Wednesday was a shock to the system. Aiden O'Brien could feel a storm coming, and his gut instinct told him to withdraw Gleneagles from the Juddmonte International. Derby winner Golden Horn stood his ground, and ultimately we were shocked to the core when Arabian Queen showed grit and determination to see off the challenge of Frankie Dettori and John Gosden's star. 50/1 shot sees off the Derby winner at 4/9. That's racing. It was clear that Golden Horn didn't enjoy the ground, so his turn of foot was completely nullified. He didn't travel the way he did in the Derby or Eclipse. My take on the race was that the inclusion of Dick Doughtywylie as pacemaker may have ruined his chance, because if ridden handier, kicking from the front may have suited Golden Horn better. It's too late for ifs and buts though, and it's time to look forward to the Nunthorpe Stakes. As usual, a large field lines up for the group 1 over the flying five furlongs at York, so lets take a look at each of the twenty runners left in.
1 - Goldream (M. Harley)
Above average sprinter, wasn't a complete shock when he won the King's Stand at Royal Ascot, and with all going to plan, should be on the premises at the business end.
2 - Justice Day (H. Turner)
Unreliable and a likely outsider. Best left untouched.
3 - Justineo (W. Buick)
Ran a decent race when less than 3 lengths sixth behind Muthmir in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, but would be a surprise if reversing that form and is easily overlooked.
4 - Line of Reason (G. Lee)
Much like Justineo, ran a respectable race in fourth behind Muthmir at Goodwood, but again, like Justineo, not a likely type for win purposes, though wouldn't completely rule out E/W with five places up for grabs.
5 - Medicean Man (P. Makin)
Ran a belter when beaten only a head by Goldream in the King's Stand, but a lot to suggest that may have been a freak great run. Overlooked.
6 - Mirza (I Mendizabal)
Has form on the predicted ground and won last start at Deauville. Much better race now though, so much more required. Unlikely to play a part.
7 - Move in Time (D. Tudhope)
Won the Abbaye last season and less than a length behind Muthmir at Goodwood. Has a chance on form and not lightly ruled out.
8 - Music Master (D. O'Neill)
Ran behind Mirza at Deauville but shouldn't struggle to reverse that form. Despite that, classier sorts involved here.
9 - Muthmir (P. Hanagan)
Top class sprinter. Had a good few of these behind when winning at Goodwood and unless Acapulco proves to be out of the ordinary, he'll prove hard to beat.
10 - Pearl Secret (O. Murphy)
Not the easiest to follow but tends to always give his running. Should show up well for a while before being caught for a turn of foot at the business end.
11 - Sole Power (L. Dettori)
Knows the script here, he's been there, done it and worn the t-shirt. Shows how difficult this renewal is when he can be ruled out. May have the race set up for him, but it's trying to claw back the likes of Acapulco and Muthmir that may be the problem.
12 - Stepper Point (M. Dwyer)
Frustrating individual but rewarded fans with a group 2 win last time out, not out of the ordinary for him to give his running here.
13 - Take Cover (P. Smullen)
Second to Muthmir at Goodwood and would be surprised if those placings were to be reversed here. Limitations exposed.
14 - Canny Kool (S. De Sousa)
Booking of the champion jockey elect is a positive but just about the only one. Rank outsider.
15 - Cotai Glory (G. Gibbons)
Talented sort last season, but seems to have levelled out in past few starts and would need a mighty resurgence to get involved.
16 - Mattmu (D. Allan)
Game winner of the Pheonix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh, but that was over 6 furlongs and drop in trip may not suit. Will be running on all the time at the business end and solid each way claims.
17 - Profitable (J. Doyle)
Clive Cox knows how to send out a good sprinter, but this doesn't seem like a likely type to get involved. Well beaten in the Commonwealth Cup, and only time will tell if the drop in trip will bring some improvement.
18 - Mecca's Angel (P. Mulrennan)
Outpointed by Stepper Point at the Curragh but a consistent animal and would be surprised if she was out of the placings. Player.
19 - Wind Fire (J. Spencer)
Was behind Stepper Point and Mecca's Angel in Ireland. Likely outsider and best overlooked.
20 - Acapulco (I. Ortiz Jr)
Made all and showed an electric turn of foot to win a juvenile race at Royal Ascot. Sole 2 year old in this year's renewal and get's even more weight as a filly. Receiving weight all round, and with natural speed in excess, she could be a sprinting superstar, experience could be her downfall though, and against the older horses, I marginally prefer Muthmir this time around.
PREDICTED 1-2-3
1 - MUTHMIR
2 - Acapulco
3 - Mecca's Angel
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