2009 Investec Coronation Cup preview

Filed on 3 Jun 2009 @ 10:06

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2009 INVESTEC CORONATION CUP (GROUP 1) (CLASS 1) (Four-Year-Olds & upwards)

Epsom, Friday 5 May 2009. One Mile Four Furlongs and ten yards.

Horse Rating	Comment

Youmzain 126	Youmzain is a high-class consistent performer at Group One Level. Group One wins in the Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud and the Preis Von Europa are backed up by runner-up spots in the Coronation Cup, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe (twice). All those performances have come on good or good to soft ground. It can be argued on faster ground, he lacks the mid-race pace which so often sees him storming through the field in the final furlong. In addition, one hopes this is a truly run race as he may be vulnerable to a sudden surge of pace off a slow gallop. Nevertheless, he is 5lb clear on FSF ratings and looks sure to take all the beating. He has been pleasing his trainer since returning from a luckless run in Dubai where he finished fourth to Eastern Anthem.
Casual Conquest 121	Dermot Weld’s colt had three runs in 2008. Following his win in the Derrinstown Derby Trial, he finished third in the English Derby, before ending his season prematurely with the runner-up spot in the Irish version. Returning to action he did not handle the ground and ran a disappointing race behind Bronze Cannon. He returned to top form in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh where he demolished a good field by five and a half lengths. Both Lush Lashes and Thewayyouare ran well below expectations, but Casual Conquest dominated the race from start to finish. A stronger colt this season this season, fast ground would be a problem. After his win at the Curragh Dermot Weld stated, “I was probably wrong to run him on firm ground as those conditions went against him but he is a very good horse as we know from last year and deserved that. I may give him the summer off from now and train him for the Arc. The Irish Champion Stakes and the Arc are the obvious races for him”.
Ask 120	Ask has now won on his seasonal debut in 2007, 2008, & 2009. His overall record is let down only by performances at the highest level. He has run five times in Group One races; his second in the 2007 Canadian International being the only time he reached the frame. In Group Two & Three contests he is four wins from five runs with the one defeat coming on very soft ground at Newbury. His return to action this year saw him bolt up in the Yorkshire Cup, looking an improved performer that day. However, until he has done it at the highest level, a cautionary note is advised.
Look Here 120	Just four runs from this filly; however one of those came in 2008 Oaks. She ran out a worthy winner from Moonstone who went on to land the Irish Oaks. Her trainer reported in March she had done well physically and this race would be her first of the season. Whether she can up her game to beat the colts remains to be seen; nevertheless, she has shown her effectiveness on this track in Group One company.
Frozen Fire 119	Frozen Fire is something of an enigma. His two best runs in 2008 were second to Tartan Bearer in the Dante and winning the Irish Derby. He appeared to dislike racing at Epsom in the Derby and one wonders how he will react if returned to this venue. In addition, it is hard to predict which side of his character will surface. His FSF rating suggests he will need to up his game from his best performance so far; I would suggest the percentage call is, unlikely!
Eastern Anthem 117	This fellow has proved a revelation in Dubai this year. Having won two handicaps in fast times, he remarkably upped his game to claim the Dubai Sheema Classic with a fast, late surge, that just landed the spoils. One has to suggest Youmzain was desperately unlucky not to have won the race and the likelihood is he will turn the tables. However, Eastern Anthem was considered a Derby colt in his juvenile and early three-year-old career; now he has found the wining habit further improvement cannot be ruled out. Having run well at Goodwood, the undulations of Epsom should not bother him; it should be noted he is a son of the Oaks winning filly Kazzia. He has proved himself effective on both good and good to firm ground. His turn of foot in Dubai was devastating; a repeat of that could see him landing another Group One.
Scintillo 115	Richard Hannon’s colt has been remarkably consistent this Winter and Spring. The highlight coming at Chantilly last Sunday in the Group Two Grand prix De Chantilly. He still has something to prove at this level; however, he could be a surprise packet if the race developed into a tactical affair.
Duncan 114	Transferred from John Dunlop to John Gosden over the winter. Duncan has won a handicap on this course and a Listed race at Ascot. He looked to have plenty more to offer at Ascot, though this will be his sternest test so far. Despite improving 14lb this season, he needs to progress another 10/12lb to win here.
Buccelatti 113	Buccellati has progressed through the handicap ranks into a genuine Group Two/Three performer. He stays the trip and appears versatile as far as ground and track are concerned. He looks sure to give a good account of himself, without perhaps being good enough.
All The Aces 113	Solid performer in Group Two/Three Grade without suggesting he is capable of progressing into the highest level. Should handle the track; may be at his very best on easier ground.
Expresso Star 113	Expresso Star bolted up in the Lincoln before finding Doctor Freemantle too good for him at Chester. He should find a Group Two/Three in due course, but may have stamina issues, if his breeding is anything to go by.
Doctor Freemantle 113	Latest reports suggest he will miss the race and he is another who has something to find at Group One level.

Filed on 3 Jun 2009 @ 10:06

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