For Nass’s preview of the Coventry and Windsor Castle stakes races: http://nassauboard.blogspot.com/ Card: http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/cards/card.sd?race_id=532984&r_date=2011-06-14 Hi All, I must admit to being a 3yr old + horse racing fan, but I'm going to Ascot on Tuesday and been studying the form for the Coventry. There's some strong trends for the race, but obviously not much form, so I wanted to ask whether people have some information about which trainers 2year olds are performing well or not at the moment? I don't know that much about 2yr olds, are there certain trainers to definately look out for? A O'Brien's 2yr olds are any good this year or any info would be great! Many Thanks!
Two year old form is hard to evaluate at this time of year. Power would probably be Aidan O'Brien's best, but the form doesn't look anything special. Mezmaar looked useful at Haydock and will be backed, but I like Al Zarooni's Commissar- he won well last time after a good first run. 12/1 -14/1 looks an attractive each way price.
I suggest that its best to wait for final decs, however its fascinating that if you like Commissar that this is his only entry.
You want to be drawn high here in my opinion. The Ward horse, Fullbright and Roman Soldier have alot of early pace and I think the one to be on is Power. His form in Ireland is very strong and the extra furlong here will be right up his street. Im very strong on him and 5/1 looks a very fair price considering connections and jockey.
At the moment i'm siding with Power but i'll wait to see them all in the paddock before putting my cash down. Provided he looks decent enough and nothing else catches my eye then i'll settle for him.
That means 3 out of the top 4 badly drawn then! I actually quite like the look of Roman Soldier at longer odds from a high draw in that case. Think he can make all in this grade of race though? I was keen on Gatepost or Commissar, but both drawn low
I expect that Commissar only had the one entry at Royal Ascot because he was bought out of Paul Cole’s yard by Godolphin after winning at Newmarket on 1000 Guineas day. I am surprised to see that Richard Hannon has four in the race and none of them are fancied. Once-raced maiden Campanology with Johnny Murtagh up could surprise at a big price. Richard Fahey’s only representative Gabrial only beat a small field at Beverley last time but should not be discounted. Obviously Wesley Ward’s American raider Italo will have its supporters although I seem to recall his last bunch of raiders did best in the five furlong races. Personally I will be sticking with Gatepost. I am not too bothered about the draw as they usually bunch up in the middle of the course rather than splitting in two groups and the going may make this a lottery anyway.
Yes Power was impressive, looks like he will need further though, was being ridden very early, and his stamina kicked in in the last furlong. I think you also have to accept that he had a good draw, the winners are all coming from the stands side, so I wouldn't discount those beaten drawn on the far side
After studying the sprints i had nailed my colours to the high draws as previously posted. I believe the winner was the best horse in the race regardless of the draw but the one to take from the rest is surely Gatepost. Travelled really well and came across the whole track, giving the winner about a 4 length start when Jaime went for it. He must be of interest in something like the Gimcrack at York or even the 5f race at Goodwood as he dosent look short on toe. For all that the beting suggested a wide open race, I still think it was a strong Coventry.
eddie, the Molecomb that was won by Zebedee last year? Think that may be the target for Frederick Engels
Thats the one Nass, Frederik Engels may take a bit of beating though if you are right about him going there. You have to be impressed with the way this colt keeps finding off the bridle. Im not sure Goodwood would be the perfect track for him but he would be a worthy fav. Hes an improving horse and I wouldnt be at all surprised if he was even better over 6f.