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UPI
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Big upsets in Europe, Saratoga opening mark weekend horse racing
1 of 3 | Excellent Truth (inside) edges She Feels Pretty in Saturday's Grade I Diana at Saratoga. Photo by Janet Garaguso/Coglianese Photography, courtesy of NYRA July 14 (UPI) -- Shockers in the big races in France and England highlighted weekend horse racing while the Saratoga summer season got off to a smooth start on that side of the Atlantic. The weekend was a tour de force for Godolphin, largely at the expense of primary rival Coolmore. Across the globe, the Hong Kong season is winding up with honors already bestowed upon the champions. No need to wait ... here's the scoop. Around the world, around the clock England Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick were relatively quiet at Royal Ascot but came with a full-throated roar at Newmarket's July meeting. There were 21 races over three days and Sheik Mohammed's crew won seven of them. Several of the victories came in close calls over the Coolmore, Aidan O'Brien, Ryan Moore team. Buick also rode two more winners for other concerns. It was a different story, though, in Saturday's signature Group 1 July Cup, sponsored by Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai. The 6-furlong sprint turned into a plunger's dream, as 66-1 long shot No Half Measures, always close, surged to the front nearing the 100-meter marker and held off 12-1 chance Big Mojo by a neck. Run to Freedom ran to third at 40-1. Godolphin had the two favorites in Notable Speech and Symbol of Honor. They reported fifth and eighth. Moore's choice from an O'Brien duo was Whistlejacket, who missed the break and beat just two of his 13 rivals. "Half a furlong out I couldn't believe where I was," said winning rider Neil Callan, formerly based in Hong Kong. "When I picked her up going into the dip, I thought we could be top three. But when I twirled my whip and gave her a flick, I thought we could win." It was a rare disappointment and Godolphin salvaged the day as Saba Desert overcame an awkward start to claim the Group 2 bet365 Superlative Stakes for 2-year-olds by 1 1/4 lengths over the favorite, Italy, representing Coolmore, O'Brien and Moore. Saba Desert, a homebred Dubawi colt, improved to 2-for-2. Sheik Mo's "boys in blue" fared better in Friday's feature as Cinderella's Dream prevailed by 1/2 length in the Group 1 Tattersall's Falmouth Stakes over January -- another beaten Coolmore favorite. Cinderella's Dream, a 4-year-old Shamardal filly, was across the pond a year ago, winning the Grade I Belmont Oaks Invitational, and then went on to win the Grade II Saratoga Oaks and finish second in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. January, a 3-year-old Kingman filly, was third in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. "We'll work back from the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare but how we get there I don't know," Appleby told Racing Post. "I was annoyed when she was beaten in that race last year, as I think it was one that got away from us. I'd like to get my revenge." Venetian Sun was undefeated entering Friday's Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes for 2-year-old fillies and exited the same way -- but not without some dramatics in the last of the 6 furlongs. The Starman filly looked headed for an easy victory until Royal Fixation fell short with a late rush, settling for second, a neck back. Venetian Sun's two previous wins included the Group 3 Albany at Royal Ascot. Distant Storm, another potential Godolphin star, put another frustrating, short-head beat on a Coolmore youngster, Constitution River, in a Friday maiden heat at Newmarket. Distant Storm, by Night of Thunder, was a €1.9 million breeze-up purchase for Godolphin and Appleby indicated he will be handled conservatively with an eye toward his 3-year-old opportunities. France Leffard was up in the final jumps to win Sunday's Group 1 Cygames Grand Prix de Paris for 3-year-olds at Longchamp, providing an emotional boost for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, who has been battling cancer, and adding another lash to the weekend's torture for the Coolmore team as their odds-on favorite, Trinity College, just failed to hold on. Leffard, a Le Havre colt, disappointed in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club or French Derby, finishing next-last of eighteen. Rouget said the colt had sufficient excuse for that and he was proved right. Trinity College was last seen romping home first by 3 1/2 lengths in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot. Hong Kong The 2024-25 season closes out with Wednesday night's meeting at Happy Valley, but the premierships are decided and the hardware was bestowed at a gala Friday night. Ka Ying Rising hit a trifecta all his own as Horse of the Year, champion sprinter and champion 4-year-old. Little wonder as he was undefeated in eight starts during the campaign. He also lowered the Sha Tin Racecourse record for 1,200 meters twice, first erasing Sacred Kingdom's mark by reporting in 1:07.43, and then topping that two months later with a 1:07.20. Romantic Warrior was named champion middle-distance horse for the fourth straight season, Voyage Bubble was crowned both champion miler and champion stayer, John Size won his 13th training title and Zac Purton was runaway winner of the jockey premiership. Meanwhile, back in North America Filly & Mare Turf Excellent Truth and She Feels Pretty hooked up in a head-to-head stretch duel through the final furlong of Saturday's $500,000 Grade I Dunkin Diana Stakes at Saratoga, with the former putting a short head in front in the final jumps to claim victory. Excellent Truth, a 5-year-old, Irish-bred mare by Cotai Glory, ran 1 1/8 miles on yielding sod in 1:47.34. Flavien Prat rode for trainer Chad Brown and owner Resolute Racing. The win ended a string of three second-place finishes for Excellent Truth, all Grade I or Group 1 events dating to last July's Group 1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville, won by Mqse De Sevigne. "She has had two tough trips," winning trainer Chad Brown said of Excellent Truth. "I think you could argue with a cleaner trip, she could be 3-for-3 in the country. ... Down the lane, there was no excuse for either horse. We ran right down the stretch together and she showed a lot of heart." Turf It wasn't hard to pick Far Bridge out of the past performances before Saturday's $200,000 Grade II Bowling Green at Saratoga, and it wasn't hard to find the 5-year-old son of English Channel at the finish, either. That was him, 3 lengths out front of his closest rival with jockey Joel Rosario letting him coast home. Trainer Miguel Clement said he will seek a repeat win in the Grade I Sword Dancer later in the Spa meeting. Turf Sprint Italian Soiree won Friday's $175,000 Grade III Coronation Cup for 3-year-old fillies at Saratoga, Roja took Saturday's $102,000 Blue Sparkler Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Monmouth Park and Governor Sam prevailed in Sunday's $175,000 Grade III Quick Call Stakes at Saratoga. Juvenile / Juvenile Fillies The 2-year-olds were on the Woodbine all-weather course Saturday for a matched set of 5 1/2-furlong heats. Casson, a Caravaggio colt, took the $125,000 (Canadian) Victoria Stakes by 2 1/2 lengths over the favorite, Jupiter. Border Czar won the $125,000 (Canadian) My Dear Stakes for 2-year-old fillies.
Rhyl Journal
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
‘She's getting there' – O'Brien confident January will get her day
In receipt of 9lb from the winner Cinderella's Dream, the three-year-old January was beaten just half a length, adding another top-level placing to her record after taking third in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Despite seeing his 6-4 favourite eclipsed, O'Brien is confident the Kingman filly is on the right track, with the Prix Rothschild at Deauville on August 3 pencilled in as a possible target. O'Brien said: 'She ran a lovely race, she is improving and we think there's more improvement to come from her. 'She's a lot of ability this filly and it's coming. She's definitely a miler – she's quick. We're getting there – she's slowly getting closer. 'She ran a great race and we think we're on the right road. 'There's the fillies' race in Deauville in a few weeks' time, so we might look at that for her.' Connections of Crimson Advocate also hope their filly will eventually strike Group One gold, having seen a length-and-three-quarters defeat of Cinderella's Dream at Royal Ascot reversed off level weights here. The John and Thady Gosden-trained runner was beaten two and a quarter lengths on the July course, with Richard Brown, the racing adviser for owners Wathnan Racing, feeling the contest had perhaps not unfolded in her favour. He said: 'There wasn't a huge amount of early pace and more pace would have meant she could have been snaffled into it a little bit more, but she's run a very good race. 'We haven't made any plans, we'll go away and have a think about it. 'She's run a great race and I hope she can have her day in one of these (Group Ones).' Crimson Advocate is entered in both the seven-furlong Lennox Stakes and the mile-and-a-quarter Nassau Stakes at Goodwood later this month and Brown added: 'We'll take her home and see how she comes out of it and then plot for the second half of the season.'
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘With a clear run he can blitz them' – Blink and you'll miss Templegate's rapid 12-1 Saturday NAP
Scroll down for our man's selections TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Horse racing tips: 'With a clear run he can blitz them' – Blink and you'll miss Templegate's rapid 12-1 Saturday NAP Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPLEGATE tackles a massive Saturday of racing absolutely determined to smash in more winners - after yet another NAP went in on Friday with Cinderella's Dream. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up BIG MOJO (4.35 Newmarket, nap) He looks a value price in an open contest. He didn't get a clear run in the Commonwealth Cup but when he found daylight, he flew home for seventh with loads of running left. He's still improving, handles fast ground and comes from a decent draw. With a clean run this time, he could blitz them. RAAFEDD (3.25 Newmarket, nb) He can give William Haggas another winner on a busy day. This Teofilo colt made a massive step forward when bolting up at Newbury in May, impressing with how strongly he hit the line over 7f. Upped to a hot Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, he found himself repeatedly boxed in on the wrong side and never got going. Still, the way he travelled before the trouble suggests there's a lot more to come. ARCHIVIST (3.10 York, treble) He looks full of class and potential for William Haggas. After bolting up in a Leicester maiden last month, he rocked up at the Knavesmire to land a deep handicap with a cosy length to spare, looking every inch a Group horse in the making. That form has already been boosted, and a mark of 95 could really underestimate him. Templegate's TV verdicts NEWMARKET 1.40 SNOW LIGHT can keep up Charlie Appleby's excellent record in this race. He has taken it five times in the past eight runnings and William Buick has chosen this Dark Angel filly over half-sister Dancing Flower. They are both bred for this trip but Buick looks like he's on the right one. Orion's Belt showed lots of promise when beaten less than a length at Salisbury on debut. She was very green when asked to pick up and Ryan Moore's mount should have learned plenty. Fan Me is from a top family and any market support for William Haggas's newcomer would be interesting. New Vega is another debutante who is bred to be well above average. She cost almost half a million is another for a market check. 2.12 MISS NIGHTFALL can light up Newmarket. James Fanshawe's smooth-travelling three-year-old caught the eye when unlucky in running at Royal Ascot, finishing sixth in the Sandringham having been hampered early and never quite recovering. The way she kept on from an impossible position suggests she's ready to strike. Before that, she'd chased home the smart Silver Ghost at Goodwood. With the excellent Saffie Osborne back in the saddle, this looks a golden opportunity. She often travels like the best horse in the race and with a clean run, she should deliver. Miss Information is flying, having landed the Kensington Palace at Ascot in style. She carries a big weight here and might find this coming quickly enough after two hard run but she's respected all the same. Raneenn flopped at York last time but is worth forgiving. Her Doncaster win prior to that was stylish and this step back to 7f should help. Royal Velvet is a model of consistency who was just denied here last time out. 2.50 MORE THUNDER is rightly a short price after his excellent effort in the Wokingham last time out. He was held up for just a little too long before coming home with a real rattle to be beaten a neck. He looks a Group-class horse to me and stepping up in distance can see him land his third Newmarket win in a row for in-form trainer William Haggas. Ten Pounds is another who was in that blanket finish for the Wokingham. He is another with winning form over this trip on the Rowley course and trainer Harry Charlton is in fine fettle. Akkadian Thunder ran well in the Buckingham Palace at the Royal meeting and enjoys this distance on fast ground. The booking of William Buick catches the eye. Myal was a couple of places behind him at Ascot and is back from the same mark with Oisin Murphy in the saddle. He has solid place claims again. Run Boy Run came home first on the wrong side at Royal Ascot and has winning form over course and distance. He's 10lb above his last winning mark but would be dangerous if repeating last time. Billyjoh was another to be snookered by the Ascot draw and is capable of better. 3.25 RAAFEDD can give William Haggas another winner on a busy day. This Teofilo colt made a massive step forward when bolting up at Newbury in May, impressing with how strongly he hit the line over 7f. Upped to a hot Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, he found himself repeatedly boxed in on the wrong side and never got going. Still, the way he travelled before the trouble suggests there's a lot more to come. This looks tailor-made for a bounce-back. The Haggas yard is flying, and his opening mark of 92 looks exploitable based on that Newbury effort. Topweight Bedouin Prince looked the real deal here in May, and will go forward again under Buick even though his opening mark of 100 is on the high side. Secret Theory looked useful before flopping at Goodwood but he's now been gelded and could easily bounce back. Fifth Column also warrants respect after finishing best of the far side in the Britannia. 4.00 ITALY is bred to be a champion and can show it here. A son of Wootton Bassett out of a Galileo mare, he was a commanding winner at Leopardstown in May, finding plenty late to reel in a subsequent Royal Ascot runner-up. That effort already puts him on a par with previous winners of this race, and he looks tailor-made for this 7f test. He's sure to improve and looks hard to fault. Saba Desert shaped like a real talent at Sandown, overcoming inexperience to win despite a tardy start. He's from a top family and is clearly one of Appleby's better juvenile colts. Venetian Lace gets the filly's allowance and ran a cracker in the Chesham. She will appreciate a step up to a mile and might just lack the gears over 7f against these sharper colts. Wild Desert didn't get a clear run at a vital time here last time before a narrow second and is another with more to offer. 4.35 BIG MOJO looks a value price in an open contest. He didn't get a clear run in the Commonwealth Cup but when he found daylight, he flew home for seventh with loads of running left. He's still improving, handles fast ground and comes from a decent draw. With a clean run this time, he could blitz them. Inisherin beat Flora Of Bermuda in the Duke of York and has the raw pace to dominate. Forgive the flop at Ascot — he didn't run his race — and he's a big danger if bouncing back. Believing is a Group 1 winner in Dubai and had a rough trip at Ascot. She's in foal to Frankel and won't be out the frame with a smoother passage. Flora Of Bermuda is consistent at this level but might just prefer slightly easier ground. 5.10 ASGARD'S CAPTAIN can lead them home. This powerful gelding powered to an easy win at Epsom in April and has excuses for two defeats since – especially last time when dropped into the deep waters of the Northumberland Plate over a stretching 2m. Back to his ideal trip, he's well handicapped, sits top of the weights on merit and has the ever-cool Billy Loughnane. Atlantic Sunset comes here fresh from a CD win and gets weight from his elders. Whathappensinvegas is interesting with Buick booked and is on a fair mark with the hood back on. Oisin Murphy takes over on Claymore and he'll relish going back over his best trip on quicker ground. YORK 2.00 REMMOOZ is the potential big improver in a field packed with seasoned campaigners. A dual Doncaster winner this spring, this son of Blue Point was thrown in deep when fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. He was still learning on the job that day and looked green before finishing a decent fourth. The step up to 1m should suit perfectly and his handicap mark of 98 leaves lots of room for improvement. Trainer Owen Burrows has a good strike-rate for good measure. Old Cock is an obvious danger after winning over C&D last time out in May. He has an extra 4lb in the saddle today but is capable of improving past that. La Trinidad and Sisyphean filled the places behind him when they last met and there's no obvious reason why they will turn that around. Blue For You has won the past two runnings of this and is back from a fair mark. He was a solid fifth here last time and enjoys this distance. It would be no shock to see him on the premises again. Bopedro was a massive eye-catcher when third in the Royal Hunt Cup and can also sneak into the frame. 2.35 JM JUNGLE has a fantastic record at York and was less than a length off the pace when second in a hot handicap here last time. That means his track form reads 23401232 and he is likely to maintain that record with all ground coming the same. Washington Heights has been running well in Group 1 company including when beaten just two lengths in the King Charles III at Ascot last time out. He is right at home over five furlongs and likes to hear his hooves rattle. Apollo One ran well enough when seventh in the Wokingham but will need a bit more to take this. Grand Grey found the highest level too much at Ascot and this is more up his street. He may just be better over six furlongs but can be competitive. Star Of Mehmas is consistent in this Listed grade and has been pipped in tight finished on her past two runs. This track suits and she wouldn't be a surprise winner for Richard Hughes. Seven Questions was a little off the pace here in a good handicap and will have to raise his game in the cheekpieces. Miss Attitude and Rosy Affair both look short of this standard although they both like this distance. 3.10 ARCHIVIST looks full of class and potential for William Haggas. After bolting up in a Leicester maiden last month, he rocked up at the Knavesmire to land a deep handicap with a cosy length to spare, looking every inch a Group horse in the making. That form has already been boosted, and a mark of 95 could really underestimate him. Thunder Run looks a major danger. He's unbeaten in two attempts over this C&D, travels strongly, and toughed it out here in May to win a thriller. The draw could be better in stall 17, but his class may well compensate. Fox Legacy could be a danger if things fall right. His Royal Hunt Cup sixth doesn't tell the full story. He was best of his group and was denied a clear run. Back up in trip and with a kind draw, he's primed for another bold show. See The Storm is on fire, winning four of his last six and finishing second twice. He stays this trip, loves the ground and York suits. 3.45 AL QAREEM loves toughing it out from the front and should be able to pull off those tactics in this small field. Karl Burke's tough-as-teak six-year-old has clicked into top gear this season, winning a Nottingham Listed race before routing his rivals here last time. He made all that day, dictated steady fractions, and sprinted clear to score by over four lengths. The time was strong, the form looks solid, and he's absolutely in his element on this track. Tabletalk ran a belter in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot and has already placed in two Group 3s this year. He stays the trip, has more to come, and is the likeliest to chase the tip home. Samui went close in the Queen Alexandra but may be a bit slow over this trip. Subsequent did well last season but may need the run after nine months off. ASCOT 2.22 My Cloud was my original pick but he is a NR. So let's go instead for NEVER SO BRAVE, another Ascot scorer who blitzed the Buckingham Palace Stakes by more than two lengths. He's flying since joining Andrew Balding from Sir Michael Stoute and won't go down without a fight. Haatem won the Wolferton at the Royal meeting over 1m2f but may just find this trip on the sharp side. Point Lynas wasn't far away in a French Group 3 last time and has place prospects. Quddwah flopped in the Queen Anne but loves this track and can't be fully ruled out, while Prague and Nostrum arrive with plenty to prove after quiet efforts. Dark Tornado takes a fair leap from handicaps where he has been in fine form but this is a lot tougher. 4.50 REDORANGE can leave us in the black. Clive Cox's three-year-old is in flying form, running a blinder in the Palace of Holyroodhouse last time when third, beating all on the far side and keeping on powerfully. That effort screams Group potential and, back against older handicappers from a fair 4lb higher, he should go close. He keeps it simple from the front and has more to come. Paddy's Day arrives off the back of a superb Newcastle win and is gunning for his sixth success of 2025. Course-loving Holkham Bay caught the eye flying home in the Wokingham up the rail away from the action. Dropping to 5f isn't ideal but he loves it here and has a squeak. Epsom dash hero Existent keeps hitting the frame and has place claims again. Glamorous Breeze is up a fair 5lb for scooting in at Haydock last time and will be competitive despite a class hike. Blue Day is best on quick ground and isn't ruled out despite being 7lb above his last win. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘With a clear run he can blitz them' – Blink and you'll miss Templegate's rapid 12-1 Saturday NAP
TEMPLEGATE tackles a massive Saturday of racing absolutely determined to smash in more winners - after yet another NAP went in on Friday with Cinderella's Dream. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. BIG MOJO (4.35 Newmarket, nap) He looks a value price in an open contest. He didn't get a clear run in the Commonwealth Cup but when he found daylight, he flew home for seventh with loads of running left. He's still improving, handles fast ground and comes from a decent draw. With a clean run this time, he could blitz them. RAAFEDD (3.25 Newmarket, nb) He can give William Haggas another winner on a busy day. This Teofilo colt made a massive step forward when bolting up at Newbury in May, impressing with how strongly he hit the line over 7f. Upped to a hot Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, he found himself repeatedly boxed in on the wrong side and never got going. Still, the way he travelled before the trouble suggests there's a lot more to come. ARCHIVIST (3.10 York, treble) He looks full of class and potential for William Haggas. After bolting up in a Leicester maiden last month, he rocked up at the Knavesmire to land a deep handicap with a cosy length to spare, looking every inch a Group horse in the making. That form has already been boosted, and a mark of 95 could really underestimate him. Templegate's TV verdicts NEWMARKET Most read in Horse Racing 1.40 SNOW LIGHT can keep up Charlie Appleby's excellent record in this race. He has taken it five times in the past eight runnings and William Buick has chosen this Dark Angel filly over half-sister Dancing Flower. They are both bred for this trip but Buick looks like he's on the right one. Orion's Belt showed lots of promise when beaten less than a length at Salisbury on debut. She was very green when asked to pick up and Ryan Moore's mount should have learned plenty. Fan Me is from a top family and any market support for William Haggas's newcomer would be interesting. New Vega is another debutante who is bred to be well above average. She cost almost half a million is another for a market check. 2.12 MISS NIGHTFALL can light up Newmarket. James Fanshawe's smooth-travelling three-year-old caught the eye when unlucky in running at Royal Ascot, finishing sixth in the Sandringham having been hampered early and never quite recovering. The way she kept on from an impossible position suggests she's ready to strike. Before that, she'd chased home the smart Silver Ghost at Goodwood. With the excellent Saffie Osborne back in the saddle, this looks a golden opportunity. She often travels like the best horse in the race and with a clean run, she should deliver. Miss Information is flying, having landed the Kensington Palace at Ascot in style. She carries a big weight here and might find this coming quickly enough after two hard run but she's respected all the same. Raneenn flopped at York last time but is worth forgiving. Her Doncaster win prior to that was stylish and this step back to 7f should help. Royal Velvet is a model of consistency who was just denied here last time out. 2.50 MORE THUNDER is rightly a short price after his excellent effort in the Wokingham last time out. He was held up for just a little too long before coming home with a real rattle to be beaten a neck. He looks a Group-class horse to me and stepping up in distance can see him land his third Newmarket win in a row for in-form trainer William Haggas. Ten Pounds is another who was in that blanket finish for the Wokingham. He is another with winning form over this trip on the Rowley course and trainer Harry Charlton is in fine fettle. Akkadian Thunder ran well in the Buckingham Palace at the Royal meeting and enjoys this distance on fast ground. The booking of William Buick catches the eye. Myal was a couple of places behind him at Ascot and is back from the same mark with Oisin Murphy in the saddle. He has solid place claims again. Run Boy Run came home first on the wrong side at Royal Ascot and has winning form over course and distance. He's 10lb above his last winning mark but would be dangerous if repeating last time. Billyjoh was another to be snookered by the Ascot draw and is capable of better. 3.25 RAAFEDD can give William Haggas another winner on a busy day. This Teofilo colt made a massive step forward when bolting up at Newbury in May, impressing with how strongly he hit the line over 7f. Upped to a hot Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, he found himself repeatedly boxed in on the wrong side and never got going. Still, the way he travelled before the trouble suggests there's a lot more to come. This looks tailor-made for a bounce-back. The Haggas yard is flying, and his opening mark of 92 looks exploitable based on that Newbury effort. Topweight Bedouin Prince looked the real deal here in May, and will go forward again under Buick even though his opening mark of 100 is on the high side. Secret Theory looked useful before flopping at Goodwood but he's now been gelded and could easily bounce back. Fifth Column also warrants respect after finishing best of the far side in the Britannia. 4.00 ITALY is bred to be a champion and can show it here. A son of Wootton Bassett out of a Galileo mare, he was a commanding winner at Leopardstown in May, finding plenty late to reel in a subsequent Royal Ascot runner-up. That effort already puts him on a par with previous winners of this race, and he looks tailor-made for this 7f test. He's sure to improve and looks hard to fault. Saba Desert shaped like a real talent at Sandown, overcoming inexperience to win despite a tardy start. He's from a top family and is clearly one of Appleby's better juvenile colts. Venetian Lace gets the filly's allowance and ran a cracker in the Chesham. She will appreciate a step up to a mile and might just lack the gears over 7f against these sharper colts. Wild Desert didn't get a clear run at a vital time here last time before a narrow second and is another with more to offer. 4.35 BIG MOJO looks a value price in an open contest. He didn't get a clear run in the Commonwealth Cup but when he found daylight, he flew home for seventh with loads of running left. He's still improving, handles fast ground and comes from a decent draw. With a clean run this time, he could blitz them. Inisherin beat Flora Of Bermuda in the Duke of York and has the raw pace to dominate. Forgive the flop at Ascot — he didn't run his race — and he's a big danger if bouncing back. Believing is a Group 1 winner in Dubai and had a rough trip at Ascot. She's in foal to Frankel and won't be out the frame with a smoother passage. Flora Of Bermuda is consistent at this level but might just prefer slightly easier ground. 5.10 ASGARD'S CAPTAIN can lead them home. This powerful gelding powered to an easy win at Epsom in April and has excuses for two defeats since – especially last time when dropped into the deep waters of the Northumberland Plate over a stretching 2m. Back to his ideal trip, he's well handicapped, sits top of the weights on merit and has the ever-cool Billy Loughnane. Atlantic Sunset comes here fresh from a CD win and gets weight from his elders. Whathappensinvegas is interesting with Buick booked and is on a fair mark with the hood back on. Oisin Murphy takes over on Claymore and he'll relish going back over his best trip on quicker ground. YORK 2.00 REMMOOZ is the potential big improver in a field packed with seasoned campaigners. A dual Doncaster winner this spring, this son of Blue Point was thrown in deep when fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. He was still learning on the job that day and looked green before finishing a decent fourth. The step up to 1m should suit perfectly and his handicap mark of 98 leaves lots of room for improvement. Trainer Owen Burrows has a good strike-rate for good measure. Old Cock is an obvious danger after winning over C&D last time out in May. He has an extra 4lb in the saddle today but is capable of improving past that. La Trinidad and Sisyphean filled the places behind him when they last met and there's no obvious reason why they will turn that around. Blue For You has won the past two runnings of this and is back from a fair mark. He was a solid fifth here last time and enjoys this distance. It would be no shock to see him on the premises again. Bopedro was a massive eye-catcher when third in the Royal Hunt Cup and can also sneak into the frame. 2.35 JM JUNGLE has a fantastic record at York and was less than a length off the pace when second in a hot handicap here last time. That means his track form reads 23401232 and he is likely to maintain that record with all ground coming the same. Washington Heights has been running well in Group 1 company including when beaten just two lengths in the King Charles III at Ascot last time out. He is right at home over five furlongs and likes to hear his hooves rattle. Apollo One ran well enough when seventh in the Wokingham but will need a bit more to take this. Grand Grey found the highest level too much at Ascot and this is more up his street. He may just be better over six furlongs but can be competitive. Star Of Mehmas is consistent in this Listed grade and has been pipped in tight finished on her past two runs. This track suits and she wouldn't be a surprise winner for Richard Hughes. Seven Questions was a little off the pace here in a good handicap and will have to raise his game in the cheekpieces. Miss Attitude and Rosy Affair both look short of this standard although they both like this distance. 3.10 ARCHIVIST looks full of class and potential for William Haggas. After bolting up in a Leicester maiden last month, he rocked up at the Knavesmire to land a deep handicap with a cosy length to spare, looking every inch a Group horse in the making. That form has already been boosted, and a mark of 95 could really underestimate him. Thunder Run looks a major danger. He's unbeaten in two attempts over this C&D, travels strongly, and toughed it out here in May to win a thriller. The draw could be better in stall 17, but his class may well compensate. Fox Legacy could be a danger if things fall right. His Royal Hunt Cup sixth doesn't tell the full story. He was best of his group and was denied a clear run. Back up in trip and with a kind draw, he's primed for another bold show. See The Storm is on fire, winning four of his last six and finishing second twice. He stays this trip, loves the ground and York suits. 3.45 AL QAREEM loves toughing it out from the front and should be able to pull off those tactics in this small field. Karl Burke's tough-as-teak six-year-old has clicked into top gear this season, winning a Nottingham Listed race before routing his rivals here last time. He made all that day, dictated steady fractions, and sprinted clear to score by over four lengths. The time was strong, the form looks solid, and he's absolutely in his element on this track. Tabletalk ran a belter in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot and has already placed in two Group 3s this year. He stays the trip, has more to come, and is the likeliest to chase the tip home. Samui went close in the Queen Alexandra but may be a bit slow over this trip. Subsequent did well last season but may need the run after nine months off. ASCOT 2.22 My Cloud was my original pick but he is a NR. So let's go instead for NEVER SO BRAVE , another Ascot scorer who blitzed the Buckingham Palace Stakes by more than two lengths. He's flying since joining Andrew Balding from Sir Michael Stoute and won't go down without a fight. Haatem won the Wolferton at the Royal meeting over 1m2f but may just find this trip on the sharp side. Point Lynas wasn't far away in a French Group 3 last time and has place prospects. Quddwah flopped in the Queen Anne but loves this track and can't be fully ruled out, while Prague and Nostrum arrive with plenty to prove after quiet efforts. Dark Tornado takes a fair leap from handicaps where he has been in fine form but this is a lot tougher. 4.50 REDORANGE can leave us in the black. Clive Cox's three-year-old is in flying form, running a blinder in the Palace of Holyroodhouse last time when third, beating all on the far side and keeping on powerfully. That effort screams Group potential and, back against older handicappers from a fair 4lb higher, he should go close. He keeps it simple from the front and has more to come. Paddy's Day arrives off the back of a superb Newcastle win and is gunning for his sixth success of 2025. Course-loving Holkham Bay caught the eye flying home in the Wokingham up the rail away from the action. Dropping to 5f isn't ideal but he loves it here and has a squeak. Epsom dash hero Existent keeps hitting the frame and has place claims again. Glamorous Breeze is up a fair 5lb for scooting in at Haydock last time and will be competitive despite a class hike. Blue Day is best on quick ground and isn't ruled out despite being 7lb above his last win. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 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Glasgow Times
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
‘She's getting there' – O'Brien confident January will get her day
In receipt of 9lb from the winner Cinderella's Dream, the three-year-old January was beaten just half a length, adding another top-level placing to her record after taking third in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Despite seeing his 6-4 favourite eclipsed, O'Brien is confident the Kingman filly is on the right track, with the Prix Rothschild at Deauville on August 3 pencilled in as a possible target. O'Brien said: 'She ran a lovely race, she is improving and we think there's more improvement to come from her. 'She's a lot of ability this filly and it's coming. She's definitely a miler – she's quick. We're getting there – she's slowly getting closer. 'She ran a great race and we think we're on the right road. 'There's the fillies' race in Deauville in a few weeks' time, so we might look at that for her.' Connections of Crimson Advocate also hope their filly will eventually strike Group One gold, having seen a length-and-three-quarters defeat of Cinderella's Dream at Royal Ascot reversed off level weights here. The John and Thady Gosden-trained runner was beaten two and a quarter lengths on the July course, with Richard Brown, the racing adviser for owners Wathnan Racing, feeling the contest had perhaps not unfolded in her favour. He said: 'There wasn't a huge amount of early pace and more pace would have meant she could have been snaffled into it a little bit more, but she's run a very good race. 'We haven't made any plans, we'll go away and have a think about it. 'She's run a great race and I hope she can have her day in one of these (Group Ones).' Crimson Advocate is entered in both the seven-furlong Lennox Stakes and the mile-and-a-quarter Nassau Stakes at Goodwood later this month and Brown added: 'We'll take her home and see how she comes out of it and then plot for the second half of the season.'
