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The Queen Anne Stakes was something of a farce due to the anti-climactic of the Kentucky Derby hero Animal Kingdom not travelling a yard. Elusive Kate was the nearest rival from a ratings perspective and travelled well on her first start of the season before tiring dramatically in the final quarter mile. The race ended up in Declaration of War’s lap through a smart turn of foot, but I feel he may prove vulnerable in more competitive races. Aljamaaheer is a smart horse in his own right, but may not be up to this class over a mile, and may be seen to more affect over seven furlongs, and would be one to watch if aiming at the Prix Foray. It is interesting that from a sectional timing point of view, Trade Storm put in the quickest times during the last three furlongs, and the quickest furlong of the entire race 2f out. He would appreciate going at a much stronger gallop, and would be seen to better affect in a race where there is guaranteed pace. Either way, Elusive Kate would be the stand out to take out of the race.
The Kings Stand Stakes was an absolute master class from Johnny Murtagh, and the result on the face of it looks very fair. Shea Shea sets a good standard and as such the form looks solid, especially with Jack Dexter winning at the weekend. Reckless Abandon again travelled well but still showed signs of greenness, hanging like he did at the course last year. Of those in the field without a Group One victory, Pearl Secret would be one to perhaps give another chance on. He made plenty of late headway to finish fourth and for his first run of the season was more than acceptable. His long term target would most likely be The Nunthorpe at York’s Ebor meeting.
The St James’s Palace Stakes just proved how good Dawn Approach is. He couldn’t have had a worse passage, bumped, barged, had to switch, and hampered out wide, and yet still got the job done. Whoever he runs against at whatever track, as long as it is at a mile, he tans them all. And even better when you account the farce of Epsom. Expect to see him at Goodwood for The Sussex Stakes.
On the bare face of it War Command was a very decisive winner of The Coventry Stakes. The War Front colt showed an impressive turn of foot to sprout wings under Seamie Heffernan to win by six lengths, against what looked a stellar line up. Stubbs would be better than the bare result, having a wide passage throughout, and I could see him bouncing back in The National Stakes, but he looks to have too much pace at the moment to be considered for classic honours. Watching the replay, Sir John Hawkins was far from disgraced over a trip that is insufficient from a pedigree perspective. Out of an Irish Oaks winning mare, he’ll get a mile cosily, and will no doubt be going for races such as The Dewhurst and The Racing Post Trophy, on towards a long term target of The 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The Ascot Stakes and The Windsor Castle Stakes were both nothing of note, although Well Sharp did win well, mainly thanks to a shocker from Tom Queally on the favourite. Tiger Cliff remains unexposed and well handicapped and Mubaraza and Justification boosted the form at the weekend. I wouldn’t be rushing out to back any of the runners in the race in a hurry mind you. Extortionist won his race in fine style from another peach from Murtagh, but the way they finished in such a bunched fashion, hints at how little substance the form carries. Fountain of Youth hung all over the track and has plenty of improvement to come, being out of the terrific filly Attraction. Justice Day did well on the ‘wrong side’ and may have found the race coming a little too quick, being the colts fifth run in the space of two months.
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
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