3.05 Ascot June 15 - Group 1 5f
127 EQUIANO, plus 13lbs
This was Equiano back to his very best, matching his equally brilliant win two years ago. It will take an exceptional performance to knock him off the sprinting crown if they can keep him at this level until the l'Abbaye?
121 MARKAB, plus 11lbs
My how this horse has improved this year. I thought his win in Ireland may have been a one off, but this is even better. Quite remarkable for a horse of his age ... until, that is ...
123 BORDERLESCOTT, plus 9lbs
Nine years of age and still putting it all in at the very highest level. Some horse, some performance? He broke well, but when the winner kicked for home he lost a length or two, and was playing catch up all the way to the line. He deserves another Group 1.
123 NICCONI, plus 6lbs
I heard some negative comments made about this horse, but on these figures, he is a very good horse. Had trouble in running, without which he may well have got second. True, he is no Choisir, but then not many are (except possibly one of his sons??), but if he sticks around he may well get compensation.
117 BOULD MOVER, plus 10lbs
For a 66/1 shot this horse was right there until the last few strides. He will not be those odds again, that is for sure. But one for the notebook when the ground rides quick.
118 KINGSGATENATIVE, plus 1lbs
Only ran to his rating really. Met trouble in running, but unlike Nicconi, could not get going again.
114 SPIN CYCLE, plus 4lbs
Ran a sound race without ever looking like winning, which makes me think that a Group 2 may be his best chance of a win. Given the strength at the top of this market, it is unlikely to get much easier?
110 AMOURE PROP. plus 0lbs
Another who only ran to its rating, and finds this company a bit hot. If he can get out and get a really good uncontested lead he will come good, but again, probably not at this level?
105 BLUE JACK, minus 5lbs
I know people have been raving about this horse since his scintillating win in a C2 h'cap. Indeed, I have him at least 10lbs higher ... AT THAT LEVEL! ... Personally, I think 105 is as good as he is in this grade. The quicker pace just takes enough out of his finishing kick at the vital stage, and they prove too strong at the finish. He will find a race, but not at the very top just yet.
This was far and away the best rated race on day one of the Royal Ascot meeting and deserves the 'Top Spot' billing, and I hope puts a proper perspective on the race?
Of the other races;
GOLDIKOVA dropped a point on 129; Canford Cliffs dropping to 113 - very disappointing and I will double check the time tomorrow with my R/form Update! - ; STRONG SUIT ran the slowest comparative time, even for a 2yo, so I am not sure he will figure among the top contenders at the end of the year?
The rest were all horrendous negatives!
That concludes this blog. I hope it keeps you interested.
Cheers, Gerry