ROCK IS SOLID
French star to beat Inspiral
BIG ROCK (3.35, Nb) can make a giant statement for his little-known trainer by landing Britain’s first Group One of the year for older horses.
The French star rounded off last year by winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes by five lengths when he was trained by Christopher Head.
And despite being transferred to Maurizio Guarnieri he can start his season in similar fashion at Newbury where he meets Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Inspiral in the
Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes.
When the pair clashed at Deauville last summer, Inspiral was able to pick off the French frontrunner but, with the Gosden team in mixed form, Big Rock can take revenge.
St Leger third DESERT HERO (1.50) can give the King and Queen their first Flat win of the year in the Group Three Aston Park Stakes.The now gelded four-year-old emerged from his winter break to produce one of his best runs in last month’s Gordon Richards Stakes and should be able to go one place better with that run under his belt.
He should kick off another rewarding day for William Haggas, left, and Tom Marquand who bring RELIEF RALLY (2.25) back to 6f for the Carnarvon Stakes.
There was no disgrace in her effort over 7f in the Fred Darling at today’s course where she finished a place behind the 1,000 Guineas winner Elmalka. She just didn’t stay.
Desert Hero finished down the field in last year’s London Gold Cup and this year’s edition of the race which often produces future Group winners can go to Ballydoyle again.
Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore won the race 12 months ago and teed up CHANTILLY (3.00) for the challenge with a comfortable win at Leopardstown in April.
He has been put up 10lb but that assessment may still underestimate his true potential.
SUMMERGHAND (2.40) didn’t get very far when impeded by an injured horse at York on Wednesday but gets another chance at Newmarket.
David O’Meara tries him over 7f for just the second time in his career but on recent evidence it might be what he needs.