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The 2003-2004 results are at the bottom
of the page for comparison |
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APRIL 26th SUMMING UP
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A trickier race than usual to weigh up because of the lack of a runner
with previous good form. This leaves a more open race and the chance of
a surprise with probably a lower level of form needed to win.
The two with the best profiles do not set a strong standard unless they
are above average and both run for trainers who rarely get debut winners
other than with useful+ 2yos.
However, something has to win. On the sales ratings there is little between
Royal Engineer and Grandad Bill and the most ready of the two may well
provide a win for one of the trainers who have won the last two runnings
(with STOs).
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RACE QUALITY:
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Usually at least an average quality maiden and often has above average
runners in the field. In 2002 Royal Ascot winner Revenue finished second
on his second run with useful 7f 2yo+ Naahy in third. In 2003 Royal Ascot
Group 3 winner Russian Valour won on his second run beating the useful
Danesmead. 2004 lacked the useful+ type but still had three 70+ rated maiden
winners filling the first three places.
The race in 2005 is slightly different in that it lacks a STO runner with
strong previous form.
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TRAINERS:
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T Easterby has had a runner in the last three races, winning it
last year with a runner having its second outing. Two of the three were
average+ winners.
M Johnston won the race in 2003 with the superior Russian Valour
on his second run. In 2004 he ran the moderate to average Beacon Star who
was well beaten at 5/1 on his debut.
D Nicholls ran a full brother to Strike Up The Band in the 2003
race and that 2yo was backed and finished third in a tough edition.
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SIRES:
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First season sire Golden Snake
(Bollin David) has his first runner.
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SALES REVIEWS:
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Grandad Bill was rated 70 and was small and heavily built. He was
compact and deep and lacked some athleticism but his strength and maturity
would allow him to be competitive in early sprints while lacking scope
to develop.
Royal Engineer was rated 69 and was a medium size and just above
medium build. He was halfway between the two types of his sire (i.e. between
the small, strong 'fat man' like Sir Albert and the taller, narrower type
with some range that tends to need 6-7f). He was well muscled but physically
immature and not particularly taking at the sales.
Strike Up The Band was rated 66 and was a similar size and build
to Grandad Bill. However he was more lengthy and shorter and with minimal
scope.
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