Well, well, well. There were two processions at Royal
Ascot yesterday, one with the Royal party and close buddies and one by the
invincible Frankel. The Queen's carriage had four horse power but the horse
power that Frankel produced left an indelible mark on all those who witnessed
his annihilation of a group one field. The crowd sang the national anthem for
the Royal party and then Frankel proceeded to achieve the highest rating for a
thoroughbred. The 147 rating has certainly raised the bar and many witnesses
believe that he can achieve 150 when he goes over a mile and a quarter. You had
to be there to see the power and pace of this long striding, average sized
horse.
A rather gaunt Sir Henry Cecil looked delighted and
relieved when he welcomed his champion back. A decision will be made as to
where he races next depending on how he comes out of this race. The options
include the Coral-Eclipse, Sussex states, Juddmonte International or the Queen Elizabeth II stakes.
In today's Prince of Wales Stakes, many people believe
that the Queen's Carlton House can beat hot favourite So You Think. It looks to
be a great match between the two and being the Queen's Jubilee year, the locals
from Blighty are hoping to topple the Irish superstar. For my money, I think So
You Think will win.
In the Queen Mary Stakes, trainers Richard Hannon and
Mick Shannon have five of the 27 runners and between them have won this race 8
times. This group 2 race for juveniles over 5 furlong is always going to be
tricky with a big field. Mironica is Ireland's only runner and bids to give
them a third victory since this race was raised to group two status nine years
ago. I am probably leaning towards the fittingly named Jubilee Diamond.
In the Windsor Forest Stakes, a group two race over a
mile, there is a lot of talk about Nahrain. Her second in the Breeder's Cup
meeting last season following her group one success in France has made her a
clear selection for some of the punters. Against her is the impressive Emulous,
she has won her last four races including the group one Matron Stakes in
September. Both of them give 5 pound to the rest of the field. No winner of
this race has ever been able to give a five pound penalty and win. So looking
at the others, you might think the winner there. One of those to consider is
Chachamaidae. All in all quite a tough race.
Let's hope day two brings as much excitement as the last
one.
Until later, when the champagne kicks in...
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