3 minute read

Gold Cup day and much to enjoy.

The weather looks great – probably 26 max – and that should produce a fast track. 

We start off with the Norfolk Stakes G3 over 1000m for 2yos and 14 to run.  Elite Status is on 5/4 for Burke-Lee and then we have the two American raiders No Nay Mets 5/1 trained by George Weaver whose Crimson Advocate won on Wednesday with Frankie Dettori booked for the ride and American Rascal 11/2 for Wesley Ward and Joel Rosario.  Both raiders have won their debut races.  The locals then have His Majesty 8/1 for O'Brien-Moore – by No Nay Never as is No Nay Mets.  We like Noche Magica 17/2 who was second at the Curragh and finished ahead of His Majesty in that race.

The Ribblesdale is G2 for 3yo fillies over 2000m and there are 19 runners. Hot favourite for this Al Asifah has been scratched – we know not why – so the prices for the following runners may be adjusted.  As they stand Blue Stocking is now the fav on 9/2 for Beckett-Dettori – she is by Camelot.  Then Infinite Cosmos is on 8/1 for Stoute-Kingscote and Warm Heart us 9/1 for O'Brien-Moore.  One to watch is Understated which is now owned by Australian Bloodstock – Ralph Beckett trains and Rossa Ryan rides and they are 50/1.

The Gold Cup is G1 over 4000m with 14 runners. Andrew Balding's Coltrane is a c&d winner here at a lower level and is on 3/1 with Oisin Murphy on board.  Elder Eldarev is on 7/2 and the trip should suit.  Emily Dickinson O'Brien-Moore may prefer softer going and is on 5/1 and we cannot ignore our darling Broome who should enjoy the trip and is on 14/1 with Wayne Lordan riding for O'Brien.

Later on there is the G3 Hampton Court over 2000m. and the Gosdens' Torito is on 7/2 with apprentice Benoit de la Sayette entrusted with the ride.  Drumroll is on 5/1 for O'Brien-Moore and Waipiro 9/1 for Walker-Marquand.  And not the worst of them is Canberra Legend – just ignore his last run – and think of the value at 16/1.