‘EXCITED’ HERBERT GIVES THE ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
FLYING: Royal Patronage is looking for a hattrick of wins and ( trainer Mark Johnston
ROYAL PATRONAGE will bid for a hat- trick of wins when he lines up for the Group Two Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket today.
The Mark Johnstontrained two- year- old was an impressive winner of the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York when last seen, coming home two- and- a- quarter lengths clear at 25-1 from Imperial Fighter, while denting one or two lofty reputations in the process.
The victory followed a five- length success in a novice event at Epsom, with a prior run in a Sandown maiden seeing him finish fourth behind subsequent Group One National Stakes winner
Native Trail.
Excited
The son of Wootton Bassett will now progress in both grade and trip as he takes on the one- mile Group Two Royal Lodge.
“We’re very excited to see him line up,” said Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Racing. “He was impressive last time at York. I don’t think there was any fluke about that, and he’s now put together two very good performances.
“He’s improving rapidly, so we’re hopeful that he’ll give everyone a big shout on Saturday.
“If he’s come on the same amount as he has been showing in all of his races, then you’d have to hope he’d be right up the sharp end — we love the horse, and it’s great to hear he has been working impressively.”
Masekela also has form behind Native Trail, having come home just a short head behind the 2000 Guineas favourite when second in the Superlative Stakes at the July Meeting.
Andrew Balding’s charge then went on to succeed in the Listed Denford Stakes at Newbury, beating Roger Varian’s Bayside Boy by a head when the two were joint 6- 4 favourites — with the runner- up going on to take the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.
He, too, steps up in class and trip, having so far been campaigned over six and seven furlongs.
“His form has worked out very well,” Balding said. “He’s working well, we’re really happy with the horse and we’re hopeful for a good run on Saturday.”
Native Trail’s trainer Charlie Appleby is represented by Coroebus, the winner of a novice on his sole start at Newmarket in August.
“Coroebus won his maiden in a raw style, but did it well and has come on for the run,” Appleby said.
“We have been pleased with him going into this and feel that he is ready to test himself in Pattern company.”
Elsewhere in the field of seven is Aidan O’Brien’s Howth, who was last seen finishing fourth in the Group Two KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes run over a mile at Leopardstown.
THE Listowel Harvest Fair draws to a close with one more lash at getting a few winners at the Kerry venue.
The opening Novice Hurdle is a tricky one to figure. QUIRT EVANS (1.40) has to give weight away all round, but I find it hard to get away from her with solid form.
Jack Foley is riding well and his 7lb claim will help offset the winning penalties accrued following two wins at Tramore during the summer.
Hope
Moving on to the chases later on the card, I hope my runner Zoffalee will be a big challenger in the Charlie Chute.
However, I find it hard to think anything will get the better of BENEFIT RUN (4.0) who looked a certain winner when coming down at Sligo’s final fence.
The handicapper has given him a solitary pound for that day, which looks as though he felt sorry for connections not collecting and has been lenient.
John Ryan ‘Gerry’ is having a phenomenal season defying all logic and FATHER JED (4.35) looks to continue that trend. The 10-year- old has never been better and enjoyed an impressive win at Ballinrobe last time out. SUAIN NA DRAOICHT (5.10) goes for Charles Byrnes in the bumper. He normally goes straight hurdling unless confident they can win in this sphere.
He looked a real danger on his last time out at Down Royal and is the one to watch as the curtain comes down in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the Curragh hosts some hot action this afternoon, and The Beresford
MANU ET CORDE (2.30) was beaten less than a length to finish fifth in the two-yearold Champions race at Leopardstown, and the son of Teofilo reappears quickly, which Jim Bolger never hesitates in doing.
Reason
And, what’s more, they often up their game for it.
The Rennaisance Stakes is not found wanting either. Joseph O’Brien has purchased TWILIGHT SPINNER (4.10) from David O’Meara — and for good reason.
She absolutely bolted up at Haydock last t ime and
could be a