Starspangledbanner, July Cup Bid Next

Having been 9-2 following his Ascot win, the Aidan O’€™Brien-trained colt was cut again today to 9-4 from 5-2 with William Hill to triumph in next month’€™s Group One July Cup dash. A victory that would enhance his position in the Global Sprint Challenge, and pose a difficult dilemma for his owners who are currently committed to exploiting his stallion potential.

Other overseas challenges come in the form of Golden Jubilee third Kinsale King, who was also trimmed by Hills today to 10-1 from 12-1, and Godolphin’€™s recent Australian import Denman who is currently 14-1 with Hills to add a British Group One to his name, on his first run for new connections.

The best hope of a British victory lies firmly in the hands of Jeremy Noseda’s Fleeting Spirit, who is currently 6-1 with William Hill to defend her title, having triumphed in last year’s edition of the race. Noseda also holds chances in Wokingham handicap winner Laddies Poker Two, who having triumphed in Handicap Company, is 14-1 with Hills to follow up in Group One class.

Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill said: Usually a wide-open betting affair, punters have turned this race into a one-horse book with an unstinting show of support for Starspangledbanner. Those in attendance at Ascot last week, knew they witnessed something very special, and have shown their support in cash.

July Cup: William Hill Bet: 9-4 Starspangledbanner, 6-1 Fleeting Spirit, 10-1 Kinsale King, 12-1 Laddies Poker Two, Society Rock, 14-1 Nicconi, 16-1 Equiano, Happy Zero, Kingsgate Native, 20-1 Arcano, High Standing, Joy And Fun, Main Aim, War Artist, 25-1 Marchand D’Or, Prime Defender, Red Jazz, Showcasing, Triple Aspect, 33-1 Bar (EW 1/4 1,2,3)

Starspangledbanner Targets July Cup is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Jan Vermeer is the 2/1 favourite for the Dubai Duty Irish Derby with totesport following the news that only last week’s Royal Ascot hero Monterosso has been supplemented for Sunday’s race at the Curragh. At 5/1 it could be a good bet.

Another Mark Johnston win at Royal Ascot

Aidan O’Brien has another typically strong hand as he aims to win the race for the fifth time in succession. As well as the favourite, he also has the 4/1 joint-second favourites in the shape of Cape Blanco and Midas Touch as well as Investec Derby runner-up At First Sight and probable pacemaker Bright Horizon.

“Aidan O’Brien would have been disappointed with the way Jan Vermeer ran in the Investec Derby but Ballydoyle’s previous four winners of the Irish equivalent have all been beaten at Epsom before going on to win at the Curragh so the favourite is well worth another shot to prove his worth,” said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

The supplemented Monterosso is a 5/1 shot with totesport to add the Irish Derby to his Royal Ascot success whilst Coordinated Cut and Chabal are next in the market at 10/1 and 11/1 respectively.

Elsewhere, Deauville Flyer has been popular for the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday and has been cut to 7/1 (from 8/1) by totesport at the head of the market. Overturn has also been backed and is now the clear 8/1 second favourite (from 9/1) whilst Chiberta King is 10/1 from 11/1.

John Smith’s Northumberland Plate – totesport bet: 7 (from Deauville Flyer, 8 (from 9) Overturn, 9 Junior, Mamlook, 10 (from 11) Chiberta King, 11 Bernie The Bolt, Red Cadeaux, 12 Elyaadi, Halla San, 14 Crackentorp, Dazinski, Drunken Sailor, Merchant Of Dubai, Opinion Poll, 16 Aaim To Prosper, Desert Sea, Rajik, Spirit Is Needed, Tyrrells Wood, Wells Lyrical, 20 Just Rob, La Vecchia Scuola, Sabotage, Sopranist, Stanstill, 25 Bow To No One, Brett Vale, Cosmic Sun, Moon Indigo, My Arch, Royal Diamond, Shipmaster, Sleepy Hollow, Tilt, Zaralabad, 33 Becausewecan, Bothy, Dazzling Light, Macarthur, Theola, 40 Act Of Kalanisi, Dulcie, Overrule, 50 Crocus Rose, Grey Granite, Raincoat, 66 Inchnadamph, 100 Royal Trooper, 150 Gaselee.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby – totesport bet: 2 Jan Vermeer, 4 Cape Blanco, Midas Touch, 5 Monterosso, 10 Coordinated Cut, 11 Chabal, 14 At First Sight, 16 Carraiglawn, 16 Puncher Clynch, 20 Dubawi Phantom, 100 Bright Horizon.

1/5 1-2-3

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes – totesport bet: Evs Workforce, 7/2 Harbinger, 6 Sariska, 7 Dar Re Mi, 12 Daryakana, Jan Vermeer, 14 Age Of Aquarius, Rewilding, Age Of Aquarius, Rewilding, Youmzain, 16 Ask, Midday, Profound Beauty, Spanish Moon, 25 Alainmaar, Cavalryman, Cutlass Bay, Holberg, Midas Touch, Simon De Montfort, 33 Campanologist, Chabal, Mawatheeq, 40 Allybar, 50 Al Zir, Crowded House, Glass Harmonium, Very Good Day, Viscount Nelson, Wajir, 66 Jukebox Jury, Redwood, 100 Confront.

¼ 1-2-3

Ladbrokes St Leger – totesport bet: 9/2 Rewilding, 8 Midas Touch, Monterosso, 10 Mikhailo Glinka, 12 Coordinated Cut, 14 Berling, 16 Dandino, Theology, Total Command, 20 Ted Spread.

¼ 1-2-3

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – totesport bet: 3 Workforce, 5 Fame And Glory, 6 Lope de Vega, 10 Byword, Harbinger, 12 St Nicholas Abbey, 16 Dar Re Mi, Sariska.

¼ 1-2-3

2000 Guineas: 9 Strong Suit, 16 Elzaam, 20 Zaidan.

Jan Vermeer, Favourite For irish Derby is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Aidan O'Brien has been charged by BHA

The Ballydoyle handler refused to allow his stable lad Pat Keating permission to trot the horse up in front of the BHA’s veterinary officer and the senior racecourse veterinary surgeon as part of their examination of the colt. This comes after the O’Brien runners ran poorly in the English and French Derbys, having all been well beaten apart from the pacemaker who finished second at 100/1 in The Epsom Derby.

O’Brien has been charged with breaches of Rule (A)37 and (B)83, in that he encouraged and/or caused Keating to refuse to comply with two instructions given by the stewards. No date has been announced for the hearing yet.

I think that common sense has to come in here, I don’t know why the BHA had to get involved and O’Brien in my view was right to not want a third party vet getting involved. There was no welfare issue, Ballydoyle have their own vets and the race was over. Prior to the race then that would be different. This is nonesense in my book and only makes British Racing look silly.

Aidan O’Brien In Bother is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Epsom’s official betting partner totesport have released a host of specials on the Investec Derby after twelve were declared for the 1m4f classic on Saturday.

Aidan O'Brian and Johnny Murtagh

Aidan O’Brien trains three of the twelve declared – including hot favourite Jan Vermeer – and it’s an even money chance that the Ballydoyle maestro trains the winner with 8/11 being offered that any other horse wins.

‘Whilst Aidan O’Brien may not have the strength in-depth that many thought he would have in this year’s Derby, there are many that think that he is still on course to train his 3rd winner of the classic and it’s even money that he does so,’ said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

For his part Johnny Murtagh is very confident that he will run a big race in The Derby. He told the Racing Post: “Like Jan Vermeer, Midas Touch is a very nice horse. The Derrinstown is always a good race and it was solidly run this year with a track record at the end of it.

“I did pick Midas Touch over Jan Vermeer in France last year, but my lad has now beaten Midas Touch the twice he has met him, so that’s what swayed me. It’s always a tough race with a lot of very good horses in it, but I’m very confident.”

Bullet Train and Workforce head a special English-trained Derby market at 11/4, with Rewilding next in the betting at 4/1 and Azmeel 6/1. Midas Touch has been the one punters have wanted to be with this afternoon and Aidan O’Brien’s colt is now 11/2 (from 6/1) with totesport.

Investec Derby Special: AP O’Brien vs the field – totesport bet: 8/11 The Field, Evs AP O’Brien-trained winner.

Investec Derby Special: English Trained Derby – totesport bet: 11/4 Bullet Train, Workforce, 4 Rewilding, 6 Azmeel, 10 Al Zir, Coordinated Cut, 16 Ted Spread, 25 Buzzword, Hot Prospect.

Investec Derby Special: Match Bets – totesport bet: 8/11 Workforce, Evs Bullet Train; 5/6 Al Zir, 5/6 Coordinated Cut; 8/11 Ted Spread, Evs Hot Prospect.

Investec Derby – totesport bet: 7/4 Jan Vermeer, 5 Workforce, 11/2 (from 6) Midas Touch, 6 Bullet Train, 15/2 Rewilding, 12 Azmeel, 20 Al Zir, Coordinated Cut, 33 Ted Spread, 50 Buzzword, Hot Prospect, 150 At First Sight.

£25 Free Bet For Epsom…..

Will Aidan O’Brien Train The Derby Winner? is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Fame and Glory Out of Derby

The three-year-old colt was on Tuesday morning found to have suffered a slight muscle injury in a hind quarter. A statement on Coolmore.com reads;

“St Nicholas Abbey was due to work first thing this morning, however when he came out of his box we noticed he was stiff behind. He had looked slightly stiff yesterday evening. His work on Friday last was a little lacklustre for him and that was the first time we had seen anything different but he was fine afterwards.

He was immediately examined and scanned by our vets this morning. They found a slight muscle injury high up in his hind quarter. This meant he could not work today and we were advised to give him an easy few days.

Obviously this will preclude him from running in the Investec Derby on Saturday. We always thought St Nicholas Abbey could walk on water and it is very unfortunate for all concerned to have a setback like this so close to the big race..”

Winter favourite St Nicholas Abbey has been announced as a non-runner for the Investec Derby this morning.

Jan Vermeer is the 13/8 favourite for Saturday’s Investec Derby with Stan James following the news that long time antepost favourite St Nicholas Abbey will miss the race. Trainer Aidan O’Brien reported the colt pulled out of his box stiff this morning before he was due to work.

Head of PR Charlie McCann: “The news of the defection of St Nicholas Abbey is not wholly unexpected given he was out to 7/2 before news of his injury came to light this morning. We suggest Johnny Murtagh will now ride Jan Vermeer the only Group 1 winner left in the field but the big question now is how many will Ballydoyle saddle? One would expect impressive Derrinstown Derby Trial winner Midas Touch will be on the plane to Epsom but will the unbeaten Cape Blanco take his chance or go to Chantilly for the French version on Sunday?”

The Derby 2010 ~ Outright Ante Post, (place terms: 1/4 the first 3):

13-8 Jan Vermeer (from 7/4)
5 Workforce (from 6)
6 Midas Touch (from 7)
13-2 Bullet Train (from 7)
9 Cape Blanco (unchanged)
10 Rewilding (from 11)
14 Azmeel
20 Coordinated Cut
28 Al Zir
28 Ted Spread
66 Bar

William Hill spokesman David Hood said, “This is a real body blow for punters. St Nicholas Abbey had been the long time favourite for the Derby ever since his win in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October. Of course, ante post liabilities are only a fraction of what is incurred on the day, but we estimate that punters would already have stood to win in excess of £3million across the industry.”

Latest Investec Derby Betting: 13-8 Jan Vermeer (from 7-4), 11-2 Workforce (from 6), 6-1 Midas Touch (from 7), Bullet Train (from 8), 9-1 Rewilding, 12-1 Azmeel, Cape Blanco, 20-1 Coordinated Cut, 25-1 Al Zir, 40-1 Ted Spread, 66-1 Buzzword, Hot Prospect 150-1 At First Sight, 200-1 Bright Horizon – (EW ¼ 1,2,3) – NR St Nicholas Abbey

David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “It’s dreadful news for punters. They kept the faith all through the Winter. We reckon at least £2 million has been staked on St Nicholas Abbey since late last Summer. There’s no way to soften the blow. It highlights the perils of antepost punting but the timing and scale of the news have combined to render it very bleak news indeed.”

Ladbrokes Prices: 7/4 Jan Vermeer, 6 Workforce, 7 Midas Touch, 7 Bullet Train, 7 Cape Blanco, 10 Rewilding, 14 Azmeel, 20 Coordinated Cut, 25 Al Zir, 40 Ted Spread, 50 Buzzword, 50 Hot Prospect, 66 bar (1/4 odds 1,2,3)

Given the money for Jan Vermeer and the vibes emanating from Ballydoyle over the past few days, it’s not the biggest surprise to see St Nicholas Abbey miss the Derby but this will be a real kick in the teeth for ante-post punters who had piled on the Racing Post Trophy winner over the winter,’ said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

Investec Derby – totesport bet: 13/8 (from 7/4) Jan Vermeer, 6 (from 7) Bullet Train, Midas Touch, Workforce, 9 Cape Blanco, 10 (from 12) Rewilding, 12 (from 14) Azmeel, 20 (from 25) Coordinated Cut, 25 Al Zir, Ted Spread, 40 (from 50) Buzzword, 50 (from 66) Hot Prospect, 100 At First Sight, 150 Bright Horizon.

Get the latest Derby odds with 888 Sport

St Nicholas Abbey Out Of Derby is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Sea The Stars last year's Derby winner

Aidan O’Brien is responsible for six of the 15 acceptors but winter ante-post favourite St Nicholas Abbey continues to drift in the market after a less than satisfactory workout last week and is now out to 4/1 (from 7/2).

‘It’s looking increasingly likely that Jan Vermeer will go off favourite for this year’s Derby and will surely shorten further if Johnny Murtagh decides to ride him instead of St Nicholas Abbey,’ said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

Godolphin now have three in the race following their decision to supplement both recent Goodwood winner Rewilding and Buzzword. The former is a 12/1 shot with totesport whilst Buzzword has been introduced into the market at 50/1. Al Zir is their other remaining entry and is available at 33/1. Godolphin pay £75,000 to supplement Rewilding on Saturday and also add stablemate Buzzword. Chabal a non-runner.

Henry Cecil’s Bullet Train has also come in for support and is now a 7/1 shot (from 8/1).

Investec Coronation Cup - totesport bet: 11/10 Fame And Glory, 9/4 Sariska, 6 Cavalryman, 7 Youmzain, 14 Jukebox Jury, 16 High Heeled, 25 South Easter, 33 Clowance, 66 Dixie Music, 100 Bashkirov.

Kieren Fallon will partner Bikini Babe for Middleham trainer Mark Johnston in The Oaks. Claire Baldings thoughts….

Investec Oaks – totesport bet: 9/2 Aviate, 5 Rumoush, 6 (from 13/2) Timepiece, Sajjhaa, 8 Remember When, 9 Akdarena, 12 Ceilidh House, Gertrude Bell, 14 Snow Fairy, 25 Awe Inspiring, Champagnelifestyle, Hibaayeb, 33 Cabaret, Marie de Medici, Meeznah, 66 Bikini Babe, 100 Lady Lupus.

Investec Derby – totesport bet: 9/4 (from 5/2) Jan Vermeer, 4 St Nicholas Abbey, 7 (from Bullet Train, Midas Touch, 15/2 Workforce, 9 Cape Blanco, 12 Rewilding, 14 Azmeel, 25 Coordinated Cut, 33 Al Zir, Ted Spread, 50 Buzzword, 66 Hot Prospect, 100 At First Sight, 150 Bright Horizon.

¼ 1-2-3

Remember what Aidan O’Brien had to say on Saturdays Morning Line….

Aidan O’Brien Leaves Six In The Derby is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Murtagh delays Derby Decision

Johnny Murtagh is to delay his decision on which horse he will ride in the Investec Derby after saying that St Nicholas Abbey disappointed him in a spin on Friday. O’Brien said it wasn’t disappointing, just not as scintillating as normal.

St Nicholas may not run at Epsom if they are unhappy and Jan Vermeer now favourite for the Derby was due to go to France. What was clear in the Channel 4 interview is that Coolmore don’t know who will run where or who will ride who but did say they will know by Wednesday, so hold your bets is our advice until then!

It is a nice problem for O’Brien to have but a nightmare for punters. I always think the market has it right and Jan Vermeer must be the one at this stage, with an alarming drift on St Nicholas Abbey. Imagine being Johnny Murtagh, if he makes the wrong decision he will be gutted.

This is what Aidan O’Brieno actually said, on The Morning Line; have a listen…(got 95% of it recorded)

Transcript;
“St Nicholas Abbey did a piece of work on Tuesday and Johnny Murtagh was over the moon with him but he was a little bit disappointed on Friday morning so we decided to let everybody know.

“Colm O’Donoghue rode Midas Touch and he thought he had improved a lot from Leopardstown so that’s also there but usually St Nicholas Abbey is head and shoulders above everything, he’s the most incredible worker you’ve ever seen.

“I suppose it might have just taken Johnny back a bit that he just worked as well as Midas Touch.

“He wasn’t disappointing, just not as scintillating as he usually is.

“There is always a possibility that any horse wouldn’t run, everything has to be right for them to run in a race like that so you could never say never.

“I think we’ll make a final decision in the middle of the week. Obviously we have to decide which horses will go to France. Viscount Nelson will definitely go there and whether something goes with him will be decided in the middle of the week.

“They’ll work again on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the horses, we’ll have the main work done by then.

“The two intended for Epsom were St Nicholas Abbey and Midas Touch, along with At First Sight.

“Jan Vermeer and Cape Blanco had the possibility of going to France too so if there was any doubt about St Nicholas Abbey there is a big chance Jan Vermeer might go to Epsom as well.

“But it’s all up in the air and I would say to everybody to just wait and see because we wouldn’t want to run him unless we were very happy with him.”

Hold Your Bets and keep your eye on Betfair is your top tip at the minute for The Investec Derby!

Derby Picture Very Unclear Following O’Brien Interview is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Jan Vermeer now tops the betting for the Investec Derby with William Hill at 11-4 after transposing the long-time favourite, and stable-mate, St Nicholas Abbey following a mass of support throughout Monday. Hills have slashed the odds of the Montjeu colt to 11-4 from 6-1 today after punters battered the betting from early this morning, pushing out St Nicholas Abbey to 3-1 from his 7-4 odds earlier today.

Aidan O'Brien Derbychances galore

The 2000 Guineas sixth had been favourite for the Epsom race since taking the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October, and available as short as 6-4 for the middle-distance Classic. Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill, said: ‘

’The punters have forced our hand with Jan Vermeer this morning, and no amount of maneuvering has stemmed the tide of money for him. Punters it seems, have forgotten all about St Nicholas Abbey.’’

The move comes as Johnny Murtagh rode St Nicholas Abbey at Ballydoyle and was reported to be unhappy. Aidan O’Brien, writing on the Coolmore Website said; Johnny Murtagh rode St Nicholas Abbey this morning and thought he might not have shown the same sparkle he showed last Tuesday morning, therefore he won’t make up his mind what horse he rides in the Investec Derby until the middle of next week,”

What a nice problem to have, which of the four leading horses to choose!

Investec Derby: 11-4 Jan Vermeer, 3-1 St.Nicholas Abbey, 9-1 Bullet Train, Cape Blanco, 10-1Midas Touch, Rewilding, Workforce, 11-1 Azmeel, 20-1 Coordinated Cut, 33-1 Al Zir, Chabal, Ted Spread, 66-1 Ameer, Hot Prospect 100-1 At First Sight, 200-1 Averoes, Bright Horizon, Gumnd, 500-1 Trovare – (EW ¼ 1,2,3)

New Derby Favourite- Jan Vermeer is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Aidan O'Brien has a strong hand!

His horses, St Nicholas Abbey, Jan Vermeer, Cape Blanco and Midas Touch are the leaders in the betting market, see below. As is typical O’Brien plays his cards close to his chest;

“It is difficult to say which of them will run at Epsom, and I don’t want to mislead anybody”

It must be difficult to split them, they have won big races, with Cape Blanco and Jan Vermeer looking very impressive ahead of the Derby at Epsom on Saturday week. Once we know what will run we will of course give you our best bets for The Derby.

St Nicholas Abbey- disappointing in the 2000 Guineas but vibes still good that he will be better over the Derby trip.
Cape Blanco, Won the Dante at York and can go to Epsom with a big chance as Derby winners have done well in this trial
Jan Vermeer was very impressive at the Curragh and has been well backed since then.
Midas Touch was another impressive winner in ireland who could spring a shock.

Investec Derby Betting: 7-4 St.Nicholas Abbey, 6-1 Jan Vermeer, 8-1 Cape Blanco, Midas Touch, 10-1 Bullet Train, Workforce, 11-1 Rewilding, 14-1 Azmeel, 20-1 Coordinated Cut, 33-1 Chabal, Ted Spread, 40-1 Al Zir, 66-1 Ameer, Hot Prospect 100-1 At First Sight, 200-1 Averoes, Bright Horizon, Gumnd, 500-1 Trovare (EW 1,2,3)

The Derby Dream….Carl Harris’s thoughts

The Derby, Aidan O’Brien Living The Dream is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Fame and Glory trained by Aidan O'Brien

Last season’s Irish Derby winner was securing his third Group One on Sunday and is was assumed he next port of call would be the Coronation Cup at Epsom’s Derby meeting. However, Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O’Brien did mention that might come a little too soon, and the Royal Ascot race over 10 furlongs arrives nearly two weeks later in the calendar.

“Fame And Glory won nicely in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, he will probably go next to either the Coronation Cup at Epsom or the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot,” reported O’Brien on www.coolmore.com.

O’Brien also had new of some other stable stars who ran at the Irish Guineas meeting.

“We were really pleased with Steinbeck’s run in the Guineas on Saturday, he came home very strongly and we expect him to improve from the run. We will aim him for the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot,” he added.

“We were also delighted with Viscount Nelson’s run and he will probably be aimed at the French Derby next.

“Fencing Master was a little disappointing in the race, we feel that he was not quite right. We are going to give him a little break and give him some time to come back to himself.


“Both two-year-olds ran really good races in the Marble Hill Stakes. Samuel Morse will probably go for the Coventry at Royal Ascot and So Stylish could go for the Albany, also at Royal Ascot.

“We were really pleased with Jan Vermeer’s run in the Gallinule, he showed plenty of pace and came home really well despite it being his first run of the season.

“Remember When ran very well in the 1000 Guineas, she might go for the Oaks next.

“Lillie Langtry ran a great race for her first run back, she could go for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot for her next start.”

Fame And Glory To Grace Royal Ascot is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk