Global Weekly Review - 06.06.16
J A McGrath
6 June, 2016
If the weekend's Classics had been rehearsals for a West End show, I am certain I would have heard the director shouting: "Again, please, from the top!"
If the weekend's Classics had been rehearsals for a West End show, I am certain I would have heard the director shouting: "Again, please, from the top!"
Truly, folks, we desperately need to have another close look at this crop of elite three-year-olds.
Instead of the Epsom's G1 Investec Derby and the Chantilly's G1 Prix du Jockey-Club confirming opinion shaped by the 'trial' form, it has left us in a state of confusion.
On visual evidence, the Aga Khan's winner Harzand looked a progressive type, who could prove worthy of a crack at the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe rather than a G1 Doncaster St Leger contender, which was the first impression created. His late surge for the winning line was the mark of a good colt.
Epsom runner-up US Army Ranger made up 12 lengths in the home straight, and in such circumstances, the question is always asked: 'why didn't he start his run earlier?' But the stablemate he had such trouble in getting past in the G3 Chester Vase, Port Douglas, this time finished 14th, more than 34 lengths behind him.
As only a short head separated the pair at Chester - over a similar trip - why such a huge reversal in form? Port Douglas made the running on both occasions.
Idaho finished an honourable third in the Derby after looking a potent threat a furlong out. In his run prior to the Derby, he had again finished third, just behind the Jim Bolger-trained, Godolphin-owned Moonlight Magic and Shogun, in the G3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.
On Saturday, Moonlight Magic trailed in 16th of the 16 runners, and Shogun 15th.
Wings Of Desire finished fourth on Saturday, yet previously, in York's G2 Dante Stakes, he beat Deauville and Foundation, who respectively, finished 11th in the Derby and last of 16 runners in the Prix du Jockey-Club, won convincingly by Almanzor.
Sifting through the various form lines, are you just a little confused? I know I am.
For me, there have been too many horses, who have not performed anywhere near what they should have done.
Dermot Weld has announced that Harzand is unlikely to contest the G1 Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 25 if the ground is on the fast side. The ground at Epsom was Good to Soft, but the Classic hardly developed into a slog.
Let's hope conditions permit all the principals to run again in Ireland. The search through the evidence gathered thus far is inconclusive.
