Racing (Horse) : General Horse Racing Thread

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Clinical makes it count.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Fri

Clinical went a couple of places better than in 2011 with a game victory in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom.

Sir Mark Prescott used this Group Three event as a launchpad to the filly's campaign last year, when she was beaten by Antara before going on to autumn Listed victories in Germany, Ireland and at Lingfield.

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Was whizzes home in Oaks.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Fri

Aidan O'Brien's Was claimed victory in the Investec Oaks at Epsom in the hands of Seamie Heffernan.

The 20-1 chance was ridden positively in the early stages of the mile-and-a-half contest, just tracking the early pace set by Nayarra, with stablemate Twirl also well to the fore.

Leading fancy Vow ranged up to make a race of it at the top of the home straight, but Was quickened best of all against the far rail to take top honours by a neck from Shirocco Star, with favourite The Fugue coming from a long way back to claim third and Vow fourth.

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Glance stokes up Balding fire.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

Andrew Balding and Jimmy Fortune received the perfect confidence-booster on the eve of Derby Day as Side Glance returned to his best form in the Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom.

The pair's biggest moment of the meeting is still to come through leading Classic contender Bonfire, while a far bigger challenge could await Side Glance (4-1) after he emulated his sire, Passing Glance, winner of this Group Three event in 2004.

Delzangles chases Chantilly prize.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...d&sub=&day=Sat

Mikel Delzangles is keeping his fingers crossed the decision to bypass the Investec Derby at Epsom in favour of the French equivalent pays off with his unbeaten colt Kesampour on Sunday.

The son of King's Best won comfortably on his two appearances as a juvenile and made a winning return in Listed company at the beginning of April. A step up to Pattern company did not stop his winning run as he then landed the Prix Greffulhe, all four victories coming at Saint-Cloud.

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St Nick wears Coronation crown.


http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

St Nicholas Abbey defended his crown in the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup at Epsom with a brilliant performance under Joseph O'Brien.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained son of Montjeu was sent off the 8-11 favourite to get back to winning ways, having suffered a shock defeat at the hands of his pacemaker Windsor Palace in his prep run at the Curragh.

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Camelot etched in Derby legend.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

Hot favourite Camelot kept his unbeaten record intact with a superb victory in the Investec Derby at Epsom.

Aidan O'Brien's 2000 Guineas hero was sent off the 8-13 favourite to complete the Classic double, and the trainer's son, Joseph, 19, was happy to sit towards the rear for much of the mile-and-a-half journey.

For a moment in the straight it appeared his stablemate Astrology had stolen a march, but Camelot mowed him down heading towards the final furlong and finished strongly to secure a five-length success over Main Sequence, who narrowly denied O'Brien a one-two, getting up on the line to edge second.

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Lanigan so proud of Main effort.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sun

David Lanigan was over the moon with the effort of Main Sequence in the Investec Derby.

The Lingfield Derby Trial winner surrendered his unbeaten record, but lost nothing in defeat as he got up on the line to claim second from Astrology, stablemate of the impressive winner Camelot.

Lanigan would not confirm a tilt at the Irish Derby would be next on the agenda, preferring instead to take stock of things after the dust has settled.

Stone springs surprise in Dash.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sun

John Best's Stone Of Folca sprang a 50-1 shock in the Investec Specialist Bank 'Dash' at Epsom under Luke Morris.

The four-year-old had shown little promise in recent starts and looked to be up against it from a wide draw, but he got off to smart start and soon tacked across to the near side.

He made his way to the front and although Desert Law was finishing off strongly in the last of the five furlongs, Stone Of Folca was always doing enough to hold on by half a length.

Channon strikes with Chilworth.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sun

Mick Channon's Chilworth Icon ran out a narrow winner of the Investec Woodcote Stakes at Epsom under Martin Harley.

The trainer-jockey combination enjoyed their first Classic success with Samitar in last weekend's Irish 1000 Guineas and struck again with this 12-1 shot.

Music can't reach pinnacle.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...nnacle&day=Sun

Set To Music narrowly failed to give The Queen a notable success as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations when second in the Grosvenor Casinos Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock.

The filly could not quite get to the game Shimmering Surf (9-1), who held off all-comers in the closing stages.

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Hermival in Ascot frame.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sun

Hermival is reported to have returned to France "sore" following his disappointing performance in the Irish 2000 Guineas.

The Mikel Delzangles-trained colt was considered a major contender for the Curragh Classic after placing third behind Camelot and compatriot French Fifteen in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, but he was well beaten into sixth.

Bolger targets Dawn raid on Naas.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sun

Dawn Approach headlines a field of seven for the Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes at Naas on Monday.

Jim Bolger's unbeaten two-year-old already features in ante-post lists for next season's 2000 Guineas on the back of victories over the minimum trip at the Curragh and at this track last time out, where he stepped up to six furlongs

Lynam Power-ed up for Ascot.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sun

Edward Lynam is hoping Royal Ascot will finally see Sole Power in his true colours when he lines up for the King's Stand Stakes later this month.

The five-year-old sprinter has disappointed in both his runs at the Berkshire track to date, including in last year's renewal of the Group One feature, when he was only eighth to Prohibit.

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Loud a big noise for Channon.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sun

Mick Channon's Laugh Out Loud made every yard of the running under William Buick to collect top honours in the Prix De Sandringham at Chantilly.

The West Ilsley trainer enjoyed his first taste of Classic glory when Samitar landed last Sunday's Irish 1000 Guineas and he secured another big prize in France as this was a Group Two contest

Saonois wins rough French Derby.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sun

Imperial Monarch was out of luck for the Aidan O'Brien team as Saonois claimed a rough renewal of the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

O'Brien and his son Joseph were bidding for a Derby double following the triumph of Camelot at Epsom on Saturday, but Imperial Monarch was last turning for home after being shuffled back and badly impeded, and although he picked up well once switched wide, his late flourish was not enough to get near the leaders.

The honours went to Saonois, trained by J-P Gauvin and ridden by Antoine Hamelin, with Saint Baudolino claiming the runner-up spot in a bunch finish for the places.

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Leger backers courting Camelot.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Mon

Big-race sponsors Ladbrokes have pledged to put everything into making it a day to remember should Camelot go for the Triple Crown by running in the St Leger at Doncaster on September 15.

The 'Magic Sign' have seen the world's oldest Classic enjoy something of a renaissance since they took over sponsorship in 2005 and the icing on the cake would be for Camelot to attempt to become only the 16th horse in history to add the race to victories in the 2000 Guineas and Derby.

Knight bows out at Fontwell.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Mon

Henrietta Knight failed to end her hugely successful career on a high when her final two runners were well beaten at Fontwell.

The West Lockinge trainer, who won a hat-trick of Cheltenham Gold Cups with the great Best Mate, was out of luck with My Friend Riquet and Seventh Hussar, both ridden by Dominic Elsworth.

My Friend Riquet was 11th of 12th behind Romeo Americo in the Flowers Unlimited - Fontwell Park's Recommended Florist Maiden Hurdle, while Seventh Hussar was last to finish as Blue Hills took the Hope for Hearing, Evie's Race Handicap Chase.

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Big Mac excited by Triple Crown.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Mon

TV broadcaster John McCririck is delighted that connections of 2000 Guineas and Derby hero Camelot are considering a tilt at the Triple Crown in the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

He believes the historical importance of the feat must make it attractive to the team behind Saturday's impressive winner.

"I've campaigned for it. We have to go back to our forefathers. They knew how to test a horse. Over the mile of the Guineas, then the adaptability over a mile and a half of Epsom, and be able to stay in the Leger, all over a long period of time, the whole season," said the Channel 4 Racing and At The Races pundit

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Dawn completes hat-trick at Naas.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Tue

Dawn Approach maintained his 100% record when duly completing the hat-trick in the Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes.

Jim Bolger's 4-9 shot had to work hard for this Listed success as Richard Hannon's raider Mister Marc proved a tough rival.

The pair had the race between them from the start and it was only inside the final furlong that Dawn Approach showed his superiority to win by two and three-quarter lengths under Kevin Manning.

No Ascot trip for sidelined Parish.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Tue

Jim Bolger has warned his sidelined Classic hope Parish Hall will not be ready for an engagement at Royal Ascot.

The trainer had issued bullish reports about last year's Dewhurst Stakes winner and had intended to run him in both the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas and last weekend's Investec Derby, but had to withdraw him on the morning of the former due to a leg infection.

Super Spirit scoops Listed spoils.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Tue

One Spirit (6-1) was rewarded for her good effort behind Emulous in a Group Three heat at the Curragh recently when taking Listed honours in the Owenstown Stud Stakes.

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Curragh option for Camelot.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Wed

Investec Derby hero Camelot could run in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 30.

The unbeaten Aidan O'Brien-trained colt landed the Epsom Classic in style at the weekend to supplement his Qipco 2000 Guineas success at Newmarket last month and is odds-on to become the first horse since Nijinsky in 1970 to win the Triple Crown by adding the Ladbrokes St Leger to his haul at Doncaster in September.

Jalaa books Coventry ticket.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Wed

Jalaa marked himself out as Royal Ascot material when making a successful debut for the Richard Hannon team in the Smooth Radio Oadby Maiden Stakes at Leicester.

A 200,000 guineas purchase and a half-brother to 2008 Dewhurst Stakes winner Intense Focus, the Street Cry colt was well on top in the closing stages, running out a ready winner as he strode two and a half lengths clear under Paul Hanagan

Saint-Cloud mission for Danedream.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Wed

Peter Schiergen's star filly Danedream will return to France for her next appearance later this month.

Last year Danedream became the first German-trained runner to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe since 1975 when scorching clear in a record time.

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Tua lined up for Gold Cup.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Wed

Askar Tau is on course for a second crack at the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot after pleasing trainer Marcus Tregoning in his prep run.

The Group Two-winning stayer was sixth behind Opinion Poll in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown last Thursday in his first race since he was fifth to Fame And Glory in the two-and-a-half-mile Group One in Berkshire last summer.

Morrison lining up major targets.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Wed

Hughie Morrison is considering the options for his two Investec Oaks runners, Shirocco Star and Coquet.

The former covered herself in glory when beaten only a neck in second behind Was at Epsom on Friday, while Coquet finished strongly to take sixth place after being badly hampered at a crucial stage.

The Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot is a possibility for both fillies, with Shirocco Star also having the Darley Irish Oaks as an alternative, while a trip to France is possible for Coquet.

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Caviar sets off on epic journey.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Thu

Black Caviar finally boarded a plane heading towards Britain on Wednesday for her hugely-anticipated appearance in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Peter Moody's mare has become one of the all-time greats in Australian racing after her remorseless rise through the sprinting division, and will be looking for her 22nd victory from as many starts on June 23.

Camelot entered for King George.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Thu

Investec Derby hero Camelot features among 37 initial entries for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 21.

The 2000 Guineas winner completed the Classic double at Epsom last weekend and is now being touted as a potential Triple Crown winner, should connections give the green light to a St Leger bid. The Irish Derby would seem his most likely next port of call, but he could then step up and take on his elders, with the King George a possibility.

The three-year-old is one of a host of entries for Ballydoyle maestro Aidan O'Brien, with other potential challengers including Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey and Oaks heroine Was.

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Strong Suit excels in workout.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...s&sub=&day=Thu

Strong Suit thrilled connections in a workout on Wednesday morning ahead of a likely clash with Frankel in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Richard Hannon's colt has yet to make his four-year-old debut after sidestepping the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on account of the testing conditions, but will soon make his competitive comeback.

Harbour Palace bid in the balance.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...s&sub=&day=Thu

Harbour Watch is at best "50-50" to line up in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, according to the owner's racing manager, David Redvers.

Richard Hannon's three-year-old was hugely impressive on his three starts as a juvenile, but has not yet seen the racecourse this season after suffering a setback.

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Caviar jets in for Royal run.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...s&sub=&day=Fri

Australian sensation Black Caviar has arrived safely in Britain ahead of her intended run at Royal Ascot.

The six-year-old mare is unbeaten in 21 starts for trainer Peter Moody and is a hot favourite for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting. She landed at Heathrow airport late on Thursday afternoon after a 30-hour journey from Melbourne

Grimm pointed to Ascot.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...s&sub=&day=Fri

Tales Of Grimm is on course for a Group race at Royal Ascot following an encouraging first run of the campaign at Sandown.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt was third to Cogito in the Listed Heron Stakes on what was only his second career start.

The Group Three Tercentenary Stakes over 10 furlongs and the Group One St James's Palace stakes over a mile are the two races connections have in mind.