Treve (maroon cap): connections are not concerned about quicker ground

 PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Faster ground holds no fears for Treve team

TREVE’S connections insist their Arc heroine will be able to cope with the fastest ground she has ever raced on when she lines up as the star attraction at Royal Ascot.

Harry Herbert, racing adviser to the four-year-old’s owners Al Shaqab Racing, is hopeful of a marquee performance from Treve when she bids to justify odds-on favouritism under Frankie Dettori in Wednesday’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

 

With ground conditions at Ascot on Thursday described as good, good to firm in places, Herbert played down any worries about Treve encountering faster conditions than in France, where she is trained by Criquette Head-Maarek.

 

“Extremes are always a potential issue and being by Motivator you could argue it might be a question mark, but not according to the trainer,” said Herbert. “I think she’s gone very well on faster ground on the gallops at Chantilly and she’s a fantastic mover.

“Frankie described her as having the most extraordinary action almost of any horse he’s ridden. The way she keeps her body very still, the movement below, gives you an unbelievable feel, so you have to think she’d go on good to firm ground.”

Treve was trimmed by most firms on Thursday for her first race in Britain, with William Hill a standout 8-11 for a contest in which Herbert is hoping for fireworks.

He said: “I’ll be really excited to see her on Wednesday. You’ll hopefully see Frankie sitting quietly and then pressing that button. She has a turn of foot that is absolutely electric and as long as she shows that, she’ll be tough to beat.”

Read more on Treve’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes challenge plus all the latest Royal Ascot news in Friday’s Racing 

 

Uttoxeter: hurdles were omitted in last two races due to low sun

 PICTURE: David Dew

Uttoxeter hurdle races affected by low sun

LOW sun was a major problem for the final two hurdle races at Uttoxeter on Thursday evening, with only two flights jumped in the 2m handicap hurdle, and four in the 2m4f race half an hour later.

Clerk of the course Charlie Moore said: “It is the first time this has happened in all my time at the track – we have had to bypass fences but never as many hurdles.

“The jockeys reported to the starter that they were unhappy with the low sun and we had no option but to be guided by the riders as safety is paramount.”

 

Queen majestic for Collins in Ballyogan

Report: Leopardstown, Thursday

Ballyogan Stakes (Group 3) 6f, 3yo+

JOYEUSE failed to land a first Group victory, as Frankel’s half-sister finished runner-up for Lady Cecil, the three-year-old filly unable to reel in Majestic Queen who scored for Tracey Collins.

Sent off at odds-on, Joyeuse was disputing last place turning for home, and despite making good ground on the rail under James Doyle, could not catch Pat Smullen who had first run on Majestic Queen.

It was Body Beautiful who took the field along, with Majestic Queen sat in second, while Joyeuse was restrained by Doyle.

The front pair appeared to steal a few lengths coming out of the bend, and once Body Beautiful faded, Majestic Queen pounced and held on to her lead by two and a half lengths, returning at 8-1.

Joyeuse was runner-up at 8-13, with Sparrow claiming third, also at 8-1.

Collins said: “The strong pace of the race suited her and Pat gave her a beautiful ride. We were delighted with her last run at Ascot where she ran third on ground that was on the slow side for her.

“She will probably run next over seven furlongs in the Group 3 Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse.”

Also on Thursday

Glencairn Stakes (Listed) 1m, 3yo+

PEARL OF AFRICA resumed the progress she showed last year when recording a second victory at Listed level for trainer Eddie Lynam.

A trip to Royal Ascot next week for the Duke of Cambridge Stakes could be on the cards, as Lynam said: “She’s come back to form today and did it well.

“I’ll talk to David Redvers [racing adviser for Pearl Bloodstock, owners] but that [Duke of Cambridge] would be the race I’d aim her at.”

Along Came Casey was odds-on to repeat her win in the race from 12 months ago, but despite being in prime position throughout under Pat Smullen, was unable to quicken when it mattered and finished unplaced.

Rising through the handicap ranks which culminated with a Listed win at Dundalk last November, Pearl Of Africa had been performing with credit in Group company since that win, and dropped down in class she took full advantage.

Colin Keane came widest of all down the straight aboard Pearl Of Africa, who accelerated nicely to the front, the 7-2 shot winning by two lengths.

Second went to 14-1 chance Leitir Mor, with Exactement third at 20-1.

 

Chris Stickels: course in “excellent shape” as Royal Ascot approaches

 PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Little change anticipated for Royal Ascot ground

ROYAL ASCOT is expected to start on ground similar to the current good, good to firm in places.

Clerk of the course Chris Stickels, who has has already applied 4mm to the round course and 10mm on the straight, said on Thursday: “For the first time in a number of years the weather does look settled from now until at least Thursday of next week – dry and warm.

“The going is currently good, good to firm in places and we started watering yesterday for the first time since August. The aim would be to start Royal Ascot on Tuesday on similar ground that we have now – and it is highly likely we will put some more water on, maybe tomorrow but certainly over the weekend at some point.

“Every year I have been here, we have had to water before now. We have had a good spring for the course, which drains very well. The rain then has helped the grass growth and it has been very mild too – the course is in excellent shape.”

 

Eastern Belle (red cap): held off the late surge of Pelerin by a neck

 PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Belle battles well to hold off late thrust of Pelerin

Report: Newbury, Thursday

Lord Weinstock Memorial Stakes (Registered As The Ballymacoll Stud Stakes) (Listed Race) 1m2f6y, 3yo fillies

EASTERN BELLE shed her maiden status at the fifth time of asking, holding off the late challenge of the fast-finishing Pelerin by a neck to justify favouritism at odds of 9-4.

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Eastern Belle had finished placed in a trio of seven furlong Newmarket maidens before posting an improved effort when stepped up to 1m2f at Goodwood on her last start, when second to Oaks runner Marsh Daisy, and on her second start over a mile and a quarter, and her second in Listed company, she registered a first career success.

Tracking pacesetter Queen Of Ice, William Buick pushed for home inside the final three furlongs on the John Gosden-trained daughter of Champs Elysees. It was a move that proved decisive and despite their dwindling lead the pair were able to hold off the challenge of Pelerin, who made late headway from well off the pace.

“We thought about going for a maiden but these Listed races for three-year-old fillies at this trip aren’t around for long and it seemed more sensible to come here,” said Gosden. “She was very brave because they’d fought long and hard up front and they were vulnerable to a closer.”

Eastern Belle does hold an entry in next week’s Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, for which the forfeit stage is on Friday.

fonte: RacingPost

 

SAHRacing. GR 2 POST MERCHANTS: REGAL EAGLE TO TAKE FLIGHT

The Gr 2 Post Merchants is always one of the trickiest features of the winter season and punters face another head-scratcher when the 2014 edition is run at Greyville on Friday night. There are some really smart sorts in the line-up, but some of the more accomplished runners have to overcome any (or a combination) of a big weight, poor draw or concerns over recent form. The draw, in particular, is crucial over the 1200m trip at this course and there are bound to be a few runners whose chances are scuppered within the first furlong if they are unable to get a decent position. The tentative selection, on the grounds of a reasonable weight and barrier position, backed up by a solid last effort, is Regal Eagle (pictured, nearest camera). The Duncan Howells-trained 4-year-old  ran a cracker in the Gr 1 Golden Horse Sprint over this trip at Scottsville last month, keeping on for a creditable fifth despite being caught on the wrong side of the track on a day when the going clearly favoured runners on the inside. Given that he had the likes of Normanz and Red Ray in front of him, there was nothing wrong with that effort and if he can replicate that level of performance, he will go close. Kingston Boy has generally been confined to handicap company but he did finish a useful third to Here Comes Billy in the Turffontein equivalent of this race in November and seldom runs a bad race. He’s got a fairly handy weight and jumps from pole position. Kevin Shea rides and he looks a serious contender here. Happy Forever was just ahead of Regal Eagle when finishing fourth in the Golden Horse Sprint, a race where he also raced in the worst of the going and made the early running before being caught late. He has the class to win this but has to lug top weight of 60kg and jumps from a wide draw. Bernard Fayd’Herbe showed his brilliance when winning the Gold Challenge from the front on Saturday and if there’s anyone to get Happy Forever across in the early stages, he’s the man for the job. Also sharing top weight is Tevez, who is much better than his failure in the Golden Horse Sprint suggests. His two previous runs saw him finish third to Via Africa in the Cape Flying Championship and Normanz in the In Full Flight Handicap, the latter run under a big weight. He is also a contender for top honours if he can beat the combination of weight and an awkward draw. Divine Jet has been plagued by soundness issues which have prevented him from fulfilling his potential. His recent form has been below par and it’s difficult to see him winning this on his last three starts. On the other hand, he’s a horse who has always threatened to win a big one and if things finally fall into place, he could yet vindicate trainer Dean Kannmeyer’s faith in him. Varikate showed tremendous courage in the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint, trying to pace it out with champion Via Africa and only tiring late into fourth. She’s now up against male opposition, but Via Africa’s credentials against the boys are well proven and she has already beaten a number of colts and geldings running in this race. Varikate took her on at weight for age that day and now races off bottom weight here. If she gets away from them, she could prove difficult to peg back. All Is Secret is a big runner her if she can replicate the form that saw her win the Mercury Sprint last season. However, she hasn’t been at her best since returning from a lengthy layoff following that win and has had to fight her way back from a spider bite which required intensive veterinary intervention. She does have the benefit of a good draw and Anton Marcus in the irons but has to lug a big weight of 59.5kg. She’s earned it on official ratings but still has a few pounds to concede down the field which may hamper her chances here. Eddie Sweat is an interesting runner. Frank Robinson’s charge is unproven at this level but looks progressive, having won his last two starts and he ticks a number of boxes here, in terms of a good draw, light weight and top jockey in Anthony Delpech. He has to go into larger permutations. Miss October, like All Is Secret, has won against male opposition previously and will not be over-awed racing in open company. However, she seems at her best over 1000m down the straight and will have her work cut out from a wide draw. Showmetheway is a tough customer who could sneak into the quartet here at this best but is drawn widest of all and will need his fair share of luck from there. Mr Whatever is another one who warrants respect on his very best form but his last two runs have been lacklustre and it’s hard to make a case for him on current form. Mike’s Choice is a former winner of this race and was a versatile and consistent performer in his prime. However, his recent form form  leaves him with a bit to do in this field, even though he is well-weighted in the context of his past achievements. Royal Zulu Warrior shares top weight but is good enough to win this if he could conjure up his best form. However, following a brief renaissance late last year, he seems to have lost form completely and his past injury problems unfortunately seem to have resurfaced. It’s a minefield of a race but it may pay to stick with Regal Eagle and he is taken to shade a close contest, with the main threats coming from Kingston Boy, Happy Forever and Tevez. Varikate and the enigmatic Divine Jet look also look capable if things go their way.

 

fonte: SAHRacing