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This 7 furlong affair is sometimes won by a colt with a fair degree of speed who gets the distance but as often by the best 2yo in an early season staying lottery. 11/2 BF Favourite
Beethoven
looks more than worthy of taking the honours on the basis of his admirable strength and endurance in defeat to the useful Love Lockdown over 6f at Naas last time. He wasn’t given an unduly hard race that time and if he is tucked in and settled early from his decent 9 draw he must have an excellent chance of being first past the post on the near rails.
Absolutely.
3.05 Royal Ascot
Hardwicke Stakes
2 pts win Doctor FreemantleBronze Cannon: Could not get in a blow from off the pace when only seventh of nine in the King Edward VII Stakes over C&D 12 months ago, having previously looked one to follow) after Doctor Freemantle (a horse whom he had beaten off level weight in a handicap) ; Was below par on AW for the rest of the season , before enjoying the return to this trip when landing Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket last month, although form of that steadily run three-runner affair not the easiest to assess, especially with odds-on favourite looking unhappy on the ground and running well below par; Has to give weight all round today to what look like better rivals on paper.
Campanologist: Developed into high-class performer on quick ground last year, recording biggest success when allowed to dictate in King Edward VII Stakes over C&D, with Group 1 winning Conduit in behind (got going way too late and too wide); Proved that to be no fluke when 2nd to Pipedramer in York Stakes next; left impression would come on for the run when fading late in Brigadier Gerard Stakes on return last month but should be no excuses here in race he may be able to dominate, with no real pace horses; Likely to go close but through line with Staying On, may have a bit to find with Doctor Freemantle.
Dansant: Dual winner on quick turf but established himself as top performer on Polytrack and was winning his sixth Listed race on that surface at Kempton in March; Pick of his turf form needs improving on, but wouldn’t count out.
Doctor Freemantle: High-class performer over this trip last year when fourth in the Derby after winning the Chester Vase, before then coming a good 4th in the GP De Paris, ending season on a low note due to inability to stay in St Ledger, fading into 8th; Just got away with drop back to 1m2f when making successful return at Chester last month (his second win there) and sure to make bold bid back over optimum trip here, having handy line through Campanologist through Staying On, whom he beat and head Campanologist a good length behind, however expect it to be close between the 2.
Enroller: Done all his winning at this trip, taking step forward when making successful reappearance in Group 3 at Newbury in April; Form of that race working out well, but need to prove he’s a fast ground horse here.
Illustrious Blue; Consistent, but even on pick of efforts in his career, when not disgraced when third in 1m4f Listed race at his beloved Goodwood a fortnight ago, has more to prove than most in this field.Steele Tango: Decent showing in Group company this spring without suggesting he is up to winning a race like this and did not truly see out this trip on first try when third to impressive Duncan over C&D last month; Expect Campanologist to improve past him, and he does look up against it on form.
Tajaaweed: Lightly raced and not gone on as expected since making winning return in Dee Stakes last season, stamina seeming to fail him only try at 1m4f when eighth in the Derby; On basis of that one could expect similar problem to arise; Only start this season when fading in Prix Ganay, and has questions to answer.
Barshiba: Decent record at 1m on this track but consistency not her strong point, well below her best when securing minor honours in Group races with no strength in depth this spring and stamina for this trip has to be proved too (stays 1m2f); As said above, similar problem could occur here, and on basis of this, form doesn’t look good enough.
VERDICT: Campanologist has proved popular and should go close here with a seasonal run under his belt. However, stronger from claims are boasted by DOCTOR FREEMANTLE, who just got away with a drop back to 1m2f last time and upped back in trip, can take this. His trainer’s other contender’ Tajaaweed, looks to have questions to answer about stamina, the same going for Steele Tango and Basrshiba. Illustrious Blue just doesn’t look classy enough, and Bronze Cannon had the Jockey Club Stakes fall into his lap and has more to do under a penalty.
That’s what I think of the race, any thoughts?
2.35 Agean
3.05 South Easter
3.45 Ghannati
4.20 Perfet Stride
4.55 Stately Home
5.30 Swift Gift2.35 Moinesur Chevalier
3.05 Take The Hint
3.45 Yeats
4.20 Desert Creek
4.55 Freemantle
5.30 Johann Zoffany2.30 Ocean’s Mintrel (Res Donatiuium)
3.05 Lush Lashes (nap) (Res Porvisoso)
3.45 Vison D’etat (Res Never On Sunday)
4.20 Dunn’o (Res Kavachi)
4.55 Don’t Tell Mary (Res Misheer)
5.30 Photographic (Res Moneycanbuymelove)2.30 Alexandaros (Res Gladaitorius)
3.05 Fleeting Sprit (Res Sceninc Blast)
3.45 Mastercraftsman (Res Delgator)
4.20 Red Jazz (Res No Hubris)
4.55 Sesnta (Res Kayf Aramis)
5.30 Star Rover (Res The Hermitage)Borderlescott: Never run a bad race, and proved himself better than ever last year when campaigned mainly at this trip, winning the Nunthorpe and placed in Temple and the Abbaye; Ran good race when 3rd in temple on what was probably unsuitably heavy ground; However was beaten fair and square by Look Busy, but trainer expects him to be better than that and will get required lead here, so looks like a soild place option if running to best.
Cannonball: One of what will be many runners for US Based Wesley Ward at this meeting; Although he may not boast a string of stakes race wins like his Aussie and far eastern rivals he’s young, progressive and registered some blistering early fractions when runner-up in the Shakertown Stakes, one of America’s leading sprint contests run on turf; Would looks to have a bit of ground to make up, but threat if leading from the front.
Captain Gerrard: Looked set for big things when winning Place House in really good style at Newmakret last year; Creditable 4th behind Marchand D’Or; But then disappointed and has never been same since.
Dandy Man: Is a high class sprinters on his day, and has often not had the rub of the green but he ran out of excuses last year and folded tamely in Palace House on return under seemingly ideal conditions; Disappointed again last time and might be losing his way now.
Equiano: Looked promising when finishing 2nd to Marchand D’Or in Prix Du Gros Chene; Confirmed that with good victory in King’s Stand Stakes; 4th to Borderlescott next time out, and could never get into the L’Abbaye at the back end; 6f seemed to stretch him in good Listed contest on his reappearance and same story in Duke Of York, where he was disappointing, and looked to be going backwards based on 9th behind Tax Free in Prix Du Gros Chene
Fullandby: Perfectly decent sprint handicapper, with big placed efforts behind Evens And Odds and Chief Editor off 102 and 100; Looked to be going somewhere when just failing to get up past Excuses Moi, but 7th in listed race behind Iylasos leaves him with too much to find for my liking.
Iyalsos: Unbeaten so far in his career, all but one of those having been on sand in Greece; Showed he’s capable of running in Group & Listed company when running down Anglesarke and Hoh Hoh Hoh to win the Achilles Stakes in testing ground at Haydock last time out; Clearly capable of good form judged on that, and there should be more to come, but looks outclassed against world’s best.
Mythical Flight: Been working his way up sprinting ranks with remarkable progress in South Africa, going on a 8 win unbeaten run, starting with a listed win before taking Group 3 Lebelo Handicap, before putting in a then career – best to take 1st of his 2 Grade 1’s in Graham Beck Wines Cape Flying Championship, before giving an easy beating to Mocha Java (same horse he defeated in his 1’st Grade 1 victory), before beating Rebel King easily to take his 2nd Grade 1 in the Comptuaform Sprint; Things not gone so well since, paying the price for his win when unable to give 5lbs and losing out by a neck to Kildonan, before simply coming up against a better horse in War Artist; Slightly disappointing when beaten at 1/7 in Mercury Sprint, and then put in repeatable effort behind O Caesur in Graham Beck Championship (he won a year ago), finishing 2nd behind O Caesur; Pitched into top company soon after that, but put in only respectable efforts (might not have been at best) when 7th behind Inspiration and 6th behind Sacred Kingdom in Krisflyer; Needs to do better on toughest stage yet.
Scenic Blast: Looked to be going nowhere after flopping big time when 11th of 12 behind Weekend Hussler in the Mesmie Stakes; Back on track with an handicap win and found new lease of life when sent sprinting, building on handicap second with surprise win in Lighting Stakes at 20/1, beating off decent competion including Weekend Hussler (beaten favourite) , before killing his chances in Oakleigh Handicap with slow break; Much better in Crown Handicap last time, reversing form with Swiss Ace (3lbs better off); Lot of ability and 9/2 a fair price, and while better sprinters have come over from Australia, must be respected.
Tax Free: Worst position is 4th in last 6 outings, underling his consistency over the last 2 seasons; Had been running well in Ireland until cracking 3rd in Temple Stakes at Haydock in what was one of many solid efforts last year; Jumped up to a new level when beating Equiano in cracking renewal of Abnenaunt stakes at Newmarket’s Craven meeting, before just running out of Stamina over a flying 6f at York in the Duke Of York stakes, and was seen right back to his best when landing Prix Du Gros Chene, beating High Class field in the Process; Showed he can mix it with best, and does look e/w value.
Wi Dud: Always been a decent performer in Group and Heritage Handicap company; Off the back of a cracking 3rd against some Group class sprinters in the Temple Stakes, and a nice draw to benefit him, looked to have a cracking chance off a mark of 100, leaving him 5lbs well in when tackling Investec “Dash” at Epsom; Sent off 5/1 and disappointed slight after showing good early speed to fade into 7th; More than that needed here.
Fleeting Sprit: Followed up a good win in the Flying Childers with a cracking 2nd to Natagora in the Cheveley Parks stakes to round of good 2 yr old season; Returned with a bang to land Temple Stakes in new course record to kick off 3 yr old season, and was subsequently sent off 15/8 to land this last year, before finishing a good 3rd in the King’s Stand; May have found softish ground against her when 5th to Marchand D’or in L’Abbaye, flowing that up with highly creditable 4th in Breeder’s Cup Turf Sprint, going a furlong more than she has ever been, and handling a bend for the 1st time; Looks to have been set out to run a big race in this, and record fresh hold no worries (Won on debut, won on 3 yr old reappearance) , if returning to best form (may may well not have reached that level) surely holds big chance.
Armour Propre: Improved in leaps and bounds since disappointing 2 yr old debut at Sandown, beating useful types in Deposer and Lucky Leigh in maiden and novice stakes victories before topping that off with all the way win in Cornwallis stakes over course and Distance, breaking smartly to lead on the rail side duo, leading over a furlong out, and keeping on gamely to win by a neck from Waffle; Confirmed promise with good when in competitive renewal of Palace House Stakes at the Guineas meeting, being handle in the middle and speeding away at the line; Not telling how good he could be but yet to be tested like this.
Rivaeaulx World: Made a blistering start to life when winning 1st time up as a juvenile in his maiden auction stakes, making the most of his favourable inside draw, soon finishing himself in front and looking in command from some way out, coming home a comfortable winner; Marked himself out as good horse when building on that again with easier win in Nusery Handicap, smashing his field by 6 lengths; Put up good effort to finish 4th in Molecomb, before clearly needing run badly when 5/2 in conditions stakes at Warwick on reappearance, but stepped up on that no end when 6th in Place House, form of which has been given some good boosts , and was good 2nd behind Anglezarke last time out; Well held on that form.
Spin Cycle: Got the job done in gritty style on debut in Musselbrugh maiden, before putting in arguably career best effort in Norfolk Stakes, pushing South Central all the way; Slightly disappointing when 5th in Molcombe and career taken an downward turn after that, with unplaced efforts in Gimcrack (Run at Newbury) and Cornwallis; Made pleasing return showing nice speed to win a conditions stakes at Musselbrugh; But those formlines have him no better than Anglezarke.
Waffle: Hadn’t come in his coat and was a touch burley but he had a nice look about him and that was reflected in his performance when getting job done on debut in maiden stakes at Leicester; Went into Nusery company after that, his best effort in that company coming off a mark of 89 when 2nd to Mythical Blue; Raised his game by about 17lbs when 2nd to Armour Propre in Cronwallis, following it up with 2 decent efforts this year, one 7 lengths behind Anglezarke in York conditions stakes, and the other when beaten 1 and half lengths into second by Noble Storm in same company last time out; Looks held on those efforts in this company.
Angleszarke: Was the pick of the paddock in a race where nothing seemed keen to make the running and allowed to bowl along to record easy idling success on her debut; Seemed to need run when 4th in novice stakes and was back in winner spot again, when recording success in Nursery company, and has done nothing by perform commendably since; Next run was 6th behind Elnawin in big sales race, before putting in one of best efforts ever when 2nd to Madame Trop Vite in Flying Childers Stakes, before putting in really below par effort when 5th out of 7 in Ayr listed race; 4th in Cornwallis stakes was a nice effort as was reappearance win over Waffle and listed 2nd, but still has a lot to find.
Lucky Leigh: Made a very nice juvenile debut, travelling well just off the pace, going on over a furlong out and being pushed clear for nice, easy 4 and half length success; Followed that up with good 4th in Queen Mary at Royal Ascot, and looked below par when 5th in Cherry Hinton; Sent off 2/5 but cam up against one too good in Armour Propre in Bath novice stakes; Below par last run of Juvenile campaign, but it was an awful effort she put in last time and she runs at Sandown today.
VERDICT: Yet another cracking Group 1 sprint, with challengers from all parts of the world to make a fascinating contest. The Australian challenger Scenic Blast looks like a good Group 1 sprinter with a swooping late rattle, but he was fully entitled to revise form with Swiss Ice last time, and while he’s got a winning chance, I’m keen to take him on for the fact that Australia have sent better sprinters for this, and his come from behind style won’t exactly serve him well in this field. Armour Propre could still be anything, but he needs to step up considerably on what he’s done so far. That having been said, he should hold all the other British 3 yr olds, who wile being useful types, all look well held at this level. Mythical Flight looked like a top sprinter in the making, and may not be done improving yet, but he does have some ground to make up. Cannonball would need to be contesting Grade 1 sprints to have a realistic form chance, but he has shown remarkable speed in his starts so far, according to reports. WI Dud looked to be coming back to his best, but really speaking frankly, one would have wanted him to perform better when 5lbs well in on Derby day. Equiano just hasn’t really improved for the switch to Barry Hill’s yard. Hoh Hoh Hoh, Fullandby, Dandy Man (Seemed to have lost his way) and Captain Gerrard (Lost his from since winning Palace House Stakes) all look held by Iayalsos, who really caught the eye when taking the Achilles stakes on his British debut, and could well improve a bundle and run a huge race. He should have more to come, and coming from behind in soft ground can’t have been easy that day. However, there has to be a question whether he can do it against the world’s best. Borderlescott has never run a bad race, and is worth his place at this level, but this is a new tougher test for him. He should give it his all. Winners and the top 4 from the Prix Du Gros Chene have a great record, and with that in mind it may be worth putting an e/w bet on TAX FREE, who has been coinstent for the past 2-3 seasons, and looked as he could be about to join the Group 1 table when landing the Group 2 Prix Du Gros Chene. FLEETING SPRIT had the looks of a Group 1 horse when ahead of her injury, and the fact that the Noseda yard was souvenir under form (closed down soon afterwards) gives us more hope. One could of the opinion that she didn’t handle the soft ground on Arc day, and it was clear that 6f202 yds was a trip too fat around a bend in the BC Turf Sprint last time out. She goes well fresh, and she will have been laid out for this.Wow this thread is a bit premature since we dont have the decs yet. Steinbeck was very impressive on debut but not a fan of sending early season 2yr old over to Ascot on there 2nd run. He will likely to be quite short although unlike last year he is sure not to be another Peter Tchaviosky
Yeah, Peter Tchaikovsky was a bit of a blowout. But, he was extremely said their horses are going or not going, and i LOVE debating 2 yr old.
Gold Bubbles form was far from franked by an odds on victory by Air Chief Marshal before getting stuffed a couple of weeks later.
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Wouldn’t say he was stuffed, 3rd in a Listed race over a trip too short after getting in a Barging match is OK at the least.Welcome to the forum Our Vic and thanks for the comprehensive preview. Its Steinbeck for me in this one if it runs. Not only do I think it’ll improve a ton, it’s named after my all time favourite writer.
Thanks a lot. Sure i’ll enjoy it here. Anyway, i’m with you all the way.
Great opener Our Vic. Nice work.
I’m with Canford Cliffs for this one. Ironically enough I was against him with Tom Dascombe’s Barzan FTO after hearing good things about him, but oh how silly I looked after CC ran away after a couple of shakes!
I backed Art Connessieur in the Coventry last year after watching his impressive turn of foot last time out and he we all saw just how he picked up in the Coventry.
Might regret it but I’m happy to take Steinbeck on for this race. Can’t help but think we won’t see the best of him as a 2YO and think that others will be better suited to this race.
Both No Hubris and Red Jazz I view as real contenders but as unoriginal as it is, Canford Cliffs will win this IMO.
Agree with you on Red Jazz and No Hubris, but i much prefer the former. Only worry about Cfranford Clifffs is thweither his maiden was any good. Simliar story came up with Orizibaba, won by 13 legths oat Newbury, sent off 11/4 fav, finsihed 5th. Turned out to be a very good horse mind you (Group 2 winner)
Might regret it but I’m happy to take Steinbeck on for this race. Can’t help but think we won’t see the best of him as a 2YO and think that others will be better suited to this race.
Fair enough. AOB’S had about 5 covnetry winner’s in the last 13 years, so he can do the trick.
VERDICT: A race not lacking in quality, but a tricky one. Cranford Cliffs is sure to be popular after his demolition job 1st time out, but his race looked weak and he might be worth opposing. Coporal Maddox and Moinseur Chevalier looks to be missing this, and if they were to turn up should be respected, but are passed over on the grounds they won’t come. Radiohead was visually impressive last time out, but his form doesn’t stand up to much. No Hubris was very impressive when beating Flying Statesman and Beethoven, and should hold the form. However, when talking of potential, STEINBECK was highly though of his trainer before making an impressive debut at Naas, to beat some good horses with ease. The potential and room for improvement he has is just massive, and while he’s far from unapposable, he could be the best in the race. RED JAZZ is by far the best preferred of the others, and has the look of a solid e/w bet.
It seems most of your conclusion is based on the opinion of Aidan O’Brien. He has hinted that the horse is good so consequently it must be. Given the subsequent performance of the third it looks as if Steinbeck effectively beat one horse on debut. There is nothing to suggest that form is any better than Canford Cliffs. I am happy to stick with the Hannon horse and assume Monsieur Chevalier will be the one to beat in the Norfolk if the rain stays away.
I do agree that Moinesur Chevalier will be the one to best in the Norfolk if the rain stays away, and 5-1 looks very big. Already a winner at Listed level, and a good one too.
My verdict is not based on O’Brien’s comments. Fact of the matter is that the horse was a winner in conditions company on it’s 1st run, has the potential to impove again, beat a decent horse and stable seem to think a lot of it. I could just as easily have picked Cranford Cliffs.
1 pt win Steinbeck
1 pt e/w Red Jazz
Canford Cliffs: By Tagula out of a Marju mare (Mrs Marsh), so bred to be speedy; Positive stable vibes proved right by impressive maiden win, tracking the leaders before being shaken up by Richard Hughes and going away to win by 7 lengths easily from Rakaan and Barzan; Former beaten by a nose when short priced favourite next time out and latter already won since before repeatable 5th in Woodcote stakes on Derby Day; Not hard to see him going very close but it is arguable what the from is worth.
Steinbeck: Given very strong mentions by trainer (won this race in 5 times in last 13 years) in stable tour for the Racing Post as “a horse the birds in the trees are singing about" ; Proved his trainer right with good sharp success when pitched into conditions company at Naas first time out, travelling well, kicking on and winning eased down from Gold Bubbles (Winner previously beating Listed 3rd Air Chief Marshal), Rockymountainhigh, and King Ledley (1st juvenile winner of the season, with strong formlines); Massive potential and more to come; Major player.
Moinesur Chevalier: arguably the most impressive juvenile horse seen this season, with a perfect 4 from 4 record, all obtained with a brilliant turn of foot; won on debut by 5 lengths from Diamond Laura in what looked an above average maiden for Folkestone, before then followed up in good style from Soccer in a Newmarket conditions race, with the Brocklesby winner Hearts Of Fire in 4th; Pretty much had an easy canter from Archers Road, who gave his form another boost when landing the Brian Yeardley at Beverley; Latest win was by far the most impressive, when winning National Stakes by wide margin considering he had trouble in running form Star Rover; Looks set for Norfolk stakes (5-1 fav) but if turning up here, looks set for major run.
No Hubris: By Proud Citizen out of a Flying Paster mare (Innatness) so bred to be speedy over 6f; Made an impressive winning debut when breaking to lead from gate, staying the in the lead, quickening 1f out to take himself about 2 and a half lengths clear for the field, and winning pretty much unchallenged from a decent bunch of newcomers; The second has won since, and the 3rd was only beaten half a length by a good horse on Love Lockdown, so form working out ok, but has to step up on that here; Major player.
Red Jazz: Beautifully bred colt by Johannesburg out of a Sword Dance Mare (Now That’s Jazz), so bred with a near – perfect mix of stamina and speed to last out a strong 6f (should get further); Broke smartly and blazed away to decimate opposition in 5f Windsor maiden; Stepped up on that from when winner of a good 6f conditions stakes over C&D, giving weight and a beating to Archers Road (winner again since) , and Little Perisher (winner again since) Fatellino (Winner again since ) and Walkingonthemoon (2nd behind Corporal Maddox, btn half a length at Epsom in the Woodcote stakes); Looks sure to improve again, nice straightforward colt, and has possibly been overlooked at 14/1.
Corporal Maddox: By Royal Applause out of a Distant View mare, so was always going to stay a strong 6f and upwards; Green on his debut, he picked up his maiden at Hamilton last time and has now followed up in Listed company, which underlines his progressive profile especially given how far back he came from and how much he won by; Good form in the book, but trainer Karl Burke wants to wait for Newmarket’s July meeting, so it’s more likely he will be out in the July Stakes next, but if turning up here must have solid chance although many of his chief rivals do have better form.
Air Chief Marshal: Looked badly in need of the run when weakening behind Gold Bubbles on debut; Put that right with easy 8 length win at Gowran Park next time out before having hampered passage last time out in Marble Hill Stakes when sent off 9/10 favourite; Does looks slightly exposed now and while he deserves to be here, he’s vulnerable to an improver.
Little Perisher: Looked to be going somewhere with a good 3rd to Red Jazz (likely to reoppose) in conditions event over C&D and good maiden win, but disappointing at Epsom last time out and needs more.
Radiohead: Speedy Johannesburg colt who was too green to do himself justice on debut, breaking slowly and becoming detached in last at halfway, before hanging when delivering his challenge and not helping Jamie Spencer; Much improved for the run, (as is case with most Meehan juveniles) next time at Newmakret, beating a field of mostly newcomers with ease; Entilted to win as he did, and needs to find more.
Beethoven: One of few 2 yr old’s for Oratorio this season; Looked in need of the run at York when 3rd behind No Hubris (9/4 fav); Judged on his good 2nd to Love Lockdown (put his head down and battled all the way to the line) he has improved, but not enough to take a race of this calibre.
Alrasram: Reported to have done planet of work before getting run out of it when looking much the best on paper for 6f maiden stakes at Newbury; Did it in nice style from Big Audio when 5/6 at Doncaster but needs to step up here.
Love Lockdown: Just behind Pilgrim Dancer and Alfred Nobel on heavy ground at the Curragh on debut; Improved leaps and bounds for better ground and that run when clear cut winner of Leopardstown maiden, making all and winning easily, with the from being boosted by Emperor Claudius since; Showed very likeable attitude to beat better fancied Ballydoyle inmate Beethoven (put his head down and battled all the way to the line) giving weight away; Good enough to run well here, but surprise if he were good enough to win.
Flying Statesman: Good 2nd behind No Hubris at York’s Dante meeting; Improved since that judged on nice Ayr maiden win at 2-5, but no reason why form should be reversed from that.VERDICT: A race not lacking in quality, but a tricky one. Cranford Cliffs is sure to be popular after his demolition job 1st time out, but his race looked weak and he might be worth opposing. Coporal Maddox and Moinseur Chevalier looks to be missing this, and if they were to turn up should be respected, but are passed over on the grounds they won’t come. Radiohead was visually impressive last time out, but his form doesn’t stand up to much. No Hubris was very impressive when beating Flying Statesman and Beethoven, and should hold the form. However, when talking of potential, STEINBECK was highly though of his trainer before making an impressive debut at Naas, to beat some good horses with ease. The potential and room for improvement he has is just massive, and while he’s far from unapposable, he could be the best in the race. RED JAZZ is by far the best preferred of the others, and has the look of a solid e/w bet.
Sandown on Thurs was a real eye opener , high quality card , very very small crowd
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What???? Even on the telly you could hear them screaming Conduit home.
