Another Royal Ascot has come to an end and the team have had a successful week. BARNEY ROY lifted the crown in the St James’s Palace in impressive style bringing the first Group 1 victory for the year. The son of Excelebration owned by Godolphin was having his fourth run in his life and was decisive in his victory on day one of the festival. ‘He has always been a horse we have loved from an early stage and has only ever been beaten once in his life at Newmarket. He is a horse that will continue to improve with experience and age. We have not made a decision on where to go next, but I will have a good chat to Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin and make a plan for the coming months. He has come out of his run in great form and is back cantering away this week.’
Other notable performances for the week came from both the older horses and the two year olds. DE BRUYNE HORSE was beaten under three lengths in the Coventry on day one and looks a horse to keep on the right side of. ‘I thought he ran a very big race, but he does look better suited to be closer to the pace. He has a future over seven furlongs as well. He is in the Railway Stakes and that looks our most likely target to head for next.’ Another two year old in the shape of OUT OF THE FLAMES for Qatar Racing ran very well in the Queen Mary and was only beaten three lengths. ‘She is a filly with plenty of class and should be capable of getting six furlongs. There are plenty of options for her including at Newmarket in three weeks’ time.’
The two older horses that shone brightly were TABARRAK in the Hunt Cup who finished fifth off top weight. ‘He is very tough and looks a horse that continues to improve. The plan will be to step back into Listed and Group races where I am sure he will have no trouble picking up another.’ The other was TUPI in the Diamond Jubilee who finished off strongly in what was a very competitive renewal and only lost by three and a half lengths. ‘He is thriving and I am sure he has a big one in him one day. He is still learning his trade at sprint trips and I think he will probably head to the July Cup next.’
A nice first time out winner at Haydock for Mohamed Saeed Al Shahi in the shape of ALBISHR. The son of Clodovil was ridden positively throughout and stuck his neck out on the line. ‘He has always been a horse we have thought a bit of at home. He will improve no end for the run could have a bright future ahead of him.’
Today’s action comes from Windsor and Chepstow with nice chances all day. FAST AND HOT and GETNA at Chepstow look to have solid chances and MOUILLE POINT at Windsor. The Highclere owned STRATEGIC is making his debut in the first at Windsor. ‘He is a nice colt and he will come on plenty for the run today. He has been doing everything nicely at home and I am confident of a solid effort.’