Wide open race this. I do like the look of Al Dabaran though. I was at Ascot for King George day last year and this horse I remember being very impressive. if Aidan O Brien is going to win a race today this is probably the one - Santiago a big danger in this.
I wonder how Wooded would have gotten on in the Commonwealth today? An easy 3 and a half length winner that day, the runner up sluiced up by the same margin in a Listed race at Chantilly today. Mind you the favourite in that race was last. Hurricane Ivor did the same last season, in that he looked sensational first time up and was then a flop next time. This season he resumed with a taking win but has totally failed next time. It is bizarre and I can only think the horse just doesn't take much racing. Clearly one to be way of.
Finally a winner. Santiago was put into the Derby betting at 20/1 but that seems unlikely to be his game. For me this has dampened English King's form rather than enhanced it as the TV team seemed to be enquiring about. Berkshire Rocco has finished second but this is not a race for fast horses and Born With Pride looks like having as much chance of winning the Oaks as Dawn Run would have held. Punctuation and Born With Pride seemed to fall into a heap and Berkshire Rocco has come past beaten horses today and although you could say English King was more visually impressive the fact that Santiago has beaten him by exactly the same margin does not instil confidence when you consider the type of colt O'Brien's horse is. Santiago came in rated 94 but you can add stone to that now. I felt he may make up into a Cup horse in time. I feel he should be favourite for the St Leger and have backed him for that at 12/1. He has to be a better bet than Palace Pier at 10/1 with one firm St Leger Santiago 12/1 (William Hill)
Well done everyone with winners today. Gone with Medal Winner in the lucky last to save my day. Then try again tmz
Scarlet Dragon - how often have I backed him over hurdles where he showed the acceleration of a Skoda and he weaves through the field like Arazi there FFS
About time too, nice double. Just wished I'd posted why I fancied them, I did right it up then deleted it. Art Power ticked many boxes today, trainer thinks highly of him, goes on the ground and had a very good draw. As for Golden Horde, I chose him because Matt Chapman said he had visited the stable and this lad was flying at home when on ATR last weekend. However you have to treat it with caution as he ain't everybody's cup of tea and and could be rubbish info as per Grendals other post.
next time you have a chat with him, ask him about your ailments. Can’t be a worse plan than listening to when he likes one.
Guildsman who placed in the Coventry last year is in America now and is favourite for the main race at Belmont tonight, but I think hes well worth taking on. He finished 3rd over 5.5f at Chruchill, behind Chimney Rock and Jack and Noah, he is 4 pounds better off here and has an extra half furlong to help but I just dont think he has the speed to go with these. Jack And Noah is a proper front runner, he got beat a head by Chimney Rock last time, but he was pretty keen early in the race and I think hes worth another chance tonight at 4/1, he has the inside draw and there doesnt appear to be anything to take him on so he should get a perfect trip, and if Velazquez can settle him a bit better, I dont think they will catch him this time. At 4/1 you will certainly get a run for your money.
Nice when a plan comes together. Jack And Noah sent off 2/1 and leads all the way, settled well with the uncontested lead and Velazquez kept enough for the straight, really nice sprinter in the making. Guildsman never threatened and finished tailed off.