The wet weather and heavy ground played havoc with the results and the form should not be taken literally. The colder weather meant many trainers used full string blankets which made paddock study a nightmare. The thicker half blanket is a better option as it keeps the vital organs warmer.
How Michael Prosser could call the going 'Good To Soft' is a joke. It was Heavy – full stop and the times confirm this. Without a tail wind they would have been even slower.
Saturday:
Dick Doughtywylie trained by John Gosden, continues to make excellent progress and there is a good handicap in this one, possibly at the Royal Ascot meeting. The same trainer's Masked Marvel continues to thrive and should be tabbed next time up. Fiorente and the winner Al Kazeem have done well.
The 2,000 Guineas winner Camelot is all class and won in spite of the conditions. He is difficult to fault on any point and is a superb specimen. Hopefully he will continue to go the right way. He was turned out looking fit and well and will now contest the Derby. I see no reason why he should not continue to give a good account for the rest of the year.
Abtaal is an imposing sort and turned out in fine condition once the wraps came off. He should have finished near to the French trained second. On looks he should do well on the French courses. Caspar Netscher has developed since the Greenham and will do well dropping back in trip. Bronterre looked at least as well as he had before the Greenham but disappointed. It might be the ground or his temperament. A pair of blinkers might help. Power has done well but suffered cracked heels in his prep. Elsewhere there were no real negatives.
Mayson looked a big morning price of 5/1 bearing in mind his Abernant win but went to post early.
Red Quartet is at the right end of the handicap and confirmed his Newbury promise.
Stencive looks a progressive sort and is one to note. The going did not help.
Archbishop was on great terms and can have a good season.
Sunday:
Ithoughtitwasover impressed and I have a feeling about this one. Royal Ascot must surely be on the agenda. Al Zarooni's pair – Anatolian and Sandusky should make their mark after this.
Izzi Top has made good progress since last term and Captivator was the one for the forecast. They should both go one from this. Timepiece has a wall eye – always the sign of a screw and temperament might be a negative factor this term.
What can you say about the Guineas? Homecoming Queen won her trial in good fashion and is a three parts sister to Dylan Thomas. It would not have surprised me had she framed but to win by 9 lengths beggars belief. Apart from Nayarra she was probably the smallest filly in the race.
Moonstone Magic had done really well since Newbury and was a true disappointment. She is now a fine filly and hopefully she will fufill her potential. I liked Diala and Mashoora but the Godolphin pair failed to shine. Maybe has not grown much but is a real quality sort. My Nell Gwyn fancy – the very likeable Starscope tried this time and finished second.
There was money for the 2yo Mysterial and he is a good sort but showed a woeful action to post and in the race. I would like to see him move to post on better ground.
Kailani is a ringer for her dam – the Oaks winner Kazzia and she has clearly inherited all of her ability. She won't be my selection for the race but she heads to the the Epsom Oaks with a wet sail.
