CAPRI (IRE) 4 gr c Galileo – Dialafara A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor 2017 St Leger winner; Capri suffered a setback after making a winning reappearance at Naas earlier in the season that ruled him out for over 5-months. He made a pleasing return last month in the Group 2 Qatar Prix Foy at Longchamp before returning for the big on earlier this month when running well to finish fifth in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, just over 3-lengths behind the brilliant Enable. Capri is a very fresh horse for this time of the year and a danger to all if showing up here for Ballydoyle.
DESERT SKYLINE (IRE) 4 ch g Tamayuz – Diamond Tango David Elsworth C Benham/ D Whitford/ L Quinn/ K Quinn Doncaster Cup winner last season; hasn’t quite repeated that form this season but he did run well to finish second behind Stradivarius in the Yorkshire Cup in May on ground possibly much quicker than ideal. Desert Skyline showed up well last time behind the progressive Young Rascal when fourth in the Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes over a trip shorter than ideal and that form was given a boost the weekend when Desert Encounter landed a Grade 1 at Woodbine. He’s more than capable of running a nice race here, especially if the ground is testing but, he holds place claims at best.
FLAG OF HONOUR (IRE) 3 b c Galileo - Hawala A P O’Brien Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith A very likeable, improving colt that landed the Group 1 Irish St Leger when last seen under Ryan Moore. He looks a thorough stayer in the making that could relish this test, with the step up to 2m potentially unlocking further improvement. Flag Of Honour will bid to become the first three-year-old to land this race since it was run under new sponsorship on Qipco British Champions Day but I think it’s fair to say he doesn’t have the profile of many three-year-olds that have tried. Coolmore already had St Leger winners Capri and Kew Gardens entered in this race but felt it was necessary to supplemented this colt on Monday.
KEW GARDENS (IRE) 3 b c Galileo – Chelsea Rose A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magner & Michael Tabor This seasons St Leger hero that stayed on well in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to finish seventh, 4-lengths behind Enable. Kew Gardens wouldn’t be a confirmed runner for this and with ground conditions heading towards Heavy, it’ll be more unlikely that he’ll take his place in the line-up but he’s worth a mention nonetheless. He’s dualwinner over 1m6f, including a victory in the Queens Vase this season but I’m not sure the extra 2f is what he wants and he might be dropping back to 1m4f in the future as he’s not entirely short of speed either. Like his stable companion Flag Of Honour, he needs to overcome the poor record three-year-olds have in this contest but he undoubtedly has the talent to play a leading role.
MOUNT MORIAH (GB) 4 b g Mount Nelson – Rule Britannia Ralph Beckett Norman Brunskill Relatively lightly raced since finishing a good fourth in this race last season behind fellow three-year-old Stradivarius. Mount Moriah won gamely on his seasonal reappearance at Nottingham before disappointing on his next two outings at a higher level. I think Soft ground is important to this horse but needs to prove he stays beyond 2m still but he’s a fresh horse that has to be respected if he repeats his effort in this race last season.
STRADIVARIUS (IRE) 4 ch c Sea The Stars – Private Life John Gosden B E Nielsen Stradivarius is unbeaten this year and his campaign was crowned when landing the inaugural Stayers’ Million bonus with victories in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup, Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, Group 1 Goodwood Cup (his second) and Group 2 Lonsdale Cup. He bids to make it an unbeaten end to his fantastic season in this contest but things won’t be easy for him here. The ground at Ascot should be very testing and he’s yet to win on ground softer than Good and this could be a race too far for this son of Sea The Stars but obviously, If he turns up in similar form he’ll be very difficult to beat.
THOMAS HOBSON (GB) 8 b g Halling – La Speiza W P Mullins Mrs S Ricci Thomas Hobson won the Ascot Stakes Handicap over 2m4f last season off top weight and has developed into a very useful stayer on the flat since. He went one better that last season in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup last time when outbattling his useful stable companion Max Dynamite to record a narrow success. I wouldn’t say this horse is unexposed on the flat but I do think he unexposed on Soft ground, with his record on ground Good to Soft or Soft reads 121121, which has to make a live each-way with his proven stamina over further potentially coming into play if it turns into a slog,
WEEKENDER (GB) 4 b c Frankel – Very Good News John Gosdeb K Abdullah Weekender has been rather consistent this season for his connections and looks to have strengthened up well and seems in better frame of mind mentally to what he was last season. This son of Frankel slightly disappointed on his previous attempt over 2m but he bumped into a very useful rival, who is strongly fancied by many to run well in the Melbourne Cup. He ran a monster race in the Ebor off top weight on his penultimate outing before chasing home Flag Of Honour in the Irish St Leger last time. Weekender needs to improve if he’s going to get competitive in this contest and he’s unproven on Soft ground.
VERDICT It seems the chance of very testing ground conditions and presence of the dominant Stradivarius has scared a few off from this valuable end of season finale but it leaves us with an intriguing race nevertheless. Thomas Hobson is a proven stayer over further than this distance with a win over 2m4f on the flat and 2m5f over hurdles to his name. His assured stamina could seriously be needed if the ground is as desperate as many are expecting and he could become a serious player for this contest. Kew Gardens was a very good winner of the William Hill St Leger on his penultimate start and performed with credit when staying on well in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last time. If stable talk is anything to go by, it looks unlikely he’ll take up his entry in this contest and connections are already looking forward to next season with him. I’m not convinced Mount Moriah stays this trip well enough to threaten at the top-level and despite running well in this race last season as a three-year-old, he’s overlooked here. 2017 St Leger winner CAPRI has only been seen three-times this season after suffering a setback after winning on his reappearance. That could become a blessing in disguise for his connections and he comes into this contest a fresh horse unlike most of his rivals. He ran a very good race in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last time and that should have put him spot on for Champions Day. He does however, have the option of running in the Champion Stakes over 1m2f and no decision will be made until declarations on Wednesday. At this stage, he’d be my selection for the race and I hope this is where he ends up but I wouldn’t advise back until the day. My alternative would be his three-yearold stable companion Flag Of Honour, who will bid to become the first three-year-old to land this contest on Qipco British Champions Day. I don’t think that stat is enough to put anyone off any three-year-old for this race, as quite simply those that have tried previously just haven’t been good enough or bumped into a useful stayer. He impressed me with the way he went about his business when landing the Group 1 Irish St Leger last time and a repeat of that would see him run a big race here receiving 8lb off his elders. Stradivarius clearly sets a high standard to aim at here and if he turns up in the same form that he’s been in this season, he’ll be very tough to beat. That said, he’s had a tough old season and you’d have to think it might have had some effect on him and the testing ground conditions will be far from ideal. I just think at the prices, he’s one I’ll be taking on for those reasons.
Selection: CAPRI Alternative: FLAG OF HONOUR
BRANDO (GB) 6 ch g Pivotal – Argent Du Bois Kevin Ryan Mrs Angie Bailey Brando has established himself as a very consistent sprinter at the highest level in the last couple of seasons and gained a deserved Group 1 success last season when landing the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville. He’s knocked on the Group 1 door again this season when finishing second in Darley July Cup and 32Red Sprint Cup and has shaped as if another Group 1 victory is very close. Brando is very versatile regards ground conditions and despite not tasting success at Ascot, he handles the track very well. He should be there or thereabouts again.
HARRY ANGEL (IRE) 4 b c Dark Angel – Beatrix Potter Clive Cox Godolphin Dual-Group 1 winner; Harry Angel is obviously a very talented horse when at his best but those brilliant performances haven’t been seen since landing the 32Red Haydock Sprint Cup last season. Obviously, you can make excuses for him at Royal Ascot after getting upset in the stalls and blowing the start but his record at the track now reads 0 wins from 5 starts, which clearly has to be a cause for concern. On a going day, Harry Angel has the ability to demolish this field but there’s plenty of guesswork involved with him these days and there’s more solid alternatives in the field.
LIBRISA BREEZE (GB) 6 gr g Mount Nelson - Bruxcalina Dean Ivory Tony Bloom Last season’s winner; Librisa Breeze hasn’t been in the same form this season and his effort in Dubai at the start of the season might have just taken a bit out of him. That said, he hasn’t had his ground this season and it’s obvious he needs some cut in the ground to be at his best. He hinted at a revival when fourth in the Prix Maurice de Gheest on his penultimate start before flopping when fancied for the Hungerford last time. Librisa Breeze will relish the return to some Soft ground here and should put up a bold show defending his crown.
SON OF REST (GB) 4 b c Pivotal – Hightime Heroine J A Stack B Parker Son Of Rest was supplemented for this race on Monday by his connections after running a brave race to dead-heat in the Ayr Gold Cup last time. I think it’s fair to say he would have been an unlucky loser had he been caught on the line that day, but he’ll need to find further improvement if he’s to land this valuable Group 1 prize. He had previously finished a good second in a Group 1 at the Curragh over 5f but that was possibly one of the worst Group 1 run this season and that level of form still requires a big improvement from this son of Pivotal, who clearly enjoys some cut in the ground. I’m not convinced a stiff 6f is what this horse wants.
SPEAK IN COLOURS (GB) 3 gr c Excelebration – Maglietta Fina Joseph Patrick O’Brien Mrs C C Regalado-Gonzalez
Speak In Colours is a sprinter on an upward curve and I thought he ran better than his finishing position when fifth in the Group 1 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock last time. I think he paid a price for chasing the leaders, who set a serious pace before plugging on well enough at the finish. It must be remembered, he was heavily supported in the betting on that occasion and any market support here could be significant. Still relatively lightly raced, there could be more to come from this three-year-old, who enjoys some cut in the ground.
TASLEET (GB) 5 b h Showcasing – Bird Key William Haggas Hamdan Al Maktoum Tasleet finished second in three Group 1 races last season including two over this C&D. He chased home The Tin Man in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot before chasing home Harry Angel and Librisa Breeze on next two outings. The son of Showcasing hasn’t matched that level of form on his two outings this season but he’s a very fresh horse for this time of the year, which could be crucial to his chances in this race. Tasleet handles Ascot and testing ground conditions, which must make him a serious contender here.
THE TIN MAN (GB) 6 b g Equiano – Persario James Fanshawe Fred Archer Racing – Ormonde Anyone that has followed me on Twitter or read my previous blogs/previews will know how much I love this horse and I’ve been a fan since the very beginning. It’s been a pleasure seeing him progress from a Maiden winner, Handicap winner, Listed winner and now, a three-time Group 1 winner. I was a bit sceptical about his win chances on the Heavy ground last time but he handled it very well and ran out a very impressive winner on the day. Back at his beloved Ascot, he should have another great chance of making it four Group 1 wins for James Fanshawe and Fred Archer Racing.
The Tin Man lands the 32Red Sprint Cup for James Fanshawe and Oisin Murphy.
VERDICT Librisa Breeze was a game winner of this race last season, relishing the testing ground conditions to record a taking success. He hasn’t reached the same level of form this season but he did hint that a revival was near when finishing fourth in the Prix Maurice de Gheest on his penultimate start. If he can return to the level of form he showed last season, he’s more than capable of winning this race again with ground conditions right up his street. Harry Angel has the ability to blow these away on a going day and he’s shown us that on a number of occasions. He doesn’t seem to be in the best frame of mind mentally this season, which is clearly affecting his performances. His record at Ascot is far from flattering but if connections can keep a lid on him, he’s clearly the one to beat despite flopping in the Haydock 32Red Sprint Cup last time. Brando deserves another Group 1 on his CV but he’s likely to bump into one too good again here. THE TIN MAN looked better than ever when ploughing through the mud to land the 32Red Haydock Sprint Cup on his last start with most of these in behind. If he returns in similar form here, I think he’ll be very tough to beat returned to his beloved Ascot. There’s no doubt he had a hard race last time, which would usually put me off a horse but he’s a 42-days to recover and those reposing also had hard races, so it wouldn’t worry me too much. Tasleet is a very useful sprinter on his day and comes here a fresh horse, which makes him a serious player. He’s finished second on both his starts here last season at the highest level and should bounce back from his disappointing effort last time.
Selection: THE TIN MAN
CORONET (GB) 4 gr f Dubawi – Approach John Gosden Dentford Stud Coronet is a very smart filly on her day and she showed that when landing the Group 2 Middleton Stakes at the start of the campaign. She then went on the finish an agonisingly close second in at Group 1 behind Waldgeist, before again playing the bridesmaid when chasing home Sea Of Class in the Group 1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks last time. This daughter of landed the Ribblesdale Stakes over this C&D last season before finishing a decent third in this contest behind Hydrangea. I think she’ll need a career best to land this contest, but she’s always shaped as if she has a big one in her.
GOD GIVEN (GB) 4 b f Nathaniel – Ever Rigg Luca Cumani St Albans Bloodstock Limited God Given has landed Group 3 and Group 2 contests this season and looks ready for another crack at Group 1 company. I thought she was more impressive than her winning margin suggested last time in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster, she took a very keen hold early and possibly done well to gamely hold off the challenge of Horseplay and Pilaster. That form isn’t good enough to win this race but I think a return to Soft ground could unlock further improvement in this filly and her trainer is master at getting one ready for a big occasion.
HYDRANGEA (IRE) 4 b f Galileo – Beauty Is Truth A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Hydrangea was a good winner of this race last season but has been very disappointing this season for her connections but could bounce back now returned to the conditions of her last success. She’s been racing on ground much quicker than ideal this season and I think a return to potentially Soft ground will see her turn a corner. She’s more than capable of winning this race again based on the pick of her form. Respected.
KITESURF (GB) 4 b f Dubawi – Shimmering Surf A Fabre Godolphin SNC Very useful filly; Kitesurf landed a first Group 1 last month in the Qatar Prix Vermeille at Longchamp. She stayed on powerfully to deny Magic Wand, looking like a stiffer test would see her in a much better light. I don’t think the way the races are run in France play to this fillies’ strengths and a strongly run stiff 1m4f on Soft ground could see this filly at her very best. She needs the utmost respect representing top connections.
LAH TI DAR (GB) 3 b f Dubawi – Dar Re Mi John Gosden Lord Lloyd-Webber Lah Ti Dar was favourite for the Epsom Oaks earlier in the season before a setback ended her hopes of landing a first classic success for her owner/breeders, who had previously suffered a similar fate with her full-sister So Mi Dar. Lah Ti Dar bounced back in brilliant style when running away with a Listed contest at York by 10-lengths before finishing a good second behind Kew Gardens in the St Leger last time. She should be much better suited dropped back to 1m4f against her own sex and looks pretty difficult to oppose.
PILASTER (GB) 3 b f Nathaniel - Portal Roger Varian Cheveley Park Stud Progressive filly; She was a good winner of the Group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood on her penultimate start before finding a penalty too much when third in the Park Hill Stakes the following month. This daughter of Nathaniel could still have plenty more improvement in her but she’ll need to find that improvement quick if she’s going to get competitive here and possibly looks a little one paced for a race of this nature, but the ground conditions may help her cause.
VERDICT Pilaster and God Given look closely matched on recent efforts but both should be suited by some ease in the ground here but both need to find further improvement if they’re going to threaten the principals here. Coronet has always shaped as if she has a Group 1 win in her but she might just bump into a couple too good again here and I’m not convinced she relishes testing ground conditions. I find it very hard to oppose LAH TI DAR here, who looks a filly firmly on the up at present. Her victory at York on her penultimate start was very impressive and her sectionals compared favourably with the performance of Sea Of Class, who had landed a Group 1 over the same C&D earlier. She performed with credit last time when chasing home Kew Gardens in the William Hill St Leger, keeping on well at the finish. She’s still totally unexposed and you’d be a fool to rule out further improvement from this filly, with three-year-olds having a fantastic record in the race. Hydrangea should appreciate the return to some cut in the ground and a repeat of last year’s success would give her every chance. Kitesurf looks the biggest threat to the selection here representing Andre Fabre and Godolphin. She landed her first Group 1 last time at Longchamp and shapes as if this will be right up her street. This stiff 1m4f on Soft ground should suit her well and she looks certain to run a big race for France.
Selection: LAH TI DAR
ADDEYBB (GB) 4 ch g Pivotal – Bush Cat William Haggas Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Addeybb started 2018 with a bang, running away with the 32Red Lincoln off a mark of 99, before following up a month later when comfortably landing the Group 3 Bet365 Mile at Sandown. He then stepped up to Group 1 company for the first time when tackling the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury going off at 7/2 but could never land a blow on the quicker ground. William Haggas has been very patient with the son of Pivotal waiting for some ease in the ground and has missed big Group 1 targets in Ireland and France recently but he comes into this race a fresh horse and has the talent to play a leading role.
BEAT THE BANK (GB) 4 b g Paco Boy – Tiana Andrew Balding King Power Racing CO Ltd Beat The Bank went off at 4/1 for this race last season on the back of a good run of form beforehand that included Group 2 and Group 3 wins. He comes into this race in similar form this season and has performed with credit in Group 1 company this season. He’s ran some good races over this C&D this season and should be suited by the return to Soft ground here. He’s more than capable of running well in this race without winning.
CENTURY DREAM (IRE) 4 b c Cape Cross – Salacia Simon Crisford Abdulla Belhabb Mud lover; Century Dream has been in good form again this season that included two fourth place finishes in Group 1 company, including when 3/4-lengths behind Accidental Angel in the Queen Anne over this C&D on ground possibly quicker than ideal. He’s been given a break since his excursions in Arlington in August and should come here a fresh horse. He’ll be at home in the testing conditions and should outrun his odds.
EXPERT EYE (GB) 3 b c Acclamation – Exemplify Sir Michael Stoute K Abdullah Expert Eye was an excellent winner of a good renewal of t he Group 3 Jersey Stakes here at the Royal meeting in June and has taken that form into Group 1 company since. He was a good second in the Sussex Stakes behind Lightning Spear before finishing an unlucky third behind Recoletos in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp last time. Expert Eye undoubtedly has the ability to play a huge part in the finish here but I’m not convinced we’ll be seeing him at his very best over 1m on Soft ground.
LAURENS (FR) 3 b f Siyouni – Recambe Karl Burke John Dance Brilliant filly; Laurens took her Group 1 tally to five when gamely landing the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes earlier this month, holding off the late surge of Happily. I think the fact she’s been racing alongside some brilliant fillies this season including Sea Of Class and Alpha Centauri has taken some of the gloss of her achievements and she really hasn’t gained the credit she truly deserves. I think Laurens is still totally unexposed over 1m and there could be plenty more to come from her with ground conditions holding no fears for this daughter of Siyouni. My only concern would be, she’s had a tough season that’s included two trips to France and Ireland and this could be one race too far for her. That said, she seems to thrive on her racing and it could have the opposite reaction to her performance. Big shout.
LIGHTNING SPEAR (GB) 7 ch h Pivotal – Atlantic Destiny David Simcock Qatar Racing Limited Lightning Spear had finished placed in seven Group 1 races before finally, getting his head in front at the top-level when landing the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, having previously ran excellent efforts in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes and Queen Anne. He’s become a very versatile horse tactically and handles Soft ground as effectively as he would Good To Firm. Like many in the line-up, he should run a good competitive race but might find a couple too good.
LORD GLITTERS (FR) 5 gr g Whipper – Lady Glitters David O’Meara Geoff & Sandra Turnbull Lord Glitters won on this card 12 months ago when landing the Balmoral Handicap off 102. He seemed to relish the C&D on that occasion and the Soft ground was also much to his liking. He ran a cracker in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot to finish second behind Accidental Agent before going on to finish third in the Sussex Stakes behind Lightning Spear. David O’Meara’s runner has established himself as a Group 1 performer this season and he should have even more to come returned to Soft ground. Live chance.
RECOLETOS (FR) 4 b c Whipper – Highphar C Laffon-Parias Sarl Darpat France Recoletos landed his first Group 1 in May when landing a poor renewal of the Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp and hasn’t looked back since. He went on to finish a good second in the Prix Jacques le Marois behind the brilliant Alpha Centauri, before going one better to narrowly land the Prix du Moulin a month later. He’s encountered some tough races this season and this could be one race too far but if he’s not feeling the effects of a tough campaign, he’s more than capable of landing a third Group 1.
ROARING LION (USA) 3 rg c Kitten’s Joy – Vionnet John Gosden Qatar Racing Limited Star three-year-old of 2018; Roaring Lion has progressed with each outing this season and has quickly developed into the leading three-ye ar-old colt of the season. He was brilliant when landing the Juddmonte International Stakes on his penultimate start when pulling over 3-lengths clear of Poet’s Word, who had landed two Group 1 races previously. Ground conditions are going to play a big part in where Roaring Lion runs on Qipco British Champions Day or if he skips and heads off to the Breeders’ Cup but with his owners sponsoring this meeting, I’m sure they’ll give him every chance to run. He holds entries in the QEII and Champion Stakes.
VERDICT I think it’s fair to say the 1m division hasn’t been strong for a number of years and this season has been a very poor one indeed with Rhododendron, Accidental Agent, Lightning Spear amongst those landing Group 1 victories. This does look an intriguing contest and possibly the most competitive Group 1 of the day. If Roaring Lion turns up in this contest he’ll take plenty of beating, even if ground conditions are Soft. He’s rated 127 and would receive 3lb weight for age allowance here, it doesn’t take a genius to work that he’d be very difficult to beat, but he has other options and I’ll take him on. Recoletos has had some tough races this season in victory and defeat and this will be his second trip to England this season. If he turns up in the same form here, he’s a leading player and entitled to the utmost respect. Similar comments apply to the brilliant Laurens, who has also encountered some gruelling races this season and has also been on her travels during the season. She’s a tough filly, who clearly thrives on her racing, she’ll enjoy to get her toe in here and needs respecting. Lightning Spear and Expert Eye are closely matched based on recent efforts, but both need to find improvement to land a serious blow here. I’m going to side with the fresh ADDEYBB, who has been off the track for 154-days. His connections have been very patient with him and minded him with an Autumn campaign on Soft ground in mind and he’s finally got the ground he’s wanting. His wins at Doncaster and Sandown earlier in the season remain fresh in the memory and I think he’ll run a huge race here. Lord Glitters was behind the selection in the 32Red Lincoln earlier in the season but is now 8lb better off. He’ll also relish the return to some cut in the ground and looks a live contender.
Selection: ADDEYBB
ADDEYBB (GB) 4 ch g Pivotal – Bush Cat William Haggas Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Addeybb started 2018 with a bang, running away with the 32Red Lincoln off a mark of 99, before following up a month later when comfortably landing the Group 3 Bet365 Mile at Sandown. He then stepped up to Group 1 compa ny for the first time when tackling the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury going off at 7/2 but could never land a blow on the quicker ground. William Haggas has been very patient with the son of Pivotal waiting for some ease in the ground and has missed big Group 1 targets in Ireland and France recently but he comes into this race a fresh horse and has the talent to play a leading role. More likely to take up his entry in the QEII.
CAPRI (IRE) 4 gr c Galileo – Dialafara A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor 2017 St Leger winner; Capri suffered a setback after making a winning reappearance at Naas earlier in the season that ruled him out for over 5-months. He made a pleasing return last month in the Group 2 Qatar Prix Foy at Longchamp before returning for the big on earlier this month when running well to finish fifth in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, just over 3-lengths behind the brilliant Enable. Capri is a very fresh horse for this time of the year and a danger to all if showing up here for Ballydoyle.
CRACKSMAN (GB) 4 b c Frankel – Rhadegunda John Gosden A E Oppenheimer Cracksman romped home in this race last season landing his first Group 1 success. He’s landed two this season in the Prix Ganay and Coronation Cup but hasn’t been seen since tasting defeat in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes behind Poet’s Word. Many were disappointed with that performance but I thought it was a creditable effort when you consider his antics pre-race. I think the ground that day was also quick enough for him and he’ll be more at home return to ground with some ease in it back at the scene of his biggest success.
CRYSTAL OCEAN (GB) 4 b c Sea The Stars – Crystal Star Sir Michael Stoute Sir Evelyn De Rothschild Smart horse; Crystal Ocean came agonisingly close to landing a first Group 1 success when being caught close to home by stable companion Poet’s Word in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 1m4f. He was no match for the brilliant Enable when last seen, but he was given a kind ride once beaten and Sir Michael Stoute used that race as a prep. Crystal Ocean won a Group 3 over 1m2f at the start of the season and the drop back to that distance could be a good move by his connections here, with ground conditions expected to be very testing.
MONARCHS GLEN (GB) 4 b g Frankel – Miarbilis John Gosden K Abdullah This son of Frankel has always been highly thought of by his connections but never reached the heights they’d hoped. He was a good winner of a Group 3 at Newmarket last season under Frankie Dettori before connections ambitiously send him to Meydan for the Dubai Turf, where he never could land a blow. He returned at Royal Ascot last time, running out a convincing winner of the Listed Wolferton Stakes in a first-time hood. That contest has worked out very well with plenty in behind winning races since. He clearly needs to improve if he’s going to land a serious blow here but he’s a C&D winner that’s won on Soft ground, so he needs serious respect.
ROARING LION (USA) 3 rg c Kitten’s Joy – Vionnet John Gosden Qatar Racing Limited Star three-year-old of 2018; Roaring Lion has progressed with each outing this season and has quickly developed into the leading three-year-old colt of the season. He was brilliant when landing the Juddmonte International Stakes on his penultimate start when pulling over 3-lengths clear of Poet’s Word, who had landed two Group 1 races previously. Ground conditions are going to play a big part in where Roaring Lion runs on Qipco British Champions Day or if he skips and heads off to the Breeders’ Cup but with his owners sponsoring this meeting, I’m sure they’ll give him every chance to run. He holds entries in the QEII and Champion Stakes.
Roaring Lion gets the better of old rival Saxon Warrior to land the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes, his third Group One of the season.
VERBAL DEXTERITY (IRE) 3 b c Vocalised – Lonarch J S Bolger Mrs J S Bolger Group 1 winner as a juvenile; Verbal Dexterity hasn’t quite reached those heights in a handful of outings since. I thought he was very poor last time in the Qipco Irish Champions Stakes at Leopardstown and didn’t show anything to suggest he’s capable of landing a real blow at Group 1 level. He will however, enjoy some cut in the ground and if that sparks a return to form, he could get competitive.
VERDICT I think Monarchs Glen is a fascinating runner in this contest and I think he’s capable of surprising a few here. He was a good C&D winner at Royal Ascot in a race that has worked out well since and he’ll handle the ground conditions well. He could go well at an each-way price. Capri is a fresh horse and has the ability to run well in this race if the ground was testing. He shaped well in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last time out and if he can improve physically for that effort he holds serious claims. Roaring Lion has been one of the stars of the 2018 flat season and if he shows up here, he has to be respected. He’s had a tough season since starting off in the Craven Stakes and I’m willing to take him on here. I can’t ignore last season’s easy winner CRACKSMAN, who has had a nice break since his second at Royal Ascot. I think he’s be crying out for a return to some cut in the ground and seems to come alive at this time of the year. He should take some stopping again in this contest. His biggest threat should come from the Sir Michael Stoute trained Crystal Ocean, who should appreciate this drop back to 1m2f with some cut in the ground and if his King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes performance is repeated, he’ll run another big race here.
Selection: CRACKSMAN
ARGENTELLO (IRE) 3 b c Intello – Evita John Gosden Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum Improving colt; Argentello landed his fourth win of 2018 when landing a 1m handicap at Kempton on Tuesday even in good style. He had previously defeated Via Via rather convincingly at Newmarket on his previous outing, who will bid to reverse the form on better terms in this valuable contest. His win on Tuesday should guarantee this horse a run in this contest under a 6lb penalty, and if he turns up in similar form, he should get competitive again.
ESCALATOR (GB) 3 b g Cape Cross – Sayyedati Symphony Charlie Fellowes Saeed bel Obaida Escalator has already improved over 20lb in the handicap this season but he leaves the impression there’s more to come from him. He was a very good winner of a Class 2, 1m2f handicap at Goodwood on his penultimate start, before never quite firing in the Listed Doonside Cup at Ayr last time. I think the drop back to a stiff 1m here on potentially Soft ground will suit this son of Cape Cross and he might just have some more improvement in him.
FIRE BRIGADE (GB) 4 b g Firebreak – Island Rhapsody Michael Bell The Fitzrovians Fire Brigade gives the impression he’s been around for years but he’s still only a fouryear-old. He hasn’t got his head in front this season but has performed with credit on a number of occasions but does look in the handicappers grip at the moment and might need to come down in the weights before getting his head in front again. He’s not guaranteed a place in the line-up but if he does, conditions will hold no fears.
FLAMING SPEAR (IRE) 6 ch g Lope De Vega – Elshamms Dean Ivory Tony Bloom Flaming Spear was a good winner of a valuable Goodwood handicap on his penultimate start before performing with credit off a 6lb higher mark last time in the 7f Challenge Cup over 7f at Ascot behind Raising Sands. He’s shaped as if a return to 1m is needed on his last two outings but I’m not convinced he’ll relish testing ground conditions. Off a mark off 110, he wouldn’t be for me in this highly competitive handicap.
KYRNEN (IRE) 4 b g Clodovil – Art Of Gold David Barron Elliott Brothers & Peacock & Partner Kynren has performed well in handicaps this season without managing to get his head in front. He has been crying out for some autumn ground, and he’s a horse that enjoys getting his toe in. His second on his penultimate run reads well and he had a few of these in behind him that day. He’s handicap mark has paid the price of a few consistent efforts this season but this son of Clodovil could have more to come returned to softer ground conditions.
MITCHUM SWAGGER (GB) 6 b g Paco Boy – Don’t Dili Dali Ralph Beckett The Anagram Partnership Mitchum Swagger has been a good horse of the years and had been running in patterclass contests before joining Ralph Beckett at the end of last year. He ran a cracker to finish third (beaten 3-lengths) in a red-hot renewal of the 32Red Lincoln, with the first and second both running in the Group 1 QEII on this card. He ran with credit on his return from a break last time at Haydock in a highly competitive handicap that has worked out well since. He’s on a 1lb lower mark than when finishing third in the Lincoln and a repeat of that effort gives him huge form claims.
MJJACK (IRE) 4 gr c Elzaam – Docklands Grace K R Burke Mrs M Gittins Mjjack was a good winner at Newmarket off a 10lb lower mark earlier in the season but looked in the handicappers grip on his next start at Haydock. He returned from a 131day break to take advantage off a good piece of placing by Karl Burke to land Conditions Stakes last month but couldn’t back that effort up on his next start when strongly fancied for a Listed contest at Newbury. I think 7f is his ideal trip these days and might find things tough back over 1m off a mark of 109.
RAISING SANDS (GB) 6 b g Oasis Dream – Balalaika Jamie Osbourne Nick Bradley Racing 22 & Partner Raising Sands has shaped like he’s had a big handicap in him for some time and he got his head in front again when convincingly landing the Challenge Cup here at Ascot 14days ago. He comes into this race with a 6lb penalty, which makes him officially 1lb well in at the weights here. He was very strong at the finish last time and I can’t see the extra-furlong holding any concerns. Leading contender.
RIPP ORF (IRE) 4 b g Rip Van Winkle – Barzah David Elsworth C Benham/ D Whittford/ L Quinn/ K Quinn Ripp Orf has already landed two valuable handicaps at Ascot this season (both over 7f) and he performed with credit here again 14-days ago when second behind Raising Sands. He’s a remarkably consistent horse that always seems to give his running and he’s still relatively unexposed over 1m. I think he’s a better horse on better ground but he comes here 1lb well in at the weights and should run another good race for his connectons.
SOUTH SEAS (IRE) 4 ch g Lope De Vega – Let It Be Me Andrew Balding Qatar Racing Limited & A M Balding South Seas was a useful juvenile a couple of seasons ago but hasn’t got his head in front since landing the Group 2 Solario Stakes two-years-ago. He looked to have found a good opportunity last time when favourite for an Optional Claiming Handicap at Goodwood but could only manage second. South Seas is versatile regards ground conditions but he wouldn’t be for me back into a highly competitive handicap.
VIA VIA (IRE) 6 b h Lope De Vega – Atalina James Tate Saeed Manana Via Via has run two good races in defeat on his last two outings including second behind Argentello, who boosted the form on Tuesday with a convincing victory at Kempton. Via Via was only a length behind on that occasion and now gets a 10lb weight swing in his favour. He didn’t quite get home in the Cambridgeshire last time when losing places inside the final furlong, so the drop back to 1m looks a good call by his connections. He looks a leading player.
VERDICT The Balmoral Handicap is always a tough race to end a brilliant days racing on Qipco British Champions Day. Ripp Orf has had a fantastic season already and clearly enjoys relishes Ascot. He looks certain to perform with credit again here but my only worry would be if ground conditions came up very soft, as his best form has come on a sounder surface. Flaming Spear ran on well last time under 5lb claimer Ben Coen but he still looked firmly in the handicappers grip and this will be a tough ask off top weight but the return to a mile should suit now settling better in his races. Mjjack will also find this tough off a career high mark of 109, he failed to fire on his previous attempt at 1m and has stamina questions to answer here. Kyrnren will be suited by the return to softer ground conditions, which might unlock the improvement required to land this, with William Buick an intriguing jockey booking. I find it hard to oppose current favourite RAISING SAND in this contest after his dominant display here over 7f last time. He’s a dual C&D, so the step up to 1m will be no issue to him and a 6lb penalty here makes him 1lb well in at the weights. If he turns up in similar form to last time, he’ll take plenty of beating again. Argentello and Via Via are closely matched on their running at Newmarket last month in August but the latter gets a 10lb swing in the weights here and could be the biggest danger to the selection and has to be feared. Selection: RAISING SAND