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Our ambassador gives his thoughts on Sunday’s French derby, live on Sky Sports Racing and marks your card for Saturday’s features at Chester and Beverley.
French Derby hopes Hankelow has classic credentials
Being sidelined with a broken leg means I’ll be glued to Sunday’s French Derby on Sky Sports Racing, the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (3.30) Chantilly in a superb renewal, which sees the re-emergence of Carl Burke’s sensational colt. Hankello.
The son of Knight of Thunder has the credentials to be a classic winner. He ran a huge race in his re-appearance in the French Guineas at the Paris Longchamp and promises to be more effective over this longer trip with a plum draw in the stalls that potentially gives him the edge.
The wide draw of the river does not concern me
It’s a shame that Aidan O’Brien’s trio have all been handed tough draws, not least his biggest hope Constitution River, who must overcome the worst starting position of all in Stall 16. Aidan has expressed his concern that this is his first race going into the right hand bend but I don’t think this will be a problem for his Moan.
Constitution River is the most impressive winner of the trial we’ve seen so far when taking the Dee Stakes and connections have made no secret of how well-respected he is at Ballydoyle, so don’t be too quick to write him off just because of his draw.
15 stalls have been handed over to the Constitution River
Stable mate Hawk Mountain made no mistake, making a successful reappearance at Chantilly to complement last season’s Group 1 Futurity win. After showing signs of immaturity he will be wearing blinkers for the first time which will help him so I can see him getting better too.
Darizan, the one-time half-brother of arch hero Dariz, made a sparkling debut at St. Cloud on soft ground and led the home challenge. He has a lot of raw ability but lacks experience compared to some of his rivals and is projected to take a step forward in distance as well as quick ground.
Balding colts have the grit to excel
I will enjoy some competitive action in Britain including on Saturday British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (1.50) Chester on Sky Sports Racing, which sees the reappearance of Andrew Balding’s promising youngster Pure grit.
Andrew and his stable of jockey Oisin Murphy have a strong record around Rudy which could be improved by this son of Pinatubo, who did no wrong when he caught my eye on debut at Newbury a few weeks ago.
I expect him to be more road-wise for that experience and prefer him slightly to George Boghi’s colt This Moment, who also finished second on his racecourse debut. He was very green in Hamilton but has been doing his best work late in the race and will be on the straights this time.
Class Draper Bay looks ideally drawn
Ralph Beckett found a good opening for the class dropper Gulf of Palma In the feature race at Chester on Saturday, Virgin Bet is disabled (3.30).
A course and distance winner, he has run with credit in listed company in his last four starts, including behind the 115-rated Lake Forest at Haydock Park three weeks ago, and should appreciate this drop in grade from an ideal draw in five stalls.
Also well berthed is my boss Archie Watson’s Elements of Fire, who was disappointing over 6f at Ascot last time but had won his three previous races at this longer distance. I think he will prove very tractable around the tight bends at Chester which will suit him if he can get into the lead.
Cosmopolitan ready for Ascot dress rehearsal
With Saturday’s renewal there will be no shortage of Royal Ascot clues at Beverley Hilary Needler Trophy EBF Fillies Terms (2.15) before Colt’s trial.
Archie Watson unveils the Havana Gray filly Cosmic mystery Keeping in mind the royal meeting. An expensive purchase, he needs to win or come close to fulfilling Wathnan Racing’s short-term ambitions but pleased everyone at home and drew well.
He may have the most to fear from Richard Hannon’s Rolthedisbaby whose second debut at Goodwood worked well. Winner Armor Supreme went close at York-listed Merrigate earlier this month to provide a timely boost to form.
The well-drawn Matteo is a worthy favorite
Kevin Ryan has some potentially smart teenagers in his arsenal Matteo A worthy favorite among Beverley Two-Year-Old Trophy EBF Condition Stakes (2.48) in Westwood.
The son of Coulsty simply destroyed the field on his course and distance debut, looking very straight, and with track experience another big plus made a great draw at the gate.
The Dancing Pirate has been favorite at Newmarket, running a good race in fourth place, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Andrew Balding’s competitor improves massively, while Richard and Peter Fahey’s Newcastle winner Big Seeger looks a great big horse who can also run a huge race.
Holly Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
