Interesting point Stick, but these unraced 2yo races are difficult to pick from the armchair (this one used to be run on the Saturday of the KG meeting at Ascot), you need to be there and see who's fit enough. The horse I'd be interested in is Gibeon. Could have put up any number of his second string jockeys yet Doyle gets the mount. Nicely bred by Cape Cross out a Galileo mare from the Fame and Glory family, I'd have some E-W if I could do it. Ballymacoll run a well-bred Dalakhani colt called Voice Control, but all the mares previous foals (despite all winning once) have ducked the issue when it came to the pressure coming on. No doubt he'll be one of the best-looking horses in the field but will he have any guts? I'd want to see it before I trusted any of my money.
Big price that one Bustino. Someone on twitter asked me for some Newmarket tips for tonight as they were going and i told them the Cumani horse in this which is 14's. An intrigueing race rsther than one to go gambling on!
Did Centurion win this in the early 80's Bustino?..or was that another Ascot maiden? I was only a kid but remember Walter Swinburn riding him..flashy chestnut owned by Ravi Tikoo and trained by Michael Stoute. Went on to contest some of the season end G1's but not sure if made the grade..might be confusing him with Matatboy.
8:30 Haydock - Idder He takes on Mark Johnston's in form Special Fighter, but this will be Special Fighters 3rd run in just over a week which is a negative for me. Idder has been running well recently just without winning and this longer trip should suit. He had no chance with the winner last time out but finished off the race well and stayed on, which he has done on his last few runs so if the lead horses aren't doing much in front then Idder could well stay on past them.
Thanks folks I was beginning to think I'd lost it. The Doyle booking was a key thing and said he wasn't there just for the t-shirt. I couldn't do it because I was in the departure lounge coming home. Back in the UK now. Not sure Dexter whether Centurion won what was called the Granville Stakes (but over 6f). I know Grand Lodge won it in '93 with Dettori up. I also think Grundy won it.
