Joe McConnell
Our ambassador takes stock of her racing at HQ on Saturday and pays tribute to her Royal Ascot hero Bradsell, who is back in action after a long period out of action.
Hoping Merlin can work his magic
Merlin the magician pulled too hard in the Victoria Cup at Ascot on his seasonal return in May, but is capable of doing better in the Handicap JenningsBet (3.05) at Newmarket on Saturday.
Owned by my boss Imad Alsagar, Harry Charlton’s capable four-year-old colt won over a mile in this race last year when William Buick was leading but was no fan of the crowds at Ascot.
He has some character, but won’t mind seven furlongs in a smaller field and is fit enough to improve on his current rating of 94, especially if the ground is fast.
Aafoor can benefit from Goodwood run
I drive the winner of Qatar Aafoor In the JenningsBet Treble Odds Lucky 15 Handicap (4.15) at Newmarket – and the way he finished his race at the Qatar Goodwood Festival suggests it could be third time lucky in Britain.
Mohammed Hamad Al Attiya’s colt had to be substituted for a run in a big-field handicap on the Downs and was brought home from a difficult position only to be beaten by four lengths. Interestingly, I finished just ahead of him on Wobwobwob.
Advancing a furlong while holding guard for the first time could prove a positive combination for a three-year-old who, after running a reduced score of 90, looks fit enough to be competitive if this race has not come too soon.
Good test for Menuisier’s filly
I’ve only ridden for David Menuisier a handful of times, so I’m looking forward to joining him. Rocking the boat In the Tattersalls Online £40,000 EBF ‘Newcomers’ Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (1.55) on Saturday.
This daughter of Acclamation is a half-sister to winners of races over 1m, so I hope she will have a good introduction over 7f against 11 rivals seeing a racecourse for the first time.
It could be a very close little race, with some top trainers including Aidan O’Brien, John and Thady Gosden and Charlie Appleby, so that will be a good indicator of his ability at this stage.
Whistlejacket looks strong in mouthwatering Phoenix
Whistle Jacket looks like the one everyone will have to beat in Saturday’s highlight in Ireland, Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (4.35) at the Curragh.
Whistlejacket participates in the Phoenix Stakes
Aidan O’Brien’s colt put a disappointing Royal Ascot behind him when he won the July Stakes at Newmarket. The big, imposing horse was very dominant there and should perform well over six furlongs on this stiff track.
Juddmonte’s unbeaten filly Babouche showed promise when winning the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh for Ger Lyons and could provide a real test for the heavy favourite.
Tough Bradsell ready for Nunthorpe
It was great to get my double Royal Ascot hero Bradsell back in the winners’ enclosure in France last weekend.
Coming back from an 11-month injury and winning at the first attempt was a great training performance by my boss Archie Watson and the team at Saxon Gate Stables in Lambourn.
Mike Murphy, who rides him in his home country, was delighted to see him enter the race and his confidence was not misplaced. He has incredible natural speed and accelerated well in Listed company at Deauville.
I don’t think I’ve ever met a horse as tough as him. He had a good shot after that.
Hollie Doyle interviews Vscek Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
