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Japan taking part seems all about what other horses Coolmore have for other races and stallion value. These days mile and a half horses need a 10f Group 1 to prove their speed for their next career. True there is nothing to suggest Japan needs shorter than 1m2f, but apart from Magical (who goes to the Yorkshire Oaks) they don’t have another top class 1m2f horse. Personally doubt he’s fast enough but AOB was successful in dropping what looked a 1m4f to 1m6f horse Circus Maximus back to 1m; so why not have a go… And there is no top class open European 1m4f race before the Arc, so again just as well come here. They also have many 3 year old 1m4f horses for this time of year and even more 3 year old stayers. Probably importantly, five of the first seven in the betting for Donny are Aidan O’Brien’s. So even though would have a great chance in the St Leger it’s doubtful that will be his Autumn target. If running well tomorrow then yes I’d expect the Irish Champion but folowed by the Arc to be his programme. If too slow, I’d expect the Prix Niel (1m4f) followed by the Arc.
Value Is EverythingThing is most of obreins 3yo stayers are much of a muchness
So say logician beats constantinople easily tomorrow
Suddenly japan might be the only horse obrein has who can win the leger
Especially with sir dragonet, broome and avd dissapointing since the derby
Be interesting to see which way they go
I’m pretty resigned to not getting a run for my money though
If Crystal Ocean shows his best form then he will win but no guarantees that he will show his best form today.
It was an exceptionally hard race he had last time against enable and he may have left his heart on the track. Also the only other time he visited York he was only 3rd (not necessarily significant as he was only a 3yo at that time and was still developing and was alsl 3rd the next time at Ascot).I just cant have any confidence that this horse will show his best today.
LORD GLITTERS at 33/1 ew for me.
Unbeaten at York having won his only previous race here at this meeting last year over 1m1f. It was a career best performance at the time and he beat Stoutes Mustashry who of course won the group 1 lockinge this year.
Lord Glitters has improved again this season and has already landed a group 1 the queen anne at royal ascot.
He was 3rd at goodwood last year, was 5th at goodwopd last time though only beaten 3 lengths at a track that isnt his favourite.
He was racing and winning over 1m2f as a 3yo in france on very soft ground and heavy so I have no worries whatsoever regarding this trip.
Unbeaten at track, won his group 1 on todays ground, career best form in 2018 came at this meeting, still improving, trainers in form, jockeys riding confident, trip spot on, proven group 1 winner.
33/1 is huge. Must go close. Even if he only places its still a better paying bet ew than a win bet on the favourite and he definitely could win today.
The queen anne form is strong
BEAT THE BANK 2nd in queen anne has since won a group 2 at ascot
ONE MASTER 3rd in queen anne. Beaten just a neck in a group1 at newmarket.
ROMANISED 4th in queen anne has since won a group 2 at the curragh and won a group 1 in deauville
LAURENS 6th in queen anne has since won a deauville group 1All these horses were running over 7f or a mile. LORD GLITTERS has the speed to beat these top class performers at the highest level. When LORD G brings his turn of foot to the 1m 2f table then things could get messy. He will be flying at the end and should slice through these like a knife through butter.
Good performance by Japan, Crystal Ocean was below his best though. Maybe the race came a bit too soon, maybe not quite at his very best at 1m2f. If Crystal Ocean had run to his best then the others wouldn’t have finished so close as that… And Elarqam could’ve been closer still with a 100% clear run. King Of Comedy didn’t settle fully early on and therefore can probably improve on that back down in trip.
Value Is EverythingAnother great race involving Crystal Ocean at one stage it didn’t look like he was going to get a place let alone finish as close as he did with them queuing up behind but he dug in very well to battle Japan all the way.
Japan is top class and could win many big group 1’s next season.Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
Crystal Ocean I always thought was vulnerable over 10 furlongs on a decent surface in a group 1, needs further ideally. So wasn’t on. Not surprised 1 beat him.
Verdict being just a head. Master O’Brien played his part in Japan’s victory, coming across on Circus Maximus and breaking the favourite’s early momentum.
Value Is EverythingJapan a high class animal then! Wasn’t a bad result, Regal would’ve been a better one, but just not as classy. King Of Comedy has bundles of ability, just a bit quirky!
Twitter: Jackh1092
Hindsight is 20/20 so make the most of it!The king george clearly left its market on crystal ocean
Wasnt the same horse who ran at ascot the last twice
Was only his toughness that saw him get as close as he did
The time will be interesting. The best two horse finished one two. Just makes you think if Japan didn’t have such a rushed prep for the Derby he would have won easily. I think Japan will be the new Highland reel and will be heading to the breeders cup and possibly the Hong Kong vase. He’s still improving so unless another superstar emerges over 10 or 12 f he’ll hoover up what he wants. I hope he doesn’t go to the Irish champion and heads straight to the arc where he will have a great chance. The juddmonte is a funny race but the best more often than not win.
Some interesting comments re this race.
Personally I think it wasn’t a great race quality wise and Team O’Brien got it just right.
Also I think if you swap the jockeys on the first two then you get a different result!
I used to be in the camp that Crystal Ocean is vulnerable over ten furlongs, then I changed my mind but have changed it back again!! LOL
An exciting race to watch but not top class.
Mr O’Brien will have to be selective in his choice of races for Japan to win any more top class group ones IMOWell done those on Japan
Mr O’Brien will have to be selective in his choice of races for Japan to win any more top class group ones IMO
Seems harsh Raymo!!? A horse clearly on the improve after a delayed start to his 3yo career
Twitter: Jackh1092
Hindsight is 20/20 so make the most of it!Need to watch it back a few times but on first impression I agree with Raymo that it didn’t look that strong a race and Japan won because Crystal Ocean didn’t run quite to form, maybe looks a bit tired now, lots of battles. Thankfully I had the saver on Japan, so no harm done. Regal Reality and King of Comedy should have a 1 on 1 race for the ‘Group 1 Quirk off!’
Japan has rattled off 3 straight wins at top level now pretty much and he could keep improving so I’ll be on his side next time out for sure.
Agreed Jack,
Although Crystal Ocean wasn’t at his very best it was a personal best by Japan; didn’t come to hand early. Racing over arguably a trip that’ll eventually prove short of his very best… And scope for improvement on two fronts. Fairly lightly raced and only midway through his three year old career. So may still progress with experience and with physical scope to grow in to his frame. Could improve for a while yet before his ratings ceiling is found.Value Is EverythingBe interesting to see if the king George has left a mark on enable. Magical is best at 12 f and if she is to beat enable tomorrow is the day. I’ve a feeling it will be mighty close. Wouldn’t surprise me if magical just nicked it. It’s very close at top of the rankings but I think it will be who wants it most.
Couldn’t believe that Japan went off at 5/1 because he has looked potentially top class since Ascot and the tactics of sacrificing Circus Max in order to get Crystal Ocean ‘at it’ too early were spot on.
Some of the post race reaction makes it sound like Crystal Ocean under performed and even if strict form analysis could demonstrate that Japan absolutely belongs in every G1 race from 10-12 furlongs between now and the end of the season as does the mighty Crystal and its no surprise to me that he is absolutely in that class and that he did what he did.
I don’t believe that the King George left it’s mark on Crystal Ocean. I think Enable will put that to bed today. The 10f form of CO is there for all to see. Only won on testing ground at the top table and running at a lower level over 10f in other wins. Never easy for a Leger placed horse to go back half a mile on decent ground giving weight away. Only it’s class got him so close yesterday.
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