As the twenty freshmen made their way to the starting gate for the curtain raiser, the Coventry Stakes over six furlongs, the sun began beating down fiercely. It had turned hot and the track had become 'firm'
Henrythenavigator, ridden by Mick Kinane and the 11-4 favorite, raced in the mid part of the track, was in the lead with two furlongs left and held on under a sustained drive. Swiis Franc, making up ground quickly in the final furlong, was the runner-up. The Aidan-O-Brien-trained Henrythenavigator clocked 1 12.46 for six furlongs. It was the fastest time for juveniles at Royal Ascot. The race was worth 45,242 pounds.
On Monday evening at Windsor, four firm favorites and a second favorite had won. With
Miss Andretti obliging in the Kings Stand to keep the run of well-backed favorites
going, the day was set for another 'hot favorite run.' Don't we all remember the saying." all good things must come to an end"?
Cockney Rebel was bet down to even money in the Group I St James Palace Stakes. Eight horses went postward. Dutch Art had some friends at 7-2 and the others were at much longer odds. Cockney Rebel settled in 7th as Duke Of Marmalade called the tune. The field raced closer to the far side. Excellent Art was 5th and 6th and staying inside. Two furlongs left, Olivier Peslier angled out to get a clear run to the box. Cockney Rebel's response was immediate. He was rapidly gaining on the leaders. Jamie Spencer, on Excellent Art, had called on his mount and getting through between horses, he was moving
menacingly as the pace-setting Duke Of Marmalade was kicking on. As Cockney Rebel's fans were starting to cheer louder, it appeared that the favorite had the field covered. A moment later, cheering had given way to palpable anxiety. Cockney Rebel was hanging left and would not respond to his rider's call for corrective action. As valuable ground and time were being lost, Excellent Art edged ahead for a neck victory. Astronomer Royal had every chance as the race was run but did not produce the sparkling turn of foot that helped him land the French 2000 Guineas.
Jamie Spencer, in a rare act of self-congratulation, said, "I am right. I said after the French 2000 Guineas that I would have won if I had a clear trip. He (Excellent Art) will get better."
Olivier Peslier, Cockney Rebel's jockey, offered no excuses. "I made the move at the right time. He quickened. I could not do anything when he started hanging left."
Geoff Huffer, Cockney Rebel's trainer was disappointed. "He has had a tendency to hang left. It came back today. The firm ground did not affect him. He (Cockney Rebel) will be much better on a straight mile." The English and the Irish 2000 Guineas were straight miles. The St James Palace was over a round course.
Aidan O'Brien's three runners filled the first three places. "I could not separate then. I knew Excellent Art had it in him to
win a Group I."
Excellent Art was at 8-1. He is by Pivotal out of Obessessive, a Seeking The Gold mare.
The winning time was 1:39.33 and the winner received 141,950 pounds.
Eight horses went postward in the Group I Queen Anne Stakes, a straight mile contest. Ramonti and Frankie Dettori set the pace. George Washington, all the rage at 10-11, raced in close attendance on the far side. Jeremy, inside of Washington, was in striking range. Turtle Bowl and Olivier Peslier, on the far side, prompted the pace. Red Evie was held up. As the race took a serious turn with two furlongs out, Jeremy shot to the front and opened up by three lengths. George Washington was not responding to Mick Kinane's calls. Ramonti appeared spent. Red Evie had made a tentative move and was falling back. Jeremy had the race in safe keeping. With the line in sight, Jeremy swerved right moving toward the inner fence. As Jeremy was desperately trying to hang on, the field was closing in. George Washington was finding his stride. Turtle Bowl was making a run on the outside. Ramonti was coming up with a renewed effort. Four horses flashed past the post. Ramonti had won by a short head over Jeremy who was a short head in front of Turtle Bowl.
The winning time was 1:37.21 and the winner's purse was 152,170 pounds. Ramonti was a 5-1 proposition. Ramonti is by Martino Alonso. Fosca is the dam and she is by El Gran Senor.
Frankie Dettori made his flying dismount and said afterwards, "to make the running, getting passed and come back to win a Group I-it's a creditable performance. I am thrilled I was able to win this for my boss, Sheikh Mohamed."
Aidan O'Brien was pleased with George Washington's race. "He came back ready. He has had to overcome a lot. He showed he can go longer than a mile. There are so many options."
THe Ascot Stakes, over 2 1/2 miles, was won by Full House at 20-1. Jimmy Fortune was the winning jockey.
The Windsor Castle Stakes, over five furlongs, went to the 9-1 shot, Drawnfromthepast, ridden by Martin Dwyer.
The official attendance was 40,191. There were 54,838 at Ascot's opening in 2006. Bookmakers reported a much lighter volume. May be, the forecast of rain kept many away.
Wednesday's feature is the Group I Prince of Wales Stakes. It is over ten furlongs. My choice is Red Rocks; Frankie Dettori rides. Red Rocks won the Breeders' Cup Turf. He was a disappointment in Dubai. He rebounded with an impressive win at Sandown Park giving every indication that he's ready for bigger things. Dylan Thomas is the principal danger.
