Kismet, Hardy: Reprise

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The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Thursday was 77% following Wednesday's 70%, Tuesday's low 59%, Monday's 78% and Sunday's 68%, an in running weekly average of just over 70%.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

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There were eight (4) and (5) UK graded races, Wednesday again producing average results. Two were won by the clear top rated horse and two were won by the clear 2nd top. Four races were unsuccessful.

Well, Yeats got the reception he deserved from the Irish contingent whose cheers were drowned out by the restrained applause of the rest. I had to giggle when the BBC camera showed the crowd cheering as Yeats was led into the winners enclosure. Stiff features on heads over rigid bodies with a tiny, tiny hint of a smile and about five seconds polite applause. You know what types of people are there when Claire Balding begins, "Your Majesty, my Lords Ladies and Gentlemen..." Had she continued, "...and regular, racegoing, daily viewers and financial providers for the sport," I would have been happier....

Regular readers of this blog will be familiar with Native Ruler. He has been slowly maturing and improving over the season and ran a lot better than at first glance in the Dante. As he is in the hands of a master trainer, I think he will continue his improvement and thus be there at the end of the King Edward VII Stakes (3-05). I see him making Black Bear Island and South Easter fight all the way. I will be disappointed if he doesn't make the frame.

Lillie Langtry (2-30) is very classy and I take her to hold off the challenge of the American Aegean. Others I think will run big races are Chachamaidee, She's A Character and Above Limits.

Ghanaati (3-45) seemed to surprise many people when she took the 1000 Guineas in the Spring. It has to be said that this crop of 3-Y-O fillies is not the best ever seen and as such it will be surprising if she doesn't confirm herself as the best of an average generation.

Stone Of Scone (4-20) will not be much value but the manner of his win and the way he ran in a race not run to suit last time marks this good looking horse out as a typically improving Royal Ascot handicap winner. This handicap is about as tough as they come and there are many possibles. Chief among them would appear to be Moonquake - though he may struggle to confirm form with Stone of Scone on worse terms.

Dhushan seems to have a favourite's chance in the Queen's Vase (4-55) but it is a race hard to evaluate since all are stepping up significantly in distance. It seems a case of pinsticking without the favourite.

The final race (5-30) is definitely a hopeful punt whatever your fancy. But Mister Hardy is still capable of running a very big race despite having risen a full stone for his hat-trick.

Have a good day