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UPI
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Trainers O'Brien, Gosden dominate early days of Royal Ascot
1 of 2 | Trawlerman and jockey William Buick return from victory in Thursday's Group 1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Photo by Megan Coggin, courtesy of Ascot June 29 (UPI) -- Trainers Aidan O'Brien and John and Thady Gosden certainly enjoyed the first three days of the Royal Ascot meeting, as O'Brien saddled three star-bound 2-year-olds and the Gosdens sent out the winners of the three biggest races. The Godolphin team also landed a few blows as the fashion-filled week passed its midpoint, handing out Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" tickets along the way. Here's a look, including a few other stops around the globe. Around the world, around the clock Royal Ascot The Royal meeting got off to a surprising start as Docklands, a 15-1 chance, put his nose in front of the favorite, Rosallion, at the end of the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes. Cairo, at odds of 100-1, finished third. Docklands, an Australian-bred 5-year-old, was second in the 2024 Queen Anne, but was dispatched at 15-1 odds, as he was winless in 11 starts since bagging the Brittania Stakes at the 2023 Royal meeting. The race was a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Mile on the Del Mar turf Nov. 1. Things got better later, but the Queen Anne did not throw down an auspicious start for the big outfits as Rosallion represented Sheik Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, while Godolphin's Notable Speech finished fourth, Juddmonte's Lead Artist was seventh and Coolmore's Diego Velazquez reported ninth. American hope Carl Spackler raced prominently but faded to get home sixth. The Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes for 3-year-olds, slotted right in the middle of the first day's schedule, was bookmarked by many as not only the day's best race but the best of the meeting. The English, French and Irish Guineas winners faced off, representing Godolphin, Coolmore and Juddmonte, respectively. And the winner is: By a knockout, Field of Gold. The Irish Guineas winner, a Kingman colt, found a seam near the top of the Ascot straight, kicked away 2 furlongs out and won by 3 1/2 lengths over French Guineas winner Henri Matisse. Ruling Court, who defeated Field of Gold in the English Guineas, was third. That's Juddmonte, Coolmore and Godolphin 1-2-3. Trainer John Gosden, now handling probably European racing's hottest commodity, said Field of Gold's scheduling hasn't totally gone to plan thanks to the trip to Ireland to atone for the loss at Newmarket and might call for a tap on the brakes. American Affair, a homebred Washington, D.C., gelding from a small Scottish stable, upset the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes, a 5-furlong dash, winning by a neck over Frost at Dawn. Believing, the favorite, finished 10th and reigning Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint champion Starlust was fourth. American Affair earned a "Win and You're In" spot in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Gstaad looked like a potential superstar for the Irish Coolmore "lads" as the Starspangledbanner colt dominated the Group 2 Coventry Stakes for 2-year-olds. Gstaad raced alone between the inside and outside groups in the big field and jetted away to win by 3 lengths, improving to 2-for-2 as the first in what turned out to be a trio of 2-year-old triumphs for the Irish juggernaut. Wednesday All Ombudsman needed in the final furlong of the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes was a place to go. After idling behind a very hot pace set by the Coolmore duo of Continuous, and Los Angeles, jockey William Buick found himself with a handful of horse and tiring rivals in a line in front of him. He jinked right, then left, finally found a seam and the 4-year-old Night of Thunder colt did the rest, shooting off to win by 2 lengths. Anmaat and Sea the Fire were second and third. Ombudsman earned another prestigious trophy for Gosden and a "Win and You're In" spot in the Breeders' Cup Turf on Nov. 1 at Santa Anita. Crimson Advocate rallied like a shot outside rivals to win a high-quality renewal of the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes for fillies and mares by 1 1/4 lengths from Cinderella's Dream. Fallen Angel took third, giving Wathnan Racing first and third around the Godolphin color-bearer. Reinvented this year as a miler by trainer Gosden, she had finished second and first in preparation for the Duke of Cambridge. True Love overwhelmed 22 other 2-year-old fillies in the opener, the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at 5 furlongs. The No Nay Never filly, a plus-sized O'Brien trainee, started from the stands-side gate, took her time winding up, found her rhythm and won by 1 1/4 lengths. Extreme longshot Flowerhead edged Gulfstream Park-based Lennilu for third in a good effort by both. True Love became the second impressive 2-year-old score of the Royal meeting for Coolmore. Carmers, the first-ever Royal Ascot runner for trainer Paddy Twomey, improved to 3-for-3 with a victory in the 1 3/4-mile Group 2 Queen's Vase for 3-year-olds. Further and Rahiebb were a tight second and third with pacesetter Shackleton also close in fourth. Carmers, a Wootton Bassett colt, started his career with victories at Ballinrobe and Vavan in Ireland, both at 1 5/8 miles. Thursday The midpoint of the meeting featured the Group 1 Gold Cup with Godolphin's Trawlerman defeating Coolmore's Illinois by 7 lengths. Trawlerman, second in last year's Gold Cup to the recently retired Kyprios, led throughout the 2 1/2 miles and responded eagerly when asked by jockey William Buick with 3 furlongs left. The other Godolphin entry, 9-year-old Dubai Future, stayed on gamely to finish third. "Trawlerman just goes off," trainer Gosden said. "I said to William, 'What did you do?' and he said, 'I threw the reins at him. He can judge pace better than me.' And off they went together." Charles Darwin gave O'Brien, Coolmore and Moore yet another great 2-year-old performance in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes. The No Nay Never colt accelerated smoothly through the last of 5 furlongs to win by 2 1/4 lengths over Godolphin's Wise Approach. Sandal's Song, who qualified via the Royal Palm Juvenile at Gulfstream Park, got nearly to terms with the winner and ran on well to finish third. It was the third straight win for Charles Darwin, all by big margins, and earned him a "Win and You're In" spot in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. That was the first of three victories on the day for the group, also including the Group 2 Ribblesdale for 3-year-old fillies, won by 7-1 shot Garden of Eden, and the Group 3 Hampton Court for 3-year-olds, won by Trinity College by 3 1/2 lengths over another Godolphin runner, Tornado Alert. South America After handing out this week's "Win and You're In" bids at Royal Ascot, Breeders' Cup this weekend turns its attention back to South America. Sunday's Group 1 Grande Premio Brasil at Hipodromo da Gavea in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, grants the winner a pass to the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf. The Gran Premio Pamplona at Hipodromo de Monterrico in Lima, Peru, is a "Win and You're In" for the Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf. It's a quiet week in North America, with the $500,000 Grade III Ohio Derby at Thistledown and the $300,000 Grade II Chicago Stakes for fillies and mares at Churchill Downs atop the schedule.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Babouche could deliver something special for Lyons and Keane
By James Toney at Royal Ascot Colin Keane's new status brings added pressure at Royal Ascot but winning a Group One for the trainer who has supported him for so long would be something extra special. Keane has made a fine start to his status as Juddmonte's retained jockey, piloting the brilliant Field of Gold to victory in the St James's Palace Stakes, with three other places this week too. Last year he delivered his Dad Gerry a first Royal Ascot winner and repaying trainer Ger Lyons's long-time support in the Commonwealth Cup would match that achievement. It's eight years since Lyons only previous winner at the meeting and Babouche, racing in those famous pink and green silks, represents a gilt-edged chance of doubling that tally. After Lyons and Keane combined to win at the Breeders' Cup last year, the Co. Meath trainer admitted he didn't have the ammunition to match the jockeys ambition. "He's the most understated Champion Jockey in the world," he said. "I need the world to wake up to him." Juddmonte were clearly listening, so there's extra significance for Keane in this ride for his mentor and old boss in their colours, choosing Babouche ahead of their other contender Jonquil. She was a two-year-old Group One winner at the Curragh last year and impressed to win at Naas on her last outing, dispelling Lyons's early season anxiety about her form. "We asked the questions in her last race and she answered them with bells on. She was back, it was the Babouche we all know and love," said Lyons. "She's a Group One winner and we've always loved her and we've been working towards this for a while." Advertisement Babouche got the better of Aidan O'Brien's Whistlejacket in the Lacken Stakes and he'll be looking for revenge as one of two Ballydoyle entries. Also flying the flag for the Green Team is Joseph O'Brien with Lady With The Lamp, Adrian Murray's Arizona Blaze and Eddie and Patrick Harty's Carla Ridge, a 100-1 winner at Naas last year. "We always thought this race would suit Whistlejacket," said O'Brien, narrowly leading British rivals John and Thady Gosden in the trainer standings after three of five days. "The more competitive the race, the better I think he will be, a high tempo from the start would be absolutely ideal. I wouldn't discount Ides of March either, he will love this ground and seems in good form." The absence of O'Brien's Lake Victoria from the Commonwealth Stakes made Friday's other Group One a little weaker, the Irish 1000 Guineas and Breeders' Cup heroine would have been a hot favourite after five unbeaten starts. Ryan Moore has selected January ahead of other Ballydoyle entry Exactly, as he looks to finally crack that 150 Group One winning barrier in partnership with O'Brien. "Ryan really likes her," added O'Brien. "The run in the Irish Guineas was with a view to this race and I was happy with Exactly's French Guineas run too, she just didn't quite get the luck she needed." There have been seven Irish winners across the opening three days of the meeting, with Paddy Twomey and Henry de Bromhead joining O'Brien in the winners' enclosure. Donnacha O'Brien has a chance of joining them with Albany Stakes hopeful Balantina, with Tom Marquand taking the ride. O'Brien's super star filly Porta Fortuna won this race two years ago, Donnacha's first Royal Ascot success and followed up to win last year's Coronation Stakes too. Balantina races in the same colours and an eye-catching win at the Curragh in May only enhances her credentials, despite the fact the market is fronted by his father's Frankel-colt Signora. "She's been in great form since winning at the Curragh and I've no worries about the track and ground suiting her, it'll be competitive but she'll run well," said the two-time Royal Ascot winning trainer.
The Independent
11 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Friday's Royal Ascot Day 4 tips: Back the favourites in two Group 1 contests
Royal Ascot Day 4 betting tips The 2025 Royal Ascot festival continues with day four on Friday, 20 June, with two Group 1 contests headlining the day's action. The Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes are the main races of the day, supported by the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes and the opening race of the day, the Group 3 Albany Stakes. There is £650,000 in prize money up for grabs in each of the day's Group 1 races, with the Commonwealth Cup taking place at 3.05pm and the Coronation Stakes following at 4.20pm. And withdrawals in both races mean that horse racing betting sites have clear favourites in the main events of the day, with Shadow of Light offered at 7/4 in the Commonwealth Cup and Zarigana at 6/4 in the Coronation Stakes. Commonwealth Cup prediction Godolphin's Shadow of Light heads into this race as the clear favourite, with Juddmonte's Babouche next in the running in the eyes of the bookies. Babouche's only win this season came in the Lacken Stakes in Naas in mid-May, though the three-year-old looks set to build on the early promise shown as a juvenile. However, Shadow of Light remains one of the strongest fancies of the week at Royal Ascot, having been the European Champion two-year-old in 2024 with three wins at Newmarket alone between August and October. The favourite has run just once in 2025, but a third-place finish in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May only added to his tag as favourite for this one. His performance in that Classic – finishing a length behind the winner – as well as positive results over further distances at Newmarket show that he has the requisite pace and power, while suggesting that six furlongs may be his optimum distance. As the odds suggest, he should have too much class for his opponents on Friday afternoon, so we've gone with Shadow of Light to win the Commonwealth Cup at 7/4 with various Royal Ascot betting sites. Coronation Stakes prediction This is another race that now has a clear favourite due to a withdrawal, with Irish 1000 Guineas winner Lake Victoria having dropped out while being the odds-on favourite. That leaves Zarigana as the favourite on betting sites for the second Group 1 contest of the day, with the three-year-old having impressed on five home runs in France since debuting at Chantilly in July 2024. She has two wins in 2025, including the Group 1 French 1000 Guineas at Longchamp last month, and has proven to be versatile on different ground while building on solid performances from last season. Though this will be her first race outside of France, she'll set off as cleat favourite on Friday. Falakeyah is second in the running in the Royal Ascot odds having performed well on the way to a win in the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket, but this is another one where the favourite might have little competition. Though Falakeyah each-way could offer value, we're backing the favourite, with odds of 6/4 for Zarigana to win the Coronation Stakes. Responsible gambling Always practice responsible gambling. When using gambling sites be aware that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using new betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, betting apps, or any other gambling medium. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:
New Paper
21 hours ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Shadow Of Light to shine again
ASCOT Shadow Of Light will face 21 rivals as he bids to get back to winning ways in the £725,750 (S$1.25 million) Group 1 Commonwealth Cup (1,200m) for three-year-olds at Royal Ascot on June 20. A unique winner of the Middle Park and Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last season, which saw him crowned champion two-year-old, Shadow Of Light returned to action this season by finishing third behind stablemate Ruling Court and St James's Palace Stakes hero Field Of Gold in the Group 1 2000 Guineas (1,600m) at Newmarket on May 3. After quickening up nicely, the son of Lope De Vega faded in the closing stages on his first start over a mile, leaving connections to opt to drop him back to six furlongs for the Commonwealth Cup. Charlie Appleby's colt is a 7-4 chance to claim further Group 1 honours, with the Ger Lyons-trained Babouche, who landed the Group 3 Lacken Stakes (1,200m) at Naas last time, the main danger according to the market. Appleby would be keen for a change of luck as it has been three years since he cracked open the champagne at Royal Ascot. Godolphin's main trainer could barely hide his disappointment after favourite Cinderella's Dream finished second to Crimson Advocate in the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes (1,600m) on June 18. Joining Babouche in the colours of Juddmonte will be Andrew Balding's Jonquil. The colt is another son of Lope De Vega dropping back to 1,200m on the back of finishing runner-up in the Group 1 French 2000 Guineas (1,600m) last time. Balding will also saddle the improving Berkshire Whisper. Aidan O'Brien is dual-handed thanks to last year's Group 1 Prix Morny (1,200m) scorer Whistlejacket and Ides Of March, while the Michael Appleby-trained Big Mojo also takes his chances. Arabian Dusk and Soldier's Heart both go for Simon and Ed Crisford, with Rayevka and Shisospicy, who represent France and America respectively, adding further international spice. Later on the card, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Zarigana heads 11 declarations for the £725,750 Group 1 Coronation Stakes (1,600m). Carrying the colours of his late Highness Aga Khan, the daughter of Siyouni took her record to four from five with a dramatic victory in the Group 1 French 1000 Guineas (1,600m) at ParisLongchamp on May 11. Challengers are aplenty, with Owen Burrows' impressive Listed Pretty Polly Stakes (2,000m) winner Falakeyah defending her unbeaten record for Shadwell, while Kon Tiki will also put her perfect status on the line having been supplemented by Jane Chapple-Hyam on the back of a commanding win in the Listed Sky Bet Fillies' Stakes (1,600m) at York. O'Brien's pair Exactly and January also take their chances, while the Ollie Sangster-trained duo of Flight and Simmering, who finished second and third to Desert Flower in the Group 1 1000 Guineas (1,600m) respectively on May 4, add further depth. RACING AND SPORTS
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Huge Royal Ascot favourite who ‘oozes class' pulled from £250,000 race in big blow to punters
The 1m4f contest will be missing a big name DOWN THE PAN Huge Royal Ascot favourite who 'oozes class' pulled from £250,000 race in big blow to punters Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HUGE Royal Ascot favourite Kalpana has been ruled out of the Group 2 Hardwicke on Saturday - in a big blow to ante-post punters. The Andrew Balding-trained four-year-old filly - who he described as 'wonderful' - had been the strong 9-4 favourite for the 1m4f contest. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Andrew Balding has had a cracking week at Royal Ascot but one of his stable stars Kalpana will not run on account of the ground Credit: PA She ran promisingly behind Los Angeles in the Irish Derby when last seen and 'oozed class' before that when claiming the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes last October. But that was on soft ground and she hasn't looked quite the same horse when its dry underfoot. With the going good to firm at Ascot and only set to get firmer amid the baking temperatures, owners Juddmonte have decided to pull her out of the £250,000 contest. They also scrapped Calla Lagoon from the Golden Gates handicap during the declarations for Saturday's racing. Juddmonte racing manager Barry Mahon told the Racing Post: "Neither are going to run, the ground's too quick for both of them." Kalpana is currently 10-1 joint-favourite for October's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with some firms. But a more immediate target may be next weekend's Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh. The Study Of Man filly is also entered in July's Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and the King George back at Ascot, for which she is 20-1 and 7-2 respectively. With Kalpana out of the Hardwicke bookies made Godolphin's recent Yorkshire Cup winner Rebel's Romance the 9-4 fav. Joseph O'Brien, who is having a brilliant week at Ascot, saddles Al Riffa, who is the same 5-1 price as Amo Racing's new £2million purchase Ghostwriter. Former Nicky Henderson inmate Palladium, who is now with John & Thady Gosden is an interesting inclusion after his comeback run at Goodwood. He is the mount of Ryan Moore and could make each-way appeal at odds of 12-1. 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: 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.
