Tom Roper's Weblog

Ascot and York

Ascot 305: Redford
Ascot 340: Sirvino
York 355: Poet's Place

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

Earlier in the week I had considered Red Jazz for a chance of a place, but looking at the ground, it seems unlikely that he will be near Makfi at the finish. So my boringly predictable selections are:
Ascot 230: Frankel
Ascot 305: Theysken's Theory
Ascot 340: Redford
Ascot 415: Makfi

Ayr Gold Cup day

There's some big fields today, and the Racing Post comments that the Scoop Six is well-nigh impossible. I toyed with Genki for the Gold Cup, but I think David Nicholl's runner has the better chance.

I go for these:
Newbury 230: Crown Prosecutor
Ayr 245: Rimth
Newmarket 255: Roman Eagle
Newbury 305: Forte dei Marmi
Ayr 320: Victoire de Lyphar
Newbury 340: Hamish McGonagall

St Leger Day

Today is St Leger day at Doncaster and at the Curragh. It's hard to see any reasons to oppose Rewilding in the English race; the Irish one looks more open.
Doncaster 210: Walter's Dream
Doncaster 245: Quest for Success
The Curragh 310: Pathfork
Doncaster 320: Rewilding
The Curragh 345: Profound Beauty
Doncaster 355: Rainfall

Blog posted here.

Haydock and Newmarket

Newmarket 235: Khor Sheed
Haydock 250: Fallen Idol
Newmarket 310: Glen Shiel
Haydock 325: Hot Prospect

Blog posted here.

The Stewards Cup at Goodwood

Events, dear boy, events, have kept me away from taking an interest in racing recently. I did manage to pick Harbinger to win the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth at Ascot last Saturday, but until today could not take an informed interest in Goodwood. However, today I have the leisure to try to solve the three-pipe problem that is the Stewards Cup. The answer, Watson, is Hitchens.

Goodwood 230: Sea Lord
Goodwood 305: Stacelita
Goodwood 340: Hitchens

I see my former trade union, Unison, former as they don't allow unemployed members, which I suppose makes sense, are sponsoring the afternoon meeting at Doncaster.

Market Rasen, Newbury and Newmarket

Some interesting racing today, with the biggest intellectual puzzle posed by the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury. In a field of twenty-five two-year olds, six are trained by Richard Hannon, but I favour Tom Dascombe's Ballista, whose two races so far consist of a win and a place.

215 Newbury: Markab
230 Newmarket: Cill Rialaig
320 Newbury: Ballista
335 Market Rasen: Tempsford
355 Newbury: Prince Siegfried  

Ascot and York

Ascot 145: Greyfriarschorista
Ascot 250: Ouqba
York 305: Wigmore Hall

Blog posted here.

Eclipse

One year I will take myself to for the Eclipse meeting. Ever since I was head of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons library, I have been fascinated by the story of this horse. Painted by Stubbs, anatomised by St Bel and his skeleton now in possession of the Royal Veterinary College, this narrative appeals to the historian manqué in me. So today I choose:
Sandown 200: Triple Aspect
Sandown 235: Oratory
Haydock 250: Barshiba
Sandown 310: Zacinto
Haydock 325: Hillview Boy

Royal Ascot

Circumstances have prevented me from paying the necessary attention to Royal Ascot until today. I choose:
230: Jackaroo
305: Harbinger
350: High Standing
425: Medicean Man
500: Submariner
535: Swingheel

Blog posted here.