The Queen Anne has the most recognizable runner for U.S. “punters,” dual Breeders Cup winner Modern Games, but 3-5 is a bit rich. If the filly Inspiral with Frankie is ready after getting off to a late start this year, she’s a fair price at 7-2 with six minutes to go. We’ll try for some value, Chindit at 14-1 and “the other” Appleby, Native Trail, currently 10-1, who appeared in need of 2023 debut.
Result: Inspiral lost her best chance at the break but was an excellent second to Triple Time, 34-1, making his first run of the year a winning one, showing speed throughout then putting his head down late to nail the filly in the final strides. Modern Games never really picked it up, one-paced throughout. The Breeders’ Cup has its first win-and-inner.
The Coventry: The babies are next and the races features some recently outstanding maiden breakers, Asadra being the most impressive in fast time, Wesley Ward’s Fandom could not have been more impressive on Keeneland debut. Irad Ortiz is off his mounts, Johnny V. subbing in on his two rides including this one. River Tiber is 2-for-2. We’re taken with Army Ethos, Archie Watson and Hollie Doyle teaming up. Shalaa colt led throughout, rebreaking on the lead late to increase his margin. Presently 9-1, hoping for a little better ante post. We’re quinella boxing, taking Army Ethos straight.
The Kings Stand: So many impressive 5-furlong sprinters: We’ve narrowed it to Aussie Cannonball (14-1), the more fancied Coolangatta (7-2), warrior mare Highfield Princess (9-5), Wesley’s rapid Twilight Gleaming (14-1), and the sprint specialist Dramatised (5-1). We’ll quinella box again, pressing on with Coolangatta, Highfield Princess and Dramatised. Straight wager at post time, price dependent.
Result: While it was a tough call, the lean is toward the stewards making the right decision for not taking down the winner who bore out badly, but the worst of the transgression came just after crossing the wire.
The Saint James’ Palace: Chaldean, Cicero’s Gift, Isaac Shelby and Paddington are out four, the win lean to Paddington, very impressive visually while taking the G1 2000 Guineas last out. At 2-1, the odds are fair as bettors are pounding Frankie on Chaldean. The most fascinating is Cicero’s Gift who is getting a serious class test here but arguably has the most upside. At 8-1 presently, the odds are fair, but no lower for us.
Result: A wow performance from Paddington, looking very much like this year’s Modern Games! Cicero’s Gift was not up to these today but too soon to give up on his promise. The winner, second on the day for Aidan O’Brien, was his 83rd winner at the Royal meet, eclipsing Sir Michael Stoute by one. Now, back to our afternoon job.
odds quoted were at time post was made
