Horse Antepost
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After today’s win in Sidney Stakes over 5f at Churchill Downs ( having previously won over 6f in February) Acapulco is en route to Royal Ascot to make a start in either the King's Stand or the Commonwealth Cup.
Wesley Ward– “She ran great. You couldn't ask for anything better, especially with a little give in the ground today. She came back a little tired and that's good. I was really concerned (about the Saturday morning rain). The other horse (Tesalina) would have stayed in if it was on the dirt, but I certainly didn't want it to come off … I wouldn't have known what to do. “(Her jockey at Royal Ascot) will be either Ryan Moore or maybe Robby (Albarado) because he knows her so well; he does a lot of the work with her. We'll see. Of course it will be Ryan's call first because he's contracted to ride (for Coolmore). But if they have another stallion in the race, he may be committed to (trainer) Aidan (O'Brien). It's not my call but (Robby Albarado) is who I'd ask to use (if Ryan Moore) is unavailable. Robby has done a lot of work with her and rides her pretty good.”
Although a much shorter price for the Commonwealth Cup (11/4 at Vic and 3’s at Lads), I think she’ll take advantage of the 3yo fillies allowance over the 5f in the Kings Stand Stakes (5’s and 6’s) rather than taking on Gifted Master and Log Out Island over 6f.
Interestingly after finishing runner-up in Nunthorpe Wesley Ward stated- "I had dinner with Michael Tabor (part-owner) that night and I suggested that we should now work backwards from the King's Stand and he said, 'Done', so that is the plan. "We hope to be back for the King's Stand and the Nunthorpe again next year as a three-year-old filly and hopefully we'll bring her back there 110 per cent."
Taken avg odds of 8.75 on here.
Wesley Ward– “She ran great. You couldn't ask for anything better, especially with a little give in the ground today. She came back a little tired and that's good. I was really concerned (about the Saturday morning rain). The other horse (Tesalina) would have stayed in if it was on the dirt, but I certainly didn't want it to come off … I wouldn't have known what to do. “(Her jockey at Royal Ascot) will be either Ryan Moore or maybe Robby (Albarado) because he knows her so well; he does a lot of the work with her. We'll see. Of course it will be Ryan's call first because he's contracted to ride (for Coolmore). But if they have another stallion in the race, he may be committed to (trainer) Aidan (O'Brien). It's not my call but (Robby Albarado) is who I'd ask to use (if Ryan Moore) is unavailable. Robby has done a lot of work with her and rides her pretty good.”
Although a much shorter price for the Commonwealth Cup (11/4 at Vic and 3’s at Lads), I think she’ll take advantage of the 3yo fillies allowance over the 5f in the Kings Stand Stakes (5’s and 6’s) rather than taking on Gifted Master and Log Out Island over 6f.
Interestingly after finishing runner-up in Nunthorpe Wesley Ward stated- "I had dinner with Michael Tabor (part-owner) that night and I suggested that we should now work backwards from the King's Stand and he said, 'Done', so that is the plan. "We hope to be back for the King's Stand and the Nunthorpe again next year as a three-year-old filly and hopefully we'll bring her back there 110 per cent."
Taken avg odds of 8.75 on here.
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Acapulco
It appears that both the King's Stand and Commonwealth Cup are in the mix, although Wesley Ward stated after Saturdays race- “I would certainly lean toward the Commonwealth. It's straight 3-year-olds and would be the easiest of the two, you would think, but the decision lies with Coolmore and whatever decision they want to make. We're excited about her; she's a really great filly."
I am not sure the Commonwealth Cup will be the ‘easiest’ after looking at the entries for the two races with the likes of Gifted Master, the impressive last-time out Log Out Island, and the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) winner Ajaya as opposition. Whereas, I think last year’s King’s Stand 1st and 3rd Goldream and Muthmir (yet to win a Group 1) are there to be taken on with the 10lb allowance she receives. Of course comparing times over different days has obvious drawbacks but on similar G/f ground carrying 4lb less, she was less than a second slower than Goldream a day later on only her second start in the Queen Mary Stakes over CD, and she burnt the field off when she lengthened and sprinted clear to the finish and won easily.
Looking at the other entries quoted near the top of the ante-post betting for the King’s Stand, Mecca’s Angel is ground dependent and dual winner Sole Power is a 9yo now and no horse 8yo+ has won the King’s Stand in last 40 years or so.
Although still listed by some charlatan bookies, Not Listenin'tome was withdrawn earlier this week and will instead run in the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m) on May 22. Tuesday, 10 May, 2016. http://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/1943380/gold-fun-tackle-diamond-jubilee-stakes-royal-ascot-june
Along the same lines Japonisme is an unlikely starter with trainer Chris Waller claiming he is headed to the paddocks for a spell. http://www.racingbase.com/category/latest-news/racing-news-round-up-20160516-0008/
Also Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Mongolian Saturday was easily beaten in December and this May at Sha Tin, so obviously not being pumped up with Lasix is a disadvantage for the 6yo gelding.
The Temple Stakes may shed more light on other possible runners but interestingly the race winner has not had an impact over the last 10 years, whereas the Palace House Stakes winners have won four times, including last year’s winner Goldream who was unplaced last year behind Pearl Secret in the Temple- so I would not give up on Profitable if he runs unplaced on Saturday. Also it will be interesting to see how the 3yo colt Kachy gets on for Tom Dascombe at Haydock, statistically the trainers second best turf course behind Chester.
Now looking at the Commonwealth Cup entries of Acapulco’s connections you straight away are led to offspring of the Coolmore stallion pair, Zoffany and Canford Cliffs.
Painted Cliffs was the first stakes winner and is the highest rated from Coolmore’s first crop of Canford Cliffs, and in the Group 2 Railway Stakes he had Log Out Island beaten easily in 3rd but is unraced this year.
Next are two colts from the first crop of last year's champion first-season stallion Zoffany. Coolmore advertise the stallion as ‘The fastest and most precocious 2yo by Dansili. Out of a Machiavellian mare just like Shamardal and Dark Angel.’
Waterloo Bridge and Washington DC, along with Illuminate (Group 3 Albany Stakes) produced a dream Royal Ascot for freshman sire Zoffany. However, Waterloo Bridge has been put in his place by Gifted Master twice already and looks to have regressed slightly since beating Log Out Island in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes. The other Zoffony colt Washington DC (Listed Windsor Castle Stakes winner and runner up in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes) has won two listed races, one over 7f at Dundalk first-time out and at 6f at Navan on Sunday when running away with the Listed Coolmore Power Stakes either side of blowing out in the Group 3 Pavilion Stakes at Ascot behind Gifted Master. But there were excuses-
"He won well in fairness to him and the ground was a big help," said Joseph O'Brien, assistant to his father. "It was a bit slow for him the last day and a few things didn't work out - he got a bump. He has a lot of pace and was a good two-year-old. I'd say he'll go for the Commonwealth Cup. He's a quick horse and fast ground is the key to him, as he's a low mover. Five or six is his trip."
From the family of Lord Howard de Walden’s St James's Palace Stakes winner Grand Lodge and Coronation Stakes winner Magic Flute, it looks like the Commonwealth Cup is pencilled as his primary mid-season target. Why would John Magnier want to spoil the chances of a possible first Group 1 winning colt for Zoffany, whose best performance was when second to Frankel in the St James's Palace Stakes?
Surprisingly Aiden O’Brien and Magnier/ Tabor/ Smith do not appear in the previous King’s Stand winners list and you have to go back nigh on 30 years to Vincent O'Brien and Bluebird for any Ballydoyle connection.
It has flip-flopped from Group 1 status in 1973, downgraded to Group 2 level in 1988 and regained Group 1 status in 2008. In the mid 70’ to late 80’s, 3yo’s plundered the race many times. Over the years the 3yo winners include- Equiano (2008- dual winner who won again at 5), the filly Dominica (2002, Marcus Tregoning’s Cornwallis Stakes winner), the regressive Mitcham (1999), Pivotal (1996), and the greats Dayjur and Marwell.
The ‘lads’ aren’t going loco in Acapulco. She is nailed on for the King’s Stand over the same distance as her Queen Mary win and she will be half the 8/1 odds she is right now. For what its worth I have the other four horses mentioned above- Gifted Master (main bet). Washington DC, Ajaya, and Log Out Island (backed/laid off best part shortly after Carnarvon Stakes) - in my Commonwealth Cup portfolio and cannot see any of the ones dropping back in trip beating all of those four.
It appears that both the King's Stand and Commonwealth Cup are in the mix, although Wesley Ward stated after Saturdays race- “I would certainly lean toward the Commonwealth. It's straight 3-year-olds and would be the easiest of the two, you would think, but the decision lies with Coolmore and whatever decision they want to make. We're excited about her; she's a really great filly."
I am not sure the Commonwealth Cup will be the ‘easiest’ after looking at the entries for the two races with the likes of Gifted Master, the impressive last-time out Log Out Island, and the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) winner Ajaya as opposition. Whereas, I think last year’s King’s Stand 1st and 3rd Goldream and Muthmir (yet to win a Group 1) are there to be taken on with the 10lb allowance she receives. Of course comparing times over different days has obvious drawbacks but on similar G/f ground carrying 4lb less, she was less than a second slower than Goldream a day later on only her second start in the Queen Mary Stakes over CD, and she burnt the field off when she lengthened and sprinted clear to the finish and won easily.
Looking at the other entries quoted near the top of the ante-post betting for the King’s Stand, Mecca’s Angel is ground dependent and dual winner Sole Power is a 9yo now and no horse 8yo+ has won the King’s Stand in last 40 years or so.
Although still listed by some charlatan bookies, Not Listenin'tome was withdrawn earlier this week and will instead run in the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m) on May 22. Tuesday, 10 May, 2016. http://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/1943380/gold-fun-tackle-diamond-jubilee-stakes-royal-ascot-june
Along the same lines Japonisme is an unlikely starter with trainer Chris Waller claiming he is headed to the paddocks for a spell. http://www.racingbase.com/category/latest-news/racing-news-round-up-20160516-0008/
Also Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Mongolian Saturday was easily beaten in December and this May at Sha Tin, so obviously not being pumped up with Lasix is a disadvantage for the 6yo gelding.
The Temple Stakes may shed more light on other possible runners but interestingly the race winner has not had an impact over the last 10 years, whereas the Palace House Stakes winners have won four times, including last year’s winner Goldream who was unplaced last year behind Pearl Secret in the Temple- so I would not give up on Profitable if he runs unplaced on Saturday. Also it will be interesting to see how the 3yo colt Kachy gets on for Tom Dascombe at Haydock, statistically the trainers second best turf course behind Chester.
Now looking at the Commonwealth Cup entries of Acapulco’s connections you straight away are led to offspring of the Coolmore stallion pair, Zoffany and Canford Cliffs.
Painted Cliffs was the first stakes winner and is the highest rated from Coolmore’s first crop of Canford Cliffs, and in the Group 2 Railway Stakes he had Log Out Island beaten easily in 3rd but is unraced this year.
Next are two colts from the first crop of last year's champion first-season stallion Zoffany. Coolmore advertise the stallion as ‘The fastest and most precocious 2yo by Dansili. Out of a Machiavellian mare just like Shamardal and Dark Angel.’
Waterloo Bridge and Washington DC, along with Illuminate (Group 3 Albany Stakes) produced a dream Royal Ascot for freshman sire Zoffany. However, Waterloo Bridge has been put in his place by Gifted Master twice already and looks to have regressed slightly since beating Log Out Island in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes. The other Zoffony colt Washington DC (Listed Windsor Castle Stakes winner and runner up in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes) has won two listed races, one over 7f at Dundalk first-time out and at 6f at Navan on Sunday when running away with the Listed Coolmore Power Stakes either side of blowing out in the Group 3 Pavilion Stakes at Ascot behind Gifted Master. But there were excuses-
"He won well in fairness to him and the ground was a big help," said Joseph O'Brien, assistant to his father. "It was a bit slow for him the last day and a few things didn't work out - he got a bump. He has a lot of pace and was a good two-year-old. I'd say he'll go for the Commonwealth Cup. He's a quick horse and fast ground is the key to him, as he's a low mover. Five or six is his trip."
From the family of Lord Howard de Walden’s St James's Palace Stakes winner Grand Lodge and Coronation Stakes winner Magic Flute, it looks like the Commonwealth Cup is pencilled as his primary mid-season target. Why would John Magnier want to spoil the chances of a possible first Group 1 winning colt for Zoffany, whose best performance was when second to Frankel in the St James's Palace Stakes?
Surprisingly Aiden O’Brien and Magnier/ Tabor/ Smith do not appear in the previous King’s Stand winners list and you have to go back nigh on 30 years to Vincent O'Brien and Bluebird for any Ballydoyle connection.
It has flip-flopped from Group 1 status in 1973, downgraded to Group 2 level in 1988 and regained Group 1 status in 2008. In the mid 70’ to late 80’s, 3yo’s plundered the race many times. Over the years the 3yo winners include- Equiano (2008- dual winner who won again at 5), the filly Dominica (2002, Marcus Tregoning’s Cornwallis Stakes winner), the regressive Mitcham (1999), Pivotal (1996), and the greats Dayjur and Marwell.
The ‘lads’ aren’t going loco in Acapulco. She is nailed on for the King’s Stand over the same distance as her Queen Mary win and she will be half the 8/1 odds she is right now. For what its worth I have the other four horses mentioned above- Gifted Master (main bet). Washington DC, Ajaya, and Log Out Island (backed/laid off best part shortly after Carnarvon Stakes) - in my Commonwealth Cup portfolio and cannot see any of the ones dropping back in trip beating all of those four.
interesting they started her back in an optional claimer, always a sign an american trainer just wants to give a horse an easy race to boost confidence, she backed up in a very weak looking listed race at churchill...she will be underpriced at ascot and it will be interesting where they run as for me she has plenty to prove, i still have her queen mary run as just average form, i'd expect the second to turn that form around if they met again but that horse also puts her form into perspective...
i haven't had a bet yet so wish you well with your wager and no doubt the trainer will have her spot on for ascot but she has plenty to prove now for me anyway
i agree the kings stand is the race for her
i haven't had a bet yet so wish you well with your wager and no doubt the trainer will have her spot on for ascot but she has plenty to prove now for me anyway
i agree the kings stand is the race for her
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