24 Jun 2023 - NEWS
O'BRIEN AND MOORE TAKE TOP TRAINER AND JOCKEY TITLESRoyal Ascot 2019: Best of the Irish
Posted in: Royal Ascot Tips
Arizona - Coventry Stakes, Tuesday 18th June
Arizona has made a bright start to his career, bumping into a smart type on debut (who has advertised the form well since) and coming on a bundle for that experience when routing his rivals in a six-furlong minor event at the Curragh last time. That form is yet to be fully tested, but it was quite impressive the manner in which he put distance between him and his rivals, a visual performance that was backed up by the clock, recording a good timefigure. There should be even more to come from him and this race looks the logical next step, a race Aidan O'Brien has won eight times since 1997.
Settle For Bay - Royal Hunt Cup, Wednesday 19th June
Settle For Bay was victorious in this race 12 months ago, where he put up one of the most impressive performances in the race in recent years, taking a significant step forward in form terms. He is yet to build on that performance in four starts this year, starting off in Dubai earlier this year, not at his best on both occasions but far from knocked about either. The same can be said for both of his starts in Ireland the last twice, leaving the impression he is being brought to the boil steadily with a big pot in mind. Admittedly, he will have to be at his best to defy a 6 lb higher mark and make it back-to-back wins, but he clearly acts well over this C&D and it would be no surprise to see a much better showing now.
Southern France - Hardwicke Stakes, Saturday 22nd June
Southern France left the impression last season that he could make up into a Cup horse this year, finishing third in the St Leger at Doncaster before being sent off the 4/1 favourite for the Cesarewitch at Newmarket on his final start. A rare three-year-old to run in that prestigious handicap, he was unable to reproduce his St Leger form, but was far from disgraced. He looked better than ever on his latest start in the Yorkshire Cup last time, briefly looking the winner in the straight but ultimately outstayed by one with better form and stamina. Connections have stated that they plan to drop him in trip now and, judged by the way he travelled last time, he will have no problem, and will be a serious player here in a race that could potentially cut up significantly.
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