Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I continue my look back at a weekend of classic action in Ireland.
Apologies for the delay in posting Tuesday’s column. I've been dealing with an unusual issue: my laptop's ‘T' key isn't working properly. It's likely because it's the most frequently used key. Interestingly, the same problem occurred with my previous laptop, which I replaced four years ago. For now, I’m working on a fix, so I ask for your patience.
Anyway, enough about my minor technical problems—let’s get to today’s offerings.
Curragh – Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas
After the Newmarket 2000 Guineas form was franked on Saturday the 1000 Guineas form got a boost with Fallen Angel’s success in the Irish version on Sunday.
Fallen Angel, a disappointing eighth at Newmarket last time albeit from the worst part of the draw, bounced back to win Sunday’s classic in commanding style. Danny Tudhope dictated the early fractions, and when he kicked on two furlongs out, the filly wasn’t for catching, securing a comfortable victory. A Lilac Rolla finished second, with Opera Singer in third.
A Lilac Rolla chased the leader and improved on her previous form, staying the mile but ultimately couldn’t match the winner. Opera Singer ran an encouraging race. A setback early in the year meant she missed Newmarket, and her trainer indicated she would need the run. Finishing within 4 ¼ lengths of the winner was a solid effort. With this race under her belt and back on a sounder surface, Opera Singer can reverse placings with Fallen Angel in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Azada, making just her second career start, ran well to finish sixth, 5 ¼ lengths behind the winner. This experience will benefit her, and she should win races. Queen Of Thought, who was awkward at the start and off the pace, finished strongly to take seventh. While she may not win at Group 1 level, there are races to be won with her.
White Birch Upsets Auguste Rodin in Tattersalls Gold Cup
Despite winning four Group 1 races as a three-year-old, Auguste Rodin has never quite captured my admiration. Last season’s dual Derby winner was soundly beaten by the improving White Birch in Sunday’s Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup.
Auguste Rodin took the lead with a furlong to go, but White Birch, travelling strongly, soon pas him and quickened away to win by three lengths. It was a commanding success for White Birch, whose improved form seems to coincide with easier ground conditions. The way he finished suggests a return to 1m 4f later in the season could be beneficial, and he might even be an Arc contender. For now, he’ll be tough to beat over 1m 2f when there’s some cut in the ground.
The front two were 11 lengths clear of the third, indicating that while it wasn’t the strongest Group 1 field, the winner delivered a Group 1 performance. As for Auguste Rodin, this wasn’t a bad effort. Although he was several pounds below last season’s best, it was a step in the right direction after a poor run in Meydan. On quicker ground, he’ll likely perform better. On Sunday, he was simply beaten by a colt that has shown tremendous improvement from three to four.
Elegant Man, making his turf debut, was likely out of his depth and might not have appreciated the good-to-yielding ground.
Tuesday Racing
My keyboard troubles have prevented me from reviewing Tuesday's racing. Given my recent form, I doubt I would have picked a winner anyway. Also, my future winner's segment will now be in tomorrow's column.
Good luck with your Tuesday bet.
John