Hi all,

Welcome to June – and with it, the start of summer from a meteorological standpoint. It’s one of the finest months of the Flat season, and although Saturday was low-key by recent standards, there was still Group action to enjoy.

With the Derby and Oaks just days away, and Royal Ascot looming large, it was no surprise to see a slightly quieter Saturday. Even so, we had two Group 3s at Haydock and another at York, and field sizes held up well considering the proximity to Epsom and Ascot.

The weekend’s main event took place across the Channel – Sunday’s Qatar Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

Inside today’s main piece you can read my thoughts on the French Classic and the best of Saturday’s Group action.

Read More »Prix du Jockey Club: Camille Pissarro Books Eclipse Date?

Hi all,

We’re back at Haydock on Saturday for a solid card, just one week before the Derby. It’s not top-tier stuff, but there’s still Group action to enjoy.

The Group 3 Lester Piggott Fillies' Stakes (2:58) returns won by Queen Of The Pride last year is a good trial for the Lancashire Oaks over C&D. The Group 3 John Of Gaunt Stakes (3:33) features some classy 7f performers. Can the classy but unpredictable Audience make a winning return? The Listed Achilles Stakes (2:23) is another to watch – both Regional and Believing won this before scoring at Group 1 level.

Let’s get stuck into the ITV races at Haydock:

Read More »A Returning Audience

Hi all,

Friday’s racing is fairly low key, but the final declarations for Saturday landed yesterday. With the Derby just a week away, this weekend’s action may lack a standout contest in terms of quality—but it looks competitive across the ITV cards. Field sizes have held up well, especially considering the recent uncertainty around the weather and it’s impact the going.

Read More »Two Shoes For Down Royal

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I am looking at this evening’s top class card at Sandown.

Read More »Sandown Evening Treat