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The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- Sport
- 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.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
No negatives for Los Angeles in Prince of Wales's Stakes
Aidan O'Brien's charge won the Irish Derby last season and went on to be a meritorious third to Bluestocking in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, when attempting to make all the running. Already a Group One winner this season, when he had the reopposing Anmaat behind him in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, he looks to have a rock-solid chance. 'He's just as happy over 10 or 12 furlongs, that's what we've always thought with him. He's only run over 10 this year and he's been happy,' said O'Brien. A special performance from Los Angeles, who found another gear to reign Anmaat back in, handing Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore the Tattersalls Gold Cup 👏@Tattersalls_ie — The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) May 25, 2025 'In the first half of the season this race was always the plan and he seems in good form since the last day, everything has gone well up to now. 'He's run on all types of ground, it all comes alike to him 'He's very happy to have competition for the lead, there'll be pace on, everybody knows that. He needs a strong run mile and a quarter, we all know that, and he loves a battle.' Owen Burrows' Anmaat is now seven but last year's Champion Stakes winner proved at the Curragh he is still as good as ever. Connections would not want the ground to be too fast, however. 'We will be keeping an eye on the ground. We've declared with a view to running but if the lads came in and said it was riding very quick, we'd have to talk about it,' said Angus Gold, of owners Shadwell. Anmaat was something of a surprise winner of the Champion Stakes (Nigel French/PA) 'He is our star of the year and we have to do the right thing, we need him for the end of the year as well as now but he's second favourite for one of the biggest races at Royal Ascot, so we want to run while he's in good form. I very much hope we'll be there. 'I don't want to be seen to be making a fuss, I'm a great believer in fast-ground horses being able to have their ground, it's just he's had his issues and we don't want to do anything to jeopardise him – but we're hoping to run.' Reflecting on his previous issues, Gold said: 'He's a testament to a lot of people and the horse himself. What he had two years ago would have finished a lot of horses, so the fact that not only was he able but also willing to come back from it is a huge credit to him. He's been a star for us.' John and Thady Gosden's Ombusdman lost his unbeaten record in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes to Almaqam but enhanced his reputation and goes up in class again. 'He got a little bit tired in the ground and the winner is a very smart horse who was getting 3lb from our horse and got the run of the race,' said John Gosden of the Godolphin runner. 'Our horse had to come from off the pace, but Ryan (Moore) was very pleased with him. We had the question of whether we go to the Wolferton or the Prince of Wales's, but the owner was pretty keen on this race. 'You are basically looking at the Tattersalls Gold Cup form for a guide to the race and then there's a nice French horse (Map Of Stars), so we'll see how we get on.' The aforementioned French horse is Wathnan Racing's Map Of Stars, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and only beaten a neck by the high-class Sosie last time out. 'He's a colt we've held in high regard the whole way along and both times he has been beaten it has probably been through no fault of his own,' said Wathnan's Richard Brown. 'He will probably go on the ground and James (Doyle) said when he won the Prix d'Harcourt, it was pretty quick that day and he showed a good turn of foot so that's what we hope we'll see again. 'The Sosie form from the Ganay looks red hot and he has since come out and won the Prix d'Ispahan and is one of the favourites for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. It's high level form, but he will need to improve again to win a Prince of Wales's.'
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
No negatives for Los Angeles in Prince Of Wales's
For many the Prince Of Wales's Stakes is the highlight of Royal Ascot and with Los Angeles a worthy favourite this year, the race looks well up to standard. Aidan O'Brien's charge won the Irish Derby last season and went on to be a meritorious third to Bluestocking in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, when attempting to make all the running. Already a Group 1 winner this season, when he had the reopposing Anmaat behind him in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, he looks to have a rock-solid chance. "He's just as happy over 10 or 12 furlongs, that's what we've always thought with him. He's only run over 10 this year and he's been happy," said O'Brien. "In the first half of the season this race was always the plan and he seems in good form since the last day, everything has gone well up to now. "He's run on all types of ground, it all comes alike to him. "He's very happy to have competition for the lead, there'll be pace on, everybody knows that. He needs a strong run mile and a quarter, we all know that, and he loves a battle." Owen Burrows' Anmaat is now seven but last year's Champion Stakes winner proved at the Curragh he is still as good as ever. Connections would not want the ground to be too fast, however. "We will be keeping an eye on the ground. We've declared with a view to running but if the lads came in and said it was riding very quick, we'd have to talk about it," said Angus Gold, of owners Shadwell. "He is our star of the year and we have to do the right thing, we need him for the end of the year as well as now but he's second favourite for one of the biggest races at Royal Ascot, so we want to run while he's in good form. I very much hope we'll be there. "I don't want to be seen to be making a fuss, I'm a great believer in fast-ground horses being able to have their ground, it's just he's had his issues and we don't want to do anything to jeopardise him — but we're hoping to run." Reflecting on his previous issues, Gold said: "He's a testament to a lot of people and the horse himself. What he had two years ago would have finished a lot of horses, so the fact that not only was he able but also willing to come back from it is a huge credit to him. He's been a star for us." John and Thady Gosden's Ombusdman lost his unbeaten record in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes to Almaqam but enhanced his reputation and goes up in class again. "He got a little bit tired in the ground and the winner is a very smart horse who was getting 3lb from our horse and got the run of the race," said John Gosden of the Godolphin runner. "Our horse had to come from off the pace, but Ryan (Moore) was very pleased with him. We had the question of whether we go to the Wolferton or the Prince of Wales's, but the owner was pretty keen on this race. "You are basically looking at the Tattersalls Gold Cup form for a guide to the race and then there's a nice French horse, so we'll see how we get on." The aforementioned French horse is Wathnan Racing's Map Of Stars, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and only beaten a neck by the high-class Sosie last time out. "He's a colt we've held in high regard the whole way along and both times he has been beaten it has probably been through no fault of his own," said Wathnan's Richard Brown. "He will probably go on the ground and James (Doyle) said when he won the Prix d'Harcourt, it was pretty quick that day and he showed a good turn of foot so that's what we hope we'll see again. "The Sosie form from the Ganay looks red hot and he has since come out and won the Prix d'Ispahan and is one of the favourites for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. It's high level form, but he will need to improve again to win a Prince of Wales's."
Rhyl Journal
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Elwateen backed to shine again after Oaks disappointment
The Shadwell-owned daughter of Dubawi was supplemented into the fillies' Classic after finishing an eyecatching fourth in the 1000 Guineas, but in her first try at a mile and a half, she failed to stay as Aidan O'Brien's Minnie Hauk held off stablemate Whirl. Her trainer now believes a return to a mile will suit with the lightly-raced three-year-old who still has plenty of potential. 'I don't think the filly stayed and maybe we will drop her back to a mile,' said Bin Suroor. 'I think the ground was a little bit soft for her and it's the first time she had run on good to soft. 'We will take her home and she how she is and I think a mile and good ground will be good for her. 'There are plenty of races throughout the season. I think she is a very good filly, but maybe we get a confidence-booster into her in a Group Two or Group Three.'
South Wales Guardian
08-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Elwateen backed to shine again after Oaks disappointment
The Shadwell-owned daughter of Dubawi was supplemented into the fillies' Classic after finishing an eyecatching fourth in the 1000 Guineas, but in her first try at a mile and a half, she failed to stay as Aidan O'Brien's Minnie Hauk held off stablemate Whirl. Her trainer now believes a return to a mile will suit with the lightly-raced three-year-old who still has plenty of potential. 'I don't think the filly stayed and maybe we will drop her back to a mile,' said Bin Suroor. 'I think the ground was a little bit soft for her and it's the first time she had run on good to soft. 'We will take her home and she how she is and I think a mile and good ground will be good for her. 'There are plenty of races throughout the season. I think she is a very good filly, but maybe we get a confidence-booster into her in a Group Two or Group Three.'
