Before previewing some of tomorrow’s races, we would like to pay tribute to Ballydoyle’s star filly, Santa Barbara, who has sadly passed away following a pelvic injury suffered earlier on in the week.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien told the Racing Post, “Santa Barbara fractured her pelvis and unfortunately the fracture displaced overnight. It’s obviously a real shame for everyone. She was a very talented filly.”
The Camelot filly was set for a trip to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup, having had two impressive prep runs in the USA.
The Conditional reported news of her disappointing setback on Tuesday, however her injury worsened and proved fatal.
This is, unfortunately, the worst part of the sport we all love.
Santa Barbara will surely be remembered as a smart filly who was beginning to show the potential that was always expected of her.
How tragic it is that she never got the chance to show her best on the biggest of stages, the Breeders’ Cup.
Our thoughts are with all connections at this sad time.
The Newmarket Cambridgeshire meeting started today, and as we look forward to tomorrow’s action, we’ll look back on some of today’s highlights.
Subastar, 2-year-old son of Sea The Stars, won well on debut at odds of 14/1 in the hands of Andrea Atzeni for Roger Varian.
Desert Angel stayed clear of Bastogne to win the Nursery Handicap, whilst Gale Force Maya just held on in the Fillies’ Handicap.
The Group 3 Tattersalls Stakes, saw an exciting trio finish finish in first, second and third. The first-placed Modern Games, who won very comfortably in the hands of William Buick, appears to be another formidable colt for Godolphin.
He beat two progressive rivals in Trident and Harrow and all three are sure to be horses to follow next season.
Stalwart Nayef Road brought joy to fans by finally getting back to winning ways, beating second-placed Roberto Escobarr by 6-lengths.
The 5-year-old son of Galileo has been a regular in staying races, finishing second to Stradivarius in last year’s Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup.
Boltaway for Roger Charlton, Carolus Magnus for Andrew Balding and Rhebus Road for Ralph Beckett all won in the remaining races on the first day of the meeting.
Turning our attention to Friday, our first race preview is the 1:50 Listed race at Newmarket.
Footaat (bookies favourite at time of writing, at odds of 7/2) will attempt to provide more success for Varian and Atzeni, who look to combine once again after winning with Subastar’s in the first day’s opener.
Last time out she finished close behind Aristia and Alpine Star in a Listed race over an extended trip of just over 1m2f, but she drops back to her usual trip this time out.
In the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at the Royal Ascot meeting, she finished sixth in a field of twelve, behind some top class fillies in Indie Angel, Lady Bowthorpe and Champers Elysees to name a few.
However, she finished a length-and-a-quarter behind Amanda Perrett’s mare Lavender’s Blue.
One of her rivals today is Umaalnar, a new recruit for trainer Roger Charlton, making her debut for new yard having previously been trained by William Haggas.
Last time out she finished last in a field of five in a Class 2 all-weather race at Newcastle. Prior to that she had won a 1m Listed Race at Dundalk and also finished third at Lingfield, a neck behind Lavender’s Blue.
Ryan Moore takes the ride and we think she could be one to watch, if she is able to take her AW form onto turf.
She is returning to the racecourse after a 255-day absence, so could possibly be one only to watch this time out. However at current odds of 7/1, she may be worth taking a chance on.
Godolphin run three fillies in this Listed race, the most intriguing of which is possibly Frankie Dettori’s mount Soft Whisper.
Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, the 3-year-old has been off track for 181-days. Her last outing, at Meydan in March over a further trip, saw her finish lame.
If she is able to recreate her form prior to that run, she is surely one-to-watch.
William Buick’s ride Wedding Dance for Charlie Appleby is returning after a long absence of 409-days. She was progressive on her three runs as a 2-year-old.
An outsider to keep an eye on is Daniel & Claire Kubler’s Don’t Tell Claire at 18/1 (EW). She has been running well of late but may find this task a little too stiff in the hands of Rossa Ryan.
4-year-old filly Albaflora (9/4) looks the class of the race in the Group 3 Princess Royal Stakes at 2:25.
She caught the eye earlier on in the season at Ascot, beating the field by 7-lengths in soft conditions.
Although she didn’t quite fire in the following races against tougher opposition.
Last time out, she came second to a potential superstar in Aidan O’Brien’s Snowfall, finishing only 4-lengths behind, which, compared with Snowfall’s other exploits this season, isn’t bad at all.
The grey is definitely an eye-catcher, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her get back to winning ways.
Godolphin’s Sayyida looks a formidable opposition, as is Jessica Harrington’s Irish raider Forbearance, a Listed winner.
At a bigger price By Starlight (33/1), the outsider of the field, only finished a length behind Sayyida at Newmarket in June, although much more is required this time stepping up in class.
Turning our attention to York and the 2:05 Class 2 Handicap, in which Mr Wagyu currently lies as favourite.
A regular selection this season, John Quinn’s gelding is a reliable pick and should go well once again.
Chairmanoftheboard looked impressive at Doncaster two-weeks ago, third behind Able Kane and also tends to run a good race.
The 2:10 Handicap Hurdle at Listowel is another competitive race which is sure to make for interesting viewing.
Top weight Belfast Banter was a shock 33/1 winner of the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and although wasn’t at his best at Galway reappearance, is not one to rule out.
We stick with our regular selection The Little Yank, who, despite finishing in third, 5-lengths behind second-placed Bua Boy, who he re-opposes, at Galway in July, he won well at Sligo next time out in perhaps a less competitive race.
Nevertheless we feel John Patrick Ryan’s 6-year-old could go well again and has each-way claims.
Second-reserve Jiving Jerry (40/1) could be one to watch at a big price, if he manages to get in.
At the Irish evening meeting on the all-weather in Dundalk, Joseph O’Brien’s River Eden is one-to-watch following on from his 8-and-a-half-length win on debut in July.
He returns to the course for his second run in the 6:45 Group 3 race to rival some experienced and well-bred opposition, including two Ballydoyle runners in Khartoum and Lough Derg.
Course & distance winner Getaway Queen (6/1) could also be of interest in the 7:45.
Our selections:
NAP: 3:35 NEWMARKET – 7. Master Of The Seas 11/8
This Godolphin colt, son of Dubawi, looks a force to be reckoned if at his best on his reappearance.
NB: 2:25 NEWMARKET – 1. Albaflora 9/4
As mentioned, she should be there or thereabouts if running to potential.
Long shot: 2:10 LISTOWEL – 15. The Little Yank 12/1
More likely an EW selection, but usually gives a good account of himself.
Newmarket placepot: 1-8-1-8-7-1
KM
THE CONDITIONAL 