Another Australian raid on the King's Stand Stakes
June 13th 2010 09:00
Ever since Choisir paved the way with his 2003 win in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, this race has been the target for the best of Australia’s sprinters, with subsequent victories by Takeover Target in 2006; Miss Andretti in 2007; and Scenic Blast in 2009. Takeover Target would also finish 2nd behind Equiano in 2008. Once this race found its way onto the Australian radar, it has been Australian sprinting horses who raid and dominate.
(photos: Neil Murray) click for enlargement
Neil Murray Photography
And in 2010 this Group One feature over 5 furlongs once again appears likely to fall to an Australian raider.
The horse most likely this year is the David Hayes stallion Nicconi who is unbeaten both first-up (as he is for this race) and over 1000 metres (5 f). Nicconi is very much in the mould of last year’s winner Scenic Blast - a sprinter who can rest early off a good pace and reel off exceptional late fractions. Blinkers will be added to his racing gear for the first time in what will most likely be his last racetrack appearance before being retired to stand at Widden Stud. Champion jockey Frankie Dettori will ride.
While Frankie moves Nicconi through his gears, it will be another Australian horse in Gold Trail who will be highballing it out in front. His effort in Singapore was full of merit, leaving champion sprinter Rocket Man in his wake as he kicked on the home turn in the Group One Singapore International Sprint (1200m), before folding in the last 75 metres on the unsuitable heavy ground.
And not to discount the now Aidan O’Brien trained Starspangledbanner, a son of previous King’s Stand hero Choisir, who has a series of stellar Group victories to his credit including the Oakleigh Plate (G1 - 1100 metres) and the Caulfield Guineas (G1 -1600 metres). O’Brien has been uncertain as to what trip best suits his Australian acquisition - but if he does elect to run in the King’s Stand Stakes he must not be discounted.
The greatest threat to yet another Australian victory would appear to be the Sir Michael Stoute trained Kingsgate Native. With Hungarian superstar Overdose unable again to make the field, apart from the Australian raiders there are the perennial faces of Equiano; Fleeting Spirit & Borderlescot among the entries.
The latest betting from William Hill has Nicconi at $4.00 - with Kingsgate Native next best at $6.00. Starspangledbanner is at $11.00 while Gold Trail is quoted at $15.00.
I am expecting another Australian domination of this race.
1 Nicconi
2 Starspangledbanner
3 Kingsgate Native
4 Gold Trail
5 Total Gallery
Starspangledbanner winning G1 Caulfield Guineas
Two previous Ascot raiders fighting out the 2007 Newmarket H. Miss Andretti (outside) goes on to win - also a winner of the King’s Stand the same year. Gold Edition in the Centre - with Magnus who would go on to be 3rd.
(photos: Neil Murray) click for enlargement
Neil Murray Photography
And in 2010 this Group One feature over 5 furlongs once again appears likely to fall to an Australian raider.
The horse most likely this year is the David Hayes stallion Nicconi who is unbeaten both first-up (as he is for this race) and over 1000 metres (5 f). Nicconi is very much in the mould of last year’s winner Scenic Blast - a sprinter who can rest early off a good pace and reel off exceptional late fractions. Blinkers will be added to his racing gear for the first time in what will most likely be his last racetrack appearance before being retired to stand at Widden Stud. Champion jockey Frankie Dettori will ride.
While Frankie moves Nicconi through his gears, it will be another Australian horse in Gold Trail who will be highballing it out in front. His effort in Singapore was full of merit, leaving champion sprinter Rocket Man in his wake as he kicked on the home turn in the Group One Singapore International Sprint (1200m), before folding in the last 75 metres on the unsuitable heavy ground.
And not to discount the now Aidan O’Brien trained Starspangledbanner, a son of previous King’s Stand hero Choisir, who has a series of stellar Group victories to his credit including the Oakleigh Plate (G1 - 1100 metres) and the Caulfield Guineas (G1 -1600 metres). O’Brien has been uncertain as to what trip best suits his Australian acquisition - but if he does elect to run in the King’s Stand Stakes he must not be discounted.
The greatest threat to yet another Australian victory would appear to be the Sir Michael Stoute trained Kingsgate Native. With Hungarian superstar Overdose unable again to make the field, apart from the Australian raiders there are the perennial faces of Equiano; Fleeting Spirit & Borderlescot among the entries.
The latest betting from William Hill has Nicconi at $4.00 - with Kingsgate Native next best at $6.00. Starspangledbanner is at $11.00 while Gold Trail is quoted at $15.00.
I am expecting another Australian domination of this race.
1 Nicconi
2 Starspangledbanner
3 Kingsgate Native
4 Gold Trail
5 Total Gallery
| 97 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
