Royal Ascot TIPS: Newsboy picks 1-2-3 for every race on Friday on ITV
Royal Ascot reaches its fourth day with another huge crowd expected at the Berkshire venue. The feature contest is the Group 1 Coronation Stakes, run over 1m for three-year-old fillies.
The other Group 1 is the Commonwealth Cup, another three-year-old only event, staged over 6f and set to feature candidates destined for future top sprinting honours. The Albany Stakes and the King Edward VII Stakes, Ascot's version of the Derby, are the other highlights. Newsboy has analysed every race and given his 1-2-3.
2.30 Albany Stakes
IPANEMA QUEEN did more than enough on her debut to suggest she has a future in Group company - and there's plenty more to come.
A glance at the Adrian Murray-trained youngster's pedigree shows she's bred to go - sire Sands Of Mali won York's Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes in 2017 before finishing a half-length second in the following year's Commonwealth Cup, while dam No More Thrills is a winning daughter of 2006 Norfolk Stakes hero Dutch Art.
And she had clearly been showing up at home before starting out in a five-furlong maiden at the Curragh last month, going off the 7-2 second favourite in a field of 21.
In the event, Ipanema Queen's backers were always on good terms with themselves as Wayne Lordan's mount led inside the final quarter mile and stretched away to beat Later Than Planned by five and a half lengths.
The performance triggered a purchase by Stonestreet Stables and Amo Racing - hence David Egan's presence in the saddle - and Ipanema Queen can pay back a chunky instalment on her first start for her new owners. Gold Digger, Tahalel and Green Sense are all promising fillies capable of playing a part.
NEWSBOY'S 1-2-3: 1 IPANEMA QUEEN, 2 TAHALEL, 3 GOLD DIGGER
3.05 Commonwealth Cup
LEOVANNI returns to the scene of her Queen Mary Stakes triumph 12 months ago and is well capable of outrunning her odds.
Despite a taking debut success at Nottingham a fortnight earlier on her racecourse debut, the Karl Burke-saddled daughter of Kodi Bear drifted from single-figure odds to 22-1 for the her first visit to Royal Ascot, but defied her market unease with a fluent length-and-three-quarter victory from Mighty Eriu.
The rest of the campaign didn't go to plan - Leovanni suffered a first defeat when third in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York in August and came back last of seven to Lake Victoria in the top-level Cheveley Park Stakes on soft ground at Newmarket the following month.
However, there was plenty of promise to be gleaned from her comeback in the Listed Achilles Stakes at Haydock Park 20 days ago.
William Buick's partner - Wathnan Racing's retained jockey James Doyle is back on board today - was denied a run on the approach to the final furlong before finishing with effect to take fourth to Balmoral Lady.
A step forward is required for a first Group 1 win, but it's worth taking the chance. Favourite Shadow Of Light is feared most, ahead of Babouche, Whistlejacket and American raider Shisospicy.
NEWSBOY'S 1-2-3: 1 LEOVANNI, 2 SHADOW OF LIGHT, 3 SHISOSPICY
3.40 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes
STRESSFREE will subject his supporters to a white-knuckle ride but looks sure to finish with a rattle.
Campaigned largely at a mile and a quarter in 2024, the five-year-old son of Anodin proved a model of consistency in some strong handicaps, hitting the bullseye just the once - he scored at Chester in September - but making the frame on numerous occasions.
Stressfree, a winner over hurdles in February, continued in similar vein over 10 furlongs at Doncaster and Epsom in his first two outings this season but trainer David O'Meara's move back up to a mile and a half appears to have unlocked further progress.
Having his second attempt at the trip, my selection missed out by a head to Almosh'her at York last month, but went one better in a big-money heat at Haydock Park last time with a last-gasp neck margin from Kildare Legend.
Stressfree's hold-up style means Danny Tudhope will play for luck and lay down his cards late, but a 5lb rise in the weights appears within range.
In a race of myriad possible outcomes, French Duke, War Rooms, Almosh'her and Auld Toon Loon are just four horses who merit a second look.
4.20 Coronation Stakes
FALAKEYAH is the selection to defend her unbeaten record as she moves down in distance and up in class.
The turf campaign was done with when New Bay's daughter - dam Alaflaak didn't make it to the track but hails from a family that includes Group 1 stars Baaeed and Hukum - started out in a fillies' maiden over Wolverhampton's extended mile on November 21 last year.
Falakeyah went off the even-money favourite and her trainer Owen Burrows must have been licking his lips at the manner in which Jim Crowley's mount scooted home by five and a half lengths.
My selection then tried 10 furlongs for the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes on the 1,000 Guineas undercard at Newmarket last month - and was again explosive in victory.
Ushering his mount to the front of the seven-runner field soon after the start, Crowley sat motionless as Falakeyah sauntered clear inside the final half mile en route to a three-and-a-quarter-length humbling of Life Is Beautiful.
With the Oaks deemed too far for such an exuberant racer, connections mooted a challenge for the French version, the Prix de Diane over a mile and a quarter but, after Falakeyah was temporarily laid low by a bug, have opted to supplement her for today.
This stiff mile looks ideal and Falakeyah, with so much as-yet untapped potential, is taken to take her tally to 3-3. Zarigana, clearly a prodigious talent despite needing the intervention of the stewards' to land the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas), isn't passed over lightly, with Kon Tiki and Longchamp fourth Exactly best of the rest.
NEWSBOY'S 1-2-3: 1 FALAKEYAH, 2 ZARIGANA, 3 EXACTLY
5.00 Sandringham Stakes
SILVER GHOST is moving sublimely through the gears and receives the vote to give trainer Emma Lavelle a first Royal Ascot success.
Lavelle is better known for her exploits in the National Hunt sphere but has a burgeoning side-hustle on the Flat, with Silver Ghost one of its emerging talents.
The grey daughter of Phoenix Of Spain missed the target on the first six starts of her career but enjoyed a red-letter day when a two-length supremacy in a seven-furlong handicap at Newmarket on 2,000 Guineas day last month.
The handicapper reacted with a 6lb rise in the weights but my selection went in again over the same trip at Goodwood three weeks later, surging through from the back to beat Miss Nightfall by two and a half lengths.
There is an additional 8lb hike to deal with but the step up to a mile will help Sean Levey's mount, whose upward curve has not yet plateaued.
The shortlist is, unsurprisingly, a long one and has Supermodel, Bountiful, Arabian Leopard and Miss Nightfall at the top of it.
NEWSBOY'S 1-2-3: 1 SILVER GHOST, 2 SUPERMODEL, 3 ARABIAN LEOPARD
5.35 King Edward VII Stakes
ZAHRANN hardly broke sweat for Listed gains at Leopardstown last time and the 'Ascot Derby' looks within his reach.
An elevated temperature prevented the Night Of Thunder colt, bred by the late Aga Khan and carrying his green-and-red livery, from making his debut in a one-mile maiden at Leopardstown last October - but the Johnny Murtagh trainee has come a long way in a short space of time at three.
A head second to Mississippi River in a similar event at Navan in April, Zahrann went one better in emphatic fashion with a seven-length thumping of Des Moines when tackling an extended 10 furlongs for a Cork maiden next time.
Fifteen days ago, his sights were raised to Listed company for the King George V Cup over a mile and a half in South Dublin, and Zahrann came from the rear under Ben Coen to score by two and a quarter lengths from Arouet.
There is still polish to be applied to a horse learning on the job, and Zahrann can make his presence felt at Group 2 level. The unbeaten Amiloc is the logical starting point in the search for dangers, ahead of Convergent and Nightwalker.
6.10 Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes
ADRESTIA did enough on her return to action at Windsor 11 days ago to be of strong interest here.
The winner of a Great Yarmouth maiden and a nursery at Sandown Park last July from six outings as a two-year-old, the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained daughter of Havana was having her first start for 282 days when lining up against nine rivals for a five-furlong handicap on Thameside.
A third, beaten three-quarters of a length and a neck, behind the more experienced Regal Envoy represents a promising comeback.
If, as anticipated, Oisín Murphy's mount takes a step forward from it, Adrestia looks favourably treated on the same British Horseracing Authority mark of 89.
The close to Friday's entertainment makes for a real headscratcher, but Jorge Alvares, Red Orange and Realign are all three-year-old speedsters capable of better.
NEWSBOY'S 1-2-3: 1 ADRESTIA, 2 RED ORANGE, 3 REALIGN
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Royal Ascot tips: ‘He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four
TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Royal Ascot tips: 'He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday's racing from Royal Ascot confident of bashing the bookies. Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and bag yourself some of our best free bet offers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up ROYAL ASCOT - Best betting offers and new sign-up deals ZAHRANN (5.35 Ascot, nap) Zahrann is the man in the £250,000 King Edward VII Stakes. He looked like a machine when winning a Listed contest at Leopardstown last time despite being green on just his third run. He picked up strongly and powered home like a class act. Trainer Johnny Murtagh tasted lots of Ascot success as a jockey and has a potential superstar on his hands. ETHICAL DIAMOND (3.40 Ascot, nb) Pulled too hard when fourth in this Duke of Edinburgh Stakes last year. He has since improved over hurdles and Ryan Moore can settle him better to land the win. SIGNORA (2.30 Ascot, treble) Can add to Aidan O'Brien's brilliant tally with his two-year-olds this week. This daughter of Frankel looked really promising when finishing third on debut in a Naas Group 3. The yard's juveniles usually come on a bundle for their first outing. Templegate's verdicts 2.30 SIGNORA can turn the tables on Green Sense from their clash at Naas last month. That Group 3 was the tip's debut and she was very green and not asked too many questions. With Royal Ascot winners on both sides of her pedigree, she's got the profile to take a big step forward second time out. Green Sense herself had previously brushed aside the colts when winning at The Curragh on debut and is in the place picture. Fitzella impressed when making all at Haydock after a close second at Ascot. She beat Tahalel – who will improve for that run – comfortably and looks a player. Venetian Sun justified favouritism at Carlisle when ridden out to score, and the form of that race stands up. With improvement expected over this extra furlong, she won't be far away. Gold Digger showed promise when winning at Yarmouth and Jamie Spencer suits her hold-up style. 3.05 BABOUCHE is on the loose in today's £725,000 Group 1 Commonwealth Cup (3.05). She has looked speedy for Irish trainer Ger Lyons and was good enough to blow away Aidan O'Brien's Whistlejacket in last year's Phoenix Stakes. Babouche warmed up with a smooth Group 3 success at Naas last time and can improve again under top rider Colin Keane who is desperate to reward his loyal gaffer with a big winner. Shadow Of Light ran a cracker when third in the 2,000 Guineas. He showed loads of boot but didn't stay the mile. This should be an ideal trip. Templegate's runner-by-runner guide to the Commonwealth Cup AIN'T NOBODY 2 BODY blow. Royal Ascot winner last year and holding form well in Group races including when fifth in the Sandy Lane last time. He goes on any ground and likes it here but he looks a Mr Nobody in this. ARABIE 1 BYE Bie. Dual French Group winner at two but not progressed. Blinkers didn't spark much at Chantilly. Has looked short of Group 1 class. ARIZONA BLAZE 3 HOT Blaze. Group 3 winner and no disgrace when sixth at Haydock last time. Looks a pure speed horse and likely to force the pace again. Won't mind this ground and has a decent draw. Needs more to win but has a place shout. BERKSHIRE WHISPER 2 SHIRE hell. Did well on the sand this winter over this trip. This is tougher on turf but he's tough and improving. Trainer's red-hot but this is much the stiffest opposition he's faced. BIG MOJO 4 BIG player. Won Pavilion Stakes at Ascot and shaped well again in the Sandy Lane last time. He always gives his running and went close at the Breeders' Cup. Has speed, gears and heart – solid each-way contender with course form in the bank. DIABLO ROJO 2 ROJO no. Neck second to Big Mojo in the Pavilion Stakes and showed decent pace there. He likes to come from just off a strong pace and should get that here. He'll be doing his best work late so will need some luck in running. Looks a bit short of this standard. IDES OF MARCH 3 BEWARE Ides. Curragh Group 3 winner last summer and twice placed in Listed company this season. Didn't quite fire when held in a Newbury Listed contest last time but was fine with this trip. He's solid and doesn't mind quick ground. Faces smarter rivals here but won't be far away from the frame. JONQUIL 4 JON the money. Beaten just a head in French 2,000 Guineas and landed the Greenham before that over seven furlongs. He's taking a fair drop back in trip here but trainer Andrew Balding reckons he has six-furlong speed. Fascinating contender making his sprinting debut. SHADOW OF LIGHT 4 LIGHT fantastic. Dewhurst and Middle Park winner last year. Lost unbeaten record when third in the 2,000 Guineas but travelled powerfully and was just outstayed. The effort screamed six furlongs and Charlie Appleby has wasted no time. Very classy and a major threat despite yard's dire recent Royal record. SOLDIER'S HEART 2 HEART not in it. Ripon Listed winner last year and fifth at Chantilly on return after long break. Clearly needed it and will strip fitter now. Capable at this level, but will need his very best form. STRONG WARRIOR 2 WARR needs more. Unbeaten in first two and just edged out on handicap debut at Windsor. Lightly raced with a big engine he is clearly talented — but this is a huge step up in class. WHISTLEJACKET 4 JACK in the box. Top juvenile last year and Group 1 winner in France over this trip. Been beaten by Babouche twice but still ran with credit. Clearly has Group 1 class and acts on all ground. Middle draw looks good and Ryan Moore in the saddle. ARABIAN DUSK 3 DUSK may dawn. Duchess Of Cambridge winner and close second in the Sandy Lane at Haydock last time. Proven over six furlongs, handles all going and thrives in big fields. Tactically versatile so worth a place shout at long odds. BABOUCHE 5 LAND a touche. Phoenix Stakes winner last season and looked right back to best when thrashing Whistlejacket in the Lacken. Quickens up smartly and stays well. Peaking at the right time and is a major player from what should be an ideal draw. CARLA RIDGE 2 HIGH Ridge. Maiden winner at Naas and placed behind Babouche in Group 3 at Naas last time. Probably needs 7f and likely to find this test too sharp at this stage. Still learning but big task in this company. LADY WITH THE LAMP 3 LAMP lit. Improving filly with Listed wins on turf and AW this season. Got up late to win at Chelmsford latest and finishes strongly. Yet to prove she's Group 1 class but arrives in form and trainer going well — outside each-way squeak. LEOVANNI 3 VAN can motor. Won Queen Mary last year and finished full of running after traffic problems in fourth on return at Haydock. Might be peaking again just in time. Strong traveller and each-way shout if things open up. RAYEVKA 3 RAY of light. French Listed winner last time, quickened smartly and pulled clear late over this trip. One of the least exposed in the field and could be dangerous if she gets cover and delivers late which won't be easy. SAYIDAH DARIYAN 2 SAY no. Consistent filly who's been steadily climbing the ranks. with a Listed third last time. She lacks star quality but never runs a bad race. Likely to find a few of these too good. SHISOSPICY 2 TOO Spicy. American raider who landed a hat-trick on quick ground at Churchill Downs. An unknown quantity and not ruled out for a place — although US horses often fail to stay this far. SKY MAJESTY 2 SKY fall. Group 2 winner in France last season in the mud but only third on return at Chelmsford behind Sayidah Dariyan. Must bounce back sharply to get seriously involved here but this is just her fifth run. TIME FOR SANDALS 3 SANDALS has boot. Narrowly beaten in a French Group 3 last time and improving with every run. Has speed, class and trainer Harry Eustace is in excellent form. Low draw not ideal but one of many in the field who could place at long odds. 3.40 ETHICAL DIAMOND was a close fourth in this race last year off just 2lb lower when pulling too hard. He's since finished a strong fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and wears a hood for the first time on the Flat. If that helps Ryan Moore to settle him, he clearly has the engine for a race like this. The biggest threat may come from Stressfree, who was narrowly denied by Almosh'her at York before swooping late to win a good race at Haydock. He's had a nudge up the weights but his 1m4f form is stacking up nicely. Almosh'her himself has done little wrong, winning three of four starts. Now with Wathnan Racing, he's drawn wide and has tended to race freely, which could test his progress under pressure. French Duke is another key player. He was progressing well last season, winning at Goodwood and finishing second here in October. He remains unexposed. Auld Toon Loon is flying for his new yard and was just denied at Chester last time. He stays 1m4f and is still on the upgrade. 4.20 FALAKEYAH can repay the faith of her connections who forked out £46,000 to supplement her for this race. She caught the eye on her sole juvenile start on the sand but really came to the fore when making all in Listed company at Newmarket last time. She raced keenly over 1m2f there but simply wasn't for catching and the drop back in trip here could suit. She skipped both the English and French Oaks with this challenge in mind. Zarigana is the obvious threat. A granddaughter of the mighty Zarkava, she was awarded the French 1,000 Guineas by the stewards after interference and went down narrowly in the Boussac last year. She's won four of her last five and her upward curve may not have peaked yet. Coronation Stakes trends You should stay north of 108 in the official ratings when trying to pick the winner. That's bad news for Cathedral, Cercene, Falakeyah, January and Kon Tiki. Stick with horses with no more than one defeat this season. Duty First, Exactly, Flight and Simmering come up short on that score. Chantilly Lace was fifth last time which is far from ideal which leaves just one horse standing – ZARIGANA. Exactly, third in that same French Guineas, brings toughness and consistency. She's never run a bad race and could easily be in the mix again for Ballydoyle. Although she's not the choice of Ryan Moore who is on January. She was second in the Fillies' Mile last season and looked rusty in the Irish Guineas on comeback. She should leave that form behind here. Kon Tiki is unexposed and unbeaten in three, with a Listed win at York the latest step forward. William Buick gets the leg up for the first time for Jane Chapple-Hyam who doesn't chase rainbows. Chantilly Lace wasn't disgraced when fifth in the 1,000 Guineas and is open to more. Cercene has shown consistency without winning, while Duty First looks better over 7f and may struggle to stay. Cathedral has plenty to prove after a tame reappearance and, like Simmering, looks well short of this standard. 5.00 SILVER GHOST can spook the bookies for trainer Emma Lavelle. She bolted up in seven-furlong handicaps on good ground at Newmarket and Goodwood, travelling strongly and looking classy. The handicapper reacted with an 8lb hike but that may not be enough to put the brakes on. The step up to a mile looks ideal for this fast-improving type. The King has an each-way chance with Purple Rainbow who needed the run on comeback here in April and Warren Fentiman is good value for his 5lb claim. Miss Nightfall met trouble in running when second to the tip at Goodwood and also shapes as if this stiff mile will suit. Sea Poetry looks potentially overpriced given her HQ win last season reads well and she hasn't been disgraced behind good sorts this term. Sandringham Stakes trends Stick with horses that finished in the first three last time. Tabiti, Serving With Style, Mojave River, Sweet Chariot, Amangani, Nancy J, Trad Jazz, Cartwheel, Purple Rainbow and Bassadanza. Oolong Poobong, Saariselka, Dash Of Azure, Cajole, Sea Poetry, Annsar, Dancing Teapot, Alfareqa, Ryke, Arabian Leopard and Eazy On The Eye are too low in the official ratings. Bountiful has been off for too long and can be crossed out. A win this season is a plus so Betty Clover, Serving With Style, Miss Nightfall and Never Let Go can go. That leaves Silver Ghost, Supermodel and Zgharta. SUPERMODEL looks good for William Haggas who has a strong record in handicaps like this. The other two are backable at each-way prices and are well drawn so have every chance of making the frame. Tabiti could outclass these if handling a big-field handicap. She won a Group 3 before finishing midfield in the Fillies' Mile and returns in first-time blinkers on handicap debut. Irish raider Dancing Teapot looks the type to improve plenty now handicapping in cheekpieces. Never Let Go was unlucky not to win a Listed race last time – this stiff mile might be right up her alley. Dash Of Azure was impressive at Kempton on comeback and won't be far away for Ralph Beckett. 5.35 ZAHRANN is a colt who still doesn't know how good he is. He missed the kick and was green as grass in a Leopardstown Listed race last time yet still burned past all of them to win going away. That was just his third run and the way he did it – powering clear despite inexperience – screamed Group 1 potential. If he grows up a bit, they might not see which way he went. The unbeaten Amiloc is the obvious danger. He comes here with a perfect record after four wins including at Listed level. He stayed on strongly at Goodwood and will be even more dangerous if settling better. Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore team up with Puppet Master who's improving with every run. He won the Lingfield Derby Trial last time after shaping well in the Ballysax. He's a threat. Don't rule out Convergent, who finished third in the Chester Vase. He was behind Lambourn and Lazy Griff – the Derby first and second. That's rock-solid form and he's still learning his craft. Wimbledon Hawkeye has turned up for every dance. He was second in the Craven, fifth in the Guineas, third in the Dante. He's gritty, reliable and should stay the trip with cheekpieces added. He has every chance of making the frame. Nightwalker bombed at Epsom but that wasn't his track – and it showed. He finished well in the Dante and now gets blinkers on a proper galloping course. That should bring improvement. Galveston cost 'The Lads' at Ballydoyle a cool £2m and showed more when winning at Naas last month. This longer trip should suit him. It's early days for Opportunity who was behind Amiloc at Goodwood after being hampered. He could close the eight-length gap between them today. 6.10 REALIGN can strike on handicap debut from what looks a lenient opening mark of 93. William Haggas' colt oozed class at Salisbury last month, hammering his rivals on comeback. That was over six furlongs but he's got more than enough pace for this drop to the minimum. Stormy Impact looks dangerous after rattling home to win the Epsom 3YO Dash in some style. She's up 5lb but has a blistering turn of foot and this stiffer track might suit even better. Ruby's Profit was a good third in that race when forcing the pace and is back from the same handicap mark with a chance. He was beaten by Redorange at Chester last month who made the most of a good draw. He's 9lb higher now so will have to pull out more. Hammer The Hammer made it three wins on the spin at Chester with lots left in the locker. He's another who has been racing over further but he likes to blast off from the front so this stiff five furlongs should be fine. Jorge Alvares warrants respect after a decent effort at The Curragh 16 days ago. He looks fairly handicapped for Ger Lyons. Maw Lam drops down from Listed and Group company with a 7lb claimer on board to make his mark workable. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. 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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Royal Ascot tips: ‘He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four
TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday's racing from Royal Ascot confident of bashing the bookies. Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and bag yourself some of our best free bet offers. ZAHRANN (5.35 Ascot, nap) Zahrann is the man in the £250,000 King Edward VII Stakes. He looked like a machine when winning a Listed contest at Leopardstown last time despite being green on just his third run. He picked up strongly and powered home like a class act. Trainer Johnny Murtagh tasted lots of Ascot success as a jockey and has a potential superstar on his hands. ETHICAL DIAMOND (3.40 Ascot, nb) Pulled too hard when fourth in this Duke of Edinburgh Stakes last year. He has since improved over hurdles and Ryan Moore can settle him better to land the win. Can add to Aidan O'Brien's brilliant tally with his two-year-olds this week. This daughter of Frankel looked really promising when finishing third on debut in a Naas Group 3. The yard's juveniles usually come on a bundle for their first outing. 2.30 SIGNORA can turn the tables on Green Sense from their clash at Naas last month. That Group 3 was the tip's debut and she was very green and not asked too many questions. With Royal Ascot winners on both sides of her pedigree, she's got the profile to take a big step forward second time out. Green Sense herself had previously brushed aside the colts when winning at The Curragh on debut and is in the place picture. Fitzella impressed when making all at Haydock after a close second at Ascot. She beat Tahalel – who will improve for that run – comfortably and looks a player. Venetian Sun justified favouritism at Carlisle when ridden out to score, and the form of that race stands up. With improvement expected over this extra furlong, she won't be far away. Gold Digger showed promise when winning at Yarmouth and Jamie Spencer suits her hold-up style. 3.05 BABOUCHE is on the loose in today's £725,000 Group 1 Commonwealth Cup (3.05). She has looked speedy for Irish trainer Ger Lyons and was good enough to blow away Aidan O'Brien's Whistlejacket in last year's Phoenix Stakes. Babouche warmed up with a smooth Group 3 success at Naas last time and can improve again under top rider Colin Keane who is desperate to reward his loyal gaffer with a big winner. Shadow Of Light ran a cracker when third in the 2,000 Guineas. He showed loads of boot but didn't stay the mile. This should be an ideal trip. Templegate's runner-by-runner guide to the Commonwealth Cup AIN'T NOBODY 2 BODY blow. Royal Ascot winner last year and holding form well in Group races including when fifth in the Sandy Lane last time. He goes on any ground and likes it here but he looks a Mr Nobody in this. ARABIE 1 BYE Bie. Dual French Group winner at two but not progressed. Blinkers didn't spark much at Chantilly. Has looked short of Group 1 class. ARIZONA BLAZE 3 HOT Blaze. Group 3 winner and no disgrace when sixth at Haydock last time. Looks a pure speed horse and likely to force the pace again. Won't mind this ground and has a decent draw. Needs more to win but has a place shout. BERKSHIRE WHISPER 2 SHIRE hell. Did well on the sand this winter over this trip. This is tougher on turf but he's tough and improving. Trainer's red-hot but this is much the stiffest opposition he's faced. BIG MOJO 4 BIG player. Won Pavilion Stakes at Ascot and shaped well again in the Sandy Lane last time. He always gives his running and went close at the Breeders' Cup. Has speed, gears and heart – solid each-way contender with course form in the bank. DIABLO ROJO 2 ROJO no. Neck second to Big Mojo in the Pavilion Stakes and showed decent pace there. He likes to come from just off a strong pace and should get that here. He'll be doing his best work late so will need some luck in running. Looks a bit short of this standard. IDES OF MARCH 3 BEWARE Ides. Curragh Group 3 winner last summer and twice placed in Listed company this season. Didn't quite fire when held in a Newbury Listed contest last time but was fine with this trip. He's solid and doesn't mind quick ground. Faces smarter rivals here but won't be far away from the frame. JONQUIL 4 JON the money. Beaten just a head in French 2,000 Guineas and landed the Greenham before that over seven furlongs. He's taking a fair drop back in trip here but trainer Andrew Balding reckons he has six-furlong speed. Fascinating contender making his sprinting debut. SHADOW OF LIGHT 4 LIGHT fantastic. Dewhurst and Middle Park winner last year. Lost unbeaten record when third in the 2,000 Guineas but travelled powerfully and was just outstayed. The effort screamed six furlongs and Charlie Appleby has wasted no time. Very classy and a major threat despite yard's dire recent Royal record. SOLDIER'S HEART 2 HEART not in it. Ripon Listed winner last year and fifth at Chantilly on return after long break. Clearly needed it and will strip fitter now. Capable at this level, but will need his very best form. STRONG WARRIOR 2 WARR needs more. Unbeaten in first two and just edged out on handicap debut at Windsor. Lightly raced with a big engine he is clearly talented — but this is a huge step up in class. WHISTLEJACKET 4 JACK in the box. Top juvenile last year and Group 1 winner in France over this trip. Been beaten by Babouche twice but still ran with credit. Clearly has Group 1 class and acts on all ground. Middle draw looks good and Ryan Moore in the saddle. ARABIAN DUSK 3 DUSK may dawn. Duchess Of Cambridge winner and close second in the Sandy Lane at Haydock last time. Proven over six furlongs, handles all going and thrives in big fields. Tactically versatile so worth a place shout at long odds. BABOUCHE 5 LAND a touche. Phoenix Stakes winner last season and looked right back to best when thrashing Whistlejacket in the Lacken. Quickens up smartly and stays well. Peaking at the right time and is a major player from what should be an ideal draw. CARLA RIDGE 2 HIGH Ridge. Maiden winner at Naas and placed behind Babouche in Group 3 at Naas last time. Probably needs 7f and likely to find this test too sharp at this stage. Still learning but big task in this company. LADY WITH THE LAMP 3 LAMP lit. Improving filly with Listed wins on turf and AW this season. Got up late to win at Chelmsford latest and finishes strongly. Yet to prove she's Group 1 class but arrives in form and trainer going well — outside each-way squeak. LEOVANNI 3 VAN can motor. Won Queen Mary last year and finished full of running after traffic problems in fourth on return at Haydock. Might be peaking again just in time. Strong traveller and each-way shout if things open up. RAYEVKA 3 RAY of light. French Listed winner last time, quickened smartly and pulled clear late over this trip. One of the least exposed in the field and could be dangerous if she gets cover and delivers late which won't be easy. SAYIDAH DARIYAN 2 SAY no. Consistent filly who's been steadily climbing the ranks. with a Listed third last time. She lacks star quality but never runs a bad race. Likely to find a few of these too good. SHISOSPICY 2 TOO Spicy. American raider who landed a hat-trick on quick ground at Churchill Downs. An unknown quantity and not ruled out for a place — although US horses often fail to stay this far. SKY MAJESTY 2 SKY fall. Group 2 winner in France last season in the mud but only third on return at Chelmsford behind Sayidah Dariyan. Must bounce back sharply to get seriously involved here but this is just her fifth run. TIME FOR SANDALS 3 SANDALS has boot. Narrowly beaten in a French Group 3 last time and improving with every run. Has speed, class and trainer Harry Eustace is in excellent form. Low draw not ideal but one of many in the field who could place at long odds. 3.40 ETHICAL DIAMOND was a close fourth in this race last year off just 2lb lower when pulling too hard. He's since finished a strong fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and wears a hood for the first time on the Flat. If that helps Ryan Moore to settle him, he clearly has the engine for a race like this. The biggest threat may come from Stressfree, who was narrowly denied by Almosh'her at York before swooping late to win a good race at Haydock. He's had a nudge up the weights but his 1m4f form is stacking up nicely. Almosh'her himself has done little wrong, winning three of four starts. Now with Wathnan Racing, he's drawn wide and has tended to race freely, which could test his progress under pressure. French Duke is another key player. He was progressing well last season, winning at Goodwood and finishing second here in October. He remains unexposed. Auld Toon Loon is flying for his new yard and was just denied at Chester last time. He stays 1m4f and is still on the upgrade. 4.20 FALAKEYAH can repay the faith of her connections who forked out £46,000 to supplement her for this race. She caught the eye on her sole juvenile start on the sand but really came to the fore when making all in Listed company at Newmarket last time. She raced keenly over 1m2f there but simply wasn't for catching and the drop back in trip here could suit. She skipped both the English and French Oaks with this challenge in mind. Zarigana is the obvious threat. A granddaughter of the mighty Zarkava, she was awarded the French 1,000 Guineas by the stewards after interference and went down narrowly in the Boussac last year. She's won four of her last five and her upward curve may not have peaked yet. Exactly, third in that same French Guineas, brings toughness and consistency. She's never run a bad race and could easily be in the mix again for Ballydoyle. Although she's not the choice of Ryan Moore who is on January. She was second in the Fillies' Mile last season and looked rusty in the Irish Guineas on comeback. She should leave that form behind here. Kon Tiki is unexposed and unbeaten in three, with a Listed win at York the latest step forward. William Buick gets the leg up for the first time for Jane Chapple-Hyam who doesn't chase rainbows. Chantilly Lace wasn't disgraced when fifth in the 1,000 Guineas and is open to more. Cercene has shown consistency without winning, while Duty First looks better over 7f and may struggle to stay. Cathedral has plenty to prove after a tame reappearance and, like Simmering, looks well short of this standard. 5.00 SILVER GHOST can spook the bookies for trainer Emma Lavelle. She bolted up in seven-furlong handicaps on good ground at Newmarket and Goodwood, travelling strongly and looking classy. The handicapper reacted with an 8lb hike but that may not be enough to put the brakes on. The step up to a mile looks ideal for this fast-improving type. The King has an each-way chance with Purple Rainbow who needed the run on comeback here in April and Warren Fentiman is good value for his 5lb claim. Miss Nightfall met trouble in running when second to the tip at Goodwood and also shapes as if this stiff mile will suit. Sea Poetry looks potentially overpriced given her HQ win last season reads well and she hasn't been disgraced behind good sorts this term. Sandringham Stakes trends Stick with horses that finished in the first three last time. Tabiti, Serving With Style, Mojave River, Sweet Chariot, Amangani, Nancy J, Trad Jazz, Cartwheel, Purple Rainbow and Bassadanza. Oolong Poobong, Saariselka, Dash Of Azure, Cajole, Sea Poetry, Annsar, Dancing Teapot, Alfareqa, Ryke, Arabian Leopard and Eazy On The Eye are too low in the official ratings. Bountiful has been off for too long and can be crossed out. A win this season is a plus so Betty Clover, Serving With Style, Miss Nightfall and Never Let Go can go. That leaves Silver Ghost, Supermodel and Zgharta. SUPERMODEL looks good for William Haggas who has a strong record in handicaps like this. The other two are backable at each-way prices and are well drawn so have every chance of making the frame. Tabiti could outclass these if handling a big-field handicap. She won a Group 3 before finishing midfield in the Fillies' Mile and returns in first-time blinkers on handicap debut. Irish raider Dancing Teapot looks the type to improve plenty now handicapping in cheekpieces. Never Let Go was unlucky not to win a Listed race last time – this stiff mile might be right up her alley. Dash Of Azure was impressive at Kempton on comeback and won't be far away for Ralph Beckett. 5.35 ZAHRANN is a colt who still doesn't know how good he is. He missed the kick and was green as grass in a Leopardstown Listed race last time yet still burned past all of them to win going away. That was just his third run and the way he did it – powering clear despite inexperience – screamed Group 1 potential. If he grows up a bit, they might not see which way he went. The unbeaten Amiloc is the obvious danger. He comes here with a perfect record after four wins including at Listed level. He stayed on strongly at Goodwood and will be even more dangerous if settling better. Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore team up with Puppet Master who's improving with every run. He won the Lingfield Derby Trial last time after shaping well in the Ballysax. He's a threat. Don't rule out Convergent, who finished third in the Chester Vase. He was behind Lambourn and Lazy Griff – the Derby first and second. That's rock-solid form and he's still learning his craft. Wimbledon Hawkeye has turned up for every dance. He was second in the Craven, fifth in the Guineas, third in the Dante. He's gritty, reliable and should stay the trip with cheekpieces added. He has every chance of making the frame. Nightwalker bombed at Epsom but that wasn't his track – and it showed. He finished well in the Dante and now gets blinkers on a proper galloping course. That should bring improvement. Galveston cost 'The Lads' at Ballydoyle a cool £2m and showed more when winning at Naas last month. This longer trip should suit him. It's early days for Opportunity who was behind Amiloc at Goodwood after being hampered. He could close the eight-length gap between them today. 6.10 REALIGN can strike on handicap debut from what looks a lenient opening mark of 93. William Haggas' colt oozed class at Salisbury last month, hammering his rivals on comeback. That was over six furlongs but he's got more than enough pace for this drop to the minimum. Stormy Impact looks dangerous after rattling home to win the Epsom 3YO Dash in some style. She's up 5lb but has a blistering turn of foot and this stiffer track might suit even better. Ruby's Profit was a good third in that race when forcing the pace and is back from the same handicap mark with a chance. He was beaten by Redorange at Chester last month who made the most of a good draw. He's 9lb higher now so will have to pull out more. Hammer The Hammer made it three wins on the spin at Chester with lots left in the locker. He's another who has been racing over further but he likes to blast off from the front so this stiff five furlongs should be fine. Jorge Alvares warrants respect after a decent effort at The Curragh 16 days ago. He looks fairly handicapped for Ger Lyons. Maw Lam drops down from Listed and Group company with a 7lb claimer on board to make his mark workable. 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2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
William Buick ecstatic after Trawlerman smashes track record to claim Gold Cup win at Royal Ascot
The horse is the star: never forget It. When trainers are excelling and jockeys are dazzling, it is only possible thanks to the efforts of the animals who give everything. And how Trawlerman, the latest winner of a race that dates back to 1807, has given everything. His 21-race career began on a dank November night, at Chelmsford, in November 2020 when nobody was allowed on track due to the pandemic; yesterday, 65,718 flooded through Ascot 's turnstiles. Over the course of five years, for six different jockeys, Trawlerman, trained in Newmarket by John and Thady Gosden for owners Godolphin, has covered 38-and-a-quarter miles in competition; he's raced in Saudi Arabia, Dubai three times and had earned more than £1million for his efforts. This latest test, however, was the one that would determine his place in the pantheon. History awaits those who succeed in Ascot's Gold Cup, those who fail in this two-and-a-half-mile war quickly fade from the memory; thanks to a relentless display of galloping, Trawlerman will never be forgotten. He did this the hard way – and how. William Buick, his jockey, sprung out of the starting stalls as quickly as jack comes out of a box and immediately put his foot to the accelerator: 33mph, 35mph, up to 36mph as he charged past the crowded stands. Sent off the 85/40 favourite, he never saw another rival. 'Trawlerman just goes off,' said John Gosden, greeting back his fifth winner of an extraordinary week. 'I said to William: 'What did you do?' and he said: 'I threw the reins at him! He can judge pace better than me!' and off they went together. He's an out-and-out galloper. 'William judged it perfectly – it is not an easy thing to do over two and a half miles. If anyone is going to go by him, they will know they have been in a race but they never got to him. He is a wonderful old horse, and a great team look after him. He is a favourite, part of the furniture really.' Buick, not surprisingly, was exultant. Just as elated, though, was Frankie Dettori, who had ridden Trawlerman eight times but watched this like a proud father from the parade ring and no wonder, his old pal had covered the distance in 4:15.07, shattering the course record. Dettori was telling anyone who would listen that a seven-length drubbing of Illinois – the only slight disappointment for Aidan O'Brien on a day when he saddled three winners – was well deserved, as he had danced every dance, a loveable heavyweight like Frank Bruno in his heyday. Some may quibble and ask whether this would have happened had Kyprios, the champion who had flattened Trawlerman here 12 months ago, not suffered a career-ending injury but that only serves to prove what a superb achievement it has been to keep this seven-year-old enthusiastic for so long. 'The Gold Cup is an extraordinary race,' Buick enthused. 'It is an extreme distance at Royal Ascot – this is an incredible place. This is the greatest week of horseracing. Trawlerman went down so narrowly in the race last year, so to get it right this year means the world. 'He's really what you want in a two-and-a-half-mile race. I did not have to touch the brakes once. He was on autopilot; he knows his own speed and stays well, so I was just a passenger. When you get into the last half-mile, that is when Trawlerman comes into his own.' O'Brien, always magnanimous in defeat, provided the context. Illinois, the valiant runner up, had finished seven lengths clear of 28/1 shot Dubai Future but bridging the gap to Trawlerman was a bridge too far at this stage. 'It shows how good Kyprios was, doesn't it? as Trawlerman had been second to him a couple of times,' O'Brien noted. A few yards away, cameras were clicking and a bay horse was guzzling out of bucket of water rather than being paraded for the crowd. 'The priority is the horse,' said one Ascot official. How fitting those words were.
