Living Legend Yeats!

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By ARSENE ABITBOL - 20 June 2009 -
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YEATS (IRE)
Sire: Sadler's Wells (USA)
Dam : Lyndonville (IRE) (TopVille)
Age : 8 y-o, born 23 April 2001
Particularities : won from 8 to 20 furlongs, 7 Group I wins.
Others : undefeated at Goodwood (2/2), Leopardstown (2/2),& Ascot (4/4)
History : 4 triumphs in the Ascot Gold Cup.
Races : 24 Victories : 15
Earned : 1,298,000 £
Status : LIVING LEGEND

What Yeats has just achieved is simply beyond belief! Since the Ascot Gold Cup was created 207 years ago, no horse had ever been able to win this four times in a row. To say the truth, many things about him are unbelievable. For instance, the fact that an eight year-old is still able to thwart a young contender like Patkai. The 'young contender' is three years younger than him, and in racing terms that's a massive age difference.

Even if it's largely due to Yeats' constitution, the son of Sadler's Wells has been well taken care of. It's rare enough to maintain a racehorse in top condition when he/she is five or six, but in the case of an eight year-old, it has to be called an ''outstanding training performance'' from Aidan O'Brien and all the Ballydoyle team. How come Yeats has been coping with that many fights and that much toughness? All of the tournaments he took part in were always contested at top level, in top company; taking on younger and battle-hardened competitors, we are talking about genuine hardship. The kind of test, the vast majority of thoroughbreds could not bear for more than two or three years at the most. Well, in the case of Yeats - the iron horse -, both age and hardship very much failed to make an impact on him.

What's more, is Yeats' times in his four Gold Cups:

On 22 June 2006 , he clocked up 20 furlongs in 4'20''45, on 21 June 2007, in 4'20''78, at the time he was aged six. A year later, the tempo was slower in the 2008 GoldCup and the time read 4'21''10. Finally, a few years ago, on June 18, the Ascot marathon was rounded up in 4'20''73. Mind Blowing! Nearly as good as when he landed his first Cup four years ago! In other words, this means that at 8, he displayed the same strength as in 2006, when he was much younger - (five years-old).

Interestingly enough, if we extrapolate, it seems reasonable to establish the following scale : Aged three, the physical ability of a thoroughbred would compare to that of a 18/20-year-old young man. Aged five, the tonus of a racehorse would be similar to that of a 26/28-year-old man, and an older horse - let's say eight! - could easily compare to a more mature individual, aged around 38/40 years old. Hence, the following thought : How come a given 40 y-o-individual would perform just as well as he did when he was 28? Isn't that something? It only takes an exceptional animal, the kind of horse that makes history and Yeats is now a Living Legend, an Immortal in the racing world.

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Sources : BBC Sport TV Channel
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Tartan Bearer Given Golden Opportunity.

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By ARSENE ABITBOL - 16 June 2009 - 21.28pm
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Azamour, Grandera, Ouija Board, Fantastic Light, Dubai Millenium and more recently Manduro carved their names in the hall of fame of the Prince of Wales' Stakes.
Though ran over 1m2f, this contest is also used as a prep race for classic pattern races staged over 1m4f later in the season. When he disposed of Dalakhani, Azamour became hero of the Irish Derby and went on to land the King George VI at Newbury), and notched third in the Breeder's Cup Turf at BelmontPark), Grandera followed up in Irish Champion Stakes.
Ouija Board, Lord Derby’s ‘a mare in a million’ will go on to score in the Nassau Stakes and in the Breeder's Cup Turf. As to Fnatastic Light, he proved to be a special horse too and was subsequent winner of the Irish Champion Stakes and Breeder's Cup Turf in 2001. Having bagged three Group Is before Ascot, Dubai Millenium, won nine contests out of ten and the Prince of Wales’s was his last triumph. He made sure however to smash the oppposition by a minimum of eight lengths before his new career as a stallion...Last but not least, an Andre Fabre-trained horse who could have - or should have - joined Montjeu’s, Sinndar’s, or Peintre Célèbre’ s Hall of Fame : Manduro. Two years ago, Manduro’s abitlity was above Dylan Thomas’. The latter emerged an Arc winner in 2007. Following this, the Prince of Wales' Stakes were rated as ‘2007 Best European Race'!


Runner-up in New Approach’s Derby, Tartan Bearer had a luckless experience in last year’s controversial Irish Derby but tomorrow Sir Michael Stoute’s charge is provided a golden opportunity to capture his first Group I. Tartan Bearer is such a consistent type that one can wonder if he’s ever had a bad day. That might occur on Wednesday,otherwise… Here’s quite a telling fact : Having contested only six races, his bank account already tops 530,000 £ and glancing at his performances, the Ballymacoll four-year-old is likely to prove the classiest. Alternatively, French contender, Vision d'Etat is a very classy sort however Tartan does have more room for improvement. Finally, the son of Spectrum remains unbeaten over 1m2f - three out of three. He is the one who’ll take all the beating.


Out of eight runners, two of them will be crossing the Channel, representing all-conquering Jean-Claude Rouget and Eric Libaud. It is fair to say that Rouget has established himself as the best European trainer over the last few weeks and Never on Sunday’s first try at Group I level proved successful in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp. He’s aiming a tougher affair but he’s surely able to be in the shake-up. 1000 Guineas winning jockey Christophe Lemaire will be in the saddle.

Cockney Rebel’s partner in the English & Irish 2000 Guineas, Olivier Peslier was asked to aboard 2008 French Derby winner Vision D’etat. Recent conqueror of the Gr I Prix Ganay at Longchamp, the four year old will bid for a third Group I title. Fifth in Zarkava’s Arc, the form has been franked up by Ask and Youmzain - respectively 6th and 2nd in the Arc- and judged on this performance he’s got a strong chance. Following another controversial episode, it’s a shame Ioritz Mendizabal won’t be at Royal Ascot.

Having performed below par for his comeback in the Earl of Sefton Stakes (Gr III), Twice Over made such a favorable impression in the Lockinge Stakes (Gr I, 3rd) that reversing form with Virtual is not unlikely and if the son of Observatory proved too good for his rivals, neither would that be a fluke. Raced in a prominent manner, Henry Cecil’s representative wouldn’t give up without a fight. Virtual came 1st and Alexandros 2nd but there wasn’t much at all between them three. The Warren Place master will try to saddle his 5th Prince of Wales’s winner. Henry Cecil also declared on his website : ''Twice Over is in good order and will hopefully have a chance in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Some rain would be beneficial to him’’ . Let’s not forget that Twice Over’s such an able animal, he did beat a certain Raven’s Pass last year.

Gosden-trained Virtual is tried at 1m2f for the first time but one can’t see why he would not cope with it. The son of Pivotal landed the Lockinge Stakes having his first crack at that level and rider Jimmy Fortune gave him a splendid ride to deny Alexandros by a short head. Only tomorrow, Virtual might have to dig deeper than his partner because Tartan Bearer and Vision d'Etat will be in the way.

Formerly trained by French handler Philippe Demercastel,Trincot is a recent import for Godolphin and the Dubai Princes were probably impressed by the four year old’s victory in the Gr II Prix d’Harcourt at Longchamp. The son of Peintre Celebre was certainly an eye catcher and again he will love the trip and will hopefully handle Ascot. In order to display his best, Trincot needs a strong pace and provided he gets that, he is more than capable to come close. 12/1 is an attractive price.

John Gosden’s second string : Tazeez; whose latest performance is to erase. This horse is not straightforward but isn’t untalented. On a good day, he’s a genuine contender. German visitor, Estejo is set a very tough task. Best to be watched.

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Selection : Tartan Bearer
Biggest Threat : Twice Over
Outsider : Trincot
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Sources : htp://www.henrycecil.com- http://www.racingpost.com - http:www.bha.org
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Solid French Derby but

Not fantastic weather but a good race ran at a decent tempo. The Prix du Jockey-Club otherwise known as French Derby was completed by Le Havre in 2'06''80. Led to victory by ever-inspired stable jockey Christophe Lemaire, the son of Noverre offers a first Derby to all-conquering Jean-Claude Rouget and given the ease of his triumph, he looks good enough to carry on landing Gr I titles in the future.

He just bagged this contest with ease and authority. Now, Pau-based handler Rouget is left with many suitable entries. Still engaged in the St James Palace Stakes on June 16th, the Eclipse or Sussex Stakes are potential targets, as are the Gr I Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly or the Jacques le Marois both over a mile, respectively in June/July and August. If connections feel he is able to tackle 1m4f in the Grand Prix de Paris, that would be a huge gamble. At any rate, Le Havre has just proved us he is to be feared over 1m-1m2f.

The fact of the matter is except Vesuve, Wajir , Feels All Right and Beheshtam, the rest of the field, precisely thirteen of them, as Lawman (2007) and Shamardal (2005) are pure milers. Vesuve finished well and looked promising, while Wajir is surely better than what he showed us, Feels All right ran way too freely and quite understandably, there wasn't much left in the tank. Last year's contenders Chinchon, Montmartre, Magadan and Trincot did not look at home here but went on to be really smart afterwards. The same is probably true for those mentioned above, they should fare very well in the near future.

Raced over a 1m5f maiden four week ago, and tried in a 1m4f Listed Race, which he both mocked, Beheshtam was thrown into Group I company on his third run only and having to deal with a delicate draw -15/17 - he is most definitely the eye catcher of Sunday's contest. Strong-built, powerful, and as robust as a steeple-chaser, the son of Peintre Celebre was given a very patient ride by jockey Christophe Soumillon until he found his stride to produce a remarkable turn of foot in the straight to take fourth. Simply impressive!

Partner C.Soumilon declared on the Paris-Turf website - http://www.paris-turf.com - ''Had there had been two and a half furlongs more, we would have won''. We thought so! A French saying: '' dans la ligne droite, il a du en enrhumer plus d'un, treize en realite'' meaning : ''A few of them probably caught a cold in the straight, 13 of them actually''.

Criquette Head-trained runner-up Fuisse is a genuine Group I horse. He was set such a difficult task, having travelled with fast and furious-leaders, he had to bear a hard tempo but still appeared as a winner until caught by Le Havre in the final strides. Perhaps, partner Dominique Boeuf rallied prematurely at the business end, anyhow, the son of Green Tune is a very classy individual. He ought to be a big gun provided that he came out well from the race.

Ballydoyle delegated four contestants, in the shapes of Drumbeat -Gr I Criterium de St-Cloud runner-up- Set Sail, lightly-raced Malibu Bay, and Westphalia. The latter finished best under Johnny Murtagh to grab third a length and a half behind Fuisse. Drawn 13, he did very well.

Justifiably so, in the mind of French professionals, the 1m4f Gr I Grand Prix de Paris has emerged as the true three-year-olds Classic contest. The hitch : staged in mid July, the going at Longchamp can be so quick certain trainers describe the track as hazardous. Alain de Royer-Dupre had a bitter experience with Arc hope Montmartre. The horse over exerted himself, hurt his tendons and never raced again. So, anyone who enjoys seeing champions in action wouldn't want this to happen again.

All in all, this 2009 French Derby was of a very good standard and the first, second and fourth must be high class. Only the fact that most of them will go back to the mile distance in the next few weeks is regrettable. Very much so.

Rip Van Winkle : Murtagh or Ballydoyle ?

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By ARSENE ABITBOL - 3 JUNE 2009 - 23.12 pm
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Saturday will be Derby Day and whether John Magnier’s, Derrick Smith’s or Michael Tabor’s silks see the post first: it doesn’t really matter. What matters is a Ballydoyle success.

Johnny Murtagh will partner Rip Van Winkle and given this evidence, we would like to think that he is the stable’s first string. Potentially, he has to be the best colt. The only hitch is: So far it hasn’t been the case, and it is rather unsure whether Rip remains a Derby horse. One thing is certain though, if this is genuinely Murtagh’s pick, his mount must show something out of the ordinary during the morning gallops. Cautious, the bookies have taken very few chances and generally cut the price from 6 / 1 to 7/2.

Still, history tells us that High Chapparal did land the Derby and at the time he was perceived as Coolmore’s second string. Runner-up Hawk Wing was Mick Kinane’s choice...

Let’s assume for a minute that Coolmore’s interests prevail on Murtagh’s interests; a plausible scenario after all. I suppose, it is common sense to say that Aidan O’Brien is seeking the best partnerships. Who matches who? – in the best way –

I can’t get my head around this: On one hand, what would you choose between Fame and Glory, Black Bear Island and Rip Van Winkle ? To be perfectly blunt it’s a very hard call. Personally I am more inclined to select Fame and Glory but at any rate, it’s far from obvious.

On the other hand, it’s a much easier task to match both mounts and riders accordingly to their racing styles and past achievements. Seamie Heffernan has demonstrated great instincts with Fame and Glory. Golden Sword was given a most astute ride in the Chester Vase, courtesy of Colm O’Donoghue, equally well inspired in the Dante Stakes aboard Black Bear Island. The latter enjoys storming from behind, just like his pilot Ryan Moore. That’s another fit. Master of the Horse will be partnered by Richard Hughes known for his talent when it comes to judging the pace in a race, and justifiably so, he might be used to set the pace. Possibly by default - for lack of better words – Pat Smullen inherits the ride of Age of Aquarius. Conqueror of the Lingfield Derby Trial on his return to action, the Galileo colt displayed a most satisfying effort. Even so, compared to other runners, he doesn’t boast the best form but is certainly progressive and possesses plenty of room for improvement. I rate him as the dark contender.

Rip Van Winkle could be the most gifted but is quirky and a complicated ride. The way he finished in the 2000 Guineas was rather impressive; however the son of Galileo is inclined to hang or to lose his balance. Having been his jockey since his debut, Murtagh shouldn’t experience anymore trouble with him. If such is the case, there will be no excuses and let the best horse win!

But again, his capacity to stay over 1m4f remains to be seen. Again, stepping up a three year-old from eight to twelve furlongs is quite a bet. Rip Van Winkle’s stamina will be subject to a harsh test; the first mile might be run at a furious pace and if that wasn’t enough his pedigree doesn’t suggest that much stamina. Finally and that will conclude this article; prior to the Guineas, the RacingPost reported that his preparation had been hampered by a stone bruise. Will this incident be of any consequence on Saturday? In short, many ‘ifs’; but if Johnny Murtagh bags a fourth Derby, he will have landed a massive gamble!

So Murtagh or Ballydoyle ? Opinion : I would say both parties. The former sticks to his gut feeling and the latter can’t figure who stands out, are not over-confident, but can figure out the best matches, otherwise why put six competitors in the line-up?

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Sources : BBC TV - http;//www.racingpost.com -
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A Legitimate Ask for deserved success

Investec Coronation Cup 1m 4f Gr I 4yo +

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By ARSENE ABITBOL - 3 JUIN 2009 - 21.21pm

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No concerns whatsoever as to Look here’s ability to handle the tricky profile of track since she’s a course and distance winner in last year’s Oaks. In the St Leger at Doncaster, she finished behind Conduit and unsung heroin, the former is an excellent horse - Breeder's Cup Turf - and the latter is a solid performer. By looking at her performance she was able to challenge Conduit around the12th-13th furlong, which means that Friday's trip of 1m4f will be optimum.Whether she'll be fit and ready to unleash remains to be answered, but on the form she has shown she is entitled to win.

Eastern Anthem for the Maktoum family hasn't seen anyone going past him on his four-year-old campaign. He boasts a perfect record whose form provides a solid basis. He disposed of Spanish Moon, Purple moon, Quijano and Youmzain at Nad el Sheba. That was quite a race and Saeed Bin Suroor's charge has been blossoming this year. Rated 120 he also has every right to play a huge role in this Coronation Cup.

Youmzain : Last year's runner-up in this event bids to gain an overdue success at this level and this time the dual Arc runner-up won’t have to deal with Soldier of Fortune and MacArthur. This year's renewal is probably off a lesser standard and that will play to his strength. In 2008, he campaigned against much stronger horses and his unlucky comeback at Nad el Sheba also proved that he's still in good nick. Richard Hills is to ride him yet to victory but Mick Channon's protege is a logical favourite.

Ask : From Sir Michael Stoute's yard who's unrivalled in bringing the best out of older horses, he put everything in trouble in the Gr II Yorkshire Cup a fortnight ago and at six year-old he is still very lightly raced - 15 runs - is proven at Group I level and last year's 6th in Zarkava's Arc situates his ability. He can be very close provided he adapts to Epsom.

Frozen Fire is a top class thoroughbred on his day, but he ran an awful race at Chester last time out. His form was head and shoulders above but he failed to deliver. Whether John Murtagh should have taken the lead remains debatable as he’s such a tricky ride. Whether he was not good enough remains debatabe too. The son of Montjeu needs a race run at fast pace and he will surely find these conditions on Friday. The big question mark is on the grounds of his Irish Derby win he is a leading contender, on the basis of his Chester outing he doesn’t stand much of a chance. He is the dark horse, let’s just hope that he will show his true colours.

Bucellati captured the Gr II Ormonde Stakes in good style, the form of which has been franked since runner-up Scintillo came out the strongest in Sunday's Gr II Grand Prix de Chantilly over in France. He also cleared from Frozen Fire but again the relevance of the Ormonde Stakes form is very doubtful. Even though he is coming here with the profile of a late improver he's still up against it with this type of company. Being in the shake-up would be legitimate though.

This line-up looks a bit too classy for Expresso star, if he completes the winning quartet, there will be no disgrace.

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Selection : Ask

Ousider : Eastern Anthem

Biggest Threat : Youmzain

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Sources : http://www.racingpost.com

Sway a Champ in The Making

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By ARSENE ABITBOL - 1 JUNE 2009 - 00.09 pm
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The name is Sway, she is a three-year-old hurdler, trained by Guy Cherel in France. Victorious for her debut in the Prix Geographie, a 24,000 £ prize for unraced fillies over the minimum trip of 15 furlongs at Auteuil, the daughter of Califet disposed comfortably of her immediate rivals, made of stablemate Formerly -2nd- , Sakura des Bieffes, - 3rd - trained by master handler Guillaume Macaire, and Francois-Marie Cottin-trained Maryota -4th-. Until then, nothing outstanding, except perhaps the ease of her victory, relegating close opponents 6, 14, and 24 lenghts away.
A solid apprenticeship that led us to assume there was scope for further improvement. Now, what about it -the improvement - ?

On Friday 29th May, on her second outing only, Sway was stepped up in class in the Prix d'Iena, a 39,000£ Listed-Race contested over 2 miles and 2 furlongs at the same parisian track, taking on Tarla, - 2nd - a dual course and distance winner and Zandalee, another course and distance winner who notched third on her debut prior to that.

Well regarded front-runner Zandalee set a solid tempo before she was outstayed by

Tarla, the latter outpaced by Sway, who was storming home in outstanding fashion.
So far, so good, but still, nothing to get carried away with.

Only here comes an additional piece of evidence that entitles us to get carried away : 1'11'60! In addition to a quick rhythm, courtesy of Zandalee, the last five furlongs were rounded up in 1'11''60! An exceptional time over hurdles. Even though inappropriate but incredibly telling, top middle-distance horses would cover the last 1000 metres in around 1''00 on the Flat.

This means two things : On top of being unbeaten, Sway has proved she possesses pace - Sire Califet grabbed 4th in Marienbard's 2002 Arc - and stamina, and is outrageously agile over hurdles. How else could you handle obstacles at such pace? You have to be extremely talented. She is promised to the brightest career and major stables like Paul Nicholls' and Nicky Henderson's, always keen on French imports, will be monitoring her progress very closely.

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Sources : TV - http:/www.racingPost.com - .
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