As the weekly list of big numbers are put together, I usually find that in order to get onto the list, you will need to put in a (110) performance on the clock. Last week, for some reason, there seems to be less clockbusters than usual and plenty that reached (109). The Dante wasn’t one of those races. The winner, The Foxes (110), was however 1L per/mile slower than par. The main talking point of the race appears to be the troubled passage, pardon the pun, of Passenger. The unlucky dead-heated third place finisher is not entered for The Derby at the moment and is quoted at a shorter price (6/1) than the winner (10/1) for the big race. All in all an unsatisfactory trial, one might say.
The biggest performance of the week was Michael Dod’s grey filly Azure Blue (114) who got the better of Highfield Princess (having her seasonal debut) in The Group 2 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes. The times on the opening day, on the straight course, indicated the ground was just on the quick side of good. Connections will be keen to try her at Group 1 level. Marhaba The Champ (114) showed his liking for a fast surface on the Friday at York following a second wind operation. One could see him still being very competitive off his new mark going forward. Another big performance on the Knavesmire was Croupier (112) who showed his recent (115) at Chelmsford was no fluke. Mrs Harrington’s Kingman filly Sounds Of Heaven (112) showed an admirable attitude to fend off all closers in the Oaks Farm Stables Listed Fillies race. Reported to have needed the race, Group 1 and Group 2 targets at The Curragh and Ascot are now on the agenda. Giavellotto (110) showed the benefit of having a more recent run than Eldar Eldarov, when reversing the form with that rival from last year’s St Leger in the Yorkshire Cup. Connections of the second will be confident of a better effort, with the run under his belt, going forward.
Modern Games (113) was the star at Newbury on Saturday and the four time Gp1 winner proved too strong for a field mostly made up of second tier performers. Shaquille (111) took the Listed Carnarvon Stakes well enough while displaying a round action. Another leap forward will be need for future Group 1 entries. Shobiz (110) looked a big raw gelding, that was still learning on the job, when taking the Class 3 handicap off a mark of (77). A new mark of (81) is definitely workable, if he can be convinced to put his best foot forward. Artistic Star (112) was the standout at Sandown on Tuesday. Ralf Beckett’s colt showed a nice attitude when getting the better of Torito, who already had a run under his belt. It was also heartening to read that trainer’s do sometimes think like punters. Ralf reported that he would be worried of the “dreaded bounce factor” for his charge when considering the Epsom Derby just two and a half weeks away.
Asadna (109) was the most interesting horse from the many that recorded this type of performance on the week. The fact that it was achieved on a Sunday will have caught many out. Early quotes of 16/1 for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot were quickly snapped up by some. Most notably, friend of the column, James of Northern Gamblers Racing. James posted this photo, which I loved, straight after the race with the simple headline : ASADNA!
It was all a bit of jolly prophesising until a certain Mr Taylor advised him as a strong bet at 9/1 antepost for the race. Hugh kindly revealed to his many followers on Twitter that he rated him a 2/1 shot. Well here we are 27 days from the event and 7/2 looks about the best you can get. The Racing Post then revelaed that the RPR rating of 106 was the biggest they have given a juvenile debutant in 16 years. Nobody needs telling that the performance is well above the norm on the clock and it looks like it’s going to be a mouthwatering contest with Aidan O’Brien’s current 3/1 favourite River Tiber, who was also in action on Sunday. While the son of Wootton Bassett could only manage a lowly (100) over the minimum trip, there was a lot to like about the performance. There will surely be loads more to come back up in trip. Incidentally a big speed figure prior to the Coventry Stakes hasn’t always been a requirement. Consider the following past winners best speed figures heading into the race – Bradsell (99), Berkshire Shadow (96), Nando Parrado (85) and Calyx (97). Another advertisement for the importance of accurate sectional timing and deeper research into the subject.
My favourite speed figure of the week was Not Too Real Bad (109) at Cork from a handicap mark of (72). Thomas Mullins’ filly comes from a race I like at Dundak and it looks like connections can have some fun off her new mark of (76).
Till next week,
Stay Lucky.
Graham