Sunday, July 25, 2004

DIAMOND MEETING THIRD DAY - HONG KONG DAY
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
ASCOT, SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2004

“This has been a marvellous three-day meeting, but it is tinged with sadness as it has now sunk in that never again will the horses gallop over those coconut mats,” said Cheyne, allowing himself a wry smile as he reflected that the much-criticised crossing will be gone for ever when the contractors move in.

Looking back on the past 72 hours, Cheyne added: “It has been a tremendous three days, and we had a wonderful winner of the King George in Doyen, who produced one of those very special performances that you remember for a long time afterwards.

“However, equally pleasing was the terrific run of the American challenger Hard Buck. We were delighted just to get him over, but for him to run so well to finish second behind what was a high-class winner might encourage more horses to try their luck from the other side of the pond.”

Cheyne had been “walking his box” when he saw the weather forecast before the meeting commenced, but he was happy how things turned up.

He added: “The ground was fast but safe, and the horses handled it well enough and do not appear to have been inconvenienced.”

There will be racing at Ascot this year on four more days -- Shergar Cup day on August 7 and the three days of the Ascot Finale on September 24, 25 and 26 before the course closes for re-development. All races on those days will be run on the round course.

GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT AT HONG KONG DAY

After the packed stands of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes Day, Hong Kong Day is the opportunity for families and racegoers to enjoy a quieter, but nonetheless, exciting day featuring great entertainment and top-class horseracing.

One family enjoying the ambience is the Sibleys, who drove here today from nearby Maidenhead.

Alan and Monica Sibley are looking after their grandchildren Todd, four-years-old, and Gabriella, who is seven. The children’s parents are unable to be here today as they are looking after their recently-born baby.

This is Alan’s second time racing - he has attended Hong Kong Day before, while Monica has been racing a bit more frequently having also attended NSPCC Day at Ascot. Despite their tender ages, Todd and Gabriella have already been racing more times than their grandparents as they are both members of Ascot’s Colts and Fillies Club.

“We came for both the entertainment and the horseracing really,” said Alan. “It’s a nice day out which involves the children.”

“I like watching the horses,” added Todd, while Gabriella said: “I love watching the displays and looking at the horses in the paddock. The costumes are great and I like the dragons.” Todd was also keen on the dragons.

The enthusiasm which the family has for Hong Kong Day was obvious as the music began for the Chinese Acrobatic and Kung Fu Show at 12.45pm. The kids ran off to the edge of the arena, while Monica vainly attempted to keep up with them!


THE SUNDAYS WAX LYRICAL OVER DOYEN

The Sunday papers are unanimous in awarding superstar status to Doyen after his dynamic demolition job in yesterday’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, and they use plenty of superlatives to describe how the Godolphin giant crushed an international field.

“Devastating” was the front page headline in the Racing Post and, while we will have to wait until tomorrow before digesting the reflections of their leading columnist Alastair Down - he showed Doyen-type acceleration after the big race to attend the nuptials celebrations of Mark Bradburne and Gee Armytage - chief correspondent Jon Lees summed it up as “a majestic display from a colt who could one day rank among Godolphin’s very best”.

There is no doubt that in what is proving a golden summer for the boys in blue, Doyen, who annihilated the opposition by three lengths to give Frankie Dettori what he called his easiest King George winner, is already Godolphin’s jewel in the crown, and the Observer flagged Eddie Fremantle’s piece with the headline ‘Doyen a Dazzling Diamond’ while Bill Knight’s piece in the Sunday Mirror was titled “Doyen A Diamond Jewel”.

Like winning owner Sheikh Mohammed, Fremantle, a writer who is not easily impressed, compared Doyen with previous King George heroes Swain, Lammtarra and Daylami.

Making the observation that, whereas in the past the Godolphin approach “has had a touch of the Abramovich about it”, with the policy to buy expensive recruits such as Sulamani, Brough Scott in the Sunday Telegraph cited Doyen’s triumph as “representing long-term planning on the track as well as off it” in that he was bred and reared on the Maktoum studs in Ireland.

However, Scott, having observed that “the punch that Doyen delivered to go clear was as good as anything we have seen in the event’s history”, reiterated the call to Ascot to install basic quarter-mile sectional timing, declaring “its absence is little short of a scandal at a time when millions are being spent on efforts to modernise racing”.

Scott makes the point that “as everyone watches lap times in the Olympics, maybe the penny will drop that in 2004 it is wholly inadequate for an equine athletics championship to give its viewers no more than the final clocking”.

The Sunday Times headline ‘Doyen has world at his feet’ followed the Sheikh’s confirmation that both the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Breeders’ Cup Turf would be on the colt’s agenda.

According to the News Of The World, “Doyen demolished his King George rivals”, the Daily Star On Sunday had the headline “Doyen Display Oozes Class”, and Jonathan Powell in The Mail On Sunday described the success as “runaway”

Balthazar Fabricius of Ladbrokes declared that “he is different class and that is why we offer only evens for Longchamp, which is the shortest we have been about a horse for the Arc post-King George”.

Ladbrokes, who went 7-2 before the race, now go 7-1 bar one, but Corals were still quoting Doyen at 2-1 for the Arc this morning, and Simon Clare, their spokesman, reported that they have hardly been knocked over in a stampede.

Clare said: “When one considers that Dalakhani, who had beaten Doyen in the Prix Niel, having also won the French Derby, was available at 3-1 for the Arc on the day, we consider that 2-1 is a conservative enough price for a race more than two months away.

“After all, there are the likes of Grey Swallow, North Light and Bago waiting in the wings, not to mention the possibility of soft ground in Paris. We have taken a couple of £2,000 bets and another of £4,000, but the 2-1 is still available and we would be only too pleased to accommodate anyone at that price.”


A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST TWO DAYS

Although Doyen’s superlative success in the King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes on Saturday inevitably dominated the first two days of the meeting, there were plenty of other displays which caught the eye, and not for the first time classic pointers for next year emerged from the two-year-old races.

The way in which Soar won the Group 111 Princess Margaret Stakes on Saturday had many people talking of the 1,000 Guineas, for which she can be backed at 33-1, and her win paid handsome tribute to Damson, who beat her in the Queen Mary at the Royal meeting, and is now as low as 10-1 for the classic.

There were more thoughts of the Guineas on Friday when Shohrah made a winning start against a field of fellow debutantes in the Brunswick Maiden Stakes, beating Epiphany by two and a half lengths. Because none of the fillies had run it is impossible to evaluate the form, but Marcus Tregoning’s comment that “we don’t bring the slow ones to Ascot” shows that he holds Shohrah in some regard.

There was not such strong evidence on the colts’ front, but there was plenty to like about the winning start by the Godolphin colt Nightfall in the Crocker Bulteel EBF Maiden Stakes on Saturday, after which Saeed bin Suroor made the point that the colt was some way short of peak fitness and can be expected to do even better next time.

This race was memorable for putting Frankie Dettori on the 2,000 mark for domestic winners.

It has been a good meeting so far for Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning who have three winners apiece, beginning when course specialist Mana d’Argent, who has never won anywhere else, gained his sixth win at Ascot on Friday, just holding his stablemate Riyadh.

They had two more on Saturday when Mister Monet was hugely impresssive as he took the Solitaire Diamond Handicap from Courageous Duke and persuaded his trainer to talk of black type races, and then when Always Waining was far too good for his stablemate Fort in the South Africa Diamond Anniversary Handicap.

Arguably the riding performance of the meeting came on Friday when Kieren Fallon somehow got up near the line on Coy, who had been off the bit from start to finish, to take the Weatherbys EBF Valiant Stakes from Celtic Heroine.

Ed Dunlop’s psychology worked the oracle with Court Masterpiece in the totesport International Handicap in which the winner just got the better of Polar Way. Court Masterpiece has apparently developed an aversion to any stable but his own, and so Dunlop arranged for him to leave Newmarket as late as he dared so he would not have to occupy a box at Ascot beforehand. He also equipped the horse with earplugs for his journey and Court Masterpiece did not arrive until less than an hour before he ran.

PIGGOTT’S 3,000TH WINNER

Lester Piggott rode his 3,000th winner in Britain when Roussalka took the Princess Margaret Stakes on King George day at Ascot in 1974.

He started the day on a score of 2,998 and many felt that he would win on Roussalka and then reach 3,000 on Dahlia in the big race.

Piggott, however, had other ideas and proceded to take the first race, a mile handicap, on Olympic Casino, trained by Ryan Price.

BETTING NEWS

The bookmakers were still licking their wounds this morning after taking the mother-and-father of a beating in the betting ring over Doyen in yesterday’s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, but punters were resting on their laurels and reluctant to give it back at today’s final stage.

Simon Clare of Corals said: ”It is proving a very quiet day. Punters swelled their kitty for Goodwood yesterday, and they appear to be waiting to play again.

“The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint Handicap is the one race where we have seen bits and pieces, but we ducked Baltic King, the Pricewise selection in The Racing Post, and the best-backed horse with us has been Proud Boast, who has been featured on one of the major tipping lines.”

Neal Wilkins of Victor Chandler reports that his firm have laid the 16-1 and 14-1 about Baltic King and now offer 12-1 for what is looking a hugely competitive sprint, and they have also seen money for Forever Phoenix, who has been shortened from 10-1 to 8-1.

GOING NEWS AT 10AM

After a further dry night the going for the last day of the Diamond Meeting remains

GOOD TO FIRM.

“We watered the track to the same extent as we had done on Friday evening, putting on five millimetres of water on all parts of the course after racing yesterday,” said clerk of the course Nick Cheyne.

“The forecast for today is that it will be dry and warm, with just the possbility of the odd spit of rain, though it won’t amount to much.”


WINNING QUOTES RACE ONE
FULLERTON TROPHY

MAYBE FLEMINGTON FOR WUNDERWOOD

Wunderwoodwill be entered for the Melbourne Cup, which closes a week on Tuesday, following his success in the opening Fullerton Trophy, said his trainer Lady Herries,who has already gone close in Australia’s major race with Taufan’s Melody, who won the Caulfield Cup and then finished fourth at Flemington in 1998, and with Harbour Dues, who was fourth in 1997

“He will certainly be entered and we have been looking at the race for him for a while, but he will probably need to get higher in the handicap,” the trainer went on. “He was rated only 99 before this and Taufan’s Melody was rated in the 110-115 area when he ran in the race.

“I was a bit worried about bringing him back to a mile and a quarter after he had won over a mile and a half at the Royal meeting, and with Seb (Sanders) saying that he was hanging in the closing stages it is clear that he needs more good in the ground than there is today if he is to race over a mile and a quarter.”

Having raced close up to the pace set by Mutasallil, Wunderwood went ahead with a furlong and a half to go, and in spite of wandering about in the closing stages, held on by three-quarters of a length.

The five-year-old belongs to London owner Tony Perkins, on whose behalf Julian Wilson bought Wunderwood out of Alec Stewart’s stable as a backend two-year-old.

The horse had belonged to Hamdan al-Maktoum but as he had not raced his name could be changed and Perkins decided to name him after his grandfather William Underwood, who had set him on the way to enjoying racing and punting in his younger days.

Race One - Fullerton Trophy
Place Quotes:


HILLS DELIGHTED WITH MUTASALLIL

Richard Hills was delighted with the performance of Mutasallil, despite being beaten three parts of a length by 7-4 favourite Wunderwood in the opening Fullerton Trophy.

Hills said: “That was a very pleasing run. My horse kept galloping all the way to the line, and we have been beaten by a Royal Ascot winner.

“Remember, Mutasallil is still relatively inexperienced. He has only had two races in Britain under his belt - wins at Ripon and Pontefract - and he has run very well.”


GROUND

After today’s opening contest, the Fullerton Trophy, the following jockeys described the ground as:

Richard Mullen, rider of Counsel’s Opinion, said: “Fast ground.”

Seb Sanders, rider of winner Wunderwood, said: “Firm.”

Pat Dobbs, rider of Vengeance, said: “Fast.”

Jimmy Fortune, rider of Bourgainville, said: “Same as yesterday.”

Darryll Holland, rider of Corriolanus, said: “Lovely, very nice ground.”

Kieren Fallon, rider of third-placed Alphecca, said: “Beautiful.”



RACE TWO CATHAY PACIFIC HANDICAP STAKES
WIN QUOTES

PRINCE OF THEBES MAKES WINNING COMEBACK

Prince Of Thebes defied nearly a year’s absence to beat Welcome Stranger by a head in a thrilling finish.

Winning trainer Andrew Balding said: “He’s had a number of problems including a stress fracture of the pelvis at the end of last year but he’s talented.”

The winner was rather coltish in the paddock beforehand. The handler continued: “I’m thinking of persuading the owners to have him cut. He’s a colt and he knows it as you saw before the race and it might make him easier to deal with.

“I’m not sure when he will run next - we’ll see how we go but the owners have been very patient.”

Martin Dwyer had been down to ride Prince Of Thebes but he was unshipped from Conjuror in the 6.50pm at Salisbury on Saturday evening leaving Richard Mullen as the beneficiary of the mount.

Balding added: “Hopefully Martin will be riding tomorrow [Dwyer subsequently confirmed this on BBC TV]. He banged the same hand that he had the problem with before.”

Phoenix Reach was a disappointing 10th in yesterday’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes for Balding. “We had Phoenix Reach scoped when he got home and he suffered from significant bleeding,” explained the trainer. “That explains the poor run and we’ll now look at options in America.”


PLACED QUOTES RACE TWO
CATHAY PACIFIC HANDICAP

QUICK RETURN LIKELY FOR STRANGER

Welcome Stranger, who would probably have caught Prince of Thebes in two more strides in the Cathay Pacific Handicap, is likely to be out again at Kempton on Wednesday evening.

“I don’t normally like running him again quickly as he is not a horse who carries a great deal of condition, but he is in a £10,000 classified stakes at
Kempton and it looks a very tempting target for him,” said the four-year-old’s trainer James Eustace. “So we will see how he is, but as long as he has taken this race alright I think he will go there.

“He is an honest, genuine handicapper and it has just taken him time to find his form this year.

“All my horses were coughing in March and though they eventually got over it, it can be a very long time before they are back to their best and it certainly took him a while.”

Goodbye Bond was a honourable third, and Sue Alston, whose husband Eric, trains the gelding, was justifiably proud of the 100-30 favourite.

She said:”Franny (Norton) reckons the ground was just a bit too lively for him. He has won four in a row for us and is so game, and, though the handicapper keeps putting him up, he is hanging on in there.”

Seb Sanders, who rode A Woman In Love (seventh), blamed the crawl for the disappointing run of Brooke Sanders’s prolific winning mare.

He said:”They crawled - the pace of the race dictates how she runs, and they were never going fast enough.”

Race Three - Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint Heritage Handicap -
Winner’s Quotes

KING FOR A DAY

Baltic King, whose chance was scuppered by the rain on this day 12 months ago, made no mistake when coming back for another tilt at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint, wearing down Pivotal Point close home to take this Heritage Handicap by a neck.

Winning trainer Hughie Morrison said: ”Baltic King is a good ground horse and it was plenty firm enough out there for him.

“But at least it was not like last year when rain fell on watered ground and made it loose on top - he just can’t operate in those sort of conditions.

“He took a bit of a battering in the Bentinck Stakes at Newmarket last back-end and have had a few problems with his legs since.

“He was disappointing on his first two runs this year, but I sent him to the Equine Spa at Bourton-on-the-Water, where I have previously sent Tom Paddington and Alcazar, and they did a great job on his forelegs.

“The cold treatment there helps him a lot, but I would never entertain running him downhill at Goodwood, so we never entered him for the Stewards’ Cup.

“He is better over a stiff five furlongs, and I knew we had him spot on for this after he had breezed along with Pastoral Pursuits on his final gallop. Hopefully, we might find another race here before they close the course down for re-development, but there are plenty of other stiff tracks which will suit him, and we might even have a trip across to The Curragh.”

James Stafford, who heads the Thurloe Thoroughbreds syndicate, owners of Baltic King, said: ”The long-term plan has been hatched. We decided to aim for this race again about eight weeks ago.”

The Thurloe team also have a smart two-year-old filly in Baltic Dip with Richard Hannon, and she will run next in either the Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket or the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood.

Seb Sanders, whose well-fancied First Order beat only two home in the field of 24, was inevitably very disappointed.

He said: “First Order needs things to go for him, but, whereas at Newmarket he was always travelling very smoothly, this time I could never get him to take hold of the bit.

“I didn’t like where I was drawn, so I tried to ease him back to get a better position and then hope that he would finish from there. But he just never did, and I can’t use the ground as an excuse.”


RACE THREE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES
PLACE QUOTES

PIVOTAL POINT FINDS ONE TOO GOOD

Pivotal Point found just Baltic King a neck too powerful in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint.

Pivotal Point’s trainer Peter Makin said: “He ran a cracking race. The ground was a bit firm for him and he was in front plenty long enough for a furlong and a half. He picked up again when the winner went past.

“I think a stiff five furlongs really suits him and he’s a joy of a sprinter as he has plenty of speed and you can put him anywhere in a race.”

Robert Cowell’s Forever Phoenix was a further length and a quarter adrift in third, the first of the horses drawn low home.

Cowell said: “There wasn’t enough speed on our side to tow her along and Brett [Doyle] said if he had been on the other side she would have taken all the beating. I say that without taking anything away from the first two.

“She’ll come back to Ascot for the six-furlong race for fillies at the Shergar Cup and then she’ll run in Listed and Group races.

“She finished second to Golden Nun in a six-furlong Listed race at Nottingham in May and off a mark of 92 she must have a good chance when she comes back here.”


WINNING QUOTES RACE FOUR
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SALE AUCTION STAKES

FORTUNE DOUBLES UP

Jimmy Fortune, now back in flying form after the back problems which delayed his return to action for a long time, completed a 64-1 double when Southern Africa took the Hong Kong International Sale Auction Stakes, following his success on Baltic King in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Handicap Sprint.

The winner is trained by Gerard Butler for the International Carnival Partnership, who have a number of horses trained in Dubai when racing is happening there, and that is where Southern Africa will be heading.

“He is a fine, big colt who is made for a mile and mile and an eighth and the UAE Guineas would be the sort of race to have in mind for him,” said Butler.

“The soft ground found him out at Sandown and in any case he is not a five furlong horse, and I would think he might have only one more run before going to Dubai. We’ll get him out there nice and early.

“Granted Michael Bell’s horse (hot favourite Sacred Nuts who finished third) looked very unlucky, but our fellow did the job well,” added Butler after Southern Africa had got the better of Group Captain by a length with Sacred Nuts close up in third.

Race Four - Hong Kong International Sale Auction Stakes
Placed Quotes

CRUSHED NUTS

Darryll Holland dismounted from 10/11 favourite Sacred Nuts after finishing only third behind Southern Africa in the Hong Kong International Sale Auction Stakes and immediately apologised to trainer Michael Bell, confessing “I should have won.”

Holland, who had a nightmare run on Sacred Nuts, who was climbing all over the leaders on his hat-trick mission but simply could not find a way through.

“I am sorry - they went no pace and then I was short of room,” added the title-chasing jockey.

Bell shrugged his shoulders and said: ”At least Darryll had the decency to apologise, but that is scant consolation. Still, we can now run Sacred Nuts in that valuable nursery at Newmarket on Saturday, so perhaps there might yet be a happy ending.”

Sylvester Kirk was happy with runner-up Group Captain, though he felt that his colt was not happy on the firm ground.

He said: ”It looked as if he was not letting himself down on the ground. He had to do the donkeywork and it would be nice if we could have got the rail, but we are looking at a three-year-old career for him, so I want to be a bit cautious.”


RACE FIVE CATHAY PACIFIC HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACES HANDICAP STAKES
WIN QUOTES

VINANDO BOUNCES BACK FOR EGERTON

Vinando was beaten 25 lengths on his last start at Newbury but he bounced back here to defeat Soulacroix by five lengths.

Winning trainer Charles Egerton said: “I was pleased with him - he was disappointing at Newbury but all my Flat horses were wrong then - this one was coughing 10 days later so he could have just been starting to get something when he ran. I would have been worried if there were no excuses for the Newbury outing.

“He won his maiden easily before that and I would have been disappointed today if he wasn’t there or thereabouts - he’s a nice horse.

“I’ll take my time with him - he’s immature and we’ll bring him on slowly.

“That was my second Flat success at Ascot - that’s not enough. I’ve had a few jumpers win here though!

“I’ve got eight Flat horses and I’m desperate for some more as I like them.”

Race Six - Owen Brown Maiden Fillies’ Stakes
Winning Quotes

TARFAH A POTENTIAL STAR

Gerard Butler could barely disguise his delight after Tarfah had made her much-delayed racecourse debut a winning one in the finale, the Owen Brown Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, quickening well off a slow pace to pick up pacesetting Arctic Silk close home and score by three parts of a length, the pair finishing five lengths clear of the rest.

Butler, completing a double, having earlier won with Southern Africa, received a glowing post-race report from Seb Sanders, who was also bagging a brace, having won the opener on Wunderwood.

“She has got plenty of talent,” enthused Sanders. “She got there and then knuckled down to reeling in the leader without me having to give her a slap.”

Tarfah had been edgy down at the stalls, and Butler paid tribute to the handlers down at the gate. He added:”She wasn’t keen to go in, but they did a terrific job and I cannot thank them enough.

“Tarfah was our nicest two-year-old filly last year, but she was beset with niggling problems and I could not get a run into her.

“In the spring I was still talking about the Oaks, but again we encountered problem after problem, and, even today, I was in two minds whether to run her on this fast ground.

“However, the times were standard, so I took the view that we were all dressed up and ready to roll, so allowed her to take her chance. She is a home-bred filly and we will take a softly softly route, but we have always loved her.”


RACE SIX OWEN BROWN MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES
PLACE QUOTES

ARCTIC SILK RUNNER-UP

Godolphin’s Arctic Silk was placed for the second successive outing, going down by three-quarters of a length to Tarfah.

Diana Cooper, representing Godolphin, said: “She got beaten by one better. She’s a nice, honest filly and we were beaten fair and square. She’s improving all of the time and she would prefer a bit of ease in the ground.”

Marcus Tregoning, trainer of third-placed beaten favourite Merwaha, a further five lengths adrift, said: “I was a bit disappointed and she didn’t pick up. Saying that I thought she was quite nice but she didn’t pick up on her first start.

“Richard [Hills, jockey] said that she doesn’t pick up and we’ll probably go for a little race somewhere with her now.”

Looking ahead to Goodwood, Tregoning added: “Black Velvet runs in the Champagne Stakes - that’s all for my two-year-olds I’m afraid.

“Remaad and Manyana will run in the Gordon Stakes and hopefully they’ll run well.”



LEADING TRAINERS AT END OF MEETING

Trainer 1sts 2nds 3rds
Mark Johnston 3 2 1
Saeed bin Suroor 2 2 1
Gerard Butler 2 - -
Ed Dunlop 1 1 -
Richard Hannon 1 1 -
Amanda Perrett 1 1 -
Sir Michael Stoute 1 - 2
Charles Egerton 1 1 -
Marcus Tregoning 1 - 1
Andrew Balding 1 - -
Clive Cox 1 - -
Peter Cundell 1 - -
James Fanshawe 1 - -
Lady Herries 1 - -
Hughie Morrison 1 - -
Mick Channon - 1 2
David Nicholls - 1 1
James Eustace - 1 -
Michael Jarvis - 1 -
Brett Johnson - 1 -
Sylvester Kirk - 1 -
Peter Makin - 1 -
Kenny McPeek USA - 1 -
Jeremy Noseda - 1 -
Jamie Osborne - 1 -
Amanda Perrett - 1 -
Michael Bell - - 2
Eric Alston - - 1
Clive Brittain - - 1
Henry Cecil - - 1
Paul Cole - - 1
Robert Cowell - - 1
John Dunlop - - 1
David Elsworth - - 1
Kevin Ryan - - 1
Bill Turner - - 1


LEADING JOCKEYS AT END OF MEETING

Jockey 1sts 2nds 3rds
Joe Fanning 3 1 -
Frankie Dettori 2 1 -
Kieren Fallon 2 1 2
Johnny Murtagh 2 1 -
Seb Sanders 2 1 -
Jimmy Fortune 2 - -
Richard Hills 1 2 2
Chris Catlin 1 - -
Steve Drowne 1 - -
Miss Nadine Forde 1 - -
Richard Hughes 1 - -
Richard Mullen 1 - -
Ted Durcan - 2 2
Kevin Darley - 2 -
Gary Stevens - 2 -
Richard Quinn - 1 2
Darryll Holland - 1 2
Ryan Moore - 1 1
Miss Joey Ellis - 1 -
Luke Fletcher - 1 -
Dane O’Neill - 1 -
Brett Doyle - - 1
John Egan - - 1
Colin Haddon - - 1
Miss Kelly Harrison - - 1
Kerrin McEvoy - - 1
Frannie Norton - - 1
Willie Ryan - - 1
Richard Thomas - - 1



FIRST RACE RESULT

2pm FULLERTON TROPHY (CLASSIFIED STAKES)
Class B, 1m 2f, £20,000 added, three-year-olds and upwards rated 0-95 (also open to horses rated 96 to 100 - see weights). Weights: 3yo colts and geldings: 8st 7lb; fillies 8st 4lb; 4yo+ colts and geldings 9st 3lb, 4yo+ fillies 9st (for horses rated 96 or higher, the excess in any rating above 95 shall be added to the weights stated). Penalties: after July 17, a winner 6lb. Weight for age 3 from 4yo+ 10lb. Penalty values: 1st: £11,710.20; 2nd: £4,441.80; 3rd: £2,220.90; 4th: £1,009.50; 5th: £504.75; 6th: £302.85.

1 WUNDERWOOD (Tony Perkins) Lady Herries 5-9-07 Seb Sanders [1] 7/4 Fav
2 MUTASALLIL (Godolphin) Saeed Bin Suroor (t) 4-9-06 Richard Hills [5] 4/1
3 ALPHECCA (Niarchos Family) Sir Michael Stoute 3-8-07 Kieren Fallon [6]
4 COUNSEL'S OPINION (Sally Roberts) Chris Wall 7-9-08 Richard Mullen [7]
5 VENGEANCE (T Staplehurst) Amanda Perrett 4-9-06 Pat Dobbs [2]
6 CORRIOLANUS (Richard Cohen) Philip Mitchell 4-9-03 Darryll Holland [4]
7 BOURGAINVILLE (J C, J R & S R Hitchins) Andrew Balding (p) 6-9-03 Jimmy Fortune [3]

All 7 ran
Distances: 3/4, 1 1/4, 1, 1 1/4, 1, 16 Time: 2 minutes 9.15 seconds
Breeding: b g Faltaat (USA) - Jasoorah (IRE) (Riverman (USA)) Breeder: Darley Stud Management LLC
Totes: Win: £2.80; Places: £2.00, £2.60; Exacta: £10.70

Winning trainer:- Name: Herries, Lady Anne Elizabeth
Date of Birth 12/6/38 Date of first flat licence:1986 Previous Occupation: Held a NH permit Major wins include: French Derby (1995 Celtic Swing) Coronation Cup (1989 Sheriff's Star), Grand Prix de St Cloud (1989 Sheriff's Star), Aral Pokal (1994 River North), Racing Post Trophy (1994 Celtic Swing), King Edward VII (1988 Sheriff's Star), Great Voltigeur (1988 Sheriff's Star), Sagaro Stakes (1994 Safety in Numbers), Prix Gladiateur Wins in a season (1987-2002) :6:6:9:4:14:6:18:32:28:33:22:11:9:2:4 Horses in training (1988-2004):22:26:30:22:22:22:41:73:81:71:72:57:32:25:31:26:25 Wins This Year: 6 Trains at Angmering Park, West Sussex First Royal Ascot win: Sheriff’s Star (June 14, 1988 - King Edward VII Stakes) Royal Ascot wins: (3) King Edward VII Stakes (1988 Sheriff’s Star), Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (1996 Tykeyvor, 2004 Wunderwood)

Winning jockey:-Name: Sanders, Sebastian Date of birth: 25/9/72 First winner: Band On The Run (Pontefract, Whitelane Apprentice Series Stakes, June 12, 1990) Major wins include: July Cup Stakes (Compton Place 1997), Royal Lodge Stakes (1997 Teapot Row), Mill Reef Stakes (1998 Golden Silca), Oak Tree Stakes (2002 Desert Alchemy), Victor Chandler Palace House Stakes (2003 Needwood Blade), Dahlia Stakes (2004 Beneventa) Wins (1991-2003): 2,10,4,23,61,97,105,82,90,80,83,123,101 Wins this year:80 Royal Ascot wins: (2) Wokingham Handicap (1995 Astrac), Duke Of Endinburgh Stakes (2004 Wunderwood) Background: appointed stable jockey to Sir Mark Prescott at beginning of 2004 campaign


SECOND RACE RESULT

2.30pm CATHAY PACIFIC HANDICAP
Class C, Old Mile, Round Course, £14,000 added, 3yo+ rated 0-90. Minimum weight 7st 12lb. Penalties: after July 17, a winner 5lb. Weight for age: 3yo from 4yo+ 8lb. Penalty values: 1st: £9,782.50; 2nd: £3,010; 3rd: £1,505; 4th: £752.50.

1 PRINCE OF THEBES (N Harris, Dr E Harris, Miss M Green) Andrew Balding 3-9-04 Richard Mullen [7] 20/1
2 WELCOME STRANGER (Henry and Rosemary Moskowicz) James Eustace 4-9-03 Luke Fletcher (3) [9] 8/1
3 GOODBYE MR BOND (Peter J Davies) Eric Alston 4-8-10 Frannie Norton [5] 100/30 Fav
4 AFRICAN SAHARA (Debbie Mountain) Debbie Mountain (t) 5-9-03 Gary Carter [6]
5 LIFTED WAY (Alexandra Chandris) Patrick Chamings 5-9-04 Steve Drowne [4]
6 BEST BEFORE (Waterline Racing Club) David Evans 4-8-12 Steve Donohoe (7) [10]
7 A WOMAN IN LOVE (High & Dry Racing) Brooke Sanders 5-9-04 Seb Sanders [1]
8 J R STEVENSON (Claret & Blue Army) Michael Wigham 8-8-11 Jimmy Fortune [8]
9 JOOLS (Anthony Parsons) Dean Ivory 6-8-08 Mark Howard (7) [2]

9 ran, Non Runner 1 FINISHED ARTICLE (Ground)
Distances: hd, 1, hd, 3/4, 2, 1, nk, 8 Time: 1 minute 43.80 seconds
Breeding: b c Desert Prince (IRE) - Persian Walk (FR) (Persian Bold)
Breeder: Anita Rothschild and London Thoroughbred Services
Totes: Win: £11.60; Places: £2.40, £3.30; £1.70 Exacta: £155.60

Andrew Balding Born: December 29, 1972 Based: Kingsclere Stables, Newbury, Berkshire Background: Son of former trainer Ian Balding, who retired at the end of 2002 having won the 1971 Vodafone Derby with Mill Reef as well as a whole host of other top races. Previously worked for uncle, Toby Balding, and assisted Lynda Ramsden for two years. Sister is Clare Balding, the BBC racing and sports presenter. Classic Successes: (1) Vodafone Oaks (2003 Casual Look) First Winner: Easter Ogil, Bet Direct Football Cashbacks Classified Stakes, Lingfield, January 11, 2003 Other Major Wins: Canadian International (2003 Phoenix Reach), Diomed Stakes (2004 Passing Glance) Number of horses in training (2003-2004): 114; 128 Number of wins in a season (2003): 54 Wins This Season: 33

Winning Jockey: Mullen, Richard Peter Riding Weight:7-07 First Winner: Burnt Sienna, Windsor, 1995 Wins 2000-03: 47; 32; 21; 43 Big Race Wins: Bentinck Stakes (2003 Ashdown Express) Wins This Season: 7


THIRD RACE RESULT
3pm HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB SPRINT (HERITAGE HANDICAP)
Class B, 5f, £70,000 total prize fund, three-year-olds and upwards. Highest weight not less than 9st 10lb. Minimum weight 7st 12lb. Penalties: after June 26, a winner of a race 5lb, a winner of a race value £7,500 8lb. Weight for age 3 from 4yo+ 4lb. Penalty values: 1st: £40,600; 2nd: £15,400; 3rd: £7,700; 4th: £3,500; 5th: £1,750; 6th: £1,050.

1 BALTIC KING (Thurloe Thoroughbreds VIII) Hughie Morrison 4-9-04 Jimmy Fortune [21] 9/1
2 PIVOTAL POINT (R A Bernard & E John Perry) Peter Makin 4-8-13 Johnny Murtagh [26] 16/1
3 FOREVER PHOENIX (John Greetham) Robert Cowell 4-8-09 Brett Doyle [3] 9/1
4 CONNECT (Mrs P R Bowring and Mark Tompkins) Mark Tompkins (b) 7-8-11 Paul Doe [23] 33/1
5 BLACKHEATH (Middleham Park Racing XX & Streamhill) Dandy Nicholls 8-8-07 Pat Dobbs [13]
6 CORRIDOR CREEPER (Garry & Libby Johnson) Milton Bradley (p) 7-8-12 Darryll Holland [5]
7 MERLIN'S DANCER (Chalfont Foodhalls Ltd) David Nicholls 4-7-05 Mark Halford (7) [20]
8 PIC UP STICKS (Alan Ball and W Harrison-Allan) Mick Channon 5-8-13 Ted Durcan [4] 7/1 Fav
9 WHITBARROW (Seasons Holidays) Milton Bradley (p) 5-8-13 Ryan Moore [11]
10 PAX (David Nicholls & A A Bloodstock Ltd) David Nicholls 7-8-00 Paul Quinn [7]
11 TYCHY (P Elinas) Stuart Williams 5-8-09 Steve Drowne [9]
12 MALAPROPISM (Michael Foy) Mick Channon 4-8-01 Chris Catlin [15]
13 DANZIG RIVER (Ronald Arculli) Barry Hills 3-8-06 Dane O'Neill [2]
14 SMOKIN BEAU (Turf 2000 Limited) Nick Littmoden (bl) 7-8-13 Tom McLaughlin [14]
15 WHISTLER (Raymond Tooth) Milton Bradley (p) 7-8-09 Richard Hills [16]
16 ATLANTIC VIKING (David Faulkner) David Nicholls 9-8-10 Matthew Henry [22]
17 NIGHTS CROSS (Ridgeway Downs Racing) Mick Channon 3-9-03 Sam Hitchcott (3) [8]
18 PROUD BOAST (Peter Savill) David Nicholls 6-8-06 Kevin Darley [1]
19 FUNFAIR WANE (Jean Keegan & David Nicholls) David Nicholls 5-8-10 Simon Whitworth [10]
20 GREEN MANALISHI (Derrick Broomfield) David Arbuthnot 3-8-04 John Egan [12]
21 PLATEAU (A A Bloodstock Ltd) David Nicholls 5-8-01 Adrian Nicholls [18]
22 FIRST ORDER (Cheveley Park Stud) Sir Mark Prescott 3-8-13 Seb Sanders [17]
23 LITTLE EDWARD (James Mursell) Brendan Powell 6-8-02 Ashley Hindley (7) [24]
24 PICCLED (The Pain and Heartache Partnership) Eric Alston 6-8-00 Frannie Norton [19]
24 ran, Non Runners 1 BAHAMIAN PIRATE (Ground), 17 ARTIE (Ground), 26 BRAVE BURT (Ground), 27 FICTIONAL (Vet’s Certificate)
Distances: nk, 1 1/4, hd, 3/4, sh, nk, nk, 1/2, nk, nk, hd, 1/2, 1/2, sh, nk, hd, 1, 1, 1/2, 1 3/4, 3, 3 1/2, 5
Time: 1 minute 1 1/4 seconds
Breeding: b c Danetime (IRE) - Lindfield Belle (IRE) (Fairy King (USA))
Breeder: Robin and Scarlett Knipe
Totes: Win: £10.90; Places: £3.00, £3.80; £3.00; £8.50; Exacta: £195.80

Winning Trainer: Hughie Morrison Date of Birth: 7/11/60 Based: East Illsley, Berkshire Date of First Licence: 1997. Had five point-to-point wins and previously assistant to Paul Cole for two years. Major Wins: William Hill National Hunt Chase (2002 Frenchman’s Creek), Ladbroke Hurdle (2001 Marble Arch) Major Flat Wins Include: City & Suburban Handicap (2002 Salim Toto), Vodafone Rated Stakes (2002 Salim Toto), Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap (2003 Waverley), Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint (2004 Baltic King), Sirenia Stakes (2003 Pastoral Pursuits) Wins on Flat 2002-03: 28; 46 Horses in training (2003): 65 Wins This Year: 19 Royal Ascot Wins (1): Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap (2003 Waverley)

Winning jockey:-Name: Fortune, James Joseph. Date of birth: 14/6/72 Apprenticeship: With Mike O'Neill. Big wins Include: Vodafone Stewards’ Cup (1994 For The Present,1996 Coastal Bluff), Ayr Gold Cup (1989 Joveworth, 1996 Coastal Bluff), Racing Post Trophy (1998 Commander Collins); Sun Chariot Stakes (1999 Lady In Waiting), Lincoln Handicap (2000 John Ferneley, 2001 Nimello), Royal Hunt Cup (2002 Norton), Middle Park Stakes (2002 Oasis Dream); July Stakes (2004 Captain Hurricane) Wins (1988-2003): 8,29,46,32,26,25,56,46,83,78,108,94,93,71,92,46 Other details: Champion apprentice 1990; Stable jockey to Lynda Ramsden 1997; 1999 retained rider to Robert Sangster Wins this season:19 Royal Ascot Winners: (3) Shining Hour (Queen Mary Stakes, June 16, 1999), Royal Hunt Cup (2002 Norton), Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap (2003 Waverley)


FOURTH RACE RESULT
3.35pm HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SALE AUCTION STAKES TROPHY (CONDITIONS RACE)
Class C, 7f, £12,000 added, two-year-olds which were sold or bought in as yearlings at public auction (under the hammer), or as 2yo at at the Breeze-Up Sales, for 72,000gns or less before July 1, 2003, or for 75,000gns or less after June 30, 2003. Weights: colts and geldings: 9st 3lb; fillies: 8st 12lb. Penalties: a winner of a Class C race 2lb, a winner of a Class B race 4lb, a winner of a Listed race 6lb, winner of a Pattern race 8lb. Allowances: for each 5,000gns paid under 75,000gns 1lb (maximum allowance 10lb) (for the calculation of alowances for horse sold before July 1, 2003, an additional 3,000gns must be added to the horses’ auction price). Penalty values: 1st: £7,772; 2nd: £2,948; 3rd: £1,474; 4th: £670; 5th: £335; 6th: £201.

1 SOUTHERN AFRICA (The International Carnival Partnership) Gerard Butler 2-8-13 Jimmy Fortune
[4] 11/2
2 GROUP CAPTAIN (Speedlith Group) Sylvester Kirk 2-8-07 Ryan Moore [7] 7/1
3 SACRED NUTS (Fitzroy Thoroughbreds) Michael Bell 2-8-08 Darryll Holland [1] 10/11 Fav
4 ARIODANTE (The Macdougall Partnership) James Eustace 2-8-07 Seb Sanders [8]
5DH IM SPARTACUS (John Purcell) Ian Wood 2-8-07 Frannie Norton [3]
5DH LADY LUISA (CISTM Racing Club Ltd) Stan Moore 2-8-02 Martin Dwyer [2]
7 BENEDICT BAY (Dr and Mrs Peter Leftley) Toby Balding 2-8-07 Steve Drowne [6]
8 JOHN FORBES (Claire Ellison & Ray Wagner) Brian Ellison 2-8-07 Dane O'Neill [5]
All 8 ran
Distances: 1, sh, 4, 1, dh, 1 1/4, 1 Time: 1 minutes 30.71 seconds
Breeding: b or br c Cape Town (USA) - Al Fahda (Be My Chief (USA))
Breeder: H Ahamdi and Michael Anderson
Totes: Win: £6.00; Places: £1.70, £2.00; £1.10 Exacta: £37.50

Winning trainer:-Name: Butler, Gerard Anthony Born: April 26, 1966 Horses in Training 1998 -2004: 18; 33; 62; 82; 94; 86; 83 Previous Experience: Worked for Wayne Lukas and John Dunlop Date of First Licence: January 7, 1998 Trains at: Churn Stables, Blewbury, Oxfordshire Wins (1998-2003): 5:22:28:51:59:63 Major Wins Include: Craven Stakes (1999 Compton Admiral), Coral-Eclipse Stakes (1999 Compton Admiral), Gordon Stakes (1999 Compton Ace), Dee Stakes (2001 Dr Greenfield), Vodafone Diomed Stakes (2002 Nayyir), Gerrard Investment Management Richmond Stakes (2002 Elusive City), Lennox Stakes (2002 and 2003 Nayyir), Prix Morny (2002 Elusive City), Tote Cambridgeshire (2002 Beauchamp Pilot) , Challenge Stakes (2002 Nayyir) Wins This Year: 8

Winning jockey:-Name: Fortune, James Joseph. Date of birth: 14/6/72 Apprenticeship: With Mike O'Neill. Big wins Include: Vodafone Stewards’ Cup (1994 For The Present,1996 Coastal Bluff), Ayr Gold Cup (1989 Joveworth, 1996 Coastal Bluff), Racing Post Trophy (1998 Commander Collins); Sun Chariot Stakes (1999 Lady In Waiting), Lincoln Handicap (2000 John Ferneley, 2001 Nimello), Royal Hunt Cup (2002 Norton), Middle Park Stakes (2002 Oasis Dream); July Stakes (2004 Captain Hurricane) Wins (1988-2003): 8,29,46,32,26,25,56,46,83,78,108,94,93,71,92,46 Other details: Champion apprentice 1990; Stable jockey to Lynda Ramsden 1997; 1999 retained rider to Robert Sangster Wins this season:20 Royal Ascot Winners: (3) Shining Hour (Queen Mary Stakes, June 16, 1999), Royal Hunt Cup (2002 Norton), Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap (2003 Waverley)
64/1 double for Jimmy Fortune


FIFTH RACE RESULT

4.10pm CATHAY PACIFIC HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACES HANDICAP
Class D, 1m 4f, £8,000 added, 3yo rated 0-85, Minimum weight: 7st 12lb. Penalties: after July 17, a winner 5lb. Penalty values: 1st: £5,551; 2nd: £1,708; 3rd: £854; 4th: £427.

1 VINANDO (Evelyn Hankinson) Charles Egerton 3-9-07 Steve Drowne [5] 8/1
2 SOULACROIX (G C Stevens) Amanda Perrett 3-9-07 Seb Sanders [2] 11/4
3 MAZUNA (Saeed Manana) Clive Brittain 3-8-05 Ryan Moore [1] 2/1 Fav
4 UNCLE JOHN (Mrs John Lee) Sylvester Kirk 3-7-12 Chris Catlin [3]
5 SWAINSON (Richard Cohen) Philip Mitchell 3-9-07 Darryll Holland [4]

All 5 ran
Distances: 5, 1/2, 5, dist Time: 2 minutes 33.57 seconds
Breeding: ch c Hernando (FR) - Sirena (GER) (Tejano (USA)) Breeder: Kirsten Rausing
Totes: Win: £9.00; Places: £3.40, £2.00; Exacta: £33.50

Winning Trainer: CHARLES RALPH EGERTON Based: Heads Farm Stables, Chaddleworth, Newbury, Berkshire Born: September 25, 1963 Previous Experience: Rode in point-to-points, bloodstock agent with British Bloodstock Agency and Olympic Bloodstock, worked for Alec Stewart, Nick Gaselee and Colin Hayes Horses in Training (1992-2003): 10; 22; 41; 46; 44; 33; 31; 31; 46; 53; 41; 44 Major Jump Winners: Supreme Novics’ Hurdle (1997 Shadow Leader), Tote Sandown Hcap Hurdle (1999 Teaatral), Tote Gold Trophy Handicap Hurdle (1999 Decoupage) Flat Wins This Season: 5

Winning jockey:-Name: Drowne, Steven Born: December 10, 1971 Based at Hungerford, Berkshire. Previously tutored at the British Racing School, a short period with Chuck Spares, and two years apiece with Richard Holder and Ron Hodges. Riding Weight: 8st 2lb First Winner: Sigwell’s Gold, Chepstow September 15, 1990 Winners (1995 to 2003): 25; 43; 57; 25; 36; 36; 80; 104; 108 First Royal Ascot Win: June 17, 1997, Ascot Stakes Handicap, Sea Freedom Royal Ascot Winners: (5) Ascot Stakes (Sea Freedom 1997); Coventry Stakes (C D Europe 2000); Golden Jubilee Stakes (Harmonic Way 2001); Queen Mary Stakes (Queen’s Logic 2001), Albany Stakes (2003 Silca’s Gift) Seasonal Best: 108 winners last season Wins This Season: 44 Big Race Wins Include: Coventry Stakes (C D Europe 2000); Golden Jubilee Stakes (Harmonic Way 2001); Queen Mary Stakes (Queen’s Logic 2001); Lowther Stakes (Queen’s Logic 2001); Cheveley Park Stakes (Queen’s Logic 2001); Dubai Duty Free Stakes (reg’d as the Fred Darling Stakes) (Queen’s Logic 2002), Moyglare Stud Stakes (2002 Mail The Desert (first win in Ireland), Maurice Lacroix-Trophy (2002 Checkit); Prix de l’Abbaye (2003 Patavellian)





SIXTH RACE RESULT

4.45pm OWEN BROWN MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES
Class D, Old Mile, 3yo maiden fillies, £8,000 added. Weights: 8st 11lb. Penalty values: 1st: £5,460; 2nd: £1,680; 3rd: £840; 4th: £420.

1 TARFAH (Abdulla Al Khailfa) Gerard Butler 3-8-11 Seb Sanders [2] 5/1
2 ARCTIC SILK (Godolphin) Saeed Bin Suroor (t) 3-8-11 Ted Durcan [9] 11/4
3 MERWAHA (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Marcus Tregoning 3-8-11 Richard Hills [5] 11/8 Fav
4 NIOBE'S WAY (Alexandra Chandris) Patrick Chamings 3-8-11 Steve Drowne [6]
5 LADY TAVERNER (The Chantilly Partnership) Harvey Cyzer 3-8-11 John Egan [7]
6 PAINTBOX (Normandie Stud) Amanda Perrett 3-8-11 Ryan Moore [1]

6 ran, Non Runners 3 LIBERTY FLAG (Vet’s Certificate), 9 TIPSY LADY (Ground) Withdrawn 7 SYLVA ROYAL
Rule 4 of 10p in £ prior to withdrawal of Sylva Royal
Distances: 3/4, 5, 4, 1 1/4, 1 1/2 Time: 1 minute 43.76 seconds
Breeding: b f Kingmambo (USA) - Fickle (Danehill (USA)) Breeder: Sheikh Abdulla bin I. Alkahlifa
Totes: Win: £6.80; Places: £2.20, £1.80; Exacta: £16.80

Winning trainer:-Name: Butler, Gerard Anthony Born: April 26, 1966 Horses in Training 1998 -2004: 18; 33; 62; 82; 94; 86; 83 Previous Experience: Worked for Wayne Lukas and John Dunlop Date of First Licence: January 7, 1998 Trains at: Churn Stables, Blewbury, Oxfordshire Wins (1998-2003): 5:22:28:51:59:63 Major Wins Include: Craven Stakes (1999 Compton Admiral), Coral-Eclipse Stakes (1999 Compton Admiral), Gordon Stakes (1999 Compton Ace), Dee Stakes (2001 Dr Greenfield), Vodafone Diomed Stakes (2002 Nayyir), Gerrard Investment Management Richmond Stakes (2002 Elusive City), Lennox Stakes (2002 and 2003 Nayyir), Prix Morny (2002 Elusive City), Tote Cambridgeshire (2002 Beauchamp Pilot) , Challenge Stakes (2002 Nayyir) Wins This Year: 8
*38/1 double for Gerard Butler


Winning jockey:-Name: Sanders, Sebastian Date of birth: 25/9/72 First winner: Band On The Run (Pontefract, Whitelane Apprentice Series Stakes, June 12, 1990) Major wins include: July Cup Stakes (Compton Place 1997), Royal Lodge Stakes (1997 Teapot Row), Mill Reef Stakes (1998 Golden Silca), Oak Tree Stakes (2002 Desert Alchemy), Victor Chandler Palace House Stakes (2003 Needwood Blade), Dahlia Stakes (2004 Beneventa) Wins (1991-2003): 2,10,4,23,61,97,105,82,90,80,83,123,101 Wins this year:81 Royal Ascot wins: (2) Wokingham Handicap (1995 Astrac), Duke Of Endinburgh Stakes (2004 Wunderwood) Background: appointed stable jockey to Sir Mark Prescott at beginning of 2004 campaign
*59/1 double for Seb Sanders

MORE GO FOR CANTOR ODDS SUSSEX STAKES

Aidan O’Brien, Ireland’s champion trainer, revealed today that Antonius Pius will be in the line-up while Andrew Balding is due to be represented by Passing Glance.

These two join Refuse to Bend, Soviet Song, Haafhd, Nayyir, Tillerman and La Vie Dei Colori, among others, as likely runners for the exciting mile race.

Antonius Pius found six furlongs too short when seventh in the Group One Darley July Cup at Newmarket earlier this month and was previously a good third to Azamour in the Group One St James’s Palace Stakes over a mile at Royal Ascot, having earlier been unlucky in the French 2,000 Guineas when colliding with the rail.

Passing Glance has been targeted at the Cantor Odds Sussex Stakes ever since the five-year-old won the Group Three Vodafone Diomed Stakes at Epsom over an extended mile on his seasonal debut.

Balding reported today that Passing Glance is working well and added: “He has won at the course, was beaten a head there in the Celebration Mile last year and went down by the same margin in a Listed race as well.

“So Goodwood is his track and I hope he can perform well. I am really pleased with him but it is a tough race.”

Cantor Odds make Antonius Pius a 10/1 chance while Passing Glance is priced at 25/1. Refuse to Bend is the 9/4 favourite, with Soviet Song at 5/2 and Haafd at 3/1.

Brunel, owned by a syndicate of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, will miss the Cantor Odds Sussex Stakes and now be aimed at the French race, the Prix Maurice de Gheest, at Deauville.

But Harry Herbert, the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing managing director, explained that Fort and maybe Admiral will run at Goodwood on Wednesday in the £85,000 cantorodds.com Handicap over a mile and half.

He said: “Both colts are in good form - Fort was second at Ascot yesterday and Admiral won at Royal Ascot - and we are hoping for the best.”

Goodwood continued with its extensive watering programme today, with the going continuing to be described as good with the round course being good, good to firm in places.

For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink Archive

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