Adaay is a good-looking son of Kodiac, who has been handled well by William Haggas, racing in the familiar blue and white silks of Hamdam Al Maktoun. This bay colt was purchased at the breeze-up sales for 240,000gns. He was fancied to go well on
Showing posts with label Coventry Stakes (Group 2). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coventry Stakes (Group 2). Show all posts
Monday, 16 June 2014
3:05 Royal Ascot Racing Tip (Tuesday 17th June) COVENTRY STAKES (Group 2) (CLASS 1) (2yo)
Adaay is a good-looking son of Kodiac, who has been handled well by William Haggas, racing in the familiar blue and white silks of Hamdam Al Maktoun. This bay colt was purchased at the breeze-up sales for 240,000gns. He was fancied to go well on
Monday, 17 June 2013
4:25 Royal Ascot (18th June) Coventry Stakes (Group 2)
The majority of the field, including a number of winners, have a stiff task and the leading lights will be considered.
Aidan O'Brien has a fine record in this race and fields three exciting juveniles: Stubbs, Sir John Hawkins & War Command. Joseph O'Brien rides the tissue favourite who won a Listed race at Naas, his third start. Being no expert on Irish racing, my analysis will detail the home contenders.
Thunder Strike has progressed with racing and one of three runners for Richard Hannon. This chestnut son of Sakhee's Secret was a great yearling purchase for £40,000 [an acquisition of Peter & Ross Doyle]. His latest victory in the Woodcote Stakes Listed race was particularly noteworthy. This February foal travelled with supreme ease against a number of talented juveniles and then kicked on when many of the leaders floundered. There was a lot to like about that performance and one of the proven form horses.
In the same contest, Riverboat Springs ran a remarkable race. Not enjoying the Epsom Downs or pace at the head of the field, this son of Bushranger finished with such verve that taking second place looked next to an impossibility. Mick Channon's charge showed a similar style on debut beating a fair horse in Money Team. A recent purchase by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, connections will be hoping that finishing dash comes to the fore. There is little doubt this bay colt has ability and may well be a class act. However, I still have slight concerns he was flattered at Epsom. I can see him being outpaced in the first few furlongs and bigger odds could well be available in running.
Championship is held in high regard by the stable and owned by Mrs Julie Wood who has the Midas touch. His ready victory at Newbury was eye catching and a number of horses in behind have received lofty entries for Royal Ascot. The difficultly in trying to assess such horses is that we have to delve into the realms of hyperbole rather than outstanding form. The betting is probably the best guide and it could well be telling if he starts as the Hannon number one.
Wahaab was sent off a short priced favourite at Goodwood but that was a pretty ordinary race and he will need to have learned a lot from that initial start. Plenty of raw ability but a horse I would rather watch.
Others who need to improve include Parbold, Mawfoor & Lanark.
Conclusion: Generally this race goes to a fancied horse and quite often a true talent. The Irish raiders deserve respect and their leading light will go well. Thunder Strike has set a good standard of form and in many ways a tough nut to crack. It is - in some respects - a negative that Frankie Dettori takes the ride which suggests Richard Hughes fancies the chances of Championship. It could be the case there isn't a great deal between their entrants but it would be wise to consider Julie Wood's youngster is the pick of the bunch.
Friday, 18 January 2013
Coventry Stakes Stars
The Coventry Stakes Group 2 is the first juvenile contest at Royal Ascot. This race for colts & fillies is run over 6f & noted as a source of many champions. Named after the 9th Earl of Coventry, it has a long history. It was first run in 1890 won by a horse called The Deemster. Historically, Sir Gordon Richards is the leading jockey with 9 wins (Manitoba 1933 - King's Bench 1951). While the leading trainers are Frank Butters (Fairway 1927 - Palestine 1949) & Fred Darling (Lemnarchus 1930 - The Cobbler 1947) respectively. Both trained 7 winners. Since 1980, Aidan O'Brien has proven the most successful trainer winning 6 races, a number being outstanding thoroughbreds. Other notable trainers in this modern era include Richard Hannon.
The Coventry Stakes Group 2 is run on Tuesday, 18th June, 2013.
Whether past or present, the Coventry Stakes Group 2 has seen an number of incredibly talented horses. In truth, the Coventry Stakes is often a tip for future stardom.
High Class Equine details our Top 10 Coventry Stakes Group 2 Winners.
Ladas (1893)
This son of champion sire Hampton was a bay, trained at Newmarket at Melton House Stables by Matthew Dawson, owned and bred by Lord Rosebery from Crafton Stud.
In 1894 Lord Rosebery became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Interestingly, this colt was unnamed when he won his debut in easy fashion in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom Downs. Up until 1946 racehorses in England were allowed to race without an official name. At that time he was simply known as '' The Illuminata colt'' after his dam. His second start saw him compete at Royal Ascot in the Coventry Stakes, where he started 6/4f. He led from the start and won by one and a half lengths.
After a three month break he returned to win the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster easily from his sole rival Sempronius. After this victory, he was officially named Ladas. His final contest at two saw him race in the Middle Park Plate (Stakes) at Newmarket. Starting 1/2f he was never in danger and won by two lengths.
After a successful season he was made 5/2f for the Derby.
Ladas headed straight for the 2,000 Guineas when making his three-year-old debut. In an eight-strong field, ridden by Jack Watts, it turned into a dual with Dewhurst Stakes winner, Matchbox. After matching strides, Ladas ran on to win by to one and a half lengths. Bookmakers made him 8/13f to win the Derby, which looked to be his next engagement. However, connections decided to take an easy option in the Newmarket Stakes priced 1/12f. He won ''unextented'' from St Florian against four opponents. Such was his popularity that not only was his price cut to 4/9f he was protected by a group of police detectives.
By the time of the Derby, Lord Rosebery's colt was priced 2/9f, with old adversary Matchbox a worthy second favourite. Ladas traveled in ''grand style'' looking an easy winner but Matchbox responded well and for the first time in the bay's career he was pressed and ''forged ahead'' to win by just than two lengths, the remainder six lengths further back in third.
As a student Rosebery predicted he would marry an heiress, become Prime Minister and win the Derby. At Westminster, Ladas' win was cheered in by the House of Commons. However, some churchmen criticised him for being involved with the ''dishonesty and degradation'' of the racing world. Rosebery replied that he had ''no vestige of shame'' in owning a good horse and presented one of Ladas' winning horseshoes as a gift to United States Ambassador Thomas F Bayard.
Ladas was then matched against Isinglass who won the Triple Crown in 1893, for a £10,000 price contesting the Princess of Wales' Stakes over one mile at Newmarket. The early pace was slow, but Watts moved to the front at the furlong pole but immediately challenged and overtaken by Isinglass and Bullingdon. The former won by a head with Ladas finishing third, who was eased when beaten. Some considered the slow pace a reason for his defeat.
The Eclipse Stakes at Sandown met again over ten furlongs and after Isinglass looked to go a stride too fast chasing the outsider of the field who went full throttle. However, Ladas was unable to overhaul the favourite who won by a one length. Watts admitted he had been beaten by a better horse.
Ladas was sent to Doncaster for the St Leger with hopes high of winning the Triple Crown. The fractional odds-on favourite went clear. However, the outsider of the field, Throstle priced 50/1, pulled ahead in the closing stages to win by three quarters of a length.
He raced once at four after many training problems to finish fourth.
He was retired to stud where he sired Classic winner Gorgos (2,000 Guineas) and Troutbeck (St Leger). He was retired from stud in 1912 & died in 1914 at his owner's stud at Mentmore.
The Coventry Stakes Group 2 is run on Tuesday, 18th June, 2013.
Whether past or present, the Coventry Stakes Group 2 has seen an number of incredibly talented horses. In truth, the Coventry Stakes is often a tip for future stardom.
High Class Equine details our Top 10 Coventry Stakes Group 2 Winners.
Ladas (1893)
This son of champion sire Hampton was a bay, trained at Newmarket at Melton House Stables by Matthew Dawson, owned and bred by Lord Rosebery from Crafton Stud.
In 1894 Lord Rosebery became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Interestingly, this colt was unnamed when he won his debut in easy fashion in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom Downs. Up until 1946 racehorses in England were allowed to race without an official name. At that time he was simply known as '' The Illuminata colt'' after his dam. His second start saw him compete at Royal Ascot in the Coventry Stakes, where he started 6/4f. He led from the start and won by one and a half lengths.
After a three month break he returned to win the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster easily from his sole rival Sempronius. After this victory, he was officially named Ladas. His final contest at two saw him race in the Middle Park Plate (Stakes) at Newmarket. Starting 1/2f he was never in danger and won by two lengths.
After a successful season he was made 5/2f for the Derby.
Ladas headed straight for the 2,000 Guineas when making his three-year-old debut. In an eight-strong field, ridden by Jack Watts, it turned into a dual with Dewhurst Stakes winner, Matchbox. After matching strides, Ladas ran on to win by to one and a half lengths. Bookmakers made him 8/13f to win the Derby, which looked to be his next engagement. However, connections decided to take an easy option in the Newmarket Stakes priced 1/12f. He won ''unextented'' from St Florian against four opponents. Such was his popularity that not only was his price cut to 4/9f he was protected by a group of police detectives.
By the time of the Derby, Lord Rosebery's colt was priced 2/9f, with old adversary Matchbox a worthy second favourite. Ladas traveled in ''grand style'' looking an easy winner but Matchbox responded well and for the first time in the bay's career he was pressed and ''forged ahead'' to win by just than two lengths, the remainder six lengths further back in third.
As a student Rosebery predicted he would marry an heiress, become Prime Minister and win the Derby. At Westminster, Ladas' win was cheered in by the House of Commons. However, some churchmen criticised him for being involved with the ''dishonesty and degradation'' of the racing world. Rosebery replied that he had ''no vestige of shame'' in owning a good horse and presented one of Ladas' winning horseshoes as a gift to United States Ambassador Thomas F Bayard.
Ladas was then matched against Isinglass who won the Triple Crown in 1893, for a £10,000 price contesting the Princess of Wales' Stakes over one mile at Newmarket. The early pace was slow, but Watts moved to the front at the furlong pole but immediately challenged and overtaken by Isinglass and Bullingdon. The former won by a head with Ladas finishing third, who was eased when beaten. Some considered the slow pace a reason for his defeat.
The Eclipse Stakes at Sandown met again over ten furlongs and after Isinglass looked to go a stride too fast chasing the outsider of the field who went full throttle. However, Ladas was unable to overhaul the favourite who won by a one length. Watts admitted he had been beaten by a better horse.
Ladas was sent to Doncaster for the St Leger with hopes high of winning the Triple Crown. The fractional odds-on favourite went clear. However, the outsider of the field, Throstle priced 50/1, pulled ahead in the closing stages to win by three quarters of a length.
He raced once at four after many training problems to finish fourth.
He was retired to stud where he sired Classic winner Gorgos (2,000 Guineas) and Troutbeck (St Leger). He was retired from stud in 1912 & died in 1914 at his owner's stud at Mentmore.
Coventry Stakes Stars
The Coventry Stakes Group 2 is the first juvenile contest at Royal Ascot. This race for colts & fillies is run over 6f & noted as a source of many champions. Named after the 9th Earl of Coventry, it has a long history. It was first run in 1890 won by a horse called The Deemster. Historically, Sir Gordon Richards is the leading jockey with 9 wins (Manitoba 1933 - King's Bench 1951). While the leading trainers are Frank Butters (Fairway 1927 - Palestine 1949) & Fred Darling (Lemnarchus 1930 - The Cobbler 1947) respectively. Both trained 7 winners. Since 1980, Aidan O'Brien has proven the most successful trainer winning 6 races, a number being outstanding thoroughbreds. Other notable trainers in this modern era include Richard Hannon.
The Coventry Stakes Group 2 is run on Tuesday, 17th June, 2014.
Whether past or present, the Coventry Stakes Group 2 has seen an number of incredibly talented horses. In truth, the Coventry Stakes is often a tip for future stardom.
High Class Equine details our Top 10 Coventry Stakes Group 2 Winners.
High Estate
This American bred son of Shirley Heights was trained by Henry Cecil (pre knighthood), owned by Robert Sangster and bred by H J Joel.
High Estate was an early January foal and a precious, talented two-year-old. In fact, he was unbeaten in his juvenile career, winning five consecutive starts. This precocious brown colt made a early start to racing when competing in a Doncaster maiden on May, 1988. He was a hot 4/9f. Steve Cauthen rode this youngster to an impressive 6 length victory.
Just over two weeks later he would be raised substantially in class to contend the Coventry Stakes Group 3 (Group 2 status in 2004) over 6f. Surprisingly, by today's standards, this saw a small field of just 9 runners. The betting suggested this was a two-horse race and High Estate was made odds-on favourite. Sir Michael Stoute's Dancing Dissident (who won in similarly impressive style on debut) was fancied to go well. It was a close match but High Estate led well over one furlong out to hold a constant threat of the runner-up ridden by ''choir boy'' Walter Swinburn.
It was no surprise to see Cecil's leading juvenile hope step up in distance when heading for Goodwood's Lanson Champagne Vintage Stakes Group 3. This time the 6/5f was ridden off the pace by Cauthen. Although winning by just half a length, it was a comfortable performance. Spitfire I, Stone Flake & Sharp N' Early filled the places in a blanket finish.
In mid August Cecil's charge won the Imry Solario Stakes Group 3 at Sandown over 7f. Polar Run, trained by Guy Harwood, finished 2nd, two lengths behind.
High Estate completed an unbeaten two-year-old campaign with a comfortable win at Ascot taking the Royal Lodge Stakes Group 2 by 4 lengths. Racing over 1m for the first time, he was ridden by Michael Roberts. The stable fielded the runner-up, Samoan.
His three-year-old career looked full of promise but with connections clearly feeling the 2,000 Guineas trip insufficient he had a rather indifferent if not disappointing season.
Returning for a Listed class event at Goodwood - over 1m 2f on firm ground - this even money favourite held every chance at the two pole only to tire in the final furlong, not disgraced, but finishing 5th.
A victory came his way when dropping to Stakes class at Newcastle in a three-runner race.
In less than a month's time he would make a return to pattern class. The William Hill Class Group 3 over 1m 2f. A saw small field of just three runners so him finish third.
High Estate concluded his career at the highest level when competing at Newmarket in the Group 1 Dubai Champion Stakes. He was well held in 9th place.
The Coventry Stakes Group 2 is run on Tuesday, 17th June, 2014.
Whether past or present, the Coventry Stakes Group 2 has seen an number of incredibly talented horses. In truth, the Coventry Stakes is often a tip for future stardom.
High Class Equine details our Top 10 Coventry Stakes Group 2 Winners.
High Estate
This American bred son of Shirley Heights was trained by Henry Cecil (pre knighthood), owned by Robert Sangster and bred by H J Joel.
High Estate was an early January foal and a precious, talented two-year-old. In fact, he was unbeaten in his juvenile career, winning five consecutive starts. This precocious brown colt made a early start to racing when competing in a Doncaster maiden on May, 1988. He was a hot 4/9f. Steve Cauthen rode this youngster to an impressive 6 length victory.
Just over two weeks later he would be raised substantially in class to contend the Coventry Stakes Group 3 (Group 2 status in 2004) over 6f. Surprisingly, by today's standards, this saw a small field of just 9 runners. The betting suggested this was a two-horse race and High Estate was made odds-on favourite. Sir Michael Stoute's Dancing Dissident (who won in similarly impressive style on debut) was fancied to go well. It was a close match but High Estate led well over one furlong out to hold a constant threat of the runner-up ridden by ''choir boy'' Walter Swinburn.
It was no surprise to see Cecil's leading juvenile hope step up in distance when heading for Goodwood's Lanson Champagne Vintage Stakes Group 3. This time the 6/5f was ridden off the pace by Cauthen. Although winning by just half a length, it was a comfortable performance. Spitfire I, Stone Flake & Sharp N' Early filled the places in a blanket finish.
In mid August Cecil's charge won the Imry Solario Stakes Group 3 at Sandown over 7f. Polar Run, trained by Guy Harwood, finished 2nd, two lengths behind.
High Estate completed an unbeaten two-year-old campaign with a comfortable win at Ascot taking the Royal Lodge Stakes Group 2 by 4 lengths. Racing over 1m for the first time, he was ridden by Michael Roberts. The stable fielded the runner-up, Samoan.
His three-year-old career looked full of promise but with connections clearly feeling the 2,000 Guineas trip insufficient he had a rather indifferent if not disappointing season.
Returning for a Listed class event at Goodwood - over 1m 2f on firm ground - this even money favourite held every chance at the two pole only to tire in the final furlong, not disgraced, but finishing 5th.
A victory came his way when dropping to Stakes class at Newcastle in a three-runner race.
In less than a month's time he would make a return to pattern class. The William Hill Class Group 3 over 1m 2f. A saw small field of just three runners so him finish third.
High Estate concluded his career at the highest level when competing at Newmarket in the Group 1 Dubai Champion Stakes. He was well held in 9th place.
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Coventry Stakes Stars
The first 2yo race of Royal Ascot - The Coventry Stakes Group 2. This contest for colts & fillies is run over 6f. Named after the 9th Earl of Coventry, it has a long history first run in 1890 won by The Deemster. Historically, Sir Gordon Richards is the leading jockey with 9 wins (Manitoba 1933 - King's Bench 1951). Leading trainers with most winners are Frank Butters (Fairway 1927 - Palestine 1949) & Fred Darling (Lemnarchus 1930 - The Cobbler 1947) respectively. Both trained 7 winners. Since 1980, Aidan O'Brien has proven most successful winning 6 races, training some of the most talented thoroughbred race horses. Other notable trainers of this modern era include Richard Hannon.
The 2013 Coventry Stakes Group 2 is run on Tuesday, 18th June.
Whether past or present the Coventry Stakes Group 2 has seen an number of incredibly talented horses and fascinating betting.
High Class Equine details our Top 10 Coventry Stakes Group 2 Winners starting with:
Henrythenavigator (USA)
This brown son of Kingmambo was trained by Aidan O'Brien, in the ownership of Mrs John Magnier, bred by Western Bloodstock. His 11 race career saw an impressive 7-length debut victory when priced odds-on at Gowran Park.
Travelling across the Irish Sea for his second start, this colt was driven out to win the Coventry Stakes Group 2 by just under 1 length from the David Elsworth-trained Swiss Franc.
He was to race twice more in his juvenile campaigned in Ireland, probably hampered to some extent by testing ground conditions. Finishing 2nd in the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) & 3rd in the Futurity Stakes (Group 2) could hardly be considered disappointing by anything other than an exceptional horse.
His 3yo campaign saw him running at Group 1 class on all but one occasion. A string of blue ribbon events came his way.
In May, 2008, he won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket by a nose. In the same month he challenged his old adversary, New Approach, taking the Irish 2,000 Guineas. Next came a return to Royal Ascot and the St James' Palace Stakes Group 1, holding classic-race rival Raven's Pass by less than a length. At Goodwood's Sussex Stakes Group 1 he once again held the late charge of John Gosden's equine star, taking another huge purse with a narrow victory. These four successes saw connections travel to Longchamp for the Prix Du Moulin De Longchamp Group 1. In what turned out to be a messy raced, on softer than ideal conditions, Henrythenavigator finished fourth behind the exceptional Goldikova.
This defeat would lead to another loss at Ascot when finishing 2nd in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Group 1. This time Raven's Pass would have his day, always holding the Irish challenger by 1 length, after being held up in the last trio, tracking the eventual winner, who always held his ground.
His last race saw him travel to the United States when competing at the very highest level in Santa Anita's Breeder's Cup Classic. This was the first time he had raced over 1 mile, attempting 1m 2f on the pro-ride surface. With prize money topping the million pound mark, it was no surprise to see a strong field of 12 runners. With the likes of Steve Asmussen's prolific winner Curlin & Raven's Pass as leading opposition ''Henry'' was sent off a 11/1 shot.
Raven Pass prevailed by just under two lengths in a race which saw the retirement of those named horses.
Henrythenavigator was retired to Ashford Stud, Kentucky. In 2010 he was shuttled between Ashford Stud & Coolmore's Australian farm. He is now shuttled between Coolmore's Ireland and Australian farms.
He retired with an official rating of 125 with total prize earning of £1,384,598
The 2013 Coventry Stakes Group 2 is run on Tuesday, 18th June.
Whether past or present the Coventry Stakes Group 2 has seen an number of incredibly talented horses and fascinating betting.
High Class Equine details our Top 10 Coventry Stakes Group 2 Winners starting with:
Henrythenavigator (USA)
This brown son of Kingmambo was trained by Aidan O'Brien, in the ownership of Mrs John Magnier, bred by Western Bloodstock. His 11 race career saw an impressive 7-length debut victory when priced odds-on at Gowran Park.
Travelling across the Irish Sea for his second start, this colt was driven out to win the Coventry Stakes Group 2 by just under 1 length from the David Elsworth-trained Swiss Franc.
He was to race twice more in his juvenile campaigned in Ireland, probably hampered to some extent by testing ground conditions. Finishing 2nd in the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) & 3rd in the Futurity Stakes (Group 2) could hardly be considered disappointing by anything other than an exceptional horse.
His 3yo campaign saw him running at Group 1 class on all but one occasion. A string of blue ribbon events came his way.
In May, 2008, he won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket by a nose. In the same month he challenged his old adversary, New Approach, taking the Irish 2,000 Guineas. Next came a return to Royal Ascot and the St James' Palace Stakes Group 1, holding classic-race rival Raven's Pass by less than a length. At Goodwood's Sussex Stakes Group 1 he once again held the late charge of John Gosden's equine star, taking another huge purse with a narrow victory. These four successes saw connections travel to Longchamp for the Prix Du Moulin De Longchamp Group 1. In what turned out to be a messy raced, on softer than ideal conditions, Henrythenavigator finished fourth behind the exceptional Goldikova.
This defeat would lead to another loss at Ascot when finishing 2nd in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Group 1. This time Raven's Pass would have his day, always holding the Irish challenger by 1 length, after being held up in the last trio, tracking the eventual winner, who always held his ground.
His last race saw him travel to the United States when competing at the very highest level in Santa Anita's Breeder's Cup Classic. This was the first time he had raced over 1 mile, attempting 1m 2f on the pro-ride surface. With prize money topping the million pound mark, it was no surprise to see a strong field of 12 runners. With the likes of Steve Asmussen's prolific winner Curlin & Raven's Pass as leading opposition ''Henry'' was sent off a 11/1 shot.
Raven Pass prevailed by just under two lengths in a race which saw the retirement of those named horses.
Henrythenavigator was retired to Ashford Stud, Kentucky. In 2010 he was shuttled between Ashford Stud & Coolmore's Australian farm. He is now shuttled between Coolmore's Ireland and Australian farms.
He retired with an official rating of 125 with total prize earning of £1,384,598
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Dawn Approach Purchased By Godolphin
Coventry Stakes (Group 2) winner Dawn Approach has been purchased by Godolphin, who now own a majority share in the son of first-season sire New Approach. The unbeaten chestnut colt, bred, owned & trained by Bolger, will remain at Glebe House Stables, Carlow, Ireland.
He started his career at the end of March, winning at the Currugh over the minimum trip. Stepping up to 6f he won his next two races at Naas in comfortable style, including the Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes (Listed).
Clearly, his recent win at Royal Ascot captured the attention of Godolphin who paid a substantial sum for this potential star.
Dawn Approach is presently priced 20/1 to win the 2013 2,000 Guineas.
He started his career at the end of March, winning at the Currugh over the minimum trip. Stepping up to 6f he won his next two races at Naas in comfortable style, including the Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes (Listed).
Clearly, his recent win at Royal Ascot captured the attention of Godolphin who paid a substantial sum for this potential star.
Dawn Approach is presently priced 20/1 to win the 2013 2,000 Guineas.
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