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Angel can take his place in history
In the next eight days it is remarkable to think that two horses bid to make history by winning their respective races for an incredible third time.
I grant you horses being successful in the same race three times is not uncommon, but with the two in question it is no surprise that it is a feat that has eluded all to date.
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To run in the Cambridgeshire three time is impressive enough, with 35 runners and many of those on the periphery of Group class.
But Bronze Angel has run in the last three renewals of the great handicap, winning in 2012 and 2014! Last year he also had the audacity to win the inaugural Balmoral Handicap on Qipco British Champions’ Day.
Further confirmation for his likeness for a straight course was highlighted earlier this season when sixth to Speculative Bid in the Victoria Cup, and a close up seventh to GM Hopkins in the Royal Hunt Cup. Three duck eggs followed before he entered the stalls at Doncaster, where he thrilled his huge fan club by winning the same mile race in which he was second before he went on to win his second Cambridgeshire.
I must admit I am selecting as much about hope as racing has this wonderful knack for creating fairytales – let’s hope this proves happily ever after for Bronze Angel.
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Earlier in the day Classic credentials are put on the line in a belter of a Connolly's Red Mills Cheveley Park Stakes with the respective third, fourth and fifth in the Qipco 1000 Guineas betting in Besharah, Illuminate and Lumiere. Aidan O’Brien’s Alice Springs who will be the mount of Ryan Moore.
Illuminate puts her unbeaten record on the line and has already crossed swords with Besharah, when only separated by a whisker. Besharah has since won twice, including the Lowther Stakes at York where winners who have come on to run at Newmarket have faired well. I’m siding with William Haggas’ runner.
As for the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes is concerned, all eyes will be fixed on Shalaa, who has set the bar as far as two-year-olds stand this season.
He also holds a win in the Prix Morny and the last five winners to come on to HQ have all won, so no pressure then!
It is presumed that Shalaa will be heading next year for the Commonwealth Cup, which is why he is ludicrously big for the 2000 Guineas - but never say never.
Tanya Stevenson's Saturday tip:
3.50 Newmarket: Bronze Angel each-way at 9-1 with SkyBet (first six places)
Tanya Stevenson's Saturday pointers:
2.00 Newmarket - Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes:
Eight of the last ten winners had run no more than three times previously
Aidan O’Brien is attempting a sixth win in the race with Deauville
Frankie Dettori is attempting a fifth win in the race aboard Foundation
John Gosden has won the race three times, including in 1996 with Benny The Dip - Foundation
2.35 Newmarket - Connolly's Red Mills Cheveley Park Stakes:
Tweleve of the last 15 winners had won last time out
Nine of the last 10 winners had run three times or more
Eighteen of the last 20 winners had won at least twice
The top two in the betting have provided the last nine winners
Since 2000 five Lowther winners have gone on to win the Cheveley Park Stakes (2001, 2003, 2010, 2012 & 2014) this year Besharah attempts to increase it to six
Aidan O’Brien has yet to win the race and strangely has only had four runners contest across the decade.
3.10 Newmarket - Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes:
Over the last 20 years 15 Gimcrack Stakes winners have run in the Middle Park and four have won. (Astaire 2013, Amadeus Wolf 2005, Balmont 2003, Royal Applause 1995) - Ajaya
Fifteen of the last 20 winners came from the top three in the betting
Seven of the last ten winners had won either a Group One or Two previously
Seventeen of the last 20 winners had won on their most recent start
Only one of the last 20 winners had finished worse than third on their most recent run (2011 Crusade)
Nine of the last ten winners won on their most recent run
Shalaa is attempting to become the fifth Prix Morny winner in the last ten years to go on to win the Middle Park (2006 Dutch Art, 2008 Bushranger, 2010 Dream Ahead, 2012 Reckless Abandon) Not bad considering only those five tried!
Frankie Dettori is attempting to win his fourth Middle Park, while William Buick is hoping to make it three victories in the race.
3.50 Newmarket - Betfred Cambridgeshire
Rambo’s Hall is the only winner over the last 30 years to be older than six - Ginger Jack and Energia Davos
Twenty-six of the last 30 winners had finished in the first four last time out
Eight favourites have won the Cambridgeshire since 1990
Three and four-year-olds have won 26 of the last 36 Cambridgeshires
In the last 20 years only Cap Juluca in 1995 and Educate last year have carried more than 9st 5lbs to victory - today Master Carpenter, Fire Fighting, GM Hopkins and Bronze Angel bid to increase that tally
Bronze Angel will try and become the first horse to win the race three times
Educate will try to become the eighth horse to win twice
Luca Cumani will try to win his third Cambridgeshire 1982 Century City & 1986 Dallas
John Gosden has won the race three times 1994 Halling, 2007 Pipedreamer and 2008 Tazeez
