Saturday 20th July

Compensation awaits Fleeting after her Royal Ascot defeat

NAP – Fleeting 5:10 Curragh 7/1

My Nap this week is in the Kerrygold Irish Oaks in the shape of Fleeting. Finishing 2nd last time to the re opposing Star Catcher last time in the Ribblesdale was a strong run, as I feel a few factors went against her that day. The first being the ground, she is a filly that has shown all her best from on a quick surface, including when putting up a career best performance in the Investec Oaks at Epsom. Unfortunately Ascot had deluge of rain at the beginning of the week which quickly turned the ground soft which definitely suited others more than it suited her. Secondly the tactics of the race, she missed the break and seemed to be further back than Ryan Moore thought to be ideal. By the time the race had unfolded, Frankie on Star Catcher seemingly got first run on a strong finishing fleeting and given different circumstances I could see the result being a lot closer.

She has work to do on ratings with some of her opposition including stablemate Pink Dogwood, but her progressive profile could soon bring them a bit closer. The ground is currently forecast at good to firm for Saturday which will suit and Donnacha O’Brien takes the ride which is definitely not a negative. With a bit of luck in running there is no reason why Fleeting cannot put up a bold show.

NB (Next Best) – Projection 3:00 Newbury 8/1

My NB for this weekend is Projection in the Hackwood Stakes at Newbury. Projection had a similar preparation when running in this race last year when finishing 2nd before going on to beat Dream of Dreams at Ascot in a group 3 in October. Dream of Dreams has subsequently gone on to finish 2nd to Blue Point in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot this year, with Projection finishing 8 lengths behind in 10th. That is strong form and it proves the ability is there, if he can recapture that form which would make him a leading player in this. He’s a horse that seems to show his best form in the latter part of the season, so there is evidence to suggest his turn could be near and with this being a big drop in grade, a chance can be taken on him to put up a bold show here.

A slight negative is the form of Roger Charlton’s string at the moment, even though they are running well they just seem to be hitting the crossbar without winning. Although hopefully they can regain the winning thread here.