Ihtimal and Rizeena were both eclipsed by 28-1 shot Chrisellium and Channel 4 viewers were “treated” to repeated showings of Willie Carson doing a celebratory jig. He’s a part owner so he’s entitled to celebrate but it seems a bit strange that he should choose a Clive Brittain-esque routine, especially having just beaten Clive’s top filly? No doubt Channel 4 have their reasons for turning it into the Willie Carson show but it merely served to remind me to watch only the racing and switch off the guff in between.
As for the race? Well, I am disappointed that De Sousa held up Ihtimal in last place considering she was one of the few fillies absolutely guaranteed to get the mile. Rizeena was at least given a chance to win her race but she doesn’t like being in front too long and that was enough for Richard Hughes to seize his chance. I wouldn’t lose faith in either filly for the classics next season.
The Cheveley Park Stakes has lost some of its lustre with Rizeena having been diverted to the mile but it still throws up an interesting clash between Kiyoshi and Vorda. If Rizeena doesn’t like being in front, Kiyoshi is positively quirky! She ran sideways when winning at Royal Ascot and seemed to hang fire as soon as she was kicked ahead by Spencer in the Moyglare. That resulted in a disqualification and the pressure is on the jockey to make amends on Saturday.
Charlie Hills will be hoping to bag his second trial in two days but I think the French challenger may prove too strong. She won her first three races before being pitched in against the colts in the Prix Morny. She ran a cracker, just losing out to the impressive No Nay Never with Rizeena staying on into third. A repeat of that form should be good enough but Kiyoshi is the obvious threat.
I will be watching Berkshire’s return to action with interest in the Royal Lodge although I can’t support him after such a lengthy absence. I also have plenty of respect for Mark Johnston’s Somewhat after his Newbury win and it wouldn’t surprise me if he made his superior fitness count. I shall also bypass the Sun Chariot as it is now a long way back to the Guineas and there’s no telling whether Sky Lantern and Just The Judge are still on song.
Vorda (2.35) 2-1 (William Hill, Ladbrokes)
