If this doesn't come too soon, he might just improve again for an extra half mile. Crack apprentice Cieren Fallon gets the leg up.
There are few horses more consistent than the well-named Coeur De Lion. This lad gets carried out on his shield every time he runs, for all that the scars of recent battles have seemingly taken longer to heal. Sixth and fifth in this race in the last two years, he runs off the same mark as a year ago but may struggle to get much closer this time around.
Quloob runs for the Heart of the South syndicate, and is part-owned by a regular geegeez.co.uk syndicateer, Graham W, so I wish this chap the best of luck. His trainer, Gary Moore, is a top-class dual purpose exponent, and Quloob deserves his place after a string of consistent efforts. Moore, however, has yet to saddle a placed horse in the Ascot Stakes, from eight runners to date.
Paul Nicholls makes a rare foray to Royal Ascot with San Benedeto (and 33/1 Ashutor). San B is unraced on the level since his juvenile season in 2013! He is high class over fences, rated in the 150's, and will have no problem with the distance. If they go fast early, it should allow him to plod through beaten horses though whether he's capable of getting past all of them is a far bigger question. It's a leap of faith to back him after so many years away from this discipline.
Of those not fitting the profile, last year's second, Dubawi Fifty, gets in off the same mark; but there looks to be a lot more pace contention this time if connections elect to revert to the front-running strategy they deployed twelve months ago.
There are another fourteen with a squeak!
For small money, I'll chance my arm with Ian Williams' Blue Laureate. As well as the winner last year, his other runner was third, so it's fair to say he's worked out what is required. At a general 14/1, including six places (1/5 odds) with Paddy if you can get it, he'll do for me.
**
And that's Tuesday's card. There are four more days to follow, so keep some powder dry. Good luck!
Another decent day of LIVE ITV this Saturday as the cameras head to Sandown and Newbury to take in seven races across the two venues. And, as always, we’ve got all the LIVE TV ITV trends and stats.
At Newbury, the Group 3 Diomed Stakes (3.35) is their feature contest, while at Sandown the sprinters are in action for the Listed Scurry Stakes (2:40).
So, put the odds in your favour – if a certain trend has happened many times in the past then there is a good chance of it repeating itself. As always, we hope these stats help direct you towards a few winners and pay for the weekend expenses.
Let’s get started!
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Newbury Horse Racing Trends
1:50 - It’s Not Rocket Science With MansionBet Handicap Cl3 (3yo 0-95) 1m2f ITV4
No previous runnings
Trainer John Gosden has a 21% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer Clive Cox is only 2 from 37 with his 3 year-olds at the track
Jockey Richard Kingscote is only 1 from 24 riding 3 year-olds at the track
2:25 - Watch And Bet With MansionBet At Newbury Maggie Dickson Fillies' Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo+) 7f ITV4
Only 3 previous runnings
3/3 – Winners came between stalls 4-6 (inc)
3/3 – Unplaced last time out
3/3 – Had won over 7f in the past
3/3 – Raced in the last 4 weeks
0/3 – Winning favourites
The average winning SP in the last 3 runnings is 9/1
Trainer Ed Walker won this race 12 months ago
Trainer Richard Hannon won this race in 2018
Trainer William Haggas has a 37% record with his 4+ year-olds at the track
Jockey Tom Marquand is 0-from-31 riding 4+ year-olds at the track
10/10 – Won no more than twice before
9/10 – Ran in the last 4 weeks
8/10 – Returned 4/1 or shorter in the betting
8/10 – Placed in the top 3 last time out
7/10 – Favourites placed in the top 3
7/10 – Drawn between stalls 1-4
7/10 – Had won over at least 1m before
4/10 – Winning favourites
4/10 – Won last time out
3/10 – Trained by John Gosden
2/10 – Ridden by James Doyle
2/10 – Ridden by William Buick
2/10 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute
3 of the last 4 winners came from stall 8
The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 9/2
3:35 - MansionBet Beaten By A Head Diomed Stakes (Group 3) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m ITV4
17/17 – Had won over at least a mile before
15/17 – Had won a Listed or Group race before
15/17 – Had raced within the last 6 weeks
14/17 – Finished in the top 4 last time out
14/17 – Drawn in stall 6 or lower
13/17 – Had raced within the last 5 weeks
13/17 – Had won at least 4 times before
13/17 – Returned 8/1 or shorter in the betting
12/17 – Aged 5 or older
11/17 – Had raced at Epsom before
8/17 – Came from outside the top 3 in the betting
6/17 – Won last time out
5/17 – Winning favourites
3/17 – Trained by Andrew Balding
3/17 – Ridden by William Buick
Zaaki won the race in 2019
Century Dream won the race in 2018
The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 5/1
Note: This race is normally run at Epsom
Sandown Horse Racing Trends
2:05 - Sutton Handicap Cl2 (3yo 0-105) 7f ITV4
No previous runnings
Trainer Roger Varian has a 24% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer Mark Johnston is only 4 from 52 (8%) with his 3 year-olds at the track
15/15 – Returned 11/1 or shorter
13/15 – Had won over 5f before
11/15 – Placed favourites
11/15 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
11/15 – Returned 5/1 or shorter in the betting
10/15 – Had at least 2 previous runs that season
10/15 – Came from stall 7 or higher
9/15 – Had won at least 3 times before
9/15 – Irish bred
7/15 – Finished 1st or 2nd last time out
7/15 – Winning favourites
7/15 – Winning distance – 2 lengths or more
6/15 – Had won a Listed or Group 3 race before
5/15 – Ran at either Haydock (3) or Beverley (2) last time out
2/15 – Trained by Michael Bell
The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 5/1
3:15 - Claygate Handicap Cl2 (4yo+ 0-100) 1m ITV4
No previous runnings
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute has a 42% record with his 4+ year-olds at the track
Trainer Jamie Osborne has a 27% record with his 4+ year-olds at the track
Trainer Richard Hannon is only 2 from 30 with his 4+ year-olds at the track
Jockey Jason Watson has a 30% record when riding 4+ year-olds at the track
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/sat-tv-trends-copy.png320830Andy Newtonhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngAndy Newton2020-06-12 13:00:532020-06-11 11:34:01Sat TV Trends: 13th June 2020
The LIVE ITV Racing action is coming thick and fast at the moment with seven more races this Sunday.
We’ve the rescheduled 1,000 Guineas, from Newmarket, topping the bill, while the Brigadier Gerard, which is normally run at Sandown in May, has been moved up to Haydock.
As always, we’ve got all the LIVE races covered with key trends and stats – hopefully these will help whittle down the runners and point you in the direction of horses that fit the best past winning profiles.
10/10 – Aged between 4-6 years-old
10/10 – Drawn in stalls 5 or lower
10/10 – Won between 2-5 times before
9/10 – Returned 9/2 or shorter in the betting
8/10 – Didn’t win last time out
8/10 – Officially rated 102+
8/10 – Favourites placed in the top 3
8/10 - Had won over at least 1m2f before
7/10 – Placed in the top 3 last time out
7/10 – Last ran over 7 months ago
6/10 – Winning favourites
5/10 – Irish bred
4/10 – Drawn in stall 5
3/10 – Trained by Roger Varian
2/10 – Trained by John Gosden
Note: This race is normally staged at Ascot
2.25 Betfair Exchange Bet In-Play Handicap 1m2f ITV
No previous runnings
Sir Michael Stoute has a 19% record with his 4+ year-olds at the track
Trainer Andrew Balding is only 3 from 43 with his 4+ year-olds at the track
Trainer David Elsworth is 0 from 21 with his 4+ year-olds at the track
Jockey Tom Marquand is only 1 from 32 riding 4+ year-olds at the track
10/10 – Finished in the top three last time out
9/10 – Returned 6/1 or shorter in the betting
9/10 – Had between 1-3 runs before
9/10 – Won justg once before
8/10 – Drawn between stalls 1-6 (inc)
7/10 – Won last time out
4/10 – Winning favourites
4/10 – Trained by John Gosden (4 of the last 6)
4/10 – Ridden by Frankie Dettori (3 of the last 5)
2/10 – Went onto win the Epsom Oaks
3.35 Qipco 1,000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) 1m ITV
16/18 – Placed in the top 3 last time out
14/18 – Had won between 2-3 times before
13/18 – Had won a Group race before
13/18 – Drawn between 2-13 (inc)
11/18 – Won their previous race
11/18 – Winning distance – 2 lengths or less
11/18 – Came from outside the top 3 in the betting
11/18 – Yet to win a race over a mile (or further)
10/18 – Had raced at Newmarket (Rowley Mile) before
9/18 – Returned a double-figure price
8/18 – Ran at Newmarket last time out
8/18 – Won on their seasonal reappearance
7/18 – Had won at Newmarket (Rowley Mile) before
7/18 – Favourites unplaced
7/18 – Irish-trained winners
6/18 – Drawn in stalls 7 or 8
5/18 – Previous Group One winners
5/18 – Went onto win the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot
4/18 – Won by a US bred horse
4/18 – Won by the favourite
3/18 – French-trained winners
3/18 – Went onto finish fourth in the Epsom Oaks
3/18 – Ridden by Ryan Moore
2/18 – Ridden by Frankie Dettori
2/18 – Went onto win the Epsom Oaks (Kazzia 2002, Minding 2016)
Just one horse placed from stall 1 in the last 12 runnings
9 of the last 12 winners came between stalls 2-8 (inc)
The average winning SP in the last 17 years is 13/1
1,000 Guineas Facts
Owner Hamdam Al Maktoum has won the race 5 times (1990, 1991, 1995, 2000 & 2009)
Frankie Dettori has ridden the ridden the winner 3 times (1998, 2002 & 2011)
Ryan Moore has ridden the winner 3 times (2012, 2015, 2016)
Godolphin have won the race 3 times (1998, 2002 & 2011)
Aidan O’Brien has trained five winners, Virginia Waters (1995), Homecoming Queen (2012), Minding (2016), Winter (2017), Hermosa (2019)
Haydock Park Horse Racing Trends
2.05 Betway Pinnacle Stakes (Group 3) 1m 3 1/2f
17/17 – Had won over at least 1m2f before
15/17 – Returned 9/1 or shorter in the betting
14/17 – Finished in the top 3 last time out
14/17 – Rated 92 or higher
13/17 – Placed favourites
13/17 – Had won over 1m4f before
13/17 – Aged 4 years-old
12/17 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
10/17 – Drawn in stall 5 or lower
6/17 – Had run at Haydock before
5/17 – Winning favourites
4/17 – Won last time out
2/17 – Trained by Roger Varian
2/17 – Trained by John Gosden
2/17 – Ridden by Frankie Dettori
10/10 – Came between stalls 3-9 (inc)
10/10 – Returned 10/1 or shorter in the betting
9/10 – Aged 4 or 5 years-olds
17/17 – Had won at least twice before
15/17 – Had won over at least 1m2f before
13/17 – Favourites that finished in the top 3
13/17 – Returned 7/1 or shorter in the betting
13/17 – Had won a Group or Listed race before
13/17 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
13/17 – Had won between 2-4 times before
12/17 – Winning distance – 1 length or less
12/17 – Aged 4 years-old
12/17 – Rated 111 or higher
10/17 – Had won a Group Race before
10/17 – Raced within the last 7 weeks
8/17 – Drawn in stall 4 or lower
7/17 – Irish bred
6/17 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute
6/17 – Ridden by Ryan Moore (6 of last 9)
5/17 – Won last time out
5/17 – Winning favourites
4/17 – Raced at Newmarket last time out
2/17 – Raced at the Curragh last time out
The average winning SP in the last 17 years is 5/1
3.15 Betway Spring Trophy Stakes (Listed) 7f
10/10 – Aged between 4-6 years-old
10/10 – Had won over 7f before
10/10 – Returned 6/1 or less
8/10 – Placed in the top 3 last time out
8/10 – Placed favourites
7/10 – Drawn between stalls 1-3
7/10 – Won 4 or 5 times in the past
7/10 – Rated between 109 and 113
7/10 – Had raced in the last 8 weeks
6/10 – Irish bred
5/10 – Had raced at Haydock before
3/10 – Won last time out
3/10 – Winning favourites
2/10 – Trained by Richard Hannon (2 of last 5)
2/10 - Trained by David O’Meara (2 of last 5)
Safe Voyage won the race in 2019
Tabarrak won the race in 2018
Oh This Is Us won the race in 2017
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/tensovereigns_JulyCup2019_830x320.jpg320830Andy Newtonhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngAndy Newton2020-06-06 15:00:292020-06-05 12:00:56Sunday TV Trends: 7th June 2020
The LIVE ITV Racing action comes thick and fast this weekend as we've several more rescheduled races that were due to be run last month.
Newmarket and Newcastle are the two venues showing the LIVE action, with top races that include the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, plus we've also the Group Three Palace House Stakes, while the Sagaro Stakes is the main event up at Newcastle.
As always, we've got all the big race key trends and stats to help you find the best profiles based on recent results.
Saturday, June 6, ITV
Newmarket Horse Racing Trends
1.50 Palace House Stakes (Group 3) 5f ITV
16/17 – Had won over 5f before
15/17 – Won 3 or more times before
14/17 – Had won a Listed or Group race before
14/17 – Priced 8/1 or shorter
14/17 – Winning distance – 1 length or less
13/17 – Had run at Newmarket before
13/17 – Finished 1st or 2nd last time out
12/17 – Aged 5 or younger
11/17 – Placed favourites
11/17 – Rated between 108 and 114
11/17 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
9/17 – Won last time out
6/17 – Winning favourites
5/17 – Ran at Newmarket last time out
2/17 – Trained by Bryan Smart
Mabs Cross has won the race in 2018 and 2019
Just one placed horse from stall 1 in the last 13 runnings
7 of the last 13 winners came from stalls 2-7 (inc)
2.25 Dahlia Fillies’ Stakes (Group 2) 1m2f ITV
16/16 – Placed in the top 5 last time out
15/16 – Aged either 4 or 5 years-old
15/16 – Had won over 1m (or further) before
14/16 – Returned 5/1 or shorter in the betting
12/16 – Had won a Listed or Group race before
12/16 – Aged 4 years-old 9/16 – Had run at the course before
9/16 – Won this on first run of the season
7/16 – Ran at either Kempton (4) or Newmarket (3) last time out
7/16 – Won last time out
6/16 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute
6/16 – Ridden by Ryan Moore
6/16 – Winning favourites
4/16 – Ran at Kempton last time out
3/16 – Ran at Newmarket last time out
3/16 – Ridden by William Buick
2/16 – French-trained winners (2 of the last 6)
10 of the last 14 winners came from stalls 1-4 (inc)
3.00 Newmarket Stakes (Listed) 1m2f ITV
8/10 – Winners came from stalls 1 (3) or 2 (5)
8/10 – Won between 1 and 2 times
8/10 - Favourites placed in the top three
8/10 – Won over at least 1m before
7/10 – Returned 4/1 or shorter in the betting
7/10 – Won last time out
7/10 – Had raced in the last 3 weeks
7/10 – Had raced at Newmarket (Rowley) before
5/10 – Winning favourites
5/10 – Ran at Newmarket last time out
4/10 – Had won at Newmarket (Rowley) before
2/10 – Trained by Mark Johnston
2/10 – Trained by Charlie Appleby
2/10 – Ridden by William Buick
3.35 Qipco 2,000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) 1m ITV
18/18 – Finished in the top 3 last time out
16/18 – Had won over at least 7f before
16/18 – Had won a Group race before
16/18 – Had won between 2-5 times before
15/18 – Drawn in stall 12 or lower
14/18 – Won last time out
13/18 – Winning distance – less than 2 lengths
13/18 – Having their first run of the season
12/18 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
11/18 – Placed favourites
11/18 – Had won just 2 or 3 times in their career before
11/18 – Won by an Irish-based yard
10/18 – Irish bred
9/18 – Won by trainer Aidan O’Brien (10 wins in total)
7/18 – Drawn in stalls 1 or 3
7/18 – Had won over a mile before
6/18 – Winning favourites
5/18 – Had won at Newmarket (Rowley) before
4/18 – Went onto run in the Epsom Derby (2 winners)
4/18 – Won the Dewhurst Stakes the previous season
3/18 – Ran at the Curragh last time out
6 of the last 10 winners came from stalls 6 or lower
The average winning SP in the last 18 years is 10/1
Other 2,000 Guineas Facts
- Aidan O’Brien has won the race in 1998, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018 & 2019
- Frankie Dettori rode the winner in 1996, 1999
Newcastle Horse Racing Trends
2.05 Heed Your Hunch At Betway Handicap 7f ITV
No previous runnings
Trainer Michael Wigham has a 25% record with his 4+ year-olds or older at the track
Trainer Tom Dascombe has a 25% record with his 4+ year-olds or older at the track
Trainer John Gosden has a 22% record with his 4+ year-olds or older at the track
Trainer Karl Burke is only 2 from 43 (5%) with his 4+ year-olds or older at the track
Jockey Tom Eaves is only 10 from 206 (5%) when riding 4 year-olds or older at the track
2.40 Sagaro Stakes (Group 3) 2m 1/2f ITV
15/17 – Returned 11/2 or shorter in the betting
14/17 – Had won at least 3 times before
13/17 – Finished in the top 3 last time out
12/17 – Aged 4, 5 or 6 years-old
11/17 – Had won a Group race before
11/17 – Had won over at least 2m (flat) before
11/17 – Placed favourites
11/17 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
11/17 – Rated 108 or higher
8/17 – Had run within the last 6 weeks
7/17 – Winning distance – ½ or less
4/17 – Won last time out
4/17 – Winning favourites
3/17 – Raced at Nottingham last time out
3/17 – Trained by Sir Michael Stoute
2/17 – Went onto win the Ascot Gold Cup (2 of last 8)
Note: Normally staged at Ascot
3.15 Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap 1m ITV
No previous runnings
Trainer John Gosden has a 33% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer Sir Mark Prescott has a 24% with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer Hugo Palmer has a 23% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/sat-tv-trends-copy.png320830Andy Newtonhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngAndy Newton2020-06-05 13:00:222020-06-02 11:23:04Saturday TV Trends: 6th June 2020
With the UK horse racing set to return to normal we’ve some bumper ITV Racing days ahead – starting with seven LIVE races from Newmarket and Lingfield with rescheduled races that include the Coronation Cup and the Lingfield Oaks and Derby Trials.
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Friday, June 5th, ITV4
Newmarket Horse Racing Tips and Trends
1.50 Betway Handicap 6f ITV4
No previous runnings Trainer Tony Carroll has a 25% record with his 4+ year-olds at the track
Trainer David O’Meara is just 2 from 43 (5%) with his 4+ year-olds at the track
2.25 Abernant Stakes (Group 3) 6f ITV4
13/13 – Won over 6f before
12/13 – Aged 4 or older
11/13 – Returned 8/1 or shorter
10/13 – Had run at Newmarket before
10/13 – Won at least 4 times before
9/13 – Rated between 106 and 114
9/13 – Ran 5 months or more ago
9/13 – Favourites placed in the top three
8/13 – Placed in the top 3 last time out
8/13 – Aged between 4 or 5 years-old
7/13 – Irish bred
4/13 – Winning favourites
4/13 – Trained by Kevin Ryan
3/13 – Ran at Doncaster last time out
3/13 – Ridden by Jamie Spencer
2/13 – Won by the Hills stable
0/13 – Winners from stall 1 or 2
Brando won the race in 2018 and 2017, plus third in 2019
3.00 Paradise Stakes (Listed) 1m ITV4
10/10 – Aged 6 or younger
10/10 – Won over at least 7f before
10/10 – Didn’t win last time out
9/10 – Returned 11/2 or shorter
9/10 – Placed favourites
9/10 – Had run at the track before
8/10 – Aged 4 or 5 years-old
8/10 – Unplaced last time out
7/10 – Drawn 5 or lower
3/10 – Ran at Newmarket last time out
2/10 – Trained by John Gosden
2/10 – Ridden by William Buick
0/10 – Winning favourirtes
Zaaki won this race in 2019
Century Dream won this race in 2020
*Note: Normally run at Ascot (May)
3.35 Coronation Cup (Group 1) 1m4f ITV4
18/18 – Had previously won a Group 1 or 2 race
17/18 – Had won over 1m4f before
17/18 – Aged 6 or younger
16/18 – Finished in the top three last time out
15/18 – Aged either 4 or 5 years-old
13/18 – Raced within the last 5 weeks
12/18 – Ran at either Chester, York, Newmarket or the Curragh last time out
12/18 – Favourites placed
11/18 – Horses from stall 3 that were placed (four won)
8/18 – Won by trainer Aidan O’Brien (2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2017)
8/18 – Winning favourites
7/18 – Won their last race
6/18 – Had run at Epsom before
3/18 – Ridden by Ryan Moore (2009, 2011 & 2017)
1/18 – Winners from stall 1
The average winning SP in the last 15 years is 10/3
Lingfield Horse Racing Tips and Trends
2.05 East Grinstead Handicap 7f ITV4
No previous runnings
Trainer John Gosden has a 33% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer Roger Varian has a 27% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Trainer William Haggas has a 23% record with his 3 year-olds at the track
Jockey Robert Havlin has a 21% record riding 3 year-olds at the track
15/16 – Had won no more than once before
14/16 – Returned 8/1 or shorter in the betting
13/16 – Had no more than 3 career runs
13/16 – Placed in the top 4 last time out
10/16 – Came from stall 5 or higher
10/16 – Went onto run in the Epsom Oaks (no winners, two seconds)
8/16 – Had only won over a mile or shorter in the past
8/16 – Returned 5/2 or shorter in the betting
8/16 – Having first run of the season
8/16 – Won last time out
6/16 – Raced at either Newbury (3) or Newmarket (3) last time out
6/16 – Winning favourites
5/16 – Winning distance exactly 6 lengths
4/16 – Winners from stall 5
4/16 – Had won over 1m2f before
3/16 – Trained by Ralph Beckett
2/16 – Trained by William Haggas
3/16 – Trained by John Gosden
2/16 – Irish-trained winners
3.15 Derby Trial Stakes (Listed) 1m4f ITV4
17/17 – Had won no more than 3 times
14/17 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
14/17 – Went onto run in the Epsom Derby (1 winner, Anthony Van Dyck, 2019)
13/17 – Returned 5/1 or shorter in the betting
12/17 – Finished 4th or better last time out
12/17 – Favourites placed
11/17 – Had run within the last 4 weeks
8/17 – Drawn in stall 1 or 2
5/17 – Won last time out
5/17 – Trained by Aidan O’Brien
4/17 – Ran at Newbury last time out
4/17 – Winning favourites
3/17 – Ridden by Ryan Moore
High Rise (1998) and Anthony Van Dyck (2019) were the last winners to go onto win the Epsom Derby
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/USNavyFlag_JulyCup.jpg320820Andy Newtonhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngAndy Newton2020-06-05 10:24:482020-06-05 10:16:47Friday TV Trends: 5th June 2020
It's always a bit quiet this weekend with the Cheltenham hangovers, but there is still ITV Racing to take in with the cameras heading to Uttoxeter, with the Midlands National the feature, while they are also at Kempton Park.
As always, we are on hand with all the key trends and stats for the LIVE ITV races. Use these to whittle down the runners and find the best profiles of past winners.
Uttoxeter Horse Racing Trends
2.25 - 1834 Novices' Handicap Chase Cl2 3m ITV
13/16 – Aged 8 or younger
13/16 – Carried 10-9 or more
11/16 – Had raced within the last 4 weeks
11/16 – Had won between 1-2 times over fences before
10/16 – Had won over at least 3m (chases) before
10/16 – Placed last time out
10/16 – Never raced at Uttoxeter before
10/16 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
11/16 – Returned 7/1 or less
8/16 – Unplaced favourites
8/16 – Aged 7 years-old
5/16 – Won last time out
2/16 – Trained by Alan King
2/16 – Trained by Harry Fry (two of last three runnings)
2/16 – Ridden by Daryl Jacob
2/16 – Winning favourites
De Rasher Counter (4/1) won the race in 2019
3.00 - Burton Handicap Hurdle Cl2 2m4f ITV
Only 8 Previous Runnings
7/8 – Carried 10-13 or more in weight
6/8 – Returned 10/1 or shorter in the betting
3/8 – Winning favourites
3/8 – Aged 8 years-old
Poker Play (16/1) won the race in 2019
3.35 - Marston's 61 Deep Midlands Grand National Chase Handicap (Listed Race) Cl1 4m1f110y ITV
15/16 – Aged 9 or younger
14/16 – Had won between 1-4 times over fences before
14/16 – Carried 10-12 or less
14/16 – Had won over at least 3m (fences) before
13/16 – Had raced within the last 8 weeks
12/16 – Won by an Irish bred horse
12/16 – Had never run at Uttoxeter before
12/16 – Unplaced favourites
11/16 – Officially rated 135 or less
10/16 – Carried 10-9 or less
10/16 – Finished in the top 3 last time out
9/16 – Returned a double-figure-price in the betting
8/16 – Aged 7 or 8 years-old
8/16 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
5/16 – Won last time out
4/16 – Trained by David Pipe
3/16 – Won by an Irish-trained horse
2/16 – Winning favourites
The average winning SP in the last 16 years is 11.6/1
Only 6 previous runnings
Nicky Henderson has won 2 of the last 6 runnings
No winning favourite yet from the last 6 runnings
5 of last 6 previous winners carried 11-12 or more
Wicked Willy (20/1) won the race in 2019
3.15 – Paddy Power Silver Bowl (A Handicap Chase) Cl2 2m4f110y ITV
Only 6 previous running
1 winning favourite (co) from the last 6 runnings
5 of the last 6 winners carried 11-2 or more
Trainers Charlie Longsdon, Venetia William, Tom George, Ian Williams, Paul Nicholls, Tom George and Jonjo O’Neill have won the race so far
Forth Bridge (7/1) won the race in 2019
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/sat-tv-trends.png320830Andy Newtonhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngAndy Newton2020-03-13 17:00:402020-03-13 12:22:34Sat TV Trends: 14th March 2020
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