17:15 That’s it from day one of the King George meeting, tomorrow is the big one and although only eight runners it looks to be shaping into a cracking contest.
From Ascot – good night.
17:10 The finale was a handicap over the straight mile and, in truth, was something of a scrappy race.
The favourite Red Somerset was always to the fore along with Summer Dancer who looked good before hanging badly left and ruining any chance he may have had – don’t be surprised to see him in headgear next time out.
Troubadour looked to be the one to give the favourite most to do in the final stages but the favourite held on to win by 1¼ lengths.
The battle for third was more interesting and it involved a battle between Danetime Panther and the second favourite Nightjar under Frankie Dettori, who was the second favourite. To be honest Nightjar did not look that resolute today and try as he may Dettori could not get a performance out of the Colt – he just did not seem to want to pass Danetime Panther.
16:40 We may have had small fields at Ascot this afternoon, however that does not mean the races have not been exciting as the fifth race proved.
Over 1¼ miles the bulk of the race was quite boring with the horses running in Indian file with no changes in position.
Two out everything changed as Press The Button who had been leading was passed first of all by William Blake then the favourite Buccellati coming down the centre and finally Kings Event.
Of the three it was the favourite who prevailed in good style to win by 2¾ lengths with William Blake holding on for second from the running on Kings Event.
Of the others Kayak was always near the rear and Sahrati who had run the first mile in third finished virtually pulled up.
16:05 A marathon two mile heat for our fourth race and it was another for the favourite backers as Wicked Daze from the Sir Mark Prescott stables took the race with a late run under Seb Sanders after being settled towards the rear for most of the race.
Enjoy The Moment under Shane Kelly set the pace, tracked by Colloquial and the veteran Caracciola.
As the action began in the home straight Caracciola went for a gap on the far rail but appeared to be shut out by Enjoy The Moment, an incident the Stewards are looking at.
Greenwich Meantime, who had sat second last launched a challenge and was in a dour battle with Colloquial for second place, a battle he won by a nose.
Disappointment of the race was the outsider Jadalee who was always last and finished virtually pulled up, as was Vinando.
15:25 Well I must be a better paddock judge than a form one as my paddock pick, Baharah took the race under a driving Richard Hughes ride after Barshiba set off for home two out in what seemed a decisive run.
The run looked even more decisive briefly, when Baharah failed to respond to the initial urgings of Hughes – once she did respond she ran on impressively.
Kasumi did his utmost to separate the joint favourites but Barshiba held on to the runners up spot by a neck.
The outsider Candy Mountain set the early pace but it proved too much for her and she was virtually pulled up by Seb Sanders inside the final furlong.
Winning trainer Gerard Butler, on adouble for the afternoon has not decided where the winner will run next, although the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in September.
15:10 Our feature race this afternoon is up next, a fillies and mares Listed race over the Old Mile.
Looking at them in the paddock they all look to be in good shape.
This morning I went for Barshiba from the David Elsworth yard but having seen them in the parade ring I have to say Bahara caught the eye.
14:50 Another good finish in which the favourite prevailed on this occasion.
Derbaas was sent off the 2/1 favourite and Jimmy Fortune was happy to track the leaders in the early stages, allowing Redding Colliery to set the pace with Sunny Future.
Two out both Summers Target who started on the near side and ended up on the far side and Derbaas both set off for home and both started drifting to their left.
When Jimmy Fortune asked the question Derbaas started swishing his tail like a propeller and it briefly looked as though he would not go through with his challenge.
However he did respond to Fortune’s urging to prevail by ¾ length abut the victory could have been more convincing.
Sunny Future put in a muddling performance, starting well before hitting a flat spot then running on again.
The Johnston newcomer Tilos Gem was disappointing, always behind, but will hopefully come on for the run.
Winning trainer John Dunlop admitted, "He did swish his tail when Jimmy hit him, but Jimmy said he was still going forward and that he is still a big baby.
"He does have some smart entries and we will take him home and see, but the Royal Lodge might be the race for him."
14:15 A fillies maiden to start proceedings and it is somewhat appropriate that the leading lady jockey Hayley Turner took the race with a perfectly timed run on Good Again, who nailed the favourite Acquiesced on the line.
All six fillies looked nice in the paddock and the top three in the betting were quite closely matched. Indeed there was a mini plunge on the winner, backed from an opening 5/1 into 7/2.
Sweet Possession set the early pace but the favourite was with her the entire time, with the eventual winner tracking the front two.
The favourite went for the lead three out and it looked to be a decisive run. However Turner began her run two out, timing it to perfection to take the spoils on the line.
None of the three newcomers, Kapsiliat, No Nightmares or Wabi Sabi particularly caught the eye. With the three experienced runners finishing well clear of the debutants, of whom No Nightmare was very green early on.
Winning trainer Gerard Butler was understandably happy, "She is a nice filly and is tough as nails.
"I think I will keep her to six furlongs at the moment, but if she gets outpaced on her next start then I would step her up in trip.
"I have entered her in the Cheveley Park and we will have to see if she is up to that."
13:30 Another non-runner here and the sun is out. The going is Good to Firm (watered)
12:30 Good afternoon from Ascot where it is overcast but very warm.
Unfortunately the fields this afternoon are not very big and we have four non-runners already. Details on the right.
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