The Albany Stakes (Group 3) for fillies over 6f on good to firm ground. Twenty two-year-olds compete in this Class 1 race with win prize money of almost £40,000.
This looks a strong renewal with a number of intriguing performers. A tricky race to be dogmatic but I have one horse who could go well at fair odds - Kiyoshi. Owned by Qatar Racing Ltd, who have already tasted victory with Extortionist taking the Windsor Castle Stakes Listed race, Charlie Hills has taken his time with this daughter of Dubawi, a strapping bay filly out of a Listed-placed mare.
She made her debut at Newmarket, when racing over the minimum distance, a maiden that has been franked on many occasion, including Clive Brittain's Rizeena who took the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) in stylish fashion. Kiyoshi quickened in the closing stages making giant strides to finish fourth. Jamie Spencer kept the ride when stepping up a furlong at Goodwood. Backed as if defeat was out of the question, she returned odds-on favourite taking the spoils by under two lengths. Many racing journalists expected a bloodless victory and in ways I thought she would have won by a good few lengths. However, the second, Ihtimal, looks a smart juvenile who suffered a narrow loss next start, and her conqueror, Wedding Ring, makes this line-up to add to the mix. Kiyoshi took time to get organised at Goodwood and that experience will be a plus in this hustle and bustle.
Royal Ascot is a course which often suits strong finishers and I expect Hills juvenile to sit handy and surge to the line. It's a tough race, but I can see a bold show and at odds of 10/1 or so there is a little meat on the bone for each way backers. A fascinating race.
Showing posts with label Royal Ascot 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Royal Ascot 2013. Show all posts
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
5:00 Royal Ascot (19th June) Queen Mary Stakes Group 2
Twenty-four fillies take part in this Class 1 race for two-year-olds over 5f on good to firm ground, good in places. By all accounts this looks a great renewal with a number of proven form horses and sparkling winners vying for this prize money of over £56,000. Pattern races are more for the purist than betting propositions but one filly which could be something special is Rizeena, trained by Clive Brittain. This daughter of Iffraaj has progressed with each race after showing promise on debut at Newmarket, when finishing in eye-catching fashion. She won in a professional manner when taking her maiden at Ascot, beating another of today's rivals, Oriel. Next stop saw a stylish all-the-way win at Sandown when bagging the National Stakes Listed, over the minimum trip. This step up to Group class will be a stern test, as it will for all who compete. However, Clive Brittain - who I fondly call Mr Optimism - has spoken of this bay filly in glowing terms. In fact, he has detailed this youngster in the same sentence as his wonder filly Pebbles who proved herself to be an international thoroughbred. Rizeena is just at the beginning of her career but Brittain has that sparkle in his eyes. I will be cheering her home.
Monday, 17 June 2013
No Royal Ascot for Star Mare, Snow Fairy
The globetrotting star, Snow Fairy, has
lost her race against time to be fit for the Prince of Wales’s
Stakes at Royal Ascot and will not make the starting line-up for the
showcase mile-and-a-quarter contest on June 19, the second day of the
big meeting.
Well fancied for the Group 1 event,
despite not having raced since September last year when beating the
high-class Nathaniel in a memorable renewal of the Irish Champion
Stakes at Leopardstown, Snow Fairy had been reported to be working
well ahead of her intended seasonal reappearance.
Generally on offer at just 7/2 for a
race that will likely include last year’s dual classic winner,
Camelot, French star, Maxios, and the rapidly progressive Al Kazeem,
the six-year-old has sustained a minor training setback, meaning that
she won’t be fit enough to face the starter at Royal Ascot and will
have to begin her fifth racing campaign later on this term.
A series of minor injuries have plagued
the bargain basement buy (1800euros) in recent years, limiting her
racecourse appearances to just two since November 2011.
She showed on both those occasions that
she retains just about all her considerable ability, her victory over
Nathaniel and her ‘win’ in the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville in
August 2011 showing that the winner of eight of her 21 career starts
and more than £3.9 million in career prize money is still one of the
best middle-distance racehorses on the planet.
Al Kazeem is now the general 7/4
favourite for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes following his win over
Camelot in Ireland last time out, Aidan O’Brien’s star being
available at 9/4 on www.betfair.com/sport
to gain his revenge in what promises to be a great race.
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Norfolk Stakes Stars
Royal Ascot: The Norfolk Stakes Group 2. This 2yo contest open to colts & fillies over 5f is a featured on the third day of this supreme meeting of quality racing.
Established in 1843, it was originally called the New Stakes with Rattan winning the inaugural event.
The race was renamed in 1973 in honour of the 16th Duke of Norfolk & promoted from Group 3 status in 2006.
Lester Piggott is the leading jockey for this race (Abermade 1961 - Niche 1992) with 9 victories. Surprisingly, no trainer has achieved more than four winners to date.
Mind Games
Puissance (6.4f) — Aryaf (CAN) (Vice Regent (CAN) (8.8f)
Trainer J Berry
OWNER: Robert Hughes (shropshire)
Mind Games was a second foal, half-brother to Able Fun, 1m winner at 2, Prince Ary, 10f winner at 3, & Quiz Show, 1m winner at 3, later dam of smart sprint 2yo Right Answer; dam unplaced at 2-3, half-sister to quite useful miler Peartree House
On the 24th March 1994 Mind Games won the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes by a neck from Jobran, trained by Gay Kelleway, at 4/1 joint favourite. Jack Berry - the renowned trainer often noted for his red shirts - had unveiled one of the most talented horses from the vast string of horses. Berry was well known for his early-season dominance of two-year-old races. This son of Puissance ran seven times at two, winning his first three races with a ready success taking the Norfolk Stakes (Group 3) at Royal Ascot over 5f. He suffered his first loss (5th) when competing at Leopardstown (IRE) in the Heinze 57 Phoenix Stakes (Group 1). Mind Games continued to mark himself as a top-class two-year-old racing at Group level and narrowly losing by a short head in the Flying Childers (Group 2).
A successful career at 3 & 4 saw him race from Listed to Group 1 level, winning a further four races, with the Temple Stakes (Group 2) at Sandown being a notable success. Mind Games raced at Group 1 level on nine occasions but never won at this level albeit finishing 4th in the Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) at York, beaten by two length behind Pivotal.
Berry's star raced once as a five-year-old before being retired to stud.
In his career, Mind Games raced 20 time, winning 7 races and won total prize money of over a quarter of a million pounds and an official rating of 112.
Norfolk Stakes Stars
Royal Ascot: The Norfolk Stakes Group 2. This 2yo contest open to colts & fillies over 5f is a featured on the third day of this supreme meeting of quality racing.
Established in 1843, it was originally called the New Stakes with Rattan winning the inaugural event.
The race was renamed in 1973 in honour of the 16th Duke of Norfolk & promoted from Group 3 status in 2006.
Lester Piggott is the leading jockey for this race (Abermade 1961 - Niche 1992) with 9 victories. Surprisingly, no trainer has achieved more than four winners to date.
A number of outstanding juveniles have won this race including Niche, trained by Richard Hannon. She went on to win the classic trial Nell Gwyn before finishing second in the 1,000 Guineas. Sadly this wonderful filly was tragically killed in a freak road accident after unseating her rider on the gallops. Hannon said: ''She was one of the best I ever trained. I still can't believe it happened.''
In 2001, Johannesburg trained by Aidan O'Brien and owned by Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier won the Norfolk Stakes before notable successes. This exceptional horse remained unbeaten in seven starts at two including the Phoenix Stakes, Prix Morny, Middle Park Stakes & Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Group 1. He was named Cartier Award for Two-Year-Old European Champion Colt & United States Champion Two-Year-Old Champion Colt 2001.
More recently, Reckless Abandon won the Norfolk Stakes Group 2 for Clive Cox in 2012. He is unbeaten in five races at two including the Prix Morny, Prix Robert Papin & Middle Park Stakes. He is a leading tip for the 2013 classics.
Established in 1843, it was originally called the New Stakes with Rattan winning the inaugural event.
The race was renamed in 1973 in honour of the 16th Duke of Norfolk & promoted from Group 3 status in 2006.
Lester Piggott is the leading jockey for this race (Abermade 1961 - Niche 1992) with 9 victories. Surprisingly, no trainer has achieved more than four winners to date.
A number of outstanding juveniles have won this race including Niche, trained by Richard Hannon. She went on to win the classic trial Nell Gwyn before finishing second in the 1,000 Guineas. Sadly this wonderful filly was tragically killed in a freak road accident after unseating her rider on the gallops. Hannon said: ''She was one of the best I ever trained. I still can't believe it happened.''
In 2001, Johannesburg trained by Aidan O'Brien and owned by Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier won the Norfolk Stakes before notable successes. This exceptional horse remained unbeaten in seven starts at two including the Phoenix Stakes, Prix Morny, Middle Park Stakes & Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Group 1. He was named Cartier Award for Two-Year-Old European Champion Colt & United States Champion Two-Year-Old Champion Colt 2001.
More recently, Reckless Abandon won the Norfolk Stakes Group 2 for Clive Cox in 2012. He is unbeaten in five races at two including the Prix Morny, Prix Robert Papin & Middle Park Stakes. He is a leading tip for the 2013 classics.
Monday, 21 January 2013
Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)
In 2004, the Queen Mary was upgraded from Group 3 status.
From a historical perspective, Sir Gordon Richards is the leading jockey with 5 wins (Supervisor 1932 - Apparition 1946). While Fred Darling has trained 7 winners.
Since the 1990s Richard Hannon & Mick Channon have achieved great success with a number of talented fillies. This race has been a tip for future juvenile successes. Lyric Fantasy, Gay Gallanta, Blue Duster, Attraction & Queens Logic where all awarded the title of European Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. Many others have been made favourite for the 1,000 Guineas, including the ill-fated Bint Allayl, who was trained by Mick Channon. One of the most successful winner was seen in 2003. Attraction, a small filly with terrible conformation, trained by Mark Johnston and ridden by Kevin Darley, won by three lengths. This exceptionally gifted filly went on to win both English & Irish 1,000 Guineas.
Famous past winner:
This bay filly, a daughter of Red Clubs, is trained by Tom Dascombe. Andrew Black - one of the founders of Betfair - and The Master Bettors owned this tough juvenile. She was bred at Black's stud in Cobham, Surrey.
Ceiling Kitty was sent to the Tattersall October Yearling Sales where she was bought by the vendor for 16,000gns.
This February foal started her career in a fillies' maiden at Kempton. Starting 11/4f she finished a creditable second after a terribly slow start. In April she made her second start at Beverley over 5f on testing ground. By all account this was a disappointing performance. The joint favourite could only finish fourth of ten, beaten a number of lengths.
Clearly connection held this filly in some regard but so far all had not gone to plan.
However, a return to Kempton saw a professional third start to win by half a length.
Dascombe's charge was one of the outsiders for the Marygate Fillies' Stakes Listed contest at York over 5f. Early season hot shot, Bailey's Jubilee, was an odds-on favourite but ran poorly. Ceiling Kitty ran on strongly to win by two lengths at 20/1. Many considered this a surprise victory.
Her next target was the Queen Mary Stakes Group 2 at Royal Ascot, 2012. Although priced at 20/1, seemingly second string to the stable's debut winner Upward Spiral, she made the most of her experience winning by a length from Michael Bell's Hoyam who finished with great gusto. Once again, Ceiling Kitty defied the odds beating twenty six rivals bagging a prize of over £42,000.
After a month on the sidelines she contested the Flying Childers Stakes Group 2, which featured some of the fastest two-year-olds in training. Finishing 4th, beaten less than two lengths, was a bold effort over this 5f dash. Hoyam finished a place behind.
Her penultimate race saw her competing at the highest grade: the Jaguar Cheveley Park Stakes Group 1 at Newmarket. Here she would attempt 6f for the first time. Finishing 7th behind Rosdhu Queen was no disgrace.
The finale to a sparkling two-year-old season saw her fly to the Unites States being the only European runner at Santa Anita's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint over 6f. Tom Dascombe commented: ''She's tough and has experience. If she gets 6f on dirt she has some sort of chance and she probably doesn't need to be to top class to win this race.'' However, this bonny filly never looked happy and was bustled to the front only to finish last.
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Queen Mary Stakes Stars
In 2004, the Queen Mary was upgraded from Group 3 status.
From a historical perspective, Sir Gordon Richards is the leading jockey with 5 wins (Supervisor 1932 - Apparition 1946). While Fred Darling has trained 7 winners.
Since the 1990s Richard Hannon & Mick Channon have achieved great success with a number of talented fillies. This race has been a tip for future juvenile successes. Lyric Fantasy, Gay Gallanta, Blue Duster, Attraction & Queens Logic where all awarded the title of European Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. Many others have been made favourite for the 1,000 Guineas, including the ill-fated Bint Allayl, who was trained by Mick Channon. One of the most successful winner was seen in 2003. Attraction, a small filly with terrible conformation, trained by Mark Johnston and ridden by Kevin Darley, won by three lengths. This exceptionally gifted filly went on to win both English & Irish 1,000 Guineas.
Famous past winner:
Lyric Fantasy
This Irish bred filly, owned by Lord Carnarvon & Susan Magnier, was trained by elite two-year-old handler Richard Hannon. She was bred by County Cork-based Minch Bloodstock.
Although an early, January, foal, this bay daughter of Tate Gallery was often quoted as being ''small or tiny'' and fondly named ''The Pocket Rocket'' which illustrated her ample pace to diminutive size.
Interestingly, Lyric Fantasy never raced at maiden class, starting her career at Windsor winning in the Lady Caroline Stakes in April, 1992. Clearly held in some regard by connections, she went to Sandown for the National Stakes Listed race. An impressive six length victory gave hope this was a juvenile of pure class.
Royal Ascot beckoned and she was priced 11/8f for the Queen Mary Stakes. Michael Roberts led all the way for an ''impressive'' five length victory. She excelled with an all-age course record.
Her blistering early pace left her opposition struggling and that was emphasized when taking a huge prize in the Super Sprint Trophy at Newbury. After a furlong this 2/5f hit the front, sprinting clear to win easily by six lengths. Richard Hannon commented: ''Her speed is breathtaking.''
In a bold move Hannon opted to go for the Nunthorpe Stakes Group 1 at York over 5f. Although two-year-olds have a handy weight advantage against their older counterparts, few took this route and winning a tough task. However, expectation was high for this tiny horse with an abundance of pace. Hold-up tactics were employed and Roberts' mount ran on strongly to win by half a length.
Bookmakers quoted prices as short as 14/1 for the 1,000 Guineas although there were concerns she would never get the trip of one mile.
Her final race of the two-year-old season saw her attempt six furlongs for the first time in the Cheveley Park Stakes Group 1 at Newmarket. In a small field of class performers she could never catch leader Seyyadati who had previously won the Moyglare Stud Stakes. Some questioned her race tactics of being held up.
Lyric Fantasy was sent to the 1,000 Guineas for her first race at three. Her only attempt at one mile saw her finish sixth of twelve. She wasn't disgraced being beaten by less than four lengths behind Cheveley Park Stakes victor Seyyadati, trained by Clive Brittain.
Dropping back for her next start over 6f saw a comfortable success.
However, her last two performance back at 5f proved disappointing. She finished unplaced in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot & then last behind Lochsong in the Nunthorpe.
She was retired with total prize earnings of over £320,000. Not bad for a yearling who was sold for 12,500gns. At the end of her two-year-old season she was sold for 340,000gns. In 1992 she was named European Champion Two-Year-Old Filly and highest rated by the International Classification.
Queen Mary Stakes
The Queen Mary Stakes Group 2 is run on the second day of Royal Ascot, 19th June, 2013. This race is for two-year-old fillies competing over 5f. It is named after Queen Mary the consort of King George V. First raced in 1921 it was won by Wild Mint.
In 2004, the Queen Mary was upgraded to Group 2 status.
From a historical perspective, Sir Gordon Richards won the most races with 5 victories (Supervisor 1932 - Apparition 1946). While leading trainer Fred Darling trained 7 winners (Margeritta 1924 - Apparition 1946).
Since the 1990s Richard Hannon & Mick Channon have achieved great success with a number of talented fillies. This race has been a tip for future juvenile successes. Lyric Fantasy (known as the ''pocket rocket''), Gay Gallanta, Blue Duster, Attraction & Queens Logic where awarded the title of European Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. Many others have been made favourite for the 1,000 Guineas, including the ill-fated Bint Allayl, who was trained by Mick Channon. Probably the most successful winner was seen in 2003 with Attraction, a small filly with terrible conformation. Trained by Mark Johnston and ridden by Kevin Darley, she won by a stylish three lengths. She was an exceptional talent going on to win English & Irish 1,000 Guineas.
In 2004, the Queen Mary was upgraded to Group 2 status.
From a historical perspective, Sir Gordon Richards won the most races with 5 victories (Supervisor 1932 - Apparition 1946). While leading trainer Fred Darling trained 7 winners (Margeritta 1924 - Apparition 1946).
Since the 1990s Richard Hannon & Mick Channon have achieved great success with a number of talented fillies. This race has been a tip for future juvenile successes. Lyric Fantasy (known as the ''pocket rocket''), Gay Gallanta, Blue Duster, Attraction & Queens Logic where awarded the title of European Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. Many others have been made favourite for the 1,000 Guineas, including the ill-fated Bint Allayl, who was trained by Mick Channon. Probably the most successful winner was seen in 2003 with Attraction, a small filly with terrible conformation. Trained by Mark Johnston and ridden by Kevin Darley, she won by a stylish three lengths. She was an exceptional talent going on to win English & Irish 1,000 Guineas.
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
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