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Captain's Blog - Wednesday 27th June 2012

I have had a good look at the action from Royal Ascot and here are the speed figures that I have come up with. I hope you find them interesting and informative.

Day 1

Frankel – 125
Little Bridge – 105
Most Improved – 110
Dawn Approach – 113
Simenon – 95
Hototo – 87

Frankel was visually impressive. Such impressions can be very deceptive without the evidence of the clock, but on this occasion the clock backs up what we saw. He ran a better figure in last years Guineas, but this is a top class figure froma top class horse. The Coventry often throws up a decent figure and this years renewal did not disappoint. Dawn Approach and the second and third in the race are clearly well above average two year olds.

Day 2

Ishvana – 88
Joviality – 81
So You Think – 108
Prince of Johanne – 97
Ceiling Kitty – 101
Duntle – 100

An unremarkable set of figures. So You Think posted a decent number but appears to not be as good as he was. This is something his connections recognise and he may be retired after the Eclipse.

Day 3

Reckless Abandon – 101
Princess Highway – 118
Colour Vision – 25
(This race was run at an absolute crawl thus the very poor figure)
Fast or Free – 82
Energizer – 107
Fennell Bay – 87

Princess Highway may well have won the Epsom Oaks if she had run in the race and the Irish equivalent looks to be hers for the taking. The Gold Cup was a farce in terms of pace but it would be wrong to underestimate the winner who is capable of running much bigger figures.

Day 4

Newfangled – 104
Thomas Chippendale – 81
Fallen for you – 110
Gatewood – 106
Estimate - 86
Eton Forever – 109

The King Edward V11 produced a sub-standard winner in Thomas Chippendale, the race lacked depth and the favourite – Astrology ran poorly. Fallen For You won the Coronation Stakes and is unexposed. As such a figure of 110 marks her as being very smart.

Day 5

Tha’Ir -96
Sea Moon – 119
Black Caviar – 110
Dandy Boy – 118
Camborne – 103
Simenon – 96

What a day! Sea Moon ran a big figure, as did Dandy Boy and both must be followed. Black Caviar ran a good figure despite not showing her usual brilliance.

Toga Tiger won for us yesterday at a short price, but we needed that.

Today I am keen on Eurysthesus in the last at Kempton. He ran after a seven month break at Goodwood last time and appeared not to stay the nine furlongs there. He is back at a mile today and is well treated on last seasons form. Stall three is perfect and Richard Hughes can guide him to victory.

Today's Selection

9.20 kempton – Eurysthesus