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Juddmonte International Stakes Group 1

Discussion in 'Horse Racing' started by Ron, Aug 21, 2019.

  1. Ron

    Ron Well-Known Member
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    This looks a decent race and I'm surprised it hasn't been previewed already. My amateur version of a preview therefore follows.

    My starting point has to be Crystal Ocean. A typical example of SMS's incredible knack of training the older generation. He has run some cracking races and 10f on good ground seems to be his optimum, although is not dependent on either the ground or the distance. Unless the hard race against Enable has had an adverse effect I can't see past him

    King of Comedy is a rapid improver and could pull it off but, although he may be suited by 10f, he has never run further than 8f and to start off against a tough, battle hardened horse like Crystal Ocean is, for me, asking a bit too much. The only fear I have is that he is trained by John Gosden and ridden by Franky and they must know how this horse stands against Enable

    We then move on to another improver in Japan. There is no doubting how much he has improved but he has shown his rapid improvement over 12f and was considered a St Leger horse. Will probably go to the Arc instead but for me, York is a fast 10f and he may be caught out for speed here against a 10f specialist and a miler stepping up to 10f

    Although Elarqam has won 3 of his last 4 races, including over C&D (albeit on soft ground) I really can't see him being up to this task

    The same thought applies to the remaining runners and I can only assume the £600k+ prize money goes down the line

    Crystal Ocean all the way
     
    #1
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  2. Ron

    Ron Well-Known Member
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    The one thing I would say for Japan backers is that, although his latest ru, in France, was over 12f on softish ground, it was an incredibly fast run race (fast by 3.43s). At 5/1 he looks a solid ew bet in case Crystal Ocean isn't at his best
     
    #2
  3. QuarterMoonII

    QuarterMoonII Economist

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    It is looking like there are going to be some small fields on the Knavesmire this week with just five in the Great Voltigeur and four in the Yorkshire Oaks, so I guess nine in the Juddmonte International chasing a £600k first prize is big.

    Making a case for the three year olds is difficult. Circus Maximus and King Of Comedy are closely matched on Royal Ascot running but most form from that meeting this year has turned out to be worthless because of the ground. It is a big pot so I guess that justifies Japan taking a drop in trip but there is little reason to think that he will bother the older horses. He has 10lbs to find on official ratings with Sir Michael’s star.

    This ought to be a penalty kick for Crystal Ocean (just not in the Pogba style) but he had a hard race chasing home Enable last time and this race used to have a reputation as a favourite’s graveyard. Elarqam has finally started to show some of the superstar potential that his juvenile victories promised and looks a better upset option than Japanese raider Cheval Grand or Regal Reality, well beaten by Elarqam over course and distance last time and possibly flattered when third in the Eclipse.
     
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  4. Steveo

    Steveo Well-Known Member

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    ok finally agreeing with Quarter Moon on something - I agree that Elarqam looks a good each way bet in the Juddmonte today.

    I also can't overlook the Queen Anne winner Lord Glitters, ridden by the in form jockey Daniel Tudhope.
     
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  5. Cyclonic

    Cyclonic Well Hung Member

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    I'd like to see the Japanese entry run well. He didn't like the ground when beaten behind Enable last time out when connections were bitterly disappointed by the soft conditions. They though him alive chance if the track was firmer. Hopefully the rain holds off and he can vindicate their opinion of him. Running into a place at 66-1 would be a nice reward for the well traveled horse.
     
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    Last edited: Aug 21, 2019
  6. Archers Road

    Archers Road Urban Spaceman

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    Probably going to leave this one alone. I prefer to back Stoute’s runners when they’re 4 or 5 to one. It’s all about the favourite though, unless late money comes for Japan.
     
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