Ascot 19 June 2009

Going: Good to Firm
 
 

Instructions

1

14:30 Ascot (Class 1) (2YO only)

Albany Stakes (Fillies' Group 3)

6f

Winner £39,739 - 22 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

A competitive renewal of this fillies' Group 3 contest, with added spice courtesy of the presence of a US raider, Aegean, who is unbeaten in her two starts so far. However, the vote goes to the well regarded LILLIE LANGTRY, who built on her promising debut effort when scoring with plenty to spare at Naas at the beginning of the month. Clearly at home on top of the ground, the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly can continue her progression. She's A Character may prove the best of the home defence.

2

15:05 Ascot (Class 1) (3YO only)

King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)

1m 4f

Winner £92,947 - 12 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Free Agent would be a popular winner for The Queen at this meeting, but connections' decision to bypass the Derby with SOUTH EASTER may well be rewarded in this Group 2 affair. He probably didn't beat much when landing the Dee Stakes at Chester last month, but that was just his second career start and there could be a good deal more to come from the son of Galileo. Derby also-rans Black Bear Island and Debussy rate the chief dangers to the selection.

3

15:45 Ascot (Class 1) (3YO only)

Coronation Stakes (Fillies' Group 1)

1m

Winner £154,698 - 10 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

GHANAATI is taken to prove that her commanding victory in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month was no flash in the pan, and emulate Russian Rhythm (2003) and Attraction (2004), both of whom prevailed on the Rowley Mile and also bagged this Group 1 prize. The Irish and French Guineas heroines, Again and Elusive Wave, also have sound claims, although both would arguably prefer a bit of give underfoot, a remark which also applies to Lahaleeb, while Rainbow View has plenty to prove now.

4

16:20 Ascot (Class 1) (4YO plus)

Wolferton Handicap (Listed)

1m 2f

Winner £28,385 - 15 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Mick Channon was successful in the penultimate renewal of this with Championship Point and his Halicarnassus deserves to get his head in front, having filled the runner-up spot in decent contests in his last three starts. However, he could prove vulnerable under top-weight and preference is for MOONQUAKE, who did the job well at York last time and can provide Godolphin with a welcome tonic. Sir Michael Stoute's Perfect Stride is also accorded respect.

5

16:55 Ascot (Class 1) (3YO only)

Queen's Vase (Group 3)

2m

Winner £39,739 - 14 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Mastery has already repaid Godolphin, who bought him out of Mark Johnston's yard earlier this season, having landed the Italian Derby last month. He should go close with his ability to handle a lively surface proven, but his Group 2 penalty may anchor him. HOLBERG represents Johnston, who has a fine record in this race, and is taken to reverse the placings with Stately Home, who was a place ahead of him at Hamilton latest, over this trip. Chepstow maiden winner Dhushan should not be underestimated.

6

17:30 Ascot (Class 2) (3YO plus)

Buckingham Palace Stakes Heritage Handicap

7f

Winner £31,155 - 29 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

With Richard Fahey's stable continuing to fire on all cylinders, the progressive MISTER HARDY is taken to complete a four-timer in this ultra-competitive handicap. His form looks solid and he was arguably value for more than the 1 1/4l margin he won by at Chester last month, suggesting that a 5lb rise may not prevent him from winning again. Irish raider Six Of Hearts is on an upward curve and cannot be dismissed, a remark which also applies to Mutheeb, who has his fair share of weight but appears to be open to improvement.

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