Juddmonte International...

Not had run since the Dante.
I wouldn't pitch him in the International either.

i think white birch told not to run versus obriens super horses id say

Looks like being a belter even without White Birch and Economics.

I hope Docklands takes his chance but expect they will bottle it and go for the Strensall.

Alflaila Jim Crowley
Docklands Hayley Turner
Durezza Christophe Lemaire
Hans Andersen TBC
Israr William Buick
Maljoom Tom Marquand
Royal Rhyme Clifford Lee
Zarakem Maxime Guyon
Bluestocking Rossa Ryan
Ambiente Friendly Robert Havlin
Calandagan Stephane Pasquier
City of Troy TBC
Ghostwriter Richard Kingscote

12 Declared

much more interesting now with bluestocking going for this, well done them

much more interesting now with bluestocking going for this, well done them

yes good that there is G1 winner taking part other than the favourite

A decent size field, competitive event and an interesting betting race, but I agree with A_T, regarding Gp1 quality this is a poor renewal. I still believe that COT's Dewhurst win was vastly overrated, but it's the only piece of form on offer that I reckon is (just about) up to Gp1 winning standard. However, this season, despite winning twice, he hasn't quite performed at the same level. For me, this year's Derby was crap, and even though he won decisively I have him 4lbs lower than the Dewhurst. His Eclipse win was generally regarded as well below his Derby win but I have it just 1lb lower. If he can return to his Dewhurst best I don't see anything in this field beating him on these terms. Even if he only runs to the same standard he's been running to this year he can win, but I have enough doubts about him that I can easily refuse to take this kind of price.

I said that Charyn's Queen Anne was the fastest I've seen by any older horse this year, so it follows that Docklands must've put up a good performance in second. On his form before that I'd say he's fairly priced, but on that one piece of form he's massively overpriced. The question is whether he has improved into a horse that can do it again, or if it was a one off instance of him running the race of his life. He was held up early on in rear off a very fast pace, and over the years I've found that kind of setup on many occasions where horses ran well above their usual level. On the other hand he did travel easily that day and quickened up really well at the business end, rather than just plodding on past beaten runners. The other unknown is whether he'll be as good over this extra distance. All doubts considered I have backed him.

The only other runner that appeals to me is Calandagan. I have his Ascot win only 1lb below COT's Derby win and think unless COT finds his Dewhurst level then the French runner is capable of giving COT a race. I'll be backing him as well.

We'll if the going wasn't quick at the curragh when COT won then I don't know what it was. Hit the line hard and Ryan had a job to pull him up.
Calandagan beat some handicappers to win at Ascot and previously won a couple of races on desperate ground. Could be an improver but really not sure why he is 2nd fav? 
I think Bluestocking and Zarakem are the 2 potential dangers.


There have been some generous prices about COT this season, I'm amazed he isn't odds on for this. I think we'll see the real deal tomorrow

There have been many renewals where we've had much better older horses on display. Even in the last 4 years, Mostahdaf, Baaeed, Mishriff and Ghaiyyath had all shown better form (genuine Gp1 ability) than this lot going into the race.

unbelievable, but just shows that racing was proper then  , dr devious derby winner v rodrigo 2,000 winner same trainer same owner i think running against each other

thx for that

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvdHKcTD-sE.                here it is

I agree with many that COT is the class horse and most likely winner,  but I'm not interested at the price.

I think the long straight should suit Zarakem, so had an e/w bet on him.

Alflaila with his course form is also of interest for a small cover bet.

Good luck all.

great run from the favourite - they've got to consider the arc surely

I make that COT's best performance of the year, clearly better than the Derby, and right up to his 2yo best (actually 1lb lower than the Dewhurst but can't quibble about 1lb). He did it very well and there may be even more in the tank. However, back to his best he only did what would be expected against a bunch of largely Gp3 older horses conceding weight. One of my bets, Calandagan, ran a fine race to get within a length. I have him up 2lbs from Ascot, but he's just not quite a proper Gp1 3yo. So, a solid winning performance but, for me, it was more Roaring Lion than Frankel

combination of the two

Try My Best
That is a gold medal to you for aftertiming.
You are a Ballydoyle fan boy, shouting the odds when they win.

You are a Ballydoyle fan boy, shouting the odds when they win

Noticeably absent pre-race. Predictably absent when they're stuffed

Calandagan, ran a fine race to get within a length. I have him up 2lbs from Ascot, but he's just not quite a proper Gp1 3yo. So, a solid winning performance but, for me, it was more Roaring Lion than Frankel

Yet. He might well become a  G1 winner Figgis because of the improvement that he showed. It was a better run over the 10.3f than the 12f at Ascot but I wouldn't draw the conclusion that it was the trip that brought about the improvement (where he also improved). On ratings, not much between him and COT.