Four Pattern races beginning with the Norfolk Stakes (G2) over 5 f for two year olds. It’s a tough start as we know little about these yet. Cay Verde ticks a lot of boxes, she’s experience on the racecourse as this will her fourth run and the form of the last two looks useful now. She beat Hototo (went on to win the Windsor Castle on Tuesday) in a maiden here at Ascot and then stepped up on that to take a listed event at the Curragh where she had Dylanbaru back in third (went on to be third in the Winsor Castle). In the same ownership is the once raced Ahern. The second favorite took a conditions race comfortably at Ayr so connections must be very hopeful of a result in this one. Their party maybe spoilt by Jubilee Brig who also ticks the boxes of experience, this being his fourth run. He’s improved with each of them running out a winner last time on Kempton’s All Weather surface.
The Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) for three year old fillies over 12 f has attracted a nice field. The Fugue was unlucky in the Oaks where interference cost her chance of winning. She’ll be a short price to make amends as will be Shirocco Star ( second in the Oaks) and Vow (fourth in the Oaks). Dermot Weld is sweet on his filly Princess Highway after a win in the Blue Wind at Naas. She’s looked good but might not have beaten a lot. It’s interesting that AOB persists with Twirl beaten 2 1/2 l in the Musidora by The Fugue. She didn’t handle Epsom and well find this flatter track more appealing. She caught the eye last backend on her first run and follow maiden win and is worth another shout.
The Gold Cup (G1) is likely to head back to Ballydoyle with Fame And Glory. They’ll have him right for it, enough said.
Don’t normally do handicaps but in the Britannia it’s worth mentioning Piri Wango on his 1 1/2 L fourth to Ishvana ( winner today of the Jersey) at Dundalk last time out.
In the Tercentenary Stakes (G3) Tales Of Grimm could put a smile back on Sir Michael Stoute’s face.
Selections
Norfolk Stakes – Jubilee Brig 25/1 e/w
Ribblesdale Stakes – Twirl 25/1 e/w
Gold Cup – Fame And Glory 1/1 win
Britannia – Piri Wango 20/1 e/w
Tercentenary Stakes – Tales Of Grimm 5/1 win