
Royal Ascot tips: ‘He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four
TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday's racing from Royal Ascot confident of bashing the bookies.
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ZAHRANN (5.35 Ascot, nap)
Zahrann is the man in the £250,000 King Edward VII Stakes. He looked like a machine when winning a Listed contest at Leopardstown last time despite being green on just his third run. He picked up strongly and powered home like a class act. Trainer Johnny Murtagh tasted lots of Ascot success as a jockey and has a potential superstar on his hands.
ETHICAL DIAMOND (3.40 Ascot, nb)
Pulled too hard when fourth in this Duke of Edinburgh Stakes last year. He has since improved over hurdles and Ryan Moore can settle him better to land the win.
SIGNORA (2.30 Ascot, treble)
Can add to Aidan O'Brien's brilliant tally with his two-year-olds this week. This daughter of Frankel looked really promising when finishing third on debut in a Naas Group 3. The yard's juveniles usually come on a bundle for their first outing.
Templegate's verdicts
Most read in Horse Racing
2.30
SIGNORA
can turn the tables on Green Sense from their clash at Naas last month.
That Group 3 was the tip's debut and she was very green and not asked too many questions.
With Royal Ascot winners on both sides of her pedigree, she's got the profile to take a big step forward second time out.
Green Sense
herself had previously brushed aside the colts when winning at The Curragh on debut and is in the place picture.
Fitzella
impressed when making all at Haydock after a close second at Ascot.
She beat
Tahalel
– who will improve for that run – comfortably and looks a player.
Venetian Sun
justified favouritism at Carlisle when ridden out to score, and the form of that race stands up.
With improvement expected over this extra furlong, she won't be far away.
Gold Digger
showed promise when winning at Yarmouth and Jamie Spencer suits her hold-up style.
3.05
BABOUCHE
is on the loose in today's £725,000 Group 1 Commonwealth Cup (3.05).
She has looked speedy for Irish trainer Ger Lyons and was good enough to blow away Aidan O'Brien's Whistlejacket in last year's Phoenix Stakes.
Babouche warmed up with a smooth Group 3 success at Naas last time and can improve again under top rider Colin Keane who is desperate to reward his loyal gaffer with a big winner.
Shadow Of Light
ran a cracker when third in the 2,000 Guineas. He showed loads of boot but didn't stay the mile. This should be an ideal trip.
Templegate's runner-by-runner guide to the Commonwealth Cup
AIN'T NOBODY 2
BODY blow. Royal Ascot winner last year and holding form well in Group races including when fifth in the Sandy Lane last time. He goes on any ground and likes it here but he looks a Mr Nobody in this.
ARABIE 1
BYE Bie. Dual French Group winner at two but not progressed. Blinkers didn't spark much at Chantilly. Has looked short of Group 1 class.
ARIZONA BLAZE 3
HOT Blaze. Group 3 winner and no disgrace when sixth at Haydock last time. Looks a pure speed horse and likely to force the pace again. Won't mind this ground and has a decent draw. Needs more to win but has a place shout.
BERKSHIRE WHISPER 2
SHIRE hell. Did well on the sand this winter over this trip. This is tougher on turf but he's tough and improving. Trainer's red-hot but this is much the stiffest opposition he's faced.
BIG MOJO 4
BIG player. Won Pavilion Stakes at Ascot and shaped well again in the Sandy Lane last time. He always gives his running and went close at the Breeders' Cup. Has speed, gears and heart – solid each-way contender with course form in the bank.
DIABLO ROJO 2
ROJO no. Neck second to Big Mojo in the Pavilion Stakes and showed decent pace there. He likes to come from just off a strong pace and should get that here. He'll be doing his best work late so will need some luck in running. Looks a bit short of this standard.
IDES OF MARCH 3
BEWARE Ides. Curragh Group 3 winner last summer and twice placed in Listed company this season. Didn't quite fire when held in a Newbury Listed contest last time but was fine with this trip. He's solid and doesn't mind quick ground. Faces smarter rivals here but won't be far away from the frame.
JONQUIL 4
JON the money. Beaten just a head in French 2,000 Guineas and landed the Greenham before that over seven furlongs. He's taking a fair drop back in trip here but trainer Andrew Balding reckons he has six-furlong speed. Fascinating contender making his sprinting debut.
SHADOW OF LIGHT 4
LIGHT fantastic. Dewhurst and Middle Park winner last year. Lost unbeaten record when third in the 2,000 Guineas but travelled powerfully and was just outstayed. The effort screamed six furlongs and Charlie Appleby has wasted no time. Very classy and a major threat despite yard's dire recent Royal record.
SOLDIER'S HEART 2
HEART not in it. Ripon Listed winner last year and fifth at Chantilly on return after long break. Clearly needed it and will strip fitter now. Capable at this level, but will need his very best form.
STRONG WARRIOR 2
WARR needs more. Unbeaten in first two and just edged out on handicap debut at Windsor. Lightly raced with a big engine he is clearly talented — but this is a huge step up in class.
WHISTLEJACKET 4
JACK in the box. Top juvenile last year and Group 1 winner in France over this trip. Been beaten by Babouche twice but still ran with credit. Clearly has Group 1 class and acts on all ground. Middle draw looks good and Ryan Moore in the saddle.
ARABIAN DUSK 3
DUSK may dawn. Duchess Of Cambridge winner and close second in the Sandy Lane at Haydock last time. Proven over six furlongs, handles all going and thrives in big fields. Tactically versatile so worth a place shout at long odds.
BABOUCHE 5
LAND a touche. Phoenix Stakes winner last season and looked right back to best when thrashing Whistlejacket in the Lacken. Quickens up smartly and stays well. Peaking at the right time and is a major player from what should be an ideal draw.
CARLA RIDGE 2
HIGH Ridge. Maiden winner at Naas and placed behind Babouche in Group 3 at Naas last time. Probably needs 7f and likely to find this test too sharp at this stage. Still learning but big task in this company.
LADY WITH THE LAMP 3
LAMP lit. Improving filly with Listed wins on turf and AW this season. Got up late to win at Chelmsford latest and finishes strongly. Yet to prove she's Group 1 class but arrives in form and trainer going well — outside each-way squeak.
LEOVANNI 3
VAN can motor. Won Queen Mary last year and finished full of running after traffic problems in fourth on return at Haydock. Might be peaking again just in time. Strong traveller and each-way shout if things open up.
RAYEVKA 3
RAY of light. French Listed winner last time, quickened smartly and pulled clear late over this trip. One of the least exposed in the field and could be dangerous if she gets cover and delivers late which won't be easy.
SAYIDAH DARIYAN 2
SAY no. Consistent filly who's been steadily climbing the ranks. with a Listed third last time. She lacks star quality but never runs a bad race. Likely to find a few of these too good.
SHISOSPICY 2
TOO Spicy. American raider who landed a hat-trick on quick ground at Churchill Downs. An unknown quantity and not ruled out for a place — although US horses often fail to stay this far.
SKY MAJESTY 2
SKY fall. Group 2 winner in France last season in the mud but only third on return at Chelmsford behind Sayidah Dariyan. Must bounce back sharply to get seriously involved here but this is just her fifth run.
TIME FOR SANDALS 3
SANDALS has boot. Narrowly beaten in a French Group 3 last time and improving with every run. Has speed, class and trainer Harry Eustace is in excellent form. Low draw not ideal but one of many in the field who could place at long odds.
3.40
ETHICAL DIAMOND
was a close fourth in this race last year off just 2lb lower when pulling too hard.
He's since finished a strong fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and wears a hood for the first time on the Flat.
If that helps Ryan Moore to settle him, he clearly has the engine for a race like this.
The biggest threat may come from
Stressfree
, who was narrowly denied by Almosh'her at York before swooping late to win a good race at Haydock.
He's had a nudge up the weights but his 1m4f form is stacking up nicely.
Almosh'her
himself has done little wrong, winning three of four starts.
Now with Wathnan Racing, he's drawn wide and has tended to race freely, which could test his progress under pressure.
French Duke
is another key player. He was progressing well last season, winning at Goodwood and finishing second here in October. He remains unexposed.
Auld Toon Loon
is flying for his new yard and was just denied at Chester last time. He stays 1m4f and is still on the upgrade.
4.20
FALAKEYAH
can repay the faith of her connections who forked out £46,000 to supplement her for this race.
She caught the eye on her sole juvenile start on the sand but really came to the fore when making all in Listed company at Newmarket last time.
She raced keenly over 1m2f there but simply wasn't for catching and the drop back in trip here could suit.
She skipped both the English and French Oaks with this challenge in mind.
Zarigana
is the obvious threat.
A granddaughter of the mighty Zarkava, she was awarded the French 1,000 Guineas by the stewards after interference and went down narrowly in the Boussac last year.
She's won four of her last five and her upward curve may not have peaked yet.
Coronation Stakes trends
You should stay north of 108 in the official ratings when trying to pick the winner. That's bad news
for Cathedral, Cercene, Falakeyah, January and Kon Tiki.
Stick with horses with no more than one defeat this season.
Duty First, Exactly, Flight and Simmering come up short on that score. Chantilly Lace was fifth last time which is far from ideal which leaves just one horse standing – ZARIGANA.
Exactly
, third in that same French Guineas, brings toughness and consistency.
She's never run a bad race and could easily be in the mix again for Ballydoyle.
Although she's not the choice of Ryan Moore who is on January.
She was second in the Fillies' Mile last season and looked rusty in the Irish Guineas on comeback. She should leave that form behind here.
Kon Tiki
is unexposed and unbeaten in three, with a Listed win at York the latest step forward.
William Buick gets the leg up for the first time for Jane Chapple-Hyam who doesn't chase rainbows.
Chantilly Lace
wasn't disgraced when fifth in the 1,000 Guineas and is open to more.
Cercene
has shown consistency without winning, while
Duty First
looks better over 7f and may struggle to stay.
Cathedral
has plenty to prove after a tame reappearance and, like
Simmering
, looks well short of this standard.
5.00
SILVER GHOST
can spook the bookies for trainer Emma Lavelle.
She bolted up in seven-furlong handicaps on good ground at Newmarket and Goodwood, travelling strongly and looking classy.
The handicapper reacted with an 8lb hike but that may not be enough to put the brakes on.
The step up to a mile looks ideal for this fast-improving type.
The King has an each-way chance with
Purple Rainbow
who needed the run on comeback here in April and Warren Fentiman is good value for his 5lb claim.
Miss Nightfall
met trouble in running when second to the tip at Goodwood and also shapes as if this stiff mile will suit.
Sea Poetry
looks potentially overpriced given her HQ win last season reads well and she hasn't been disgraced behind good sorts this term.
Sandringham Stakes trends
Stick with horses that finished in the first three last time. Tabiti, Serving With Style, Mojave River, Sweet Chariot, Amangani, Nancy J, Trad Jazz, Cartwheel, Purple Rainbow and Bassadanza.
Oolong Poobong, Saariselka, Dash Of Azure, Cajole, Sea Poetry, Annsar, Dancing Teapot, Alfareqa, Ryke, Arabian Leopard and Eazy On The Eye are too low in the official ratings.
Bountiful has been off for too long and can be crossed out.
A win this season is a plus so Betty Clover, Serving With Style, Miss Nightfall and Never Let Go can go.
That leaves Silver Ghost, Supermodel and Zgharta.
SUPERMODEL looks good for William Haggas who has a strong record in handicaps like this.
The other two are backable at each-way prices and are well drawn so have every chance of making the frame.
Tabiti
could outclass these if handling a big-field handicap.
She won a Group 3 before finishing midfield in the Fillies' Mile and returns in first-time blinkers on handicap debut.
Irish raider
Dancing Teapot
looks the type to improve plenty now handicapping in cheekpieces.
Never Let Go
was unlucky not to win a Listed race last time – this stiff mile might be right up her alley.
Dash Of Azure
was impressive at Kempton on comeback and won't be far away for Ralph Beckett.
5.35
ZAHRANN
is a colt who still doesn't know how good he is.
He missed the kick and was green as grass in a Leopardstown Listed race last time yet still burned past all of them to win going away.
That was just his third run and the way he did it – powering clear despite inexperience – screamed Group 1 potential.
If he grows up a bit, they might not see which way he went.
The unbeaten
Amiloc
is the obvious danger. He comes here with a perfect record after four wins including at Listed level.
He stayed on strongly at Goodwood and will be even more dangerous if settling better.
Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore team up with
Puppet Master
who's improving with every run.
He won the Lingfield Derby Trial last time after shaping well in the Ballysax. He's a threat.
Don't rule out
Convergent
, who finished third in the Chester Vase. He was behind Lambourn and Lazy Griff – the Derby first and second.
That's rock-solid form and he's still learning his craft.
Wimbledon Hawkeye
has turned up for every dance. He was second in the Craven, fifth in the Guineas, third in the Dante.
He's gritty, reliable and should stay the trip with cheekpieces added. He has every chance of making the frame.
Nightwalker
bombed at Epsom but that wasn't his track – and it showed.
He finished well in the Dante and now gets blinkers on a proper galloping course. That should bring improvement.
Galveston
cost 'The Lads' at Ballydoyle a cool £2m and showed more when winning at Naas last month. This longer trip should suit him.
It's early days for
Opportunity
who was behind Amiloc at Goodwood after being hampered. He could close the eight-length gap between them today.
6.10
REALIGN
can strike on handicap debut from what looks a lenient opening mark of 93.
William Haggas' colt oozed class at Salisbury last month, hammering his rivals on comeback.
That was over six furlongs but he's got more than enough pace for this drop to the minimum.
Stormy Impact
looks dangerous after rattling home to win the Epsom 3YO Dash in some style.
She's up 5lb but has a blistering turn of foot and this stiffer track might suit even better.
Ruby's Profit
was a good third in that race when forcing the pace and is back from the same handicap mark with a chance.
He was beaten by
Redorange
at Chester last month who made the most of a good draw.
He's 9lb higher now so will have to pull out more.
Hammer The Hammer
made it three wins on the spin at Chester with lots left in the locker.
He's another who has been racing over further but he likes to blast off from the front so this stiff five furlongs should be fine.
Jorge Alvares
warrants respect after a decent effort at The Curragh 16 days ago. He looks fairly handicapped for Ger Lyons.
Maw Lam
drops down from Listed and Group company with a 7lb claimer on board to make his mark workable.
Templegate's tips
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Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Royal Ascot day 4 full race card and tips - list of runners on Friday
Royal Ascot has been a battle between Aidan O'Brien and the John and Thady Gosden team so far, with both camps responsible for five winners each heading into the penultimate day of the meeting. They will both be expected to add to their respective tallies over the next two days, but it is other powerhouse stables who have the market leaders in Friday's two Group Ones - the Commonwealth Cup and the Coronation Stakes. Charlie Appleby is seeking his first winner of the week and Shadow Of Light could give him it in the Commonwealth Cup. The 2,000 Guineas third is being backed for the first Group 1 of the day, with his jockey William Buick riding brilliantly this week. Juddmonte are doubly represented in the six furlong contest and Babouche, a recent Group 3 winner at Naas for Ger Lyons, might just be the best of their chances under Colin Keane, while the Andrew Balding-trained Jonquil is partnered by leading France-based Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon. Meanwhile, French runner Zarigana looks set to go off favourite for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard in the Coronation Stakes, with Mickael Barzalona taking the ride. The French 1,000 Guineas winner is vying for favoritism with Pretty Polly Stakes victor Falakeyah, while Aidan O'Brien's January is being backed, having finished eighth behind stablemate Lake Victoria in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last month. Here's a full list of the runners and riders, as well as a tip for each race: 2.30pm: 6f Albany Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo) 1 Awaken (IRE) B Loughnane2 Balantina (IRE) Tom Marquand3 Bibi Dahl (USA) U Rispoli4 Fairy Oak Colin Keane5 Fitzella Oisin Murphy6 Gold Digger (IRE) Jamie Spencer7 Green Sense (IRE) Dylan McMonagle8 Indigo Dawn (IRE) Pat Dobbs9 Ipanema Queen (IRE) David Egan10 Magny Cours (IRE) Mickael Barzalona11 Nandita (IRE) William Buick12 Oh Cecelia (IRE) James Ryan13 Senorita Vega (IRE) Richard Kingscote14 Signora (IRE) Ryan Moore15 Spinning Lizzie Kieran Shoemark16 Tahalel (IRE) Sean Levey17 Venetian Sun (IRE) Clifford Lee Tip: Ipanema Queen 3.05pm: 6f Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (No Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo) 1 Ain't Nobody (IRE) Tom Eaves2 Arabie Clifford Lee3 Arizona Blaze David Egan4 Berkshire Whisper (IRE) Kieran Shoemark5 Big Mojo (IRE) Hollie Doyle6 Diablo Rojo (IRE) Rossa Ryan7 Ides Of March (IRE) Wayne Lordan8 Jonquil Christophe Soumillon9 Shadow Of Light William Buick10 Soldier's Heart Callum Shepherd11 Strong Warrior Oisin Orr12 Whistlejacket (IRE) Ryan Moore13 Arabian Dusk Harry Davies14 Babouche Colin Keane15 Carla Ridge (IRE) Chris Hayes16 Lady With The Lamp (IRE) Dylan McMonagle17 Leovanni (IRE) James Doyle18 Rayevka (IRE) Mickael Barzalona19 Sayidah Dariyan (IRE) B Loughnane20 Shisospicy (USA) Oisin Murphy21 Sky Majesty (IRE) Tom Marquand22 Time For Sandals (IRE) Richard Kingscote Tip: Shadow Of Light 3.40pm: 1m4f (1m3f211y) Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105) 1 Teumessias Fox (IRE) P J McDonald2 Flight Leader Saffie Osborne3 See Hector (GER) Pat Dobbs4 Caviar Heights (IRE) Tom Marquand5 Mutaawid Jim Crowley6 Naqeeb (IRE) R Sexton7 Hand Of God William Buick8 Mount Atlas Rob Hornby9 Stressfree (FR) Daniel Tudhope10 Max Mayhem Mickael Barzalona11 Siege Of Troy Oisin Murphy12 French Duke (IRE) James Doyle13 War Rooms (IRE) Colin Keane14 Almosh'her Clifford Lee15 Auld Toon Loon (IRE) Pierre Jamin16 Brodure (IRE) Christophe Soumillon17 Blue Lemons (IRE) B Loughnane18 Ethical Diamond (IRE) Ryan Moore19 Satin Shane Foley20 HMS President (IRE) Reserve 121 Crystal Flyer Reserve 222 Cumulonimbus (IRE) Reserve 3 Tip: Mutaawid 4.20pm: 1m (7f213y) (Rnd) Coronation Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo) 1 Cathedral David Egan2 Cercene (IRE) Gary Carroll3 Chantilly Lace (IRE) Rossa Ryan4 Duty First Hollie Doyle5 Exactly (IRE) Wayne Lordan6 Falakeyah Jim Crowley7 Flight Oisin Murphy8 January (IRE) Ryan Moore9 Kon Tiki William Buick10 Simmering Dylan McMonagle11 Zarigana Mickael Barzalona Tip: Zarigana 5.00pm: 1m (Str) Sandringham Stakes (Fillies' Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105) 1 Tabiti Colin Keane2 Betty Clover William Buick3 Serving With Style Clifford Lee4 Mojave River (FR) Dylan McMonagle5 Bountiful B Loughnane6 Silver Ghost (IRE) Sean Levey7 Sweet Chariot (IRE) Ryan Moore8 Amangani (IRE) Wayne Lordan9 Nancy J (IRE) Shane Foley10 Supermodel (IRE) Tom Marquand11 Miss Nightfall Oisin Murphy12 Never Let Go Kieran Shoemark13 Zgharta (IRE) Hollie Doyle14 Trad Jazz Harry Davies15 Oolong Poobong (IRE) Connor Beasley16 Saariselka Mickael Barzalona17 Cartwheel Andrew Slattery18 Dash Of Azure Richard Kingscote19 Cajole Saffie Osborne20 Sea Poetry (IRE) Trevor Whelan21 Purple Rainbow Warren Fentiman (5)22 Annsar Jack Doughty23 Bassadanza Joe Fanning24 Dancing Teapot (IRE) Chris Hayes25 Alfareqa David Probert26 Ryka (IRE) S D Bowen27 Arabian Leopard Silvestre De Sousa28 Eazy On The Eye Grace McEntee Tip: Alfareqa 5.35pm: 1m4f (1m3f211y) King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo) 1 Amiloc Rossa Ryan2 Convergent (IRE) Clifford Lee3 Galveston Wayne Lordan4 Green Storm (IRE) B Loughnane5 Minhad Tom Marquand6 Nightwalker Colin Keane7 Opportunity James Doyle8 Puppet Master (IRE) Ryan Moore9 Regal Ulixes Oisin Murphy10 Wimbledon Hawkeye Silvestre De Sousa11 Zahrann (IRE) Ben Coen Tip: Amiloc 6.10pm: 5f Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105) 1 Hammer The Hammer (IRE) Tom Eaves2 Mr Lightside (IRE) Kevin Stott3 Jungle Drums (IRE) Saffie Osborne4 Candy George Wood5 Miss Lamai (IRE) Clifford Lee6 Maw Lam (IRE) Jack Nicholls (7)7 Zayer (IRE) Hollie Doyle8 Stormy Impact Warren Fentiman (5)9 Redorange Rossa Ryan10 Bodhi Bear (IRE) Seamie Heffernan11 King's Call (IRE) D Swift12 Realign (FR) James Doyle13 Ruby's Profit (IRE) Kieran Shoemark14 Enola Holmes (IRE) David Probert15 Arctic Voyage Richard Kingscote16 Vingegaard (IRE) R Sexton17 Englemere (IRE) B Loughnane18 Red Sand (IRE) Tom Marquand19 Dark Cloud Rising Daniel Tudhope20 Suhail Star (IRE) Ashley Lewis (7)21 King Of Light Shane Foley22 King Of Bears (IRE) Callum Shepherd23 Adrestia Oisin Murphy24 Jorge Alvares (IRE) Colin Keane25 Brosay Edward Greatrex26 Brighton Boy (IRE) William Buick27 Lexington Blitz (IRE) Sean Levey28 Mearall (IRE) Shane Gray29 An Outlaw's Grace (IRE) Reserve 130 Topwarrior Reserve 231 Gold Star Hero (IRE) Reserve 3 Tip: Realign


Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
Underestimating Jonquil could prove costly in vintage Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot
A decade of evidence indicates that quality control can rise and fall in Royal Ascot's Commonwealth Cup, although Friday's renewal looks like being firmly on an upswing. A potentially vintage renewal contains a number of horses that could contend for outright sprint championship honours by the end of the season. The brief for Europe's first ever European Group One sprint for three-year-olds might have been written with last year's champion juvenile Shadow Of Light in mind. Godolphin's star ran a fine third to his stable companion Ruling Court and Field Of Gold in the 2000 Guineas, quickening up and looking a likely winner only for his stamina to peter out. He was barely past the post before the Commonwealth Cup was being mooted as a perfect fit. READ MORE It hasn't prevented a bumper field of 22 lining up, with two other Group One winning two-year-olds travelling from Ireland . Colin Keane has chosen to stick with his old ally Babouche over Juddmonte's other big hope, Jonquil, and she again takes on old rival Whistlejacket who she comprehensively beat at Naas last month. A handful of other progressive sprint types also take their chance, including a US hope in Shisospicy, whose Qatar ownership have claimed Oisin Murphy to ride. Murphy rode Shaquille to win the Commonwealth two years ago. He proved himself top-notch by subsequently landing the July Cup and the first Commonwealth winner was an undisputed champion in Muhaarar. The decision to go sprinting is not surprising considering the depth of mile talent at Juddmonte's disposal If subsequent winners such as Eqtidaar (2018) and Advertise (2019) underlined how it can be enough to peak on a single day, this latest edition could prove a level above that. Shadow Of Light is a worthy favourite and a peak-form Babouche is a worthy contender. With that said, underestimating Jonquil's chance might prove costly. Keane's discard has been picked up by Christophe Soumillon, a Commonwealth Cup winner on Perfect Power three years ago. Oisin Murphy riding Jonquil to victory at Newbury Racecourse in April. Photograph:Jonquil was just a head off Henri Matisse in the French 2,000 Guineas when running a remarkable race. Both the winner and his subsequent French Derby winning stable companion Camille Pissarro came from off a very strong pace. Jonquil, in contrast, sat just off it and when headed close home by Henri Matisse rallied to notable effect. That was under Oisin Murphy, who also rode him to win the Greenham on quick ground. The decision to go sprinting is not surprising considering the depth of mile talent at Juddmonte's disposal. With Murphy claimed and Keane opting for Babouche, the Commonwealth cards may end up falling in Soumillon's favour. Friday's other Group One is the Coronation Stakes, where a trio of Irish-trained fillies will try to become the 18th from this county to win since the war. Joe Murphy's Irish Guineas third, Cercene, is joined by the Ballydoyle pair Exactly and January. Ryan Moore's call to ride the latter is significant considering Exactly ran well in last month's controversial French Guineas. That saw Zarigana get the classic in the stewards' room. The French star will be the focus of attention in this Coronation although the supplemented Falakeyah could prove a potent threat. An Oaks programme looked likely for Falakeyah after a resounding Pretty Polly success at 10-furlongs. Instead, she drops in trip for this. A stall-two draw could help her adopt front-running tactics again and she may prove very difficult to peg back. [ Colin Keane labels Field Of Gold 'the best I've ridden' after securing first Group One Royal Ascot win Opens in new window ] [ Colin Keane appointed as Juddmonte's number one jockey in Europe Opens in new window ] Johnny Murtagh twice won the King Edward VII Stakes as a jockey and could have a major shot at saddling the winner of the so-called 'Ascot Derby' this time. Zahrann has a little bit to find with rivals such as Amiloc and Wimbledon Hawkeye on official ratings, but looks to be rapidly progressive. He came from off the pace to win at Listed level in Leopardstown last time and previously sluiced up on quick ground in Cork. Joseph O'Brien runs three in the Sandringham Handicap although it is Dancing Teapot that looks intriguing off a low weight. Chris Hayes comes in for the spin on a full sister to Dancing Gemini, who won nicely at Gowran on her last start and sports first-time cheekpieces. Signora caught the eye on her Naas debut in a Group Three and should step up considerably for that in the Albany Stakes.


The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Royal Ascot tips: ‘He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four
TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday's racing from Royal Ascot confident of bashing the bookies. Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and bag yourself some of our best free bet offers. ROYAL ASCOT - Best betting offers and new sign-up deals ZAHRANN (5.35 Ascot, nap) Zahrann is the man in the £250,000 King Edward VII Stakes. He looked like a machine when winning a Listed contest at Leopardstown last time despite being green on just his third run. He picked up strongly and powered home like a class act. Trainer Johnny Murtagh tasted lots of Ascot success as a jockey and has a potential superstar on his hands. ETHICAL DIAMOND (3.40 Ascot, nb) Pulled too hard when fourth in this Duke of Edinburgh Stakes last year. He has since improved over hurdles and Ryan Moore can settle him better to land the win. SIGNORA (2.30 Ascot, treble) Can add to Aidan O'Brien's brilliant tally with his two-year-olds this week. This daughter of Frankel looked really promising when finishing third on debut in a Naas Group 3. The yard's juveniles usually come on a bundle for their first outing. Templegate's verdicts Most read in Horse Racing 2.30 SIGNORA can turn the tables on Green Sense from their clash at Naas last month. That Group 3 was the tip's debut and she was very green and not asked too many questions. With Royal Ascot winners on both sides of her pedigree, she's got the profile to take a big step forward second time out. Green Sense herself had previously brushed aside the colts when winning at The Curragh on debut and is in the place picture. Fitzella impressed when making all at Haydock after a close second at Ascot. She beat Tahalel – who will improve for that run – comfortably and looks a player. Venetian Sun justified favouritism at Carlisle when ridden out to score, and the form of that race stands up. With improvement expected over this extra furlong, she won't be far away. Gold Digger showed promise when winning at Yarmouth and Jamie Spencer suits her hold-up style. 3.05 BABOUCHE is on the loose in today's £725,000 Group 1 Commonwealth Cup (3.05). She has looked speedy for Irish trainer Ger Lyons and was good enough to blow away Aidan O'Brien's Whistlejacket in last year's Phoenix Stakes. Babouche warmed up with a smooth Group 3 success at Naas last time and can improve again under top rider Colin Keane who is desperate to reward his loyal gaffer with a big winner. Shadow Of Light ran a cracker when third in the 2,000 Guineas. He showed loads of boot but didn't stay the mile. This should be an ideal trip. Templegate's runner-by-runner guide to the Commonwealth Cup AIN'T NOBODY 2 BODY blow. Royal Ascot winner last year and holding form well in Group races including when fifth in the Sandy Lane last time. He goes on any ground and likes it here but he looks a Mr Nobody in this. ARABIE 1 BYE Bie. Dual French Group winner at two but not progressed. Blinkers didn't spark much at Chantilly. Has looked short of Group 1 class. ARIZONA BLAZE 3 HOT Blaze. Group 3 winner and no disgrace when sixth at Haydock last time. Looks a pure speed horse and likely to force the pace again. Won't mind this ground and has a decent draw. Needs more to win but has a place shout. BERKSHIRE WHISPER 2 SHIRE hell. Did well on the sand this winter over this trip. This is tougher on turf but he's tough and improving. Trainer's red-hot but this is much the stiffest opposition he's faced. BIG MOJO 4 BIG player. Won Pavilion Stakes at Ascot and shaped well again in the Sandy Lane last time. He always gives his running and went close at the Breeders' Cup. Has speed, gears and heart – solid each-way contender with course form in the bank. DIABLO ROJO 2 ROJO no. Neck second to Big Mojo in the Pavilion Stakes and showed decent pace there. He likes to come from just off a strong pace and should get that here. He'll be doing his best work late so will need some luck in running. Looks a bit short of this standard. IDES OF MARCH 3 BEWARE Ides. Curragh Group 3 winner last summer and twice placed in Listed company this season. Didn't quite fire when held in a Newbury Listed contest last time but was fine with this trip. He's solid and doesn't mind quick ground. Faces smarter rivals here but won't be far away from the frame. JONQUIL 4 JON the money. Beaten just a head in French 2,000 Guineas and landed the Greenham before that over seven furlongs. He's taking a fair drop back in trip here but trainer Andrew Balding reckons he has six-furlong speed. Fascinating contender making his sprinting debut. SHADOW OF LIGHT 4 LIGHT fantastic. Dewhurst and Middle Park winner last year. Lost unbeaten record when third in the 2,000 Guineas but travelled powerfully and was just outstayed. The effort screamed six furlongs and Charlie Appleby has wasted no time. Very classy and a major threat despite yard's dire recent Royal record. SOLDIER'S HEART 2 HEART not in it. Ripon Listed winner last year and fifth at Chantilly on return after long break. Clearly needed it and will strip fitter now. Capable at this level, but will need his very best form. STRONG WARRIOR 2 WARR needs more. Unbeaten in first two and just edged out on handicap debut at Windsor. Lightly raced with a big engine he is clearly talented — but this is a huge step up in class. WHISTLEJACKET 4 JACK in the box. Top juvenile last year and Group 1 winner in France over this trip. Been beaten by Babouche twice but still ran with credit. Clearly has Group 1 class and acts on all ground. Middle draw looks good and Ryan Moore in the saddle. ARABIAN DUSK 3 DUSK may dawn. Duchess Of Cambridge winner and close second in the Sandy Lane at Haydock last time. Proven over six furlongs, handles all going and thrives in big fields. Tactically versatile so worth a place shout at long odds. BABOUCHE 5 LAND a touche. Phoenix Stakes winner last season and looked right back to best when thrashing Whistlejacket in the Lacken. Quickens up smartly and stays well. Peaking at the right time and is a major player from what should be an ideal draw. CARLA RIDGE 2 HIGH Ridge. Maiden winner at Naas and placed behind Babouche in Group 3 at Naas last time. Probably needs 7f and likely to find this test too sharp at this stage. Still learning but big task in this company. LADY WITH THE LAMP 3 LAMP lit. Improving filly with Listed wins on turf and AW this season. Got up late to win at Chelmsford latest and finishes strongly. Yet to prove she's Group 1 class but arrives in form and trainer going well — outside each-way squeak. LEOVANNI 3 VAN can motor. Won Queen Mary last year and finished full of running after traffic problems in fourth on return at Haydock. Might be peaking again just in time. Strong traveller and each-way shout if things open up. RAYEVKA 3 RAY of light. French Listed winner last time, quickened smartly and pulled clear late over this trip. One of the least exposed in the field and could be dangerous if she gets cover and delivers late which won't be easy. SAYIDAH DARIYAN 2 SAY no. Consistent filly who's been steadily climbing the ranks. with a Listed third last time. She lacks star quality but never runs a bad race. Likely to find a few of these too good. SHISOSPICY 2 TOO Spicy. American raider who landed a hat-trick on quick ground at Churchill Downs. An unknown quantity and not ruled out for a place — although US horses often fail to stay this far. SKY MAJESTY 2 SKY fall. Group 2 winner in France last season in the mud but only third on return at Chelmsford behind Sayidah Dariyan. Must bounce back sharply to get seriously involved here but this is just her fifth run. TIME FOR SANDALS 3 SANDALS has boot. Narrowly beaten in a French Group 3 last time and improving with every run. Has speed, class and trainer Harry Eustace is in excellent form. Low draw not ideal but one of many in the field who could place at long odds. 3.40 ETHICAL DIAMOND was a close fourth in this race last year off just 2lb lower when pulling too hard. He's since finished a strong fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and wears a hood for the first time on the Flat. If that helps Ryan Moore to settle him, he clearly has the engine for a race like this. The biggest threat may come from Stressfree , who was narrowly denied by Almosh'her at York before swooping late to win a good race at Haydock. He's had a nudge up the weights but his 1m4f form is stacking up nicely. Almosh'her himself has done little wrong, winning three of four starts. Now with Wathnan Racing, he's drawn wide and has tended to race freely, which could test his progress under pressure. French Duke is another key player. He was progressing well last season, winning at Goodwood and finishing second here in October. He remains unexposed. Auld Toon Loon is flying for his new yard and was just denied at Chester last time. He stays 1m4f and is still on the upgrade. 4.20 FALAKEYAH can repay the faith of her connections who forked out £46,000 to supplement her for this race. She caught the eye on her sole juvenile start on the sand but really came to the fore when making all in Listed company at Newmarket last time. She raced keenly over 1m2f there but simply wasn't for catching and the drop back in trip here could suit. She skipped both the English and French Oaks with this challenge in mind. Zarigana is the obvious threat. A granddaughter of the mighty Zarkava, she was awarded the French 1,000 Guineas by the stewards after interference and went down narrowly in the Boussac last year. She's won four of her last five and her upward curve may not have peaked yet. Coronation Stakes trends You should stay north of 108 in the official ratings when trying to pick the winner. That's bad news for Cathedral, Cercene, Falakeyah, January and Kon Tiki. Stick with horses with no more than one defeat this season. Duty First, Exactly, Flight and Simmering come up short on that score. Chantilly Lace was fifth last time which is far from ideal which leaves just one horse standing – ZARIGANA. Exactly , third in that same French Guineas, brings toughness and consistency. She's never run a bad race and could easily be in the mix again for Ballydoyle. Although she's not the choice of Ryan Moore who is on January. She was second in the Fillies' Mile last season and looked rusty in the Irish Guineas on comeback. She should leave that form behind here. Kon Tiki is unexposed and unbeaten in three, with a Listed win at York the latest step forward. William Buick gets the leg up for the first time for Jane Chapple-Hyam who doesn't chase rainbows. Chantilly Lace wasn't disgraced when fifth in the 1,000 Guineas and is open to more. Cercene has shown consistency without winning, while Duty First looks better over 7f and may struggle to stay. Cathedral has plenty to prove after a tame reappearance and, like Simmering , looks well short of this standard. 5.00 SILVER GHOST can spook the bookies for trainer Emma Lavelle. She bolted up in seven-furlong handicaps on good ground at Newmarket and Goodwood, travelling strongly and looking classy. The handicapper reacted with an 8lb hike but that may not be enough to put the brakes on. The step up to a mile looks ideal for this fast-improving type. The King has an each-way chance with Purple Rainbow who needed the run on comeback here in April and Warren Fentiman is good value for his 5lb claim. Miss Nightfall met trouble in running when second to the tip at Goodwood and also shapes as if this stiff mile will suit. Sea Poetry looks potentially overpriced given her HQ win last season reads well and she hasn't been disgraced behind good sorts this term. Sandringham Stakes trends Stick with horses that finished in the first three last time. Tabiti, Serving With Style, Mojave River, Sweet Chariot, Amangani, Nancy J, Trad Jazz, Cartwheel, Purple Rainbow and Bassadanza. Oolong Poobong, Saariselka, Dash Of Azure, Cajole, Sea Poetry, Annsar, Dancing Teapot, Alfareqa, Ryke, Arabian Leopard and Eazy On The Eye are too low in the official ratings. Bountiful has been off for too long and can be crossed out. A win this season is a plus so Betty Clover, Serving With Style, Miss Nightfall and Never Let Go can go. That leaves Silver Ghost, Supermodel and Zgharta. SUPERMODEL looks good for William Haggas who has a strong record in handicaps like this. The other two are backable at each-way prices and are well drawn so have every chance of making the frame. Tabiti could outclass these if handling a big-field handicap. She won a Group 3 before finishing midfield in the Fillies' Mile and returns in first-time blinkers on handicap debut. Irish raider Dancing Teapot looks the type to improve plenty now handicapping in cheekpieces. Never Let Go was unlucky not to win a Listed race last time – this stiff mile might be right up her alley. Dash Of Azure was impressive at Kempton on comeback and won't be far away for Ralph Beckett. 5.35 ZAHRANN is a colt who still doesn't know how good he is. He missed the kick and was green as grass in a Leopardstown Listed race last time yet still burned past all of them to win going away. That was just his third run and the way he did it – powering clear despite inexperience – screamed Group 1 potential. If he grows up a bit, they might not see which way he went. The unbeaten Amiloc is the obvious danger. He comes here with a perfect record after four wins including at Listed level. He stayed on strongly at Goodwood and will be even more dangerous if settling better. Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore team up with Puppet Master who's improving with every run. He won the Lingfield Derby Trial last time after shaping well in the Ballysax. He's a threat. Don't rule out Convergent , who finished third in the Chester Vase. He was behind Lambourn and Lazy Griff – the Derby first and second. That's rock-solid form and he's still learning his craft. Wimbledon Hawkeye has turned up for every dance. He was second in the Craven, fifth in the Guineas, third in the Dante. He's gritty, reliable and should stay the trip with cheekpieces added. He has every chance of making the frame. Nightwalker bombed at Epsom but that wasn't his track – and it showed. He finished well in the Dante and now gets blinkers on a proper galloping course. That should bring improvement. Galveston cost 'The Lads' at Ballydoyle a cool £2m and showed more when winning at Naas last month. This longer trip should suit him. It's early days for Opportunity who was behind Amiloc at Goodwood after being hampered. He could close the eight-length gap between them today. 6.10 REALIGN can strike on handicap debut from what looks a lenient opening mark of 93. William Haggas' colt oozed class at Salisbury last month, hammering his rivals on comeback. That was over six furlongs but he's got more than enough pace for this drop to the minimum. Stormy Impact looks dangerous after rattling home to win the Epsom 3YO Dash in some style. She's up 5lb but has a blistering turn of foot and this stiffer track might suit even better. Ruby's Profit was a good third in that race when forcing the pace and is back from the same handicap mark with a chance. He was beaten by Redorange at Chester last month who made the most of a good draw. He's 9lb higher now so will have to pull out more. Hammer The Hammer made it three wins on the spin at Chester with lots left in the locker. He's another who has been racing over further but he likes to blast off from the front so this stiff five furlongs should be fine. Jorge Alvares warrants respect after a decent effort at The Curragh 16 days ago. He looks fairly handicapped for Ger Lyons. Maw Lam drops down from Listed and Group company with a 7lb claimer on board to make his mark workable. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.