Appeared is the one to fear...
THE ALBANY STAKES
ALPHA CENTAuRI has dominated the ante-post market but fans of Jessica Harrington’s filly may not be thrilled with her low draw. But she has displayed abundant quality so may overcome racing on the wing and connections will be heartened by Sioux Nation’s win from a low berth yesterday. The same applies to the well-fancied Clemmie but one of Aidan O’Brien’s other runners, Actress, twice beaten by Alpha Centauri, could run well given her track position. Chester winner ARMUM, sold for £250,000 this week, and Madeline, who impressed at Goodwood, also fit that category given they appear well placed. SELECTION: Armum DANGER: Actress
THE KING EDWARD VII STAKES
THERE is not a great deal to choose between Permian and
on their running in the Dante at York. Permian obliged that day but was disappointing in the Derby and preference is for Sir Michael Stoute’s colt as he was kept away from Epsom and may be a little fresher. Crystal Ocean was a sustained gamble for the Derby, but his inexperience was thought too big an issue and this looks a more suitable test. He ran through the line strongly at York, looking as though a step up to 12 furlongs would exact further improvement. I cannot believe Best Of Days, a talented juvenile until picking up a setback, will not be ready to run a huge race on his return. SELECTION: Crystal Ocean DANGER: Best Of Days
THE COMMONWEALTH CUP
THIS could be the race of the week with the blistering speed of Caravaggio and HARRY ANGEL coming under challenge from the well-touted Bound For Nowhere and Blue Point, who was impressive on his course and distance comeback. Aidan O’Brien has been unstinting in his praise for Caravaggio and if reports of his home workouts are to be believed we may well hear a sonic boom should he win. However, Harry Angel is beginning to settle better in his races and his dominant display at Haydock was achieved in a fabulous time. The third-home Mubtasim did the form no harm with third in the Jersey Stakes and the selection could continue a wonderful week for his handler with victory. SELECTION: Harry Angel DANGER: Caravaggio
THE CORONATION STAKES
THE French have won the last two runnings of this race and French 1,000 Guineas winner Precieuse and to a lesser extent La Coronel will harbour hopes of a treble. However, the foreboding presence of English and Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine WINTER stands in the way and if she remains in the same form as she was at Newmarket and the Curragh it is difficult to envisage defeat. Winter should enjoy the pace she craves with stablemate Hydrangea and Fred Darling winner Dabyah — who is a classy filly in her own right — likely to ensure an honest gallop. SELECTION: Winter DANGER: Dabyah
THE QUEEN’S VASE
AIDAN O’BRIEN and Mark Johnston have dominated this race, winning it eight times in the last decade, and they are again well represented with four runners between them. TIME TO
STUDY had stablemate Mister Manduro behind when they met at Musselburgh in a valuable handicap and they look to have strong claims of making an impact. Ryan Moore has chosen Belgravia over Wisonsin, which could well be a steer in itself, but Count Octave could prove a bigger danger as he should have learned from running at Chester and this step up in trip will play to his strengths. SELECTION: Time To Study DANGER: Count Octave
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH
MAINSTREAM has been targeted for this race for much of the season and, although a far from straightforward horse, he caught the eye at Newmarket on his comeback. Considered one of his Sir Michael Stoute’s best chances of the week, he was gelded prior to his return and should appreciate the hurly burly of this race. APPEARED, also gelded before his seasonal reappearance, sports the cheekpieces for the first time and is in stall 18, a positive as nine of the last 10 winners have been drawn in double figures. He will love the fast ground and a strong gallop should bring out the best in him. SELECTION: Appeared (nap) DANGER: Mainstream