Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I delve into Thursday’s action.
Flat racing’s greatest show is almost here. Royal Ascot starts Tuesday — five days, 35 races, all live on ITV Racing. You’ll catch the first six races each day on ITV1, with the finale switching to ITV4.
I know it’s heresy for jumps fans, but Royal Ascot beats Cheltenham. It’s more competitive. It’s global. And it doesn’t need “Festival” tacked onto the end — it is the original.
For me, racing is about speed and spectacle, and Ascot delivers both in spades. Let’s hope the sun holds and we get quick ground. I can’t promise that — but I can promise serious racing.
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Thursday Racing: Not Ascot, But Still Worth a Look
Royal Ascot may be days away, but Thursday’s action is worth following.
The Group 3 Barberstown Castle Stakes (6:20) at Leopardstown headlines, offering €60,000 in prize money. Newbury also puts up a competitive card.
Leopardstown: Class and Comebacks
Royal Zabeel (Mick Appleby) heads over from the UK. A winter improver on the all-weather, he landed a Listed race at Wolverhampton in March. Turf hasn’t gone to plan since, but back at 7f should suit — and there’s no reason he can’t match his Tapeta form on grass.
Comanche Brave was a solid 2yo and returned with a runner-up finish to Henri Matisse — who went on to win the French 2,000 Guineas. He didn’t stay the mile in the Irish Guineas, so this drops back to 7f looks a smart move. Ryan Moore takes the ride for the first time.
Norwalk Havoc hit a career-high RPR when making all to win a Listed race here over a mile last October. He’s drawn wide in stall 10, which isn’t ideal for a front-runner. But if he’s fit, he can go close.
Newbury: Juddmonte Watch Begins
No Colin Keane at Leopardstown — he’s heading to Newbury instead for his first ride as the Juddmonte retained jockey. He has four mounts, with the most interesting being: Blue Bolt (3:50 Fillies’ Novice Stakes) for Juddmonte: Made all at Windsor and looked smart doing it. Steps up in grade here. She faces Consecrated, who should be capable of better than we’ve seen so far. And Consecrated’s stablemate Seren Star, who was green but promising on racecourse debut at Newmarket. Expect improvement.
Newbury Pointers – Thursday
4:25 – Surrey Shadow didn’t follow up on a promising Doncaster run when only 6th at Sandown. Still on a workable mark on winning all-weather form. Capable of better.
Photosynthesis and Warm Spell were 5th and 6th behind Get It at Ascot over 6f. Neither enjoyed the speed test on form ground. Photosynthesis was a close 3rd over this C&D on seasonal return. Easier ground suits. Warm Spell is better judged on his Doncaster second over today’s trip. He won over C&D last July and should go well.
5:00 – Arnaz bounced back from a poor effort on firm ground at Ascot when 3rd at Yarmouth last time — met trouble but finished well. Runs off the same mark. Stable going well.
5:33 – Circus Of Rome struggled on fast ground in the London Gold Cup Handicap here (1m2f). Last time. This represents a drop-in class, but the step up to 1m4f may not suit.
Stormy Monday looked to relish this trip when third at Haydock 13 days ago. Briefly didn’t get a run 1f out and would’ve finished closer if he had. Only up 2lb. Yard in good form.
San Munoz improved for the step up over 1m2f on handicap debut at Leicester 16 days ago. Dam stayed 1m4f, so this extra distance could unlock more improvement. Yet to race on ground faster than good.
We’ll ramp up Royal Ascot talk in the coming days, for now, enjoy Thursday’s action.
John