Gm, Equinauts

Ice creams at the ready, it’s gonna be another scorcher!

If you’re suffering from post-Bank Holiday blues, watch this interview - it’ll really cheer you up:

What a brilliant bloke.

In other news, our P&L is looking hot for this month and we need to push on to grow the pot for Royal Ascot!

Let’s dive in.

HEADLINE ROUNDUP

🐎’SECOND STRING’

GSTAAD bolted up in the Irish Guineas Saturday and strengthened his position among Europe’s leading 3yo’s. That was Aidan O’Brien’s 13th success in the Classic. Ridiculous.

Ridden confidently by the brilliant Ryan Moore (if your life defended on it, you’d have him every day of the week wouldn’t you), GSTAAD travelled easily before kicking clear to the line landing him his first domestic Group 1 to his growing résumé.

Aidan was quick to praise the colt’s temperament and toughness (he’s getting those coverings lined up!), describing him as a ‘straightforward’ and ‘genuine performer’ who always shows up on the big occasion. He confirmed their intention is a rematch against BOW ECHO at Royal Ascot in the St James’s which is quickly becoming the race of the meeting.

The Classic success didn’t stop there. Ballydoyle picked up the girls event, the 1000 Guineas, the next day…with their ‘second string’.

The Ballydoyle stock is such that they can pick up these famous races with anything down to their 4th strong, that’s how stacked with talent they are.

But was PRECISE second string? She got thumped by a fit TRUE LOVE in the real 1000 Guineas where she went off shorter than TRUE LOVE. ON that basis, you’d think the lads at home thought PRECISE was better? It’s puzzling how Ryan got it wrong.

Moore said TRUE LOVE didn’t stay the Curragh mile. Will they bring her back in trip? She was due to race in the Coronation but PRECISE is now strong fave for that, will they split them up? If they don’t, that forecast looks absolutely nailed on!

Other notable Ballydoyle runners included new lady rocket SUN GODDESS. The ‘long striding’ filly by SIOUX NATION was picked up for ‘only’ £120k as a yearling which, as it stands, looks a bloody bargain. She’ll win the Albany.

Elsewhere, MINNIE HAUK drifted like a barge and was given a ride by Moore which suggested she was there for a day out only.

🥊THUGS IN DEAUVILLE

The Breeze-Up Consignors Association (BUCA) and Arqana have moved quickly to address concerns following reports of bad behaviour during this month’s breeze-up sales in Deauville.

Excessive drinking, fights and damage to hotel property prompted Arqana president Olivier Delloye to formally contact consignors, although both parties insist the scale of the issue has since been exaggerated in media coverage.

BUCA chairman Brendan Holland said the situation as ‘embarrassing’ and admits that the negative headlines have effectively overshadowed what was otherwise a successful sale held during a tough market period.

Delloye stressed that the overwhelming majority of those attending the sale behaved professionally and responsibly, adding that only a small number of individuals were involved in the incidents. Both organisations are now working together on measures designed to prevent a repeat of the problems and protect the reputation of the breeze-up sector, which has enjoyed significant growth and progress in recent years.

👞IF THE SHOE FITS

ALMAQAM announced himself as a major player in this season’s middle-distance division with a personal best performance in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last weekend.

Trained by Ed Walker, the 5yo defeated a high-class field that included MINIE HAUK and Group 1 scorer BAY CITY ROLLER, securing his first top-level success.

Shoemark thinks the performance could be the start of an even bigger campaign for the lightly raced colt, who has now firmly entered the conversation for Europe’s leading middle-distance prizes. Entries at Royal Ascot, Sandown and even the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe are all on the table.

Shoemark acknowledged the strength of the current division, with rivals such as Arc winner DARYZ and OMBUDSMAN are the standouts, but feels ALMAQAM has at least earned his place for a sniff at the titles.

Interesting fact: ALMAQAM’s half brother SADDADD was also in the race and placed third!

More:

SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO ACCESS OUR PREMIUM CONTENT

By becoming a premium reader you get access to all the big race previews and the days best stats and bets!

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.