I like Grandee here as well. He has won a handicap off 99 in the past, so a mark of 90 need not anchor him. I was drawn to the race because the Varian horse looks skinny at 9/4. He ran well from today's mark of 99 in the Cambridgeshire last season but his last win was more than two years ago off 93. At the odds he doesn't appeal. Lucius Tiberius is popular in the betting but the ex Aidan O'Brien horse is only mildly well handicapped compared to his win off 101 and Grandee is potentially better in if he has clicked for the change of scene. I've had a bet at 13/2 Grandee as a better value option to the other two.
Really impressed with the run of Galadriel, she took a while to get the hang of things but once she did she really rattled home. With that run under her belt I see no reason why she should not be a major player in the Queen Mary. for which I would have no qualms in backing her.
Well the race went to plan with Lady Kermit having the early pace. I thought she had forged enough of an advantage but she just didn't get home. The 2nd and 3rd were the highest rated in the race and original second favourite Fleeting Princess was a drifter and never got involved. She had looked bad value. Galadriel ran well on debut but she was three lengths back in 4th place and that is a big chunk. Good Vibes was one I mentioned after her debut as a good looking sprinting type. The trouble I had with her for today was that she got a tanking on that debut run. She floored an odds-on favourite on her second start but it was her earlier 5 length beating that made me have my doubts today. I am pleased with her win today though, because I had backed the horse who beat her that day, Chasing Dreams, for the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot. Good Vibes never really landed a glove on Chasing Dreams that day and trainer Charlie Appleby said his filly would come forward a lot from that debut run. I feel today's win was a huge boost for Chasing Dreams because that looked a near 100 performance from the winner today and that makes the Godolphin daughter of Starspangledbanner the one to beat at Royal Ascot for me. Bookmakers were quick to cut Chasing Dreams for the Queen Mary to a general 4/1, so if she runs I'll be happy to have 12/1 on her for that race. Good Vibes is 10/1 for the Queen Mary, Mighty Spirit 16/1 and Galadriel 20/1. Short runner Lady Kermit was pushed out to 20/1 after today.
yes,could well improve for this step up in trip,at least e w.but i do think,ISPOLINI can be a major force in these cup races this season.had a great winter/spring in dubai,and ticks a lot of boxes today.big shout.
This must be Stradivarius's most difficult race, since he last ran in it. He's a wonderful stayer but a faster horse could do him today. Just can't think which horse it'll be!
Stradivarius has got guts in abundance. I managed to tip him up for a maiden as a 2YO and he was only 4th that day. I got a fair bit of stick about that one. Mind you the horse who won that maiden race was Cracksman. Decent run from Southern France but the rest were thrashed. I did Mildenberger in the Epsom handicap two runs back and was confident that day but he nearly fell coming out of the stalls. I feel Mark Johnston has been hasty in jumping him up to Group 2 races since AND going up from 10F to 12F and then 14F. Not sure that's good placing myself.
good choice,mate. york,3 35: GRANDEE looks very interesting here.he won a good listed race two years ago at leopardstown,and after a spell in the doldrums,found his form again last time out.has gone back in the ratings,but still on a decent mark..good chance..
Oh well, I thought UAE Prince was a short price but he squeaked home. Betting shops everywhere will have had people celebrating hard and shouting "Get in the f***ing good thing" I didn't see the race but the race report seemed to suggest Grandee had plenty to do. Maybe he's worth another chance.
