The ballydoyle camp have so many top class horses that are suited by similar races, it is becoming difficult pick a route for them through the year. He doesn't like running the good older horses against each other, but in the major races in the autumn, he might have to. I imagine Soldier Of Fortune's main aim this year is the Arc, I'm not convinced the drop back to ten furlongs in the Juddmonte would suit him. Maybe he will run in something like the Prix Foy before the Arc.
Back to the King George, again it's not a great race for something which used to be so prestigious a feew years ago. Unless the Duke and Youmzain under perform by a good few pounds, one of those will win.
Literato isn't the same horse he was, and I think this trip plays to his strengths.
Papal Bull is a nightmare of a horse to work out, but even on his best form it leaves him with a bit to find.
Ask will win a Gr1 at twelve furlongs before too long, but the drying ground is against him and connections are probably already thinking of a nice autumn campaign for him. He could be the one to take advantage if the main two underperform.
Happy Boy just isn't good enough to cope with this grade.
Lucarno got a terrific ride to win last time, but the same tactics will be harder to do here, and needs to improve a bit.
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Avatar ~ Nicky Whelan
and now we murderers because we kill time
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