Befortyfour was a non-runner & the race had nothing with the required minimum of 3stars.
Folk Opera ran a good race to be beaten on the bob & Yeats was most impressive although I'd have to agree with Big Mac that the rest of the jockeys, Darryll Holland on Tungsten Strike apart hardly covered themselves in glory.
Glorious Stakes
12f Group3
4yo+
Sixties Icon has 4stars
Sixties Icon's form tailed off last season after a good reappearence run & it looks a similar story this season with a last of twelve on his last start in the Prince of Wales's. However the stable was under a cloud at the time & that may have been the problem.
Of more concern is that Sixties Icon is one of five runners that the trainers are worried about the ground & at this stage I'm inclined to wait to see the final make up of the field.
Oak Tree Stakes
7f Group3
3yo+ F&M
Cheyenne Star has 4stars.
Red Dune has 3stars.
This race seems to favour the 3yo's with nine of the last twelve runnings going to that age group although since the race was upped to Group3 level in 2004 two 4yo's have scored. Also it seems that a high draw is needed as nothing from the bottom half of the draw has won.
Cheyenne Star has a 3lb pen for winning a Group3 & she is drawn in stall 3 which is going to make life hard here.
The 3yo Red Dune has the plum draw in 16 & she likes to bowl along in front & she also has the right jockey for these tatics & has won on the track & the ground. Not raced at this level yet but looks an improver & the trainer is not one to tilt at windmills.
Of the rest.
Vist was quite highly tried at 2yo & was just beaten in a Sandown Listed race on her return. Has been held up in her races & needs things to fall her way from stall 7.
Not much appeals from the rest although I've got half an eye on the French raider Gipson Dessert & Lemaire has done me a couple of favours this term. Ran well behind Zarkava three runs back but not as good last twice but first try on fast ground here although stall 2 is not good.
Bet. Red Dune 30pts @ 11/2 Paddy Power.
Back later with the July update.
Rio.