Ghanaati to be crowned Queen of the fillies in the Coronation Stakes
Barry Hills hasn’t been in the best of health recently, but his 1000 Guineas winner GHANAATI can put a smile back on the legendary trainer’s face by landing the Coronation Stakes at Ascot this afternoon. The daughter of Giant’s Causeway caused a 20/1 upset at Newmarket on her first ever run on turf having previously only run twice before on an artificial surface.
She showed that day that fast ground is ideal and if she arrives in Berkshire in the same form, there will surely only be one winner. Connections avoided sending her to Ireland for the Boylesports Irish 1000 Guineas as the ground was bottomless that day and she reappears today a relatively fresh filly.
Rainbow View was sent off the 8/11 favourite at Newmarket where the ground was too lively for her and I wouldn’t be surprised if connections withdraw her if there is no significant overnight rain. Even if the ground does soften, I’ve a feeling her best trip may well prove to be 10 furlongs. The biggest danger to our selection will be the French 1000 Guineas winner Elusive Wave, but I’m not sure how strong that race was and think she still has a bit to prove.
Aidan O’Brien saddles Lillie Langtry in the opening contest at 2.30pm (Albany Stakes) and even though connections feel she is a special filly, she’ll have to go some to get near to American raider AEGEAN. Her trainer Wesley Ward thinks she is the best of his juveniles and considering he has won two races already this week, that’s pretty hard to ignore. The only worry seems to be the draw but she has the pace to overcome that.
The King Edward VII Stakes (3.05pm) is traditionally a race for Derby ‘Also-rans’ and Black Bear Island, Debussy and Montaff all reappear after relatively disappointing runs at Epsom. However, Henry Cecil opted to miss the Derby with NATIVE RULER who looks a really exciting prospect. He was only beaten a handful of lengths at York in the Dante and looks just the type to relish this step up in trip. Look out for our selection in some of Sporting Index’s match-bets as he looks more likely to run his race that plenty of the others.
Finally, it hasn’t been a great week for Godolphin, but MASTERY can go close in the Queens Vase at 4.55pm. He won the Italian Derby last time, loves fast ground and if he stays, will surely go close. By the way, the Punter is now online at www.cityam.com/the-punter and will be back again next Friday.
POINTERS…
AEGEAN Royal Ascot 2.30pm
NATIVE RULER Royal Ascot 3.05pm
GHANAATI Royal Ascot 3.45pm
MASTERY Royal Ascot 4.55pm