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Al Kazeem crowned in Prince of Wales's

Al Kazeem (outside) ran down Mukhadram to take the Prince of Wales's at Royal Ascot (Frank Sorge/Horsephotos.com) Al Kazeem rewarded the patience of his owner John Deer and trainer Roger Charlton by coming through to cut down the front-running Mukhadram by a neck in the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday. The victory gave his jockey, James Doyle, a first Royal Ascot success. "It's magical, really -- to get a Royal Ascot winner," Doyle said. "It leaves you speechless in some ways but this is what it is all about. All of those mornings, working hard, going to all of the evening meetings and all of the hard work that you put in. It does pay and it's great when it does. "It is the best feeling in the world -- you dream of Royal Ascot winners when you are growing up and it is amazing to have one." Former champion jockey Paul Hanagan produced an audacious ride aboard Mukhadram that almost pulled off a surprise win in the £500,000, 1 1/4-mile contest over the good going. Hanagan set the pace aboard the William Haggas trainee and then kicked clear on the home turn. Mukhadram four-year-old partner produced a sustained burst for the line that held off all rivals bar one, Al Kazeem, who wore him down to win by a neck. It was another 3 1/4 lengths farther back to The Fugue in third.

"I was only worried for a second, when we turned in," Doyle remarked. "I thought that Paul Hanagan gave his horse (Mukhadram) a fantastic ride -- he got the fractions right, filled his up at the right time and quickened off the turn.

"We settled into a nice rhythm but Mukhadram got a couple of lengths on me turning in and I had to make them up. I could see Paul just getting away from me on the turn and had a bit of work to do but you have to believe in your horse -- I have done nothing but win on this fellow. My confidence with him is amazing.

"Al Kazeem digs deep and is such a hardy, tough horse. He loves to get in a battle and he showed what a good horse he is by quickening up. I am very lucky to be sat on him.

"He is a class act over a mile and a quarter and arguably even better over a mile and a half. But a mile and a quarter is no problem -- he has the tactical speed, quickened and picked up. He is a serious horse over a mile and a quarter."

Al Kazeem earned his fourth straight win and remains perfect in three starts thus far this season. He only raced once as a four-year-old last season, taking the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in May 2012, and didn't reappear until capturing his April 27 debut in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes by a length. The bay son of Dubawi entered the Prince of Wales's off a 1 1/2-length score in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in Ireland.

"The name of the game is patience," Charlton stated. "Sir Henry Cecil said 'patience, patience and more patience' and you need the owners to do that. We always thought we had a really good horse, so it was worth waiting for.

"To be fair, we nearly ran him in the autumn (last year) and then decided to give him more time. You can't do it without the horse and, as we saw today, he is a very tough, very genuine horse. I thought for an awful minute that we weren't going to get there but James seemed quite confident, so how do I know anything? I thought James gave him a great ride. For a young guy who hasn't ridden that many good horses, I am so pleased for James. We have asked him big questions and he has delivered. He is going to go forwards."

Charlton was celebrating his biggest success at Royal Ascot with his eighth winner.

"Obviously, it is very thrilling," he added. "It would have been horrible to just miss out with all due to respect to William Haggas' horse. It would have been awful to be in front a stride past the line. It is always nerve-wracking -- I am never complacent. You never take anything for granted until they are past the line."

Al Kazeem has really come on for his connections. Prior to last year's first stakes win in the Jockey Club his best finish against black-type rivals were runner-up efforts in the Group 3 St. Simon Stakes, Group 3 Arc Trial and Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes, all in 2011.

"His owner breeder was offered lots of money for this horse and often people accept those offers so I am lucky to have the horse really," Charlton said. "He is a very special horse. He is a very good-looking horse -- he has got that lovely Dubawi head and he clearly stays a mile and a half well and he has all the attributes that make a good horse. He has a fantastic temperament and, apart from the pelvis, has been fantastically sound and he is a real trier."

While Charlton didn't name Al Kazeem's next start, he wasn't shy about stating where he'd like to eventually run.

"I think that there are lots of lovely races for Al Kazeem. I don't know without discussing it with the owner but I have always longed to have a runner in the Arc -- I think he is a horse who is very happy if the ground is on the soft side and he has proved that he probably needs a mile and a half. That would be his end of season target and very exciting to go for," he said.

"I think he needs an Arc preparation -- not run too close to the race -- a bit like Rainbow Quest. I think that it is important not to be too greedy and suddenly think that 'gosh, that race is worth this and that race is worth that.' We have to plan it and, if he was to run in the Arc, maybe we could go for the King George and then to the Arc. It's silly to talk about this but the Eclipse is 17 days away, which he would be favorite for. The horse will tell us."

Mukhadram entered the Prince of Wales's off a first stakes victory in the Group 3 Brigadier General at Sandown on May 30. Despite the close loss on the wire, the four-year-old's jockey was still full of praise for the Shamardal colt.

"Everything went to plan and he's so genuine that when I kicked I thought I had it," Hanagan said. "I knew it would take a very good horse to beat me, and, of course, that is what happened. He went down fighting -- it went to plan, but not that well because we didn't win, but he gave everything."

Mukhadram's trainer was quick to commend both horse and jockey.

"It was a fantastic ride, the horse ran his guts out and the trainer has almost lost his voice," Haggas said. "I'm very proud of the horse. It was jockey and owner planning -- I can't tell you what a marvelous ride (Hanagan) gave him and he nearly nicked it."

Mukhadram is entered in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting on Saturday, but when asked if he might run, Haggas said, "No chance!"

The Fugue was running for the first time since a third-place effort in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf last November. Her trainer, John Gosden, said, "She ran a super race and finished very strongly, so I'm delighted with her. The first two set a very high standard and (Hanagan) did a very good job.

"She can race over a mile and a quarter to a mile and a half. The Pretty Polly Stakes (on June 30) is probably going to come too soon, but there's the Nassau Stakes, the Coral-Eclipse and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes to consider, but she does like this ground."

Last year's dual Epsom and Irish Derby winner Camelot, who had a colic operation in October last year, could fare no better than fourth in the Prince of Wales's.

"We will wait and see what happens next," trainer Aidan O'Brien said of the 5-2 favorite. "He had a tough enough winter -- they will tell you (surgeons) that a big operation will take at least four months for the wound to heal.

"I have never really chased him (at home) -- we have been letting the racing bring him on but maybe it is time to chase him we have to be very conscious of what he has been through. The runs have been bringing him on but maybe he is at the stage where he should be chased after a little bit.

"There are a lot of options open to him -- races like the Coral-Eclipse and all those races. We have got to where we are now and maybe need to change a few little things."

"Well it is a bit disappointing -- we thought he would get a bit closer to Al Kazeem this time," added Derek Smith, who is one of the co-owners of the dual classic-winning Montjeu colt. "We will just have to go away and think about things. We have no real thoughts about what to do next we will just have to go away and have a chat about it."

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Circular Quay colts tops robust OBS session

Hip No. 266, CHEERS OF THUNDER (Circular Quay) whose three-eighths in :33 1/5 at Saturday's Under Tack session was the day's fastest at the distance, was sold to Paul Pompa Jr. for $275,000 to top the first session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's 2013 June Sale of Two-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age on Tuesday. Consigned by Blue River Bloodstock, Agent, the bay colt is out of Trail of Cheers (Indian Charlie) and is from the family of multiple Grade 2 winner Crafty Friend (Crafty Prospector).

Cheers of Thunder previously brought $300,000 at the OBS April sale of two-year-olds and $12,000 as an OBS August yearling.

Hip 180, a colt by Smart Strike consigned by All in Line Stables, agent, went to Steven W. Young, agent for Dogwood Stable, for $200,000. The bay colt, who worked an eighth in :10 3/5 at Friday's Under Tack session, is out of Silk Road (Giant's Causeway), a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Summer Colony (Summer Squall).

The colt was previously a $130,000 Keeneland November weanling.

Hip 176, a First Samurai colt whose eighth in :10 flat was co-fastest on Friday, was purchased for $155,000 by EQB, Inc., agent for Ken and Sarah Ramsey. Consigned by Wavertree Stables (Ciaran Dunne), agent, the bay colt is out of Shoo In (Dynaformer), a half-sister to stakes winner Promise of War (Lord at War). This is the family of Grade 1 winner Rose's Cantina (Naskra).

The colt was previously a $90,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling.

Gary Young, agent, went to $150,000 for Hip 336, a filly by Dixie Union consigned by Niall Brennan Stables, agent. The dark bay, who breezed a quarter in :21 2/5 on Saturday, is out of African Sunrise (Tale of the Cat), a half-sister to Group 3 winner Tough Speed (Miswaki).

The filly was led out of the ring unsold following a $70,000 bid at the Keeneland September yearling sale.

For the session, 220 horses grossed $6,695,500, a rise of 31.6 percent compared with 221 horses bringing a total of $5,087,800 at last year's first session. The average was $30,434, up 32.2 percent from $23,022 a year ago, while the median price was $20,000, a gain of 33.3 percent compared with $15,000 last year.

The June Sale continues Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (EDT). Full results can be found at obssales.com.

Duntle flies the Irish flag in Duke of Cambridge

Ireland's wonderful record at Royal Ascot 2013 was further embellished when Duntle became the country's sixth winner from eight races with a half-length victory in the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes on Wednesday.

The four-year-old daughter of Danehill Dancer, trained by David Wachman and ridden by Wayne Lordan, sported the colors of Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd., a Niarchos family interest.

Ladys First led the field under jockey Paul Hanagan, who urged her to go on about three furlongs out. Meanwhile, Lordan had Duntle settled in midpack before setting her down to chase the leader. Duntle took command with a furlong remaining and was ridden out to beat Ladys First with Dank finishing another head back in third.

"The placed horses wouldn't go away, but this filly doesn't do much when she hits the front," Lordan said. "Because we went so slowly I hit the front a little earlier than planned and she idled a bit, but when the fillies came around her she picked up.

"It was tight, but I always knew I was going to the line safe enough. Hopefully this year she will have a change of luck and win that Group 1."

Duntle won last year's Sandringham Handicap at the Royal meeting, and later finished first in the Group 1 Matron Stakes, but was disqualified and placed second in the latter event.

"She did it well and Wayne gave her a very good ride," Wachman remarked. "The filly doesn't want to hit the front too soon and they didn't go a great gallop which didn't help. He was going very easily while trying to hang onto her, and while he got to the front soon enough he still had plenty up his sleeve.

"She's a tough filly who won't win by far. She's a Group 1 winner, although they took it off her in the stewards' room, and she'll be heading back that way again. There is a good program for fillies and mares and plenty of options, but the race at Deauville -- the Prix Jacques Le Marois -- which Maria Niarchos sponsors will be on the agenda.

"I train three for Maria, but a few more as good as this one would be all right."

After battling for second in the Duke of Cambridge, Ladys First could find herself on a plane headed for North America.

"She is really tough and genuine," trainer Richard Fahey stated. "I might take her to America next -- the (Grade 1) Beverly D. (at Arlington Park on August 17). I think a mile and one around two turns is where she wants to be."

Ladys First has finished out of the top three just four times in her 14-race career, but has only managed to fill the winner's spot on two occasions, the last time being in a listed mile event at Haydock Park in August 2012.

"The owner says I have to win before I can go -- though I think he will say yes after that," Fahey added.

"She's one of the gamest fillies -- she fought back all the way, she's run a blinder," Hanagan praised the Dutch Art filly. "It would have been great for her to get her head in front -- she deserves it."

Sir Michael Stoute, who trains third-placer Dank, was also quick to applaud his runner's effort.

"She never lets us down, she's just so consistent," he said. "She is a nine-furlong Group 2 at the Curragh as well as the Falmouth but we will need a little time to go home and see what we do next."

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Al Kazeem crowned in Prince of Wales's

Al Kazeem (outside) ran down Mukhadram to take the Prince of Wales's at Royal Ascot (Frank Sorge/Horsephotos.com) Al Kazeem rewarded the patience of his owner John Deer and trainer Roger Charlton by coming through to cut down the front-running Mukhadram by a neck in the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday. The victory gave his jockey, James Doyle, a first Royal Ascot success. "It's magical, really -- to get a Royal Ascot winner," Doyle said. "It leaves you speechless in some ways but this is what it is all about. All of those mornings, working hard, going to all of the evening meetings and all of the hard work that you put in. It does pay and it's great when it does. "It is the best feeling in the world -- you dream of Royal Ascot winners when you are growing up and it is amazing to have one." Former champion jockey Paul Hanagan produced an audacious ride aboard Mukhadram that almost pulled off a surprise win in the £500,000, 1 1/4-mile contest over the good going. Hanagan set the pace aboard the William Haggas trainee and then kicked clear on the home turn. Mukhadram four-year-old partner produced a sustained burst for the line that held off all rivals bar one, Al Kazeem, who wore him down to win by a neck. It was another 3 1/4 lengths farther back to The Fugue in third.

"I was only worried for a second, when we turned in," Doyle remarked. "I thought that Paul Hanagan gave his horse (Mukhadram) a fantastic ride -- he got the fractions right, filled his up at the right time and quickened off the turn.

"We settled into a nice rhythm but Mukhadram got a couple of lengths on me turning in and I had to make them up. I could see Paul just getting away from me on the turn and had a bit of work to do but you have to believe in your horse -- I have done nothing but win on this fellow. My confidence with him is amazing.

"Al Kazeem digs deep and is such a hardy, tough horse. He loves to get in a battle and he showed what a good horse he is by quickening up. I am very lucky to be sat on him.

"He is a class act over a mile and a quarter and arguably even better over a mile and a half. But a mile and a quarter is no problem -- he has the tactical speed, quickened and picked up. He is a serious horse over a mile and a quarter."

Al Kazeem earned his fourth straight win and remains perfect in three starts thus far this season. He only raced once as a four-year-old last season, taking the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in May 2012, and didn't reappear until capturing his April 27 debut in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes by a length. The bay son of Dubawi entered the Prince of Wales's off a 1 1/2-length score in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in Ireland.

"The name of the game is patience," Charlton stated. "Sir Henry Cecil said 'patience, patience and more patience' and you need the owners to do that. We always thought we had a really good horse, so it was worth waiting for.

"To be fair, we nearly ran him in the autumn (last year) and then decided to give him more time. You can't do it without the horse and, as we saw today, he is a very tough, very genuine horse. I thought for an awful minute that we weren't going to get there but James seemed quite confident, so how do I know anything? I thought James gave him a great ride. For a young guy who hasn't ridden that many good horses, I am so pleased for James. We have asked him big questions and he has delivered. He is going to go forwards."

Charlton was celebrating his biggest success at Royal Ascot with his eighth winner.

"Obviously, it is very thrilling," he added. "It would have been horrible to just miss out with all due to respect to William Haggas' horse. It would have been awful to be in front a stride past the line. It is always nerve-wracking -- I am never complacent. You never take anything for granted until they are past the line."

Al Kazeem has really come on for his connections. Prior to last year's first stakes win in the Jockey Club his best finish against black-type rivals were runner-up efforts in the Group 3 St. Simon Stakes, Group 3 Arc Trial and Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes, all in 2011.

"His owner breeder was offered lots of money for this horse and often people accept those offers so I am lucky to have the horse really," Charlton said. "He is a very special horse. He is a very good-looking horse -- he has got that lovely Dubawi head and he clearly stays a mile and a half well and he has all the attributes that make a good horse. He has a fantastic temperament and, apart from the pelvis, has been fantastically sound and he is a real trier."

While Charlton didn't name Al Kazeem's next start, he wasn't shy about stating where he'd like to eventually run.

"I think that there are lots of lovely races for Al Kazeem. I don't know without discussing it with the owner but I have always longed to have a runner in the Arc -- I think he is a horse who is very happy if the ground is on the soft side and he has proved that he probably needs a mile and a half. That would be his end of season target and very exciting to go for," he said.

"I think he needs an Arc preparation -- not run too close to the race -- a bit like Rainbow Quest. I think that it is important not to be too greedy and suddenly think that 'gosh, that race is worth this and that race is worth that.' We have to plan it and, if he was to run in the Arc, maybe we could go for the King George and then to the Arc. It's silly to talk about this but the Eclipse is 17 days away, which he would be favorite for. The horse will tell us."

Mukhadram entered the Prince of Wales's off a first stakes victory in the Group 3 Brigadier General at Sandown on May 30. Despite the close loss on the wire, the four-year-old's jockey was still full of praise for the Shamardal colt.

"Everything went to plan and he's so genuine that when I kicked I thought I had it," Hanagan said. "I knew it would take a very good horse to beat me, and, of course, that is what happened. He went down fighting -- it went to plan, but not that well because we didn't win, but he gave everything."

Mukhadram's trainer was quick to commend both horse and jockey.

"It was a fantastic ride, the horse ran his guts out and the trainer has almost lost his voice," Haggas said. "I'm very proud of the horse. It was jockey and owner planning -- I can't tell you what a marvelous ride (Hanagan) gave him and he nearly nicked it."

Mukhadram is entered in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting on Saturday, but when asked if he might run, Haggas said, "No chance!"

The Fugue was running for the first time since a third-place effort in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf last November. Her trainer, John Gosden, said, "She ran a super race and finished very strongly, so I'm delighted with her. The first two set a very high standard and (Hanagan) did a very good job.

"She can race over a mile and a quarter to a mile and a half. The Pretty Polly Stakes (on June 30) is probably going to come too soon, but there's the Nassau Stakes, the Coral-Eclipse and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes to consider, but she does like this ground."

Last year's dual Epsom and Irish Derby winner Camelot, who had a colic operation in October last year, could fare no better than fourth in the Prince of Wales's.

"We will wait and see what happens next," trainer Aidan O'Brien said of the 5-2 favorite. "He had a tough enough winter -- they will tell you (surgeons) that a big operation will take at least four months for the wound to heal.

"I have never really chased him (at home) -- we have been letting the racing bring him on but maybe it is time to chase him we have to be very conscious of what he has been through. The runs have been bringing him on but maybe he is at the stage where he should be chased after a little bit.

"There are a lot of options open to him -- races like the Coral-Eclipse and all those races. We have got to where we are now and maybe need to change a few little things."

"Well it is a bit disappointing -- we thought he would get a bit closer to Al Kazeem this time," added Derek Smith, who is one of the co-owners of the dual classic-winning Montjeu colt. "We will just have to go away and think about things. We have no real thoughts about what to do next we will just have to go away and have a chat about it."

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Rizeena wraps up Royal Ascot treble for Doyle in Queen Mary

Clive Brittain, who will celebrate his 80th birthday on December 15, danced to the winner's podium at Royal Ascot after Rizeena swept past the front-running American challenger Sweet Emma Rose to win the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes on Wednesday.

Brittain rates Rizeena, winner of her last three races, alongside one his best horses, Sayyedati, who was successful in five Group 1s including the One Thousand Guineas.

"This victory is not unexpected -- we have known this filly is useful for some time," the Newmarket trainer asserted. "I was as certain as you can be when you have a field of top horses against you that she would run a big race. She has been working extremely well and improved from work to work.

"Thanks go to Rosina, the girl who looks after Rizeena and practically lives with her and to Miblish. She had a tendency to cut her action off -- she was wanting to go too quickly -- and for the last three months she has had Miblish (who ran fifth in the Prince of Wales's earlier on the Royal Ascot card) as a lead horse -- he is a great walker and mover. He has taught her how to walk and get rhythm. And that rhythm has injected a bit of speed."

Rizeena took up position in midpack as Sweet Emma Rose set the pace under jockey Joel Rosario. James Doyle was a late choice to ride the two-year-old filly after Ryan Moore was named aboard Bye Bye Birdie, and sent the bay daughter of Iffraaj after the longtime leader in the final furlong. Rizeena and Doyle were in command with a 100 yards left and easily pulled away to finish two lengths in front of Sweet Emma Rose.

"I lost Ryan Moore. He was going to ride the filly until 24 hours before the race when he was claimed," Brittain explained the late jockey switch. "I rang James's agent and said that I wanted someone who could come and sit on the filly beforehand to see she was something special.

"I had to have a jockey who knew he had a chance and was not on a donkey. If you fill a jockey's mind that he has a chance then he goes out and rides with confidence. My usual Royal Ascot runner is a 33-1 chance and 500-1 if it is the Derby!

"James rode Rizeena in steady exercise with Miblish up Warren Hill and they quickened up from three to the four furlong markers and she picked him up like that. I chose the horse and the jockey!"

Doyle, who celebrated an astonishing treble Wednesday after not having a Royal Ascot winner previously, was smiling broadly afterward.

"It is just amazing. I have not really taken it all in to be honest. It is what you aspire too," he beamed. "I am very happy and thanks to all the connections who have given me the chance today -- without them it would be tough.

"I thought coming today that I would definitely have one winner -- Al Kazeem -- and I thought this filly had an outstanding chance. The Royal Hunt Cup is a bit of a lottery but it worked out. I am loving every minute."

Rizeena ran fifth in her maiden debut at Newmarket in mid-April, but got her initial win next out at Ascot. She added a three-length triumph in the National Stakes at Sandown prior to her Royal Ascot victory.

"When we saw the speed we knew she would be good enough to come here," Brittain said. "She took on the colts last time and I had no fears about that. I think she would have been a danger to the colts in the Coventry Stakes but we came here.

"If the owner agrees, the next race will be the (Group 1) Moyglare (at the Curragh), following the same route I took with Sayyedati. She will stay seven furlongs. Then she will come back for the (Group 1) Cheveley Park Stakes (at Newmarket).

"Today has proved she has got class -- she has had to make up five lengths on a very fast horse. She has had to stick her neck out and race. You don't have to win your race in the first four furlongs, rather the last one."

American trainer Wesley Ward and Newmarket-based Tim Pitt had good reason to feel a sense of relief after their fillies placed in the Queen Mary Stakes.

Ward's journey across the Atlantic would have proved rather disappointing had he not gone home with some prize money, and after Ogermeister's 15th place in Tuesday's Windsor Castle Stakes he needed a tonic. Sweet Emma Rose provided it by blitzing from the stalls and clinging on to second.

"The plan was to go like a bullet from the gate and we wanted this fast ground. That helped her, and what she lacks in talent she gains in her heart," Ward said. "She loves turf and I hope she's going on to bigger things in the future. Where that might be depends on what happens with No Nay Never (who runs in Thursday's Norfolk Stakes), because if he wins I would like to take him to France for the Prix Morny, and then I would look for another race on the card for this filly.

"We wanted to win today, but this is Royal Ascot and to have a good showing is important. After yesterday's showing by Ogermeister I was scratching my head, but this filly has got me excited again."

Pitt had a slightly different pressure, for he is still rebuilding his career after a brilliant summer with sprinter Les Arcs in 2006 was followed by a split from owner Willie McKay, who owned his training base near Doncaster. One Chance's third-place, a length behind Sweet Emma Rose, was vindication of Pitt's judgment when buying the filly for 120,000 guineas at the yearling sales last autumn.

"That is very sweet, because this filly is owned by a proper man -- Tom Burridge -- who has put a lot of faith in me," Pitt remarked. "She's not better than a Group 2 filly, but he gave me the check book and we went and bought her. He wanted an Invincible Spirit filly and she fitted the bill.

"She looked quick at the sales, and we knew that if she didn't work out as a two-year-old we would be scratching our heads. That's not to say she won't get better, but she's done the deed today by finishing placed at Royal Ascot.

"The race went as planned -- there was pace on our side and our filly is quick into her stride. Now we'll have a look at the program, but I doubt she wants to go any further. We'll probably avoid the Molecomb and look at races like the Cornwallis Stakes. With a bit more cut she would be better."

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Duntle flies the Irish flag in Duke of Cambridge

Ireland's wonderful record at Royal Ascot 2013 was further embellished when Duntle became the country's sixth winner from eight races with a half-length victory in the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes on Wednesday.

The four-year-old daughter of Danehill Dancer, trained by David Wachman and ridden by Wayne Lordan, sported the colors of Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd., a Niarchos family interest.

Ladys First led the field under jockey Paul Hanagan, who urged her to go on about three furlongs out. Meanwhile, Lordan had Duntle settled in midpack before setting her down to chase the leader. Duntle took command with a furlong remaining and was ridden out to beat Ladys First with Dank finishing another head back in third.

"The placed horses wouldn't go away, but this filly doesn't do much when she hits the front," Lordan said. "Because we went so slowly I hit the front a little earlier than planned and she idled a bit, but when the fillies came around her she picked up.

"It was tight, but I always knew I was going to the line safe enough. Hopefully this year she will have a change of luck and win that Group 1."

Duntle won last year's Sandringham Handicap at the Royal meeting, and later finished first in the Group 1 Matron Stakes, but was disqualified and placed second in the latter event.

"She did it well and Wayne gave her a very good ride," Wachman remarked. "The filly doesn't want to hit the front too soon and they didn't go a great gallop which didn't help. He was going very easily while trying to hang onto her, and while he got to the front soon enough he still had plenty up his sleeve.

"She's a tough filly who won't win by far. She's a Group 1 winner, although they took it off her in the stewards' room, and she'll be heading back that way again. There is a good program for fillies and mares and plenty of options, but the race at Deauville -- the Prix Jacques Le Marois -- which Maria Niarchos sponsors will be on the agenda.

"I train three for Maria, but a few more as good as this one would be all right."

After battling for second in the Duke of Cambridge, Ladys First could find herself on a plane headed for North America.

"She is really tough and genuine," trainer Richard Fahey stated. "I might take her to America next -- the (Grade 1) Beverly D. (at Arlington Park on August 17). I think a mile and one around two turns is where she wants to be."

Ladys First has finished out of the top three just four times in her 14-race career, but has only managed to fill the winner's spot on two occasions, the last time being in a listed mile event at Haydock Park in August 2012.

"The owner says I have to win before I can go -- though I think he will say yes after that," Fahey added.

"She's one of the gamest fillies -- she fought back all the way, she's run a blinder," Hanagan praised the Dutch Art filly. "It would have been great for her to get her head in front -- she deserves it."

Sir Michael Stoute, who trains third-placer Dank, was also quick to applaud his runner's effort.

"She never lets us down, she's just so consistent," he said. "She is a nine-furlong Group 2 at the Curragh as well as the Falmouth but we will need a little time to go home and see what we do next."

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Rizeena wraps up Royal Ascot treble for Doyle in Queen Mary

Clive Brittain, who will celebrate his 80th birthday on December 15, danced to the winner's podium at Royal Ascot after Rizeena swept past the front-running American challenger Sweet Emma Rose to win the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes on Wednesday.

Brittain rates Rizeena, winner of her last three races, alongside one his best horses, Sayyedati, who was successful in five Group 1s including the One Thousand Guineas.

"This victory is not unexpected -- we have known this filly is useful for some time," the Newmarket trainer asserted. "I was as certain as you can be when you have a field of top horses against you that she would run a big race. She has been working extremely well and improved from work to work.

"Thanks go to Rosina, the girl who looks after Rizeena and practically lives with her and to Miblish. She had a tendency to cut her action off -- she was wanting to go too quickly -- and for the last three months she has had Miblish (who ran fifth in the Prince of Wales's earlier on the Royal Ascot card) as a lead horse -- he is a great walker and mover. He has taught her how to walk and get rhythm. And that rhythm has injected a bit of speed."

Rizeena took up position in midpack as Sweet Emma Rose set the pace under jockey Joel Rosario. James Doyle was a late choice to ride the two-year-old filly after Ryan Moore was named aboard Bye Bye Birdie, and sent the bay daughter of Iffraaj after the longtime leader in the final furlong. Rizeena and Doyle were in command with a 100 yards left and easily pulled away to finish two lengths in front of Sweet Emma Rose.

"I lost Ryan Moore. He was going to ride the filly until 24 hours before the race when he was claimed," Brittain explained the late jockey switch. "I rang James's agent and said that I wanted someone who could come and sit on the filly beforehand to see she was something special.

"I had to have a jockey who knew he had a chance and was not on a donkey. If you fill a jockey's mind that he has a chance then he goes out and rides with confidence. My usual Royal Ascot runner is a 33-1 chance and 500-1 if it is the Derby!

"James rode Rizeena in steady exercise with Miblish up Warren Hill and they quickened up from three to the four furlong markers and she picked him up like that. I chose the horse and the jockey!"

Doyle, who celebrated an astonishing treble Wednesday after not having a Royal Ascot winner previously, was smiling broadly afterward.

"It is just amazing. I have not really taken it all in to be honest. It is what you aspire too," he beamed. "I am very happy and thanks to all the connections who have given me the chance today -- without them it would be tough.

"I thought coming today that I would definitely have one winner -- Al Kazeem -- and I thought this filly had an outstanding chance. The Royal Hunt Cup is a bit of a lottery but it worked out. I am loving every minute."

Rizeena ran fifth in her maiden debut at Newmarket in mid-April, but got her initial win next out at Ascot. She added a three-length triumph in the National Stakes at Sandown prior to her Royal Ascot victory.

"When we saw the speed we knew she would be good enough to come here," Brittain said. "She took on the colts last time and I had no fears about that. I think she would have been a danger to the colts in the Coventry Stakes but we came here.

"If the owner agrees, the next race will be the (Group 1) Moyglare (at the Curragh), following the same route I took with Sayyedati. She will stay seven furlongs. Then she will come back for the (Group 1) Cheveley Park Stakes (at Newmarket).

"Today has proved she has got class -- she has had to make up five lengths on a very fast horse. She has had to stick her neck out and race. You don't have to win your race in the first four furlongs, rather the last one."

American trainer Wesley Ward and Newmarket-based Tim Pitt had good reason to feel a sense of relief after their fillies placed in the Queen Mary Stakes.

Ward's journey across the Atlantic would have proved rather disappointing had he not gone home with some prize money, and after Ogermeister's 15th place in Tuesday's Windsor Castle Stakes he needed a tonic. Sweet Emma Rose provided it by blitzing from the stalls and clinging on to second.

"The plan was to go like a bullet from the gate and we wanted this fast ground. That helped her, and what she lacks in talent she gains in her heart," Ward said. "She loves turf and I hope she's going on to bigger things in the future. Where that might be depends on what happens with No Nay Never (who runs in Thursday's Norfolk Stakes), because if he wins I would like to take him to France for the Prix Morny, and then I would look for another race on the card for this filly.

"We wanted to win today, but this is Royal Ascot and to have a good showing is important. After yesterday's showing by Ogermeister I was scratching my head, but this filly has got me excited again."

Pitt had a slightly different pressure, for he is still rebuilding his career after a brilliant summer with sprinter Les Arcs in 2006 was followed by a split from owner Willie McKay, who owned his training base near Doncaster. One Chance's third-place, a length behind Sweet Emma Rose, was vindication of Pitt's judgment when buying the filly for 120,000 guineas at the yearling sales last autumn.

"That is very sweet, because this filly is owned by a proper man -- Tom Burridge -- who has put a lot of faith in me," Pitt remarked. "She's not better than a Group 2 filly, but he gave me the check book and we went and bought her. He wanted an Invincible Spirit filly and she fitted the bill.

"She looked quick at the sales, and we knew that if she didn't work out as a two-year-old we would be scratching our heads. That's not to say she won't get better, but she's done the deed today by finishing placed at Royal Ascot.

"The race went as planned -- there was pace on our side and our filly is quick into her stride. Now we'll have a look at the program, but I doubt she wants to go any further. We'll probably avoid the Molecomb and look at races like the Cornwallis Stakes. With a bit more cut she would be better."

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Gale Force Ten continues the O'Briens' Royal Ascot run in Jersey

Gale Force Ten gave trainer Aidan O'Brien his third winner of Royal Ascot 2013, while the trainer's son Joseph enjoyed his second victory at the meeting, when posting a head score in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes on Wednesday.

Gale Force Ten chased the pacesetting Dont Bother Me before grabbing command with two furlongs remaining. Once in front, though, the bay son of the Oasis Dream began idling until Montiridge suddenly appeared and took a slim margin advantage. Gale Force Ten fought back to just prevail by a head on the line.

"He's a very tough horse. I was praying that someone would come to me before I got to the line because he wasn't doing a stroke (in front)," Joseph O'Brien said. "Richard (Hughes on Montiridge) actually headed me and, as soon as my horse saw him, he put his head down and fought. He was being very idle and I got to the front a mile too soon on him but he has been brave.

"He got a mile very well at the Curragh and that's why I didn't want to get back too far -- I had to keep my rhythm going. He's small but he has a big heart. He's fairly uncomplicated and you could drop him back to six furlongs. He has been running consistently well."

Gale Force Ten, the 9-2 Jersey favorite, came into the seven-furlong affair on the back of a classic second in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas behind stablemate Magician.

"He fought back well. Joseph said in an ideal world Gale Force Ten does not want to be in front as long as he was. It suited us for the horse to be challenged," Aidan O'Brien commented. "He is a very hardy horse, loves the fast ground and has plenty of pace. He had two very good runs in classics so he was entitled to win this.

"He can step back to a mile or go over six furlongs, which is unusual. Over six furlongs, he would not get to the front so early which might suit him. There are a lot of options. Mozart (2001) won this race by the same sort of distance (a neck) after being second in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas."

Magician was unable to duplicate his classic success at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, winding up ninth and last in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes.

"Magician is sore after yesterday -- he was in the wars and lost his rhythm totally," the trainer added. "He had a hard week and for him to turn up was the big thing."

Gale Force Ten's only prior win of 2013 came in the Patton Stakes at Dundalk to open his three-year-old campaign on April 5. In addition to the Guineas, he's also run fourth this season in the Group 1 French Two Thousand Guineas. Last season, Gale Force Ten finished third in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes and second in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes.

Michael Tabor, the lead Coolmore partner in Gale Force Ten, was obviously happy with Wednesday's first group success.

"We fancied him. Obviously, he was drawn the far side, which was not a positive, but we thought that he would be good enough even though he was drawn poorly," Tabor declared. "Aidan's horses are fit and they come again and this horse had run well previously. It's been a fantastic week, a great two days so far and hopefully there is more to come."

While the Ballydoyle camp was celebrating, former champion trainer Richard Hannon and champion jockey Richard Hughes continued suffering a frustrating Royal Ascot. There is plenty of time for that to change, and their horses are running well, but they have yet to reach the winner's spot.

Toronado's very close second in Tuesday's James's Palace sums up their luck, and Montiridge matched that in the Jersey.

"We're hitting the crossbar," Hannon said with a sense of exasperation.

"He wanted more give in the ground, but he's shown today he's pretty good," he added of Montiridge. "There are a couple of group races in France we can look at, including the Prix Jean Prat. That is on June 30, only 10 days away, but he's a pretty tough horse."

Of Toronado, Hannon said, "We led him out this morning and he's fine. He lost about ten kilos, but it was a tough race. The Sussex Stakes is the obvious next race and probably the Prix Jacques Le Marois."

Hughes was suspended for one day following his ride on Montiridge, after being found guilty of careless riding. According to the ruling, he allowed Montiridge to maneuver left before being sufficiently clear of unplaced Well Acquainted. The ban is set to take place on July 3.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor was unsure about running Tawhid in the Jersey, fearing the ground would be too quick, yet the Godolphin-owned colt ran a fine race to take third while just 1 1/2 lengths behind the top two.

"He ran a huge race," bin Suroor said. "He finished the race really well, but I'm sure that on a softer surface he would have run even better. We'll look for another group race for him. He's entered in the Sussex Stakes, but we'll look at all options if it is soft enough for him."

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Belgian Bill, Annecdote triumph in Royal Ascot handicaps

Wiltshire trainer George Baker and Upper Lambourn conditioner Jonathan Portman each earned their first Royal Ascot win on Wednesday when Belgian Bill landed the Royal Hunt Cup and Annecdote captured the Sandringham Handicap.

Belgian Bill not only gave Baker his first Royal Ascot score, but continued jockey James Doyle's remarkable success with a second Royal meeting victory just 35 minutes after his first aboard Al Kazeem in the Group 1 Princes of Wales's.

Baker was actually visiting the Royal Hunt Cup winner's enclosure again after making an appearance seven years ago while working as a reporter for the defunct Sportsman newspaper. Now based at Manton, which is also home to his training colleague Brian Meehan, his training career is proving rather more durable.

"I was in this spot six or seven years ago -- but who won this race on that occasion? I can't remember, but I'm sure I wrote a brilliant article about it!" Baker laughed.

"He's been a fantastic old handicapper and has taken us to all the right places," the trainer continued about Belgian Bill. "You dream of winning a big one, and while it's a cliche that is often said of these horses, he deserved to win one.

"He's been around the world for us and a great standard bearer for the yard. I've only been training for four and a half to five years and to have a horse like this is what you dream of."

Doyle kept Belgian Bill held up toward the rear before allowing his mount to close with two furlongs remaining in the mile contest. The duo just got up in the final furlong to pull out the three-quarter length victory over Premio Loco.

"I was nervous when they split into two (Belgian Bill raced with a small group on the far side), but at halfway the side-on shot showed we were just ahead and still traveling," Baker said. "This horse just loves getting into a bit of trouble in running and when he was stopped a couple of times that would have suited him. A race like that for old horses is a bit of fun and they seem to thrive on it.

"Being dropped in the handicap has clearly helped and at a competitive level he had a big one in him. Where do we go now? I don't care! This is a career highlight -- the move to Manton has taken us to the next level and you want horses on the bigger stages. To do this at a place like this is beyond your wildest, but it hasn't sunk in yet."

"He was well-fancied for this race last year -- he was nearly favorite -- and he has dropped down the weights a lot," Doyle said. "He ran some good races out in Dubai and I thought if he reproduced that form, we would have a chance of getting in the frame.

"The race worked out perfectly. I was able to keep him interested the whole way through, putting him in little gaps and helping him travel. He quickened up well and I was a little bit unlucky because I got stopped a little bit but I think he probably enjoyed it.

"I was happy with my draw. I know that the bulk of the field merged over towards the stands' rail but I was happy where I was."

Portman will never forget the filly Annecdote, who became his first Royal Ascot winner when taking the Sandringham with Richard Kingscote aboard.

Annecdote prevailed in a tight finish, beating Auction and Woodland Aria by a neck apiece. The winner is owned by 94-year-old Tom Edwards and partners, who had turned down a number of offers to buy the filly in order to be with her at Royal Ascot on Wednesday. The partners include the Pertemps Group, which bought a quarter-share in the filly when she was offered at a Starlight Foundation Charity auction last year.

"This feels rather nice. She's a very gutsy filly," said Portman, who moved to his current yard last autumn. "When we looked at the program book back in February this race was the plan, but she ran rather disappointingly at Goodwood first time out this season over a mile, so we ditched the plan temporarily because it looked as though she didn't stay. However, my horses were not quite right, she had a bad draw and ran a bit freely.

"We took her to Newbury over seven furlongs and she scooted up in a very good time looking as if she would stay so we said let's give the Sandringham a go -- and here we are. It's extraordinary.

"When we first moved to Upper Lambourn we went about eight months without a winner, but the idea of moving to a bigger yard was to raise our profile and attract some more owners, and this hopefully might just help.

"We could go to Goodwood with her, but any thoughts I had of going for a nice handicap have probably been blown."

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Gale Force Ten continues the O'Briens' Royal Ascot run in Jersey

Gale Force Ten gave trainer Aidan O'Brien his third winner of Royal Ascot 2013, while the trainer's son Joseph enjoyed his second victory at the meeting, when posting a head score in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes on Wednesday.

Gale Force Ten chased the pacesetting Dont Bother Me before grabbing command with two furlongs remaining. Once in front, though, the bay son of the Oasis Dream began idling until Montiridge suddenly appeared and took a slim margin advantage. Gale Force Ten fought back to just prevail by a head on the line.

"He's a very tough horse. I was praying that someone would come to me before I got to the line because he wasn't doing a stroke (in front)," Joseph O'Brien said. "Richard (Hughes on Montiridge) actually headed me and, as soon as my horse saw him, he put his head down and fought. He was being very idle and I got to the front a mile too soon on him but he has been brave.

"He got a mile very well at the Curragh and that's why I didn't want to get back too far -- I had to keep my rhythm going. He's small but he has a big heart. He's fairly uncomplicated and you could drop him back to six furlongs. He has been running consistently well."

Gale Force Ten, the 9-2 Jersey favorite, came into the seven-furlong affair on the back of a classic second in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas behind stablemate Magician.

"He fought back well. Joseph said in an ideal world Gale Force Ten does not want to be in front as long as he was. It suited us for the horse to be challenged," Aidan O'Brien commented. "He is a very hardy horse, loves the fast ground and has plenty of pace. He had two very good runs in classics so he was entitled to win this.

"He can step back to a mile or go over six furlongs, which is unusual. Over six furlongs, he would not get to the front so early which might suit him. There are a lot of options. Mozart (2001) won this race by the same sort of distance (a neck) after being second in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas."

Magician was unable to duplicate his classic success at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, winding up ninth and last in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes.

"Magician is sore after yesterday -- he was in the wars and lost his rhythm totally," the trainer added. "He had a hard week and for him to turn up was the big thing."

Gale Force Ten's only prior win of 2013 came in the Patton Stakes at Dundalk to open his three-year-old campaign on April 5. In addition to the Guineas, he's also run fourth this season in the Group 1 French Two Thousand Guineas. Last season, Gale Force Ten finished third in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes and second in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes.

Michael Tabor, the lead Coolmore partner in Gale Force Ten, was obviously happy with Wednesday's first group success.

"We fancied him. Obviously, he was drawn the far side, which was not a positive, but we thought that he would be good enough even though he was drawn poorly," Tabor declared. "Aidan's horses are fit and they come again and this horse had run well previously. It's been a fantastic week, a great two days so far and hopefully there is more to come."

While the Ballydoyle camp was celebrating, former champion trainer Richard Hannon and champion jockey Richard Hughes continued suffering a frustrating Royal Ascot. There is plenty of time for that to change, and their horses are running well, but they have yet to reach the winner's spot.

Toronado's very close second in Tuesday's James's Palace sums up their luck, and Montiridge matched that in the Jersey.

"We're hitting the crossbar," Hannon said with a sense of exasperation.

"He wanted more give in the ground, but he's shown today he's pretty good," he added of Montiridge. "There are a couple of group races in France we can look at, including the Prix Jean Prat. That is on June 30, only 10 days away, but he's a pretty tough horse."

Of Toronado, Hannon said, "We led him out this morning and he's fine. He lost about ten kilos, but it was a tough race. The Sussex Stakes is the obvious next race and probably the Prix Jacques Le Marois."

Hughes was suspended for one day following his ride on Montiridge, after being found guilty of careless riding. According to the ruling, he allowed Montiridge to maneuver left before being sufficiently clear of unplaced Well Acquainted. The ban is set to take place on July 3.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor was unsure about running Tawhid in the Jersey, fearing the ground would be too quick, yet the Godolphin-owned colt ran a fine race to take third while just 1 1/2 lengths behind the top two.

"He ran a huge race," bin Suroor said. "He finished the race really well, but I'm sure that on a softer surface he would have run even better. We'll look for another group race for him. He's entered in the Sussex Stakes, but we'll look at all options if it is soft enough for him."

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Dreaming of Julia faces four in Mother Goose

Dreaming of Julia will try to return to the form that saw her dominate the GP Oaks (Joe Ganley/EquiSport Photos) Dreaming of Julia rolled to an eye-popping 21 3/4-length victory in the March 30 Gulfstream Park Oaks to earn a 107 BRIS Speed figure, which is by far and away tops among the field of five entered in Saturday's Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park. Off her scintillating Gulfstream Park victory, the daughter of A.P. Indy was made the favorite for the Kentucky Oaks, but endured a nightmare trip and finished fourth behind stablemate Princess of Sylmar. It was the first time in seven career starts that the Todd Pletcher trainee had been off the board, and she'll look to regain the winning thread as the 1-2 morning-line favorite in the 57th edition of the Mother Goose. "I don't really think she lost any credibility in the Oaks because she was annihilated at the start, and if that wasn't bad enough, she got stopped later in the race," Pletcher asserted. "I thought she ran very well in the race, considering everything she tried to overcome, and we're hoping to get her back on course." A winner of both her starts at Belmont -- the overnight Meadow Star Stakes by 16 1/4 lengths and the Frizette by a head as a two-year-old -- Dreaming of Julia drew post position 2 for the 1 1/16-mile Mother Goose. Her regular jockey, Hall of Famer John Velazquez, will ride.

Heading the challengers is Close Hatches, second in the Grade 1 Acorn at Belmont last out following a seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks. Unraced at two, the First Defence filly won her initial three starts, including the Gazelle at Aqueduct over Princess of Sylmar, for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.

Joel Rosario will ride Close Hatches, who is the 7-2 second choice on the Mother Goose morning line, from post position 3.

Trainer Tom Albertrani, who won last year's Mother Goose with Zo Impressive, returns Saturday with Toasting. The Florida-bred daughter of Congrats is 1-0-2 from three starts this year, including a third-place finish in the Black-Eyed Susan on May 17 at Pimlico when outfitted with blinkers.

"She ran a good race (in the Black-Eyed Susan), she was a good third," said Albertrani, who sent Toasting out Wednesday morning for a four-furlong breeze in :49 4/5 over Belmont's fast main track. "It looked like the blinkers helped a little bit and put her a little closer into the race, and she seems to have bounced back OK."

At 12-1 on the morning line, Toasting will leave from post position 4 with Luis Saez aboard.

Marathon Lady will be shipping in as she seeks her first graded stakes score after a third and a pair of seconds, including a neck loss in the Black-Eyed Susan last out.

"I think she's progressing and moving forward with each race," trainer Steve Hobby said of the Graeme Hall filly. "She's maturing all the time, and getting bigger and stronger. Of course, beating Dreaming of Julia is going to take some doing -- she'll probably have to beat herself -- but it's a Grade 1 race and a small field, so why not take a chance?"

Robby Albarado will ride Marathon Lady, the 5-1 third choice on the morning line, from the rail.

Completing the field is Sister State, who is 1-1-0 in four races this year. The A.P. Indy filly, who broke her maiden on May 3, will be making her first start on Lasix after finishing eighth by 22 1/4 lengths in an optional claimer most recently.

"Her last race looks worse on paper than it actually was," trainer Kiaran McLaughlin stated. "We think she'll improve off that. We'd be over the moon to hit the board, and this is too good of an opportunity to pass up."

Irad Ortiz Jr. was aboard for Sister State's maiden score and takes back the mount on the 20-1 morning-line longshot from post position 5.

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Belgian Bill, Annecdote triumph in Royal Ascot handicaps

Wiltshire trainer George Baker and Upper Lambourn conditioner Jonathan Portman each earned their first Royal Ascot win on Wednesday when Belgian Bill landed the Royal Hunt Cup and Annecdote captured the Sandringham Handicap.

Belgian Bill not only gave Baker his first Royal Ascot score, but continued jockey James Doyle's remarkable success with a second Royal meeting victory just 35 minutes after his first aboard Al Kazeem in the Group 1 Princes of Wales's.

Baker was actually visiting the Royal Hunt Cup winner's enclosure again after making an appearance seven years ago while working as a reporter for the defunct Sportsman newspaper. Now based at Manton, which is also home to his training colleague Brian Meehan, his training career is proving rather more durable.

"I was in this spot six or seven years ago -- but who won this race on that occasion? I can't remember, but I'm sure I wrote a brilliant article about it!" Baker laughed.

"He's been a fantastic old handicapper and has taken us to all the right places," the trainer continued about Belgian Bill. "You dream of winning a big one, and while it's a cliche that is often said of these horses, he deserved to win one.

"He's been around the world for us and a great standard bearer for the yard. I've only been training for four and a half to five years and to have a horse like this is what you dream of."

Doyle kept Belgian Bill held up toward the rear before allowing his mount to close with two furlongs remaining in the mile contest. The duo just got up in the final furlong to pull out the three-quarter length victory over Premio Loco.

"I was nervous when they split into two (Belgian Bill raced with a small group on the far side), but at halfway the side-on shot showed we were just ahead and still traveling," Baker said. "This horse just loves getting into a bit of trouble in running and when he was stopped a couple of times that would have suited him. A race like that for old horses is a bit of fun and they seem to thrive on it.

"Being dropped in the handicap has clearly helped and at a competitive level he had a big one in him. Where do we go now? I don't care! This is a career highlight -- the move to Manton has taken us to the next level and you want horses on the bigger stages. To do this at a place like this is beyond your wildest, but it hasn't sunk in yet."

"He was well-fancied for this race last year -- he was nearly favorite -- and he has dropped down the weights a lot," Doyle said. "He ran some good races out in Dubai and I thought if he reproduced that form, we would have a chance of getting in the frame.

"The race worked out perfectly. I was able to keep him interested the whole way through, putting him in little gaps and helping him travel. He quickened up well and I was a little bit unlucky because I got stopped a little bit but I think he probably enjoyed it.

"I was happy with my draw. I know that the bulk of the field merged over towards the stands' rail but I was happy where I was."

Portman will never forget the filly Annecdote, who became his first Royal Ascot winner when taking the Sandringham with Richard Kingscote aboard.

Annecdote prevailed in a tight finish, beating Auction and Woodland Aria by a neck apiece. The winner is owned by 94-year-old Tom Edwards and partners, who had turned down a number of offers to buy the filly in order to be with her at Royal Ascot on Wednesday. The partners include the Pertemps Group, which bought a quarter-share in the filly when she was offered at a Starlight Foundation Charity auction last year.

"This feels rather nice. She's a very gutsy filly," said Portman, who moved to his current yard last autumn. "When we looked at the program book back in February this race was the plan, but she ran rather disappointingly at Goodwood first time out this season over a mile, so we ditched the plan temporarily because it looked as though she didn't stay. However, my horses were not quite right, she had a bad draw and ran a bit freely.

"We took her to Newbury over seven furlongs and she scooted up in a very good time looking as if she would stay so we said let's give the Sandringham a go -- and here we are. It's extraordinary.

"When we first moved to Upper Lambourn we went about eight months without a winner, but the idea of moving to a bigger yard was to raise our profile and attract some more owners, and this hopefully might just help.

"We could go to Goodwood with her, but any thoughts I had of going for a nice handicap have probably been blown."

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Iotapa, Ciao Bella Luna meet again in Hollywood Oaks

The seven-furlong Railbird Stakes on May 19 serves as a key prep for Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 Hollywood Oaks, with top two finishers Iotapa and Ciao Bella Luna highlighting a short field of five in the 1 1/16-mile contest.

Iotapa, who was claimed for $50,000 from a winning debut last June at Hollywood, returned from a lengthy layoff with an optional claiming win at Santa Anita in mid-February and then sustained her first setback with a respectable second to Beholder in the Santa Anita Oaks on April 6, finishing one spot better than subsequent Black-Eyed Susan winner Fiftyshadesofhay. The daughter of Afleet Alex cutback in trip for the Railbird and posted a comfortable 1 1/4-length score as the 7-5 favorite.

Trained by John Sadler, who captured the 2010 and 2011 editions with Switch and Zazu, Iotapa will retain the services of Joe Talamo.

Ciao Bella Luna will look to improve upon her Railbird effort after getting off to a tardy beginning and closing belatedly for runner-up honors. The sophomore daughter of Tribal Rule did not show much when making her first start for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in the March 9 China Doll on turf, but the bay lass stamped herself as one to watch when shipping to Keeneland for a convincing score in the Grade 2 Beaumont on April 14. Corey Nakatani has the assignment.

Hollendorfer will also send out Doinghardtimeagain, who exits a pair of victories over California-bred rivals in the Melair and Evening Jewel. The dark bay filly possesses a three for three mark on the Cushion Track and the services of Rafael Bejarano.

Ondine will look to stretch her win skein in her stakes debut for Bob Baffert, taking an April 12 maiden special weight event at Santa Anita and a May 11 entry-level allowance at Hollywood, and recent maiden winner Unbridled Wee rounds out the field.

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Dreaming of Julia faces four in Mother Goose

Dreaming of Julia will try to return to the form that saw her dominate the GP Oaks (Joe Ganley/EquiSport Photos) Dreaming of Julia rolled to an eye-popping 21 3/4-length victory in the March 30 Gulfstream Park Oaks to earn a 107 BRIS Speed figure, which is by far and away tops among the field of five entered in Saturday's Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park. Off her scintillating Gulfstream Park victory, the daughter of A.P. Indy was made the favorite for the Kentucky Oaks, but endured a nightmare trip and finished fourth behind stablemate Princess of Sylmar. It was the first time in seven career starts that the Todd Pletcher trainee had been off the board, and she'll look to regain the winning thread as the 1-2 morning-line favorite in the 57th edition of the Mother Goose. "I don't really think she lost any credibility in the Oaks because she was annihilated at the start, and if that wasn't bad enough, she got stopped later in the race," Pletcher asserted. "I thought she ran very well in the race, considering everything she tried to overcome, and we're hoping to get her back on course." A winner of both her starts at Belmont -- the overnight Meadow Star Stakes by 16 1/4 lengths and the Frizette by a head as a two-year-old -- Dreaming of Julia drew post position 2 for the 1 1/16-mile Mother Goose. Her regular jockey, Hall of Famer John Velazquez, will ride.

Heading the challengers is Close Hatches, second in the Grade 1 Acorn at Belmont last out following a seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks. Unraced at two, the First Defence filly won her initial three starts, including the Gazelle at Aqueduct over Princess of Sylmar, for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.

Joel Rosario will ride Close Hatches, who is the 7-2 second choice on the Mother Goose morning line, from post position 3.

Trainer Tom Albertrani, who won last year's Mother Goose with Zo Impressive, returns Saturday with Toasting. The Florida-bred daughter of Congrats is 1-0-2 from three starts this year, including a third-place finish in the Black-Eyed Susan on May 17 at Pimlico when outfitted with blinkers.

"She ran a good race (in the Black-Eyed Susan), she was a good third," said Albertrani, who sent Toasting out Wednesday morning for a four-furlong breeze in :49 4/5 over Belmont's fast main track. "It looked like the blinkers helped a little bit and put her a little closer into the race, and she seems to have bounced back OK."

At 12-1 on the morning line, Toasting will leave from post position 4 with Luis Saez aboard.

Marathon Lady will be shipping in as she seeks her first graded stakes score after a third and a pair of seconds, including a neck loss in the Black-Eyed Susan last out.

"I think she's progressing and moving forward with each race," trainer Steve Hobby said of the Graeme Hall filly. "She's maturing all the time, and getting bigger and stronger. Of course, beating Dreaming of Julia is going to take some doing -- she'll probably have to beat herself -- but it's a Grade 1 race and a small field, so why not take a chance?"

Robby Albarado will ride Marathon Lady, the 5-1 third choice on the morning line, from the rail.

Completing the field is Sister State, who is 1-1-0 in four races this year. The A.P. Indy filly, who broke her maiden on May 3, will be making her first start on Lasix after finishing eighth by 22 1/4 lengths in an optional claimer most recently.

"Her last race looks worse on paper than it actually was," trainer Kiaran McLaughlin stated. "We think she'll improve off that. We'd be over the moon to hit the board, and this is too good of an opportunity to pass up."

Irad Ortiz Jr. was aboard for Sister State's maiden score and takes back the mount on the 20-1 morning-line longshot from post position 5.

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Atigun the one to beat in Colonial Turf Cup; Channel Lady heads All Along

Atigun returned to the turf two starts back, defeating a salty group of optional claiming rivals on the Kentucky Derby undercard, and just missed with a rallying second in the Grade 3 Louisville Handicap on May 25. The Kenny McPeek-trained colt will seek his first stakes victory when he lines up for Saturday's Grade 2, $300,000 Colonial Turf Cup at Colonial Downs.

A four-year-old son of Istan, Atigun displayed decent class on the main track last season, finishing third in both the Belmont Stakes and Breeders' Cup Marathon, and filled the same spot when making his second start of 2013 in the Grade 3 Razorback at Oaklawn Park. However, his form has improved noticeably since switching to turf, registering BRIS Speed ratings 110 and 106 in his last two starts, and Saturday's 1 3/16-mile distance looks like a perfect fit for the long-winded bay.

In the 1 1/2-mile Louisville, Atigun dropped too far back during the early stages and lost plenty of ground on the far turn while the winner was perfectly positioned throughout.

"He had a terrible trip," McPeek said of narrow runner-up finish. "I think he was several lengths the best horse."

Julien Leparoux, who missed the Louisville after riding Atigun two starts back, will be in for the mount aboard the likely favorite.

Swift Warrior exits a dead-heat seventh in the Grade 2 Dixie on the Preakness undercard, but the chestnut recorded consecutive wins in the Grade 3 John B. Connelly and Grade 3 Tampa Bay prior to that setback and merits respect Saturday for trainer John Terranova. Jose Espinoza, who missed the Dixie, regains the mount on the five-year-old.

Air Support likes the turf at Colonial Downs, winning the 2011 Virginia Derby and finishing second in last year's Turf Cup, and the well-bred son of Smart Strike will be making his third start off the layoff for trainer Shug McGaughey. He's lost both attempts this season but did not run poorly when finishing third and fourth against solid allowance/optional claiming fields at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, respectively. Javier Castellano rides.

Two Notch Road, third in the 2010 Colonial Turf Cup, made it back from a 2 1/2-year layoff this spring and the six-year-old gelding will look to capitalize upon an encouraging third in the Grade 2 Monmouth last out. Other runners include General Logan, who will return to stakes company for Graham Motion following a convincing allowance tally at Pimlico in his 2013 bow; and Hyper, who exits a runner-up in the May 15 Good Reward at Belmont for Chad Brown.

Colonial Downs will also offer the Grade 3, $100,000 All Along for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf and trainer Todd Pletcher will send out the leading candidate, Channel Lady. After recording her first stakes tally at Aqueduct last fall, the English Channel filly opened her four-year-old season with a close second in the Grade 3 Marshua's River and then captured the Grade 3 Suwannee River at Gulfstream Park. She's been facing better rivals in her last two starts, finishing fourth each time behind Centre Court and Stephanie's Kitten, and Channel Lady figures to appreciate class relief against six challengers on Saturday.

Castellano rides the 124-pound top weight.

Adjacent, Appealing Cat and Embarr are the main rivals.

The stakes action kicks off with the $75,000 Da Hoss at a mile on turf and Hudson Steele is the top draw in the seven-horse field. A Grade 2 winner last season, the six-year-old gelding will be making his first start for Pletcher since a sixth in the Grade 1 Man 'o War 11 months ago.

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Iotapa, Ciao Bella Luna meet again in Hollywood Oaks

The seven-furlong Railbird Stakes on May 19 serves as a key prep for Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 Hollywood Oaks, with top two finishers Iotapa and Ciao Bella Luna highlighting a short field of five in the 1 1/16-mile contest.

Iotapa, who was claimed for $50,000 from a winning debut last June at Hollywood, returned from a lengthy layoff with an optional claiming win at Santa Anita in mid-February and then sustained her first setback with a respectable second to Beholder in the Santa Anita Oaks on April 6, finishing one spot better than subsequent Black-Eyed Susan winner Fiftyshadesofhay. The daughter of Afleet Alex cutback in trip for the Railbird and posted a comfortable 1 1/4-length score as the 7-5 favorite.

Trained by John Sadler, who captured the 2010 and 2011 editions with Switch and Zazu, Iotapa will retain the services of Joe Talamo.

Ciao Bella Luna will look to improve upon her Railbird effort after getting off to a tardy beginning and closing belatedly for runner-up honors. The sophomore daughter of Tribal Rule did not show much when making her first start for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in the March 9 China Doll on turf, but the bay lass stamped herself as one to watch when shipping to Keeneland for a convincing score in the Grade 2 Beaumont on April 14. Corey Nakatani has the assignment.

Hollendorfer will also send out Doinghardtimeagain, who exits a pair of victories over California-bred rivals in the Melair and Evening Jewel. The dark bay filly possesses a three for three mark on the Cushion Track and the services of Rafael Bejarano.

Ondine will look to stretch her win skein in her stakes debut for Bob Baffert, taking an April 12 maiden special weight event at Santa Anita and a May 11 entry-level allowance at Hollywood, and recent maiden winner Unbridled Wee rounds out the field.

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Declaration of War wins Queen Anne as Animal Kingdom disappoints

The Royal meeting at Ascot kicked off Tuesday with a rousing success from Declaration of War, who garnered his first Group 1 win by taking the Queen Anne Stakes for trainer Aidan O'Brien and his jockey son Joseph.

Animal Kingdom, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner and 5-4 Queen Anne favorite following his convincing two-length score in the Dubai World Cup, never fired in the one-mile straightaway, weakening to 11th of 13 runners in his likely career finale.

Declaration of War's victory was a stunning triumph for part-owner Joseph Allen, who bred the three-year-old son of War Front and now owns 40 percent of him in a Coolmore partnership involving Messrs Magnier, Tabor and Smith.

"I'm in bliss! It's my first win at Ascot, it's a wonderful day, my wife's here and I could not be happier," Allen said. "And I have great partners.

"I bred the sire of this horse, War Front, and I still have this colt's dam, Tempo West, who has a filly foal full-sister to this horse at foot. She is now back in front to War Front.

"This is a very difficult game to really sustain yourself. As I was once told, to stay ahead you need great partners, and these guys (Magnier, Tabor and Smith) have been in the game a long time and add so much to it. I think this horse now has a great future at stud, but where he stands I will leave to John Magnier, who knows so much more than I do."

Winner of the Group 3 Diamond at Dundalk in his juvenile finale, Declaration of War opened 2013 with an easy tally in the April 14 Heritage at Leopardstown, but the bay colt was only fifth in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 18.

"We always thought the world of this horse," Aidan O'Brien explained. "He had a very easy run the first time at Leopardstown and we thought he was ready for a Group 1, but obviously he wasn't. I hadn't trained him hard enough for it. He is a big powerhouse capable of taking training and I didn't get that right. Joseph found out in the Lockinge he had a lot of speed, and we rode him that way today."

"I was going very well and I went into the gap -- it got a little bit tight but I was going exceptionally well," Joseph O'Brien said. "He quickened up and idled when he got there.

"We thought that he was a very good horse going into Newbury, when we were a little bit disappointed, but we had a few things and Dean, who rides him out, and all of the lads in the yard have done a great job. I have a few nice rides for the week and it's nice to start off on a good foot."

Asked if the winner might take in the Eclipse Stakes next over 10 furlongs, O'Brien said: "No, I would rather see him go back in trip, rather than up in trip. He traveled very strongly today."

Aljamaaheer finished about a length behind the winner in second, and it was another half-length to Gregorian in third.

Next under the wire came Elusive Kate, Trade Storm, Libranno, Chil the Kite, Penitent, Sovereign Debut, Trumpet Major, Animal Kingdom, Monsieur Chevalier and Gabrial.

Graham Motion expressed his frustrations with Animal Kingdom's performance.

"I am disappointed obviously," the conditioner stated. "Johnny (Velazquez) had to fight him a little bit early, which made me worry, and said at the half-mile pole he started to ask him to run and there wasn't much there. He said it rode a bit softer than it walked but I cannot really use that as an excuse.

"I would say that is probably it for the horse (last run). I think the experience has been tremendous and if I ever had the opportunity to do it again then I would absolutely. Animal Kingdom trained great -- I was really happy with him. This is what I always cautioned. It is so different -- the fact that he was keen early and he did not really have any cover. He is used to being tucked in and when you are out in the open like that, it is a different ball-game.

"He was keen and just didn't relax. When I let him down, he gave me no run at all," Velazquez added. "He just didn't have it at all today."

Animal Kingdom broke from the far outside post.

"I think the draw (13) made it very awkward for him to be honest," Motion said. "I didn't anticipate it would be but I think in hindsight it was. I am sorry it did not work out -- it is disappointing for everyone. There was such a good reception for him. It would have been great to see him do his stuff but he clearly didn't today.

"I always had reservations about what we were dealing with -- it became a very awkward post (draw) and Johnny had difficulty getting him to settle early. I think that it is probably what hurt Animal Kingdom the most. If he had been drawn in the middle it would have been easier.

"I don't want to offer too many excuses. I am sorry it has ended this way, we are deflated. A lot of effort has gone into this -- David Lanigan and his crew and our crew -- it has been a lot of work. That's racing; everyone was predicting him to win but they have to run the race."

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Atigun the one to beat in Colonial Turf Cup; Channel Lady heads All Along

Atigun returned to the turf two starts back, defeating a salty group of optional claiming rivals on the Kentucky Derby undercard, and just missed with a rallying second in the Grade 3 Louisville Handicap on May 25. The Kenny McPeek-trained colt will seek his first stakes victory when he lines up for Saturday's Grade 2, $300,000 Colonial Turf Cup at Colonial Downs.

A four-year-old son of Istan, Atigun displayed decent class on the main track last season, finishing third in both the Belmont Stakes and Breeders' Cup Marathon, and filled the same spot when making his second start of 2013 in the Grade 3 Razorback at Oaklawn Park. However, his form has improved noticeably since switching to turf, registering BRIS Speed ratings 110 and 106 in his last two starts, and Saturday's 1 3/16-mile distance looks like a perfect fit for the long-winded bay.

In the 1 1/2-mile Louisville, Atigun dropped too far back during the early stages and lost plenty of ground on the far turn while the winner was perfectly positioned throughout.

"He had a terrible trip," McPeek said of narrow runner-up finish. "I think he was several lengths the best horse."

Julien Leparoux, who missed the Louisville after riding Atigun two starts back, will be in for the mount aboard the likely favorite.

Swift Warrior exits a dead-heat seventh in the Grade 2 Dixie on the Preakness undercard, but the chestnut recorded consecutive wins in the Grade 3 John B. Connelly and Grade 3 Tampa Bay prior to that setback and merits respect Saturday for trainer John Terranova. Jose Espinoza, who missed the Dixie, regains the mount on the five-year-old.

Air Support likes the turf at Colonial Downs, winning the 2011 Virginia Derby and finishing second in last year's Turf Cup, and the well-bred son of Smart Strike will be making his third start off the layoff for trainer Shug McGaughey. He's lost both attempts this season but did not run poorly when finishing third and fourth against solid allowance/optional claiming fields at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, respectively. Javier Castellano rides.

Two Notch Road, third in the 2010 Colonial Turf Cup, made it back from a 2 1/2-year layoff this spring and the six-year-old gelding will look to capitalize upon an encouraging third in the Grade 2 Monmouth last out. Other runners include General Logan, who will return to stakes company for Graham Motion following a convincing allowance tally at Pimlico in his 2013 bow; and Hyper, who exits a runner-up in the May 15 Good Reward at Belmont for Chad Brown.

Colonial Downs will also offer the Grade 3, $100,000 All Along for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf and trainer Todd Pletcher will send out the leading candidate, Channel Lady. After recording her first stakes tally at Aqueduct last fall, the English Channel filly opened her four-year-old season with a close second in the Grade 3 Marshua's River and then captured the Grade 3 Suwannee River at Gulfstream Park. She's been facing better rivals in her last two starts, finishing fourth each time behind Centre Court and Stephanie's Kitten, and Channel Lady figures to appreciate class relief against six challengers on Saturday.

Castellano rides the 124-pound top weight.

Adjacent, Appealing Cat and Embarr are the main rivals.

The stakes action kicks off with the $75,000 Da Hoss at a mile on turf and Hudson Steele is the top draw in the seven-horse field. A Grade 2 winner last season, the six-year-old gelding will be making his first start for Pletcher since a sixth in the Grade 1 Man 'o War 11 months ago.

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Declaration of War wins Queen Anne as Animal Kingdom disappoints

The Royal meeting at Ascot kicked off Tuesday with a rousing success from Declaration of War, who garnered his first Group 1 win by taking the Queen Anne Stakes for trainer Aidan O'Brien and his jockey son Joseph.

Animal Kingdom, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner and 5-4 Queen Anne favorite following his convincing two-length score in the Dubai World Cup, never fired in the one-mile straightaway, weakening to 11th of 13 runners in his likely career finale.

Declaration of War's victory was a stunning triumph for part-owner Joseph Allen, who bred the three-year-old son of War Front and now owns 40 percent of him in a Coolmore partnership involving Messrs Magnier, Tabor and Smith.

"I'm in bliss! It's my first win at Ascot, it's a wonderful day, my wife's here and I could not be happier," Allen said. "And I have great partners.

"I bred the sire of this horse, War Front, and I still have this colt's dam, Tempo West, who has a filly foal full-sister to this horse at foot. She is now back in front to War Front.

"This is a very difficult game to really sustain yourself. As I was once told, to stay ahead you need great partners, and these guys (Magnier, Tabor and Smith) have been in the game a long time and add so much to it. I think this horse now has a great future at stud, but where he stands I will leave to John Magnier, who knows so much more than I do."

Winner of the Group 3 Diamond at Dundalk in his juvenile finale, Declaration of War opened 2013 with an easy tally in the April 14 Heritage at Leopardstown, but the bay colt was only fifth in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 18.

"We always thought the world of this horse," Aidan O'Brien explained. "He had a very easy run the first time at Leopardstown and we thought he was ready for a Group 1, but obviously he wasn't. I hadn't trained him hard enough for it. He is a big powerhouse capable of taking training and I didn't get that right. Joseph found out in the Lockinge he had a lot of speed, and we rode him that way today."

"I was going very well and I went into the gap -- it got a little bit tight but I was going exceptionally well," Joseph O'Brien said. "He quickened up and idled when he got there.

"We thought that he was a very good horse going into Newbury, when we were a little bit disappointed, but we had a few things and Dean, who rides him out, and all of the lads in the yard have done a great job. I have a few nice rides for the week and it's nice to start off on a good foot."

Asked if the winner might take in the Eclipse Stakes next over 10 furlongs, O'Brien said: "No, I would rather see him go back in trip, rather than up in trip. He traveled very strongly today."

Aljamaaheer finished about a length behind the winner in second, and it was another half-length to Gregorian in third.

Next under the wire came Elusive Kate, Trade Storm, Libranno, Chil the Kite, Penitent, Sovereign Debut, Trumpet Major, Animal Kingdom, Monsieur Chevalier and Gabrial.

Graham Motion expressed his frustrations with Animal Kingdom's performance.

"I am disappointed obviously," the conditioner stated. "Johnny (Velazquez) had to fight him a little bit early, which made me worry, and said at the half-mile pole he started to ask him to run and there wasn't much there. He said it rode a bit softer than it walked but I cannot really use that as an excuse.

"I would say that is probably it for the horse (last run). I think the experience has been tremendous and if I ever had the opportunity to do it again then I would absolutely. Animal Kingdom trained great -- I was really happy with him. This is what I always cautioned. It is so different -- the fact that he was keen early and he did not really have any cover. He is used to being tucked in and when you are out in the open like that, it is a different ball-game.

"He was keen and just didn't relax. When I let him down, he gave me no run at all," Velazquez added. "He just didn't have it at all today."

Animal Kingdom broke from the far outside post.

"I think the draw (13) made it very awkward for him to be honest," Motion said. "I didn't anticipate it would be but I think in hindsight it was. I am sorry it did not work out -- it is disappointing for everyone. There was such a good reception for him. It would have been great to see him do his stuff but he clearly didn't today.

"I always had reservations about what we were dealing with -- it became a very awkward post (draw) and Johnny had difficulty getting him to settle early. I think that it is probably what hurt Animal Kingdom the most. If he had been drawn in the middle it would have been easier.

"I don't want to offer too many excuses. I am sorry it has ended this way, we are deflated. A lot of effort has gone into this -- David Lanigan and his crew and our crew -- it has been a lot of work. That's racing; everyone was predicting him to win but they have to run the race."

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Dawn Approach rebounds in roughly-run St James's Palace

Dawn Approach (blue silks) gamely repulsed the fast-finishing Toronado (Frank Sorge/Horsephotos.com) Classic winner Dawn Approach turned a nadir into triumph Tuesday in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot when rekindling the form that saw him win the Two Thousand Guineas. Clinging on by a short-head from runner-up Toronado, Dawn Approach took the St James's Palace Stakes just 17 days after finishing last in the Epsom Derby. He gave jockey Kevin Manning a horrible ride that day, pulling uncontrollably, and while keen today the shorter one-mile trip played to his strengths when it mattered.

Dawn Approach is trained by his breeder, Jim Bolger, and is part-owned by him and Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation. Asked if he was surprised when Bolger announced he wanted to run the chestnut colt in today's race so soon after Epsom, Sheikh Mohammed said, "Yes, but Jim bred the horse and knows him very well, so when he said he wanted to run the owner was happy to support him. The biggest risk is not taking any risk. Today has proved to me that this horse is the best miler in the world."

Bolger said, "It's the nature of the sport to take chances and sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Sheikh Mohammed was a very willing risk taker and I'm delighted he was."

A stewards' inquiry looked into an incident between the two- and one-furlong marker when several horses were knocked sideways, including the first two, and Bolger said, "He was fortunate to survive that, but he did and the rest is history. He's very tough and hardy. I'm very happy, and relief plays a part in it, but I knew he wouldn't let me down."

Simon Crisford, the Godolphin racing manager, reacted to Dawn Approach's gutsy win over Toronado.

"It is fantastic. Jim (Bolger) called every shot there and got it absolutely right. It was a magnificent call on his part because it is the big race of the week," Crisford said. "It was a high-risk strategy and he pulled it off.

"Dawn Approach has achieved a phenomenal amount as a racehorse -- an unbeaten champion two-year-old, a Guineas win and success in the St James's Palace Stakes. He is now destined for great things ahead at stud. I hear he got a hefty bump and knew that the stewards' inquiry did not involve him.

"I am sure we will stick to this trip with Dawn Approach and we will look at the championship mile races around Europe and farther afield."

"When I pulled him out, I have gone there with plenty of horse but received a serious knock from the inside," jockey Kevin Manning said. "There was then some contact with the horse on the outside. I thought I had everything very much covered when I pulled him out. He got to the front and was not headed all the way to the line. He is a very gutsy and determined horse."

Toronado had to settle for second place after Dawn Approach was announced the short-head victor. This was after interference inside the last two furlongs when Glory Awaits drifted to the stands side forcing Magician, Mars, Dawn Approach and Toronado wide.

Richard Hannon, who trains the High Chaparral colt, commented afterwards, "That's racing. At least he's back! He's a very good horse.

"It was a shame really that there was that interference otherwise I think we would have got it. The winner went on to us and knocked us into the middle of the track. I don't think it was the winner's fault he got a knock and it concertinaed onto us."

Toronado is entered for the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on July 6 and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood July 31, as is Dawn Approach, and Hannon added all options are open.

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Sole Power edges Shea Shea in King's Stand

Ireland's Sole Power, an 8-1 chance in Tuesday's Group 1 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, vanquished raiders from farther afield, the 11-4 favorite Shea Shea from South Africa whom he caught close home and beat a neck, while Australia's Shamexpress finished ninth, 4 1/4 lengths adrift of the winner.

Johnny Murtagh came with a late run which was timed to perfection on Sole Power, who is trained by Edward Lynam.

"I am very proud of Sole Power," Lynam said. "If he could beat Shea Shea, he was going to win but I didn't think he could beat Shea Shea. Johnny Murtagh is the best trainer riding!"

Johnny Murtagh, who started combining training and riding earlier this year, added, "Forty winners at Royal Ascot -- I am really proud of it. It's brilliant meeting and, as a jockey, this is where you want to be performing -- it makes the Monday to Fridays a lot easier, when you can come to a meeting like this and ride great horses for good people. I have just been one of the lucky ones.

"I get on well with this horse and I know what he likes. Eddie told me to ride him like I normally ride him -- 'ride him like you own him!' he said. Sole Power has a great turn of foot but he is very willing and, if he gets going too early, he runs out of steam so you have to time it to the best.

"Sole Power has had a lot of seconds but he deserved this victory -- it was a top-class field. He is more relaxed than he has been before -- he gives me the impression he is really enjoying his racing.

"Eddie knows how to get Sole Power spot on for these big days. There was always an excuse with his seconds last year. He has run a lot of good races but when you are a 100-1 winner of Group 1 you are kind of put in a pigeon hole but he showed what he can do today."

Paddy Power, whose mother Sabena owns Sole Power, commented, "It's amazing and a very special day. What a ride Johnny Murtagh gave him, to win his side by as far as he did. I have to say that we did kind of fancy Sole Power but it's so special to have it actually happen.

"It's so special for Mum especially, Dad as well and the Lynams, who did such a great job getting him here in great nick. I can't tell you how good it is -- it's amazing, so it is!"

Sole Power's late blitz landed the King's Stand, but the teams behind runner-up Shea Shea and Pearl Secret had no reason to feel crestfallen.

Shea Shea was saddled by trainer Mike de Kock who felt his horse would have been helped had he been given company in the closing stages of the race -- he and the winner finished on opposite sides of the track.

"I was on the wrong side behind the wrong horses," jockey Christophe Soumillon said.

"After all he's been through, there's no disgrace in being beaten," de Kock said. "It's disappointing to be beaten, but our horse has acquitted himself well and I'm very proud of him and the team that prepared him. "We all like to win, but we didn't and that's that."

Shea Shea is entered in Saturday's Golden Jubilee Stakes, and de Kock did not rule out a challenge.

"We'll see how he pulls out in the morning and may take our place on Saturday, but the door's still open," he said. "Christophe said he didn't have a hard race -- he hit the front and was idling, that's why I say it would have been great to have a horse take him on in front."

David Barron trains Pearl Secret for Qatar Racing, although the horse had not run since last year's Nunthorpe Stakes. Barron said, "To say I'm quite happy with him is an understatement. He's a horse who needs decent ground with a bit of give and doesn't want rattling ground. The two races we could have gone for before this race at Sandown and Haydock were not suitable because of the ground. He doesn't need soft ground, just a bit of ease.

"He looked good last year (when winning four races), but he wasn't taking on the class of horses he was taking on here. To have run as well as he has is very pleasing, and he's done well physically, so I hope he keeps going that way. He'll be unlucky not to win one of these.

"He's entered in the Golden Jubilee, but personally I wouldn't be in favor -- he's just had his first run of the season and he didn't have an easy race. The decision will be left to Sheikh Fahad. The horse is in all the Group 1 sprints over five and six furlongs."

Danny O'Brien, trainer of Shamexpress, said, "He was only average today. He has not been beaten out of sight -- three or four lengths. He was probably a bit soft in the last 100 (meters).

"He chased Shea Shea but was just average in the last furlong. We will probably stay -- we are here now and the horse seems in good order -- and try him over six furlongs in the July Cup at Newmarket.

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Dawn Approach rebounds in roughly-run St James's Palace

Dawn Approach (blue silks) gamely repulsed the fast-finishing Toronado (Frank Sorge/Horsephotos.com) Classic winner Dawn Approach turned a nadir into triumph Tuesday in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot when rekindling the form that saw him win the Two Thousand Guineas. Clinging on by a short-head from runner-up Toronado, Dawn Approach took the St James's Palace Stakes just 17 days after finishing last in the Epsom Derby. He gave jockey Kevin Manning a horrible ride that day, pulling uncontrollably, and while keen today the shorter one-mile trip played to his strengths when it mattered.

Dawn Approach is trained by his breeder, Jim Bolger, and is part-owned by him and Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation. Asked if he was surprised when Bolger announced he wanted to run the chestnut colt in today's race so soon after Epsom, Sheikh Mohammed said, "Yes, but Jim bred the horse and knows him very well, so when he said he wanted to run the owner was happy to support him. The biggest risk is not taking any risk. Today has proved to me that this horse is the best miler in the world."

Bolger said, "It's the nature of the sport to take chances and sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Sheikh Mohammed was a very willing risk taker and I'm delighted he was."

A stewards' inquiry looked into an incident between the two- and one-furlong marker when several horses were knocked sideways, including the first two, and Bolger said, "He was fortunate to survive that, but he did and the rest is history. He's very tough and hardy. I'm very happy, and relief plays a part in it, but I knew he wouldn't let me down."

Simon Crisford, the Godolphin racing manager, reacted to Dawn Approach's gutsy win over Toronado.

"It is fantastic. Jim (Bolger) called every shot there and got it absolutely right. It was a magnificent call on his part because it is the big race of the week," Crisford said. "It was a high-risk strategy and he pulled it off.

"Dawn Approach has achieved a phenomenal amount as a racehorse -- an unbeaten champion two-year-old, a Guineas win and success in the St James's Palace Stakes. He is now destined for great things ahead at stud. I hear he got a hefty bump and knew that the stewards' inquiry did not involve him.

"I am sure we will stick to this trip with Dawn Approach and we will look at the championship mile races around Europe and farther afield."

"When I pulled him out, I have gone there with plenty of horse but received a serious knock from the inside," jockey Kevin Manning said. "There was then some contact with the horse on the outside. I thought I had everything very much covered when I pulled him out. He got to the front and was not headed all the way to the line. He is a very gutsy and determined horse."

Toronado had to settle for second place after Dawn Approach was announced the short-head victor. This was after interference inside the last two furlongs when Glory Awaits drifted to the stands side forcing Magician, Mars, Dawn Approach and Toronado wide.

Richard Hannon, who trains the High Chaparral colt, commented afterwards, "That's racing. At least he's back! He's a very good horse.

"It was a shame really that there was that interference otherwise I think we would have got it. The winner went on to us and knocked us into the middle of the track. I don't think it was the winner's fault he got a knock and it concertinaed onto us."

Toronado is entered for the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on July 6 and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood July 31, as is Dawn Approach, and Hannon added all options are open.

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Sole Power edges Shea Shea in King's Stand

Ireland's Sole Power, an 8-1 chance in Tuesday's Group 1 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, vanquished raiders from farther afield, the 11-4 favorite Shea Shea from South Africa whom he caught close home and beat a neck, while Australia's Shamexpress finished ninth, 4 1/4 lengths adrift of the winner.

Johnny Murtagh came with a late run which was timed to perfection on Sole Power, who is trained by Edward Lynam.

"I am very proud of Sole Power," Lynam said. "If he could beat Shea Shea, he was going to win but I didn't think he could beat Shea Shea. Johnny Murtagh is the best trainer riding!"

Johnny Murtagh, who started combining training and riding earlier this year, added, "Forty winners at Royal Ascot -- I am really proud of it. It's brilliant meeting and, as a jockey, this is where you want to be performing -- it makes the Monday to Fridays a lot easier, when you can come to a meeting like this and ride great horses for good people. I have just been one of the lucky ones.

"I get on well with this horse and I know what he likes. Eddie told me to ride him like I normally ride him -- 'ride him like you own him!' he said. Sole Power has a great turn of foot but he is very willing and, if he gets going too early, he runs out of steam so you have to time it to the best.

"Sole Power has had a lot of seconds but he deserved this victory -- it was a top-class field. He is more relaxed than he has been before -- he gives me the impression he is really enjoying his racing.

"Eddie knows how to get Sole Power spot on for these big days. There was always an excuse with his seconds last year. He has run a lot of good races but when you are a 100-1 winner of Group 1 you are kind of put in a pigeon hole but he showed what he can do today."

Paddy Power, whose mother Sabena owns Sole Power, commented, "It's amazing and a very special day. What a ride Johnny Murtagh gave him, to win his side by as far as he did. I have to say that we did kind of fancy Sole Power but it's so special to have it actually happen.

"It's so special for Mum especially, Dad as well and the Lynams, who did such a great job getting him here in great nick. I can't tell you how good it is -- it's amazing, so it is!"

Sole Power's late blitz landed the King's Stand, but the teams behind runner-up Shea Shea and Pearl Secret had no reason to feel crestfallen.

Shea Shea was saddled by trainer Mike de Kock who felt his horse would have been helped had he been given company in the closing stages of the race -- he and the winner finished on opposite sides of the track.

"I was on the wrong side behind the wrong horses," jockey Christophe Soumillon said.

"After all he's been through, there's no disgrace in being beaten," de Kock said. "It's disappointing to be beaten, but our horse has acquitted himself well and I'm very proud of him and the team that prepared him. "We all like to win, but we didn't and that's that."

Shea Shea is entered in Saturday's Golden Jubilee Stakes, and de Kock did not rule out a challenge.

"We'll see how he pulls out in the morning and may take our place on Saturday, but the door's still open," he said. "Christophe said he didn't have a hard race -- he hit the front and was idling, that's why I say it would have been great to have a horse take him on in front."

David Barron trains Pearl Secret for Qatar Racing, although the horse had not run since last year's Nunthorpe Stakes. Barron said, "To say I'm quite happy with him is an understatement. He's a horse who needs decent ground with a bit of give and doesn't want rattling ground. The two races we could have gone for before this race at Sandown and Haydock were not suitable because of the ground. He doesn't need soft ground, just a bit of ease.

"He looked good last year (when winning four races), but he wasn't taking on the class of horses he was taking on here. To have run as well as he has is very pleasing, and he's done well physically, so I hope he keeps going that way. He'll be unlucky not to win one of these.

"He's entered in the Golden Jubilee, but personally I wouldn't be in favor -- he's just had his first run of the season and he didn't have an easy race. The decision will be left to Sheikh Fahad. The horse is in all the Group 1 sprints over five and six furlongs."

Danny O'Brien, trainer of Shamexpress, said, "He was only average today. He has not been beaten out of sight -- three or four lengths. He was probably a bit soft in the last 100 (meters).

"He chased Shea Shea but was just average in the last furlong. We will probably stay -- we are here now and the horse seems in good order -- and try him over six furlongs in the July Cup at Newmarket.

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War Command romps in Coventry

A stunning performance by runaway winner War Command in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes made it four wins for Irish trainers on the opening day of Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

The son of War Front was completing a double on the day for the team behind Queen Anne Stakes winner Declaration of War, namely trainer Aidan O'Brien, part/owner and breeder Joseph Allen, and the Coolmore triumvirate of Messrs Magnier, Tabor and Smith. However, O'Brien's son Joseph finished unplaced this time on favorite Stubbs, and it was another Ballydoyle stalwart, Seamie Heffernan, who rode the winner. In third was another O'Brien runner, Sir John Hawkins, the mount of Ryan Moore.

Allen, who lives in Florida, but is visiting Royal Ascot with his wife Annette, said, "This is surreal -- it could not get better than this. I did not expect the first winner (Declaration of War) because he was so disappointing on his previous run in the Lockinge Stakes, but this is a horse I have always liked.

"He's had a few issues -- he had a splint at one point -- but he's come around and what he did today was scary. His dam, Wandering Star, has a US Ranger filly foal at foot -- I bred and raced US Ranger with the same team."

"I've been involved with horses for 35 years, and this is the highlight. To win two major races on the first day of Royal Ascot is a dream."

War Command was given quotes of 5-1 for next year's Two Thousand Guineas, and 10-1 by Ladbrokes.

"The winner went too fast," said Richard Fahey as his second-placed charge, Parbold. "We wouldn't have beaten the winner anyway but (jockey) Tony (Hamilton) thought he was better for another two or three lengths. In race riding you make a decision and decide who the fancied ones are and you go that way Today it didn't happen.

"He is entered in several large two-year-old sales races and it would be hard not to run him in them."

Olly Stevens and his wife Hetta trained their first Royal Ascot winner in their debut season when Extortionist landed the £60,000 Windsor Forest Stakes for two-year-olds.

The victory completed a 152-1 double for jockey Johnny Murtagh, who had won the King's Stand Stakes on Sole Power earlier on the card. On this occasion, Murtagh wore the colors of Qatar Racing, a partnership involving the Al Thani brothers of Qatar. They own Robins Farm, which is the Stevens' base near Chiddingfold in Sussex.

The winner, a 16-1 shot, is a son of Dandy Man, a first-season sire.

"It feels fantastic -- Hetta and I have dreamed of this all our lives, but this win is testament to David Redvers (who is piloting the Qatar Racing project with Sheikh Fahad Al Thani), to Sheikh Fahad and all the team. It was David who picked out the horse as a yearling and I'm so glad we can repay Sheikh Fahad's faith in us," Stevens said.

Extortionist won his first race, but was only fourth at York next time out. Stevens said, "He came back from Nottingham with a sore shin and I had to swim him in to his race at York, where he was four lengths below his best. I was furious with myself that day, but put him away after that and we've known he was always a fast horse. Next could be the July Stakes and we'll work away from there."

"It worked out well and I got a nice tow into the race the horse did very well -- he went to the start very well and behaved well in the stalls," Murtagh said. "He was a little bit keen for the first half a furlong but as soon as I got in behind Kieren Fallon (on board Haikbidac) he settled lovely and he was always going to win when I pulled him out with a furlong and a half to go. He responded well and was very generous -- it was a good win for the team. I think he will improve for this. He was impressive on his first start but blew up on his second but he will improve again for this."

There was a sting in the tail for Murtagh, who received a two-day ban for use of the whip when winning on Extortionist. The stewards found he used his whip above the permitted level. His ban is on July 2-3.

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War Command romps in Coventry

A stunning performance by runaway winner War Command in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes made it four wins for Irish trainers on the opening day of Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

The son of War Front was completing a double on the day for the team behind Queen Anne Stakes winner Declaration of War, namely trainer Aidan O'Brien, part/owner and breeder Joseph Allen, and the Coolmore triumvirate of Messrs Magnier, Tabor and Smith. However, O'Brien's son Joseph finished unplaced this time on favorite Stubbs, and it was another Ballydoyle stalwart, Seamie Heffernan, who rode the winner. In third was another O'Brien runner, Sir John Hawkins, the mount of Ryan Moore.

Allen, who lives in Florida, but is visiting Royal Ascot with his wife Annette, said, "This is surreal -- it could not get better than this. I did not expect the first winner (Declaration of War) because he was so disappointing on his previous run in the Lockinge Stakes, but this is a horse I have always liked.

"He's had a few issues -- he had a splint at one point -- but he's come around and what he did today was scary. His dam, Wandering Star, has a US Ranger filly foal at foot -- I bred and raced US Ranger with the same team."

"I've been involved with horses for 35 years, and this is the highlight. To win two major races on the first day of Royal Ascot is a dream."

War Command was given quotes of 5-1 for next year's Two Thousand Guineas, and 10-1 by Ladbrokes.

"The winner went too fast," said Richard Fahey as his second-placed charge, Parbold. "We wouldn't have beaten the winner anyway but (jockey) Tony (Hamilton) thought he was better for another two or three lengths. In race riding you make a decision and decide who the fancied ones are and you go that way Today it didn't happen.

"He is entered in several large two-year-old sales races and it would be hard not to run him in them."

Olly Stevens and his wife Hetta trained their first Royal Ascot winner in their debut season when Extortionist landed the £60,000 Windsor Forest Stakes for two-year-olds.

The victory completed a 152-1 double for jockey Johnny Murtagh, who had won the King's Stand Stakes on Sole Power earlier on the card. On this occasion, Murtagh wore the colors of Qatar Racing, a partnership involving the Al Thani brothers of Qatar. They own Robins Farm, which is the Stevens' base near Chiddingfold in Sussex.

The winner, a 16-1 shot, is a son of Dandy Man, a first-season sire.

"It feels fantastic -- Hetta and I have dreamed of this all our lives, but this win is testament to David Redvers (who is piloting the Qatar Racing project with Sheikh Fahad Al Thani), to Sheikh Fahad and all the team. It was David who picked out the horse as a yearling and I'm so glad we can repay Sheikh Fahad's faith in us," Stevens said.

Extortionist won his first race, but was only fourth at York next time out. Stevens said, "He came back from Nottingham with a sore shin and I had to swim him in to his race at York, where he was four lengths below his best. I was furious with myself that day, but put him away after that and we've known he was always a fast horse. Next could be the July Stakes and we'll work away from there."

"It worked out well and I got a nice tow into the race the horse did very well -- he went to the start very well and behaved well in the stalls," Murtagh said. "He was a little bit keen for the first half a furlong but as soon as I got in behind Kieren Fallon (on board Haikbidac) he settled lovely and he was always going to win when I pulled him out with a furlong and a half to go. He responded well and was very generous -- it was a good win for the team. I think he will improve for this. He was impressive on his first start but blew up on his second but he will improve again for this."

There was a sting in the tail for Murtagh, who received a two-day ban for use of the whip when winning on Extortionist. The stewards found he used his whip above the permitted level. His ban is on July 2-3.

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Kay named president and CEO of NYRA

Christopher Kay was named president and CEO of The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) following unanimous approval by its Board of Directors at a meeting on Tuesday. The appointment is effective as of July 1.

Kay, 60, most recently served as COO for The Trust for Public Land, where he oversaw the operations of the land conservation organization's headquarters and 37 field offices. Prior to that, Kay was a consultant to Universal Parks & Resorts, serving as its Managing Director of International Business Development.

From 2001-2006, Kay served as the Chief Operating Officer for Toys 'R' Us, a Fortune 200 international company, and prior to that he was the retailer's Executive Vice President of Operations and General Counsel. Kay was also a minority owner of Orlando's AA baseball team and a member of the ownership group that sought to obtain the first MLB franchise in Florida.

Kay is a graduate of the University of Missouri and of the Duke University School of Law.

"After a careful search involving many highly qualified candidates, we are delighted to select Chris as our new president and CEO," NYRA Chair David J. Skorton said. "His wide range of expertise and skills -- including experience in the legal, regulatory and corporate governance environments -- will serve him extremely well in his new position at NYRA."

"Chris's unique blend of experience in retail, theme parks, sports and legal helped set him apart during this extensive search," NYRA Board member and Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee Michael Del Giudice said. "We look forward to working with him as NYRA moves forward in the months and years ahead."

"I am confident that we have found the right person to lead NYRA forward," said Board Member Stuart S. Janney III, who was also a member of the search committee for the vacant CEO position.

"Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated the type of leadership and strategic vision so crucial to NYRA's future success."

"Chris has a thorough understanding of the need to develop and drive brand strategies in a competitive and ever-changing environment," said Board member Jane Rosenthal, who was also a member of the CEO search committee. "He supported and enhanced the Toys ‘R' Us brand in every country in which it did business and sought to introduce the Universal Studios theme park brand to new countries as its Managing Director."

"Though he has had no direct involvement with Thoroughbred racing, Chris is familiar with the sport and will make great use of the outstanding team in place that has successfully guided NYRA through the past month and a half -- a period that included the 145th Belmont Stakes," Board and search committee member Bobby Flay said. "Chris's arrival will bring new ideas and synergies to our organization that will benefit NYRA, horsemen and fans, alike."

"We were fortunate to choose from an abundance of fine candidates, but Chris's business and leadership skills stamped him as our first preference," Board and search committee member Earle Mack said. "I know the Board and others will enjoy working with Chris once he takes over."

"I'm honored by the confidence expressed in me today by the NYRA Board," Kay said. "Thoroughbred racing is an important part of the lives of so many -- including the hundreds of thousands of fans who have loyally supported us through the years. I will work hard to earn their trust and respect as we embark upon an extremely important chapter of NYRA's history. Working with the talented professionals at NYRA and its dedicated and experienced Board, I anticipate an exciting and successful future for our sport."

The NYRA Board retained the services of the executive search firm RSR Partners to assist in the filling of the president and CEO position.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

NEW NYRA PRESIDENT & CEO THEY SAID IT

JUNE 19, 2013

Q: What made this job attractive to you?

"There were a number of factors. Number one was the fact we have some of the finest racetracks in America under NYRA. Number two, as you heard today, a tremendous Board. Number three, the locations are fantastic. Saratoga is beautiful and New York City is the best city in the world. And, number four, strong, passionate fans. So when you say 'what do you need going forward?' those are the four fundamental, foundational blocks for great success, so that was very attractive to me."

—New NYRA President & CEO Chris Kay

Q: Can you talk about your background and/or experience in racing as a fan or otherwise?

"I first went to a racetrack (Cahokia Downs, Alorton, Illinois) when I was 19 years old and fell in love with it, and went there every summer, frequently. I loved the experience. Later in life, as an attorney, I was part of a firm that represented people that owned stables in South Carolina and in Kentucky. And, in fact, I also developed a relationship with a friend of mine who owned a couple of horses, actually several very good ones -- Don Dizney -- who was suggesting I become the minority owner in some of those horses, like Wekiva Springs. I instead chose to go the baseball route, hoping we would land a major league team (in Orlando, Florida) with a minor league team. But I have enjoyed the racing experience for decades."

—Kay

Q: Were there any apprehensions about taking the job?

"No. Number one, it's a challenge, and the opportunity to do better, and those are two very important things. I kid you not...this is a world-class Board, and the opportunity to work with them to create new solutions was very attractive. I want to learn from mistakes of the past, but there is so much talent around that table that we can create a future for decades to come for success in horse racing in this state, and that was a very compelling reason for me to express interest in the job."

—Kay

Q: Any top priorities?

"Well, I haven't even started yet, but I think number one, the Board has provided us with a three-year strategic plan, so I'm going to follow that strategic plan, and execute it. And, to summarize that, number one is going to be to enhance the guest experience for our racing fans and to recruit others to become new racing fans. The second is the re-privatization; to work with the kind of people we have at the table and with state government, and the third is just to improve the quality of racing and purses at every racetrack we operate."

—Kay

Q: The future of casino gaming at New York tracks?

"I'm aware of the conversations (in Albany). I do not have a position to express today. I am comforted by the fact that Governor Cuomo has selected a great Board and has expressed an interest in making sure that horse racing is very successful today and for years to come. I look forward to working with this Board and with state government to make sure that happens."

—Kay

"We looked at three big categories of candidates. Some were people who were extraordinarily experienced directly in Thoroughbred racing. Some were turnaround specialists. Third were people who were very, very talented leaders and managers. At the end of the day, the search committee, number one, unanimously, thought it was very important to have someone with leadership and management experience. I'd like to say that a lot of problems NYRA has experienced in the past have not been because of lack of racing savvy, but because of lack of government savvy. That's my point of view."

—Board Chair David J. Skorton on the selection of Chris Kay

"Chris was a dream candidate for us because he cared about racing. He loves it. He's been doing it since he was a young person and wants it to succeed, but basically he is a very strong manager and leader from different types of organizations – for profit, not-for-profit, [he's worked in] organizations that had to deal in the governmental sector. We wanted someone who is experienced in making that connection, in the public-private partnership as opposed to the public-private war, and I think we're going to go in the right direction."

—Skorton

"I've mentioned before the two huge, mega jobs of the new Board: One was to get new leadership and management, and I emphasize both leadership and management. And then secondly, to look toward re-privatization, however long that takes. That's going to take some long-term vision."

—Skorton

Q: How bonuses will be determined?

"We have a balanced score card that we've developed. If you're not familiar with that term, it's a way to assess performance based on some quantitative metrics, like finances and things like that, there's also qualitative metrics. I want to be very public about this: this is not a guaranteed extra $250,000. We made that very clear to Chris during the recruitment process. This is going to be performance-based and I'm a hard grader."

—Skorton

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Kay named president and CEO of NYRA

Christopher Kay was named president and CEO of The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) following unanimous approval by its Board of Directors at a meeting on Tuesday. The appointment is effective as of July 1.

Kay, 60, most recently served as COO for The Trust for Public Land, where he oversaw the operations of the land conservation organization's headquarters and 37 field offices. Prior to that, Kay was a consultant to Universal Parks & Resorts, serving as its Managing Director of International Business Development.

From 2001-2006, Kay served as the Chief Operating Officer for Toys 'R' Us, a Fortune 200 international company, and prior to that he was the retailer's Executive Vice President of Operations and General Counsel. Kay was also a minority owner of Orlando's AA baseball team and a member of the ownership group that sought to obtain the first MLB franchise in Florida.

Kay is a graduate of the University of Missouri and of the Duke University School of Law.

"After a careful search involving many highly qualified candidates, we are delighted to select Chris as our new president and CEO," NYRA Chair David J. Skorton said. "His wide range of expertise and skills -- including experience in the legal, regulatory and corporate governance environments -- will serve him extremely well in his new position at NYRA."

"Chris's unique blend of experience in retail, theme parks, sports and legal helped set him apart during this extensive search," NYRA Board member and Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee Michael Del Giudice said. "We look forward to working with him as NYRA moves forward in the months and years ahead."

"I am confident that we have found the right person to lead NYRA forward," said Board Member Stuart S. Janney III, who was also a member of the search committee for the vacant CEO position.

"Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated the type of leadership and strategic vision so crucial to NYRA's future success."

"Chris has a thorough understanding of the need to develop and drive brand strategies in a competitive and ever-changing environment," said Board member Jane Rosenthal, who was also a member of the CEO search committee. "He supported and enhanced the Toys ‘R' Us brand in every country in which it did business and sought to introduce the Universal Studios theme park brand to new countries as its Managing Director."

"Though he has had no direct involvement with Thoroughbred racing, Chris is familiar with the sport and will make great use of the outstanding team in place that has successfully guided NYRA through the past month and a half -- a period that included the 145th Belmont Stakes," Board and search committee member Bobby Flay said. "Chris's arrival will bring new ideas and synergies to our organization that will benefit NYRA, horsemen and fans, alike."

"We were fortunate to choose from an abundance of fine candidates, but Chris's business and leadership skills stamped him as our first preference," Board and search committee member Earle Mack said. "I know the Board and others will enjoy working with Chris once he takes over."

"I'm honored by the confidence expressed in me today by the NYRA Board," Kay said. "Thoroughbred racing is an important part of the lives of so many -- including the hundreds of thousands of fans who have loyally supported us through the years. I will work hard to earn their trust and respect as we embark upon an extremely important chapter of NYRA's history. Working with the talented professionals at NYRA and its dedicated and experienced Board, I anticipate an exciting and successful future for our sport."

The NYRA Board retained the services of the executive search firm RSR Partners to assist in the filling of the president and CEO position.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

In brief

Attendance was up slightly for Tuesday's opening day of Royal Ascot at 46,359, just ahead of the 46,297 that attended in 2012. Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels was delighted with the way the ground rode on the first day of Royal Ascot and will keep the going description at "Good" overnight. He said of Wednesday's forecast, "There is a possibility of a shower or two but if we miss them and the dry conditions we had today prevail once again, then good to firm could enter the going description sometime tomorrow."...

Unbeaten Albany (Eng-G3) hopeful Sandiva (Footstepsinthesand) will carry the colors of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani in Friday's six-furlong contest having being sold by Middleham Park Racing for an undisclosed sum in a private deal. The chestnut, who cost a bargain £18,000 as a Doncaster August yearling, has emerged as a leading early-season distaffer after bagging a May 10 Nottingham maiden by six lengths and then impressing when doubling up in the June 3 Fillies' Sprint at Naas. "Sandiva has just been sold to Sheikh Al Thani and won't be running for Middleham Park in the Albany," revealed Middleham Park's Nick Bradley. "We do wish her new connections all the best, but unfortunately in horse racing we are a business and we have to look after our owners' interests. We sold one or two of our horses last year, we've hopefully used the money wisely, and we'd like to do the same with the sale of Sandiva. It's disappointing Middleham Park won't get a winner at Royal Ascot, but I think she will win. That's just the position we are in the market at the moment."...

The Aga Khan's Group 1 winner Ridasiyna (Motivator) has been retired after suffering a minor setback, according to Tweets from the Aga Khans Studs. Trained in France by Mikel Delzangles, the four-year-old filly hit a career high when winning last year's Group 1 Prix de l'Opera, becoming the first Group 1 winner for sire Motivator. She finished fourth, beaten 1 3/4 lengths, by Zagora in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf to round out her season, and was sixth in the Group 1 Prix Ganay in her lone 2013 outing on April 28. Ridasiyna will join the Aga Khan's broodmare band...

Clydesdales will be at Penn National on June 28-29 (Photo courtesy of Anheuser-Busch) The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to appear on Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29, at Penn National. Weather permitting, the eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon and parade down the stretch at Penn National shortly before live racing on June 28 and 29. First post is at 6 p.m. (EDT), and during the live racing program on both evenings, the Clydesdales will be situated on the apron area for photo opportunities with fans. The Clydesdales' appearance at Penn National is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800's. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show. Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands -- or six feet -- at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year. A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day. Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries. The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the Anheuser-Busch breweries in St. Louis; Merrimack, New Hampshire; and Ft. Collins, Colorado. They also may be viewed at Grant's Farm in St. Louis and at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, Missouri ...

Lane's End has named Lexington-based Cornett-IMS to assume the lead on marketing and communications for their operations as of July 22, 2013. "We enjoyed a successful relationship with Baker Communications for many years," said William S. Farish, owner of the prominent Thoroughbred breeding farm. "They developed many great campaigns for us and we did not take making this change lightly. Our team was impressed by what Cornett could offer Lane's End in terms of depth of services and experience with Thoroughbred commerce." Cornett represents clients both inside and outside the Thoroughbred industry. "Lane's End is a leader in an industry that we love and know quite well," agency President/CEO Kip Cornett said. "It's an honor to work with this iconic brand, the Farish family and their team." Joyce Fogleman, a 24-year employee of Lane's End, continues in her role as Director of Marketing for the farm. For more information, contact Fogleman (859-873-7300) or Cornett (859-281-7878).

NEW NYRA PRESIDENT & CEO THEY SAID IT

JUNE 19, 2013

Q: What made this job attractive to you?

"There were a number of factors. Number one was the fact we have some of the finest racetracks in America under NYRA. Number two, as you heard today, a tremendous Board. Number three, the locations are fantastic. Saratoga is beautiful and New York City is the best city in the world. And, number four, strong, passionate fans. So when you say 'what do you need going forward?' those are the four fundamental, foundational blocks for great success, so that was very attractive to me."

—New NYRA President & CEO Chris Kay

Q: Can you talk about your background and/or experience in racing as a fan or otherwise?

"I first went to a racetrack (Cahokia Downs, Alorton, Illinois) when I was 19 years old and fell in love with it, and went there every summer, frequently. I loved the experience. Later in life, as an attorney, I was part of a firm that represented people that owned stables in South Carolina and in Kentucky. And, in fact, I also developed a relationship with a friend of mine who owned a couple of horses, actually several very good ones -- Don Dizney -- who was suggesting I become the minority owner in some of those horses, like Wekiva Springs. I instead chose to go the baseball route, hoping we would land a major league team (in Orlando, Florida) with a minor league team. But I have enjoyed the racing experience for decades."

—Kay

Q: Were there any apprehensions about taking the job?

"No. Number one, it's a challenge, and the opportunity to do better, and those are two very important things. I kid you not...this is a world-class Board, and the opportunity to work with them to create new solutions was very attractive. I want to learn from mistakes of the past, but there is so much talent around that table that we can create a future for decades to come for success in horse racing in this state, and that was a very compelling reason for me to express interest in the job."

—Kay

Q: Any top priorities?

"Well, I haven't even started yet, but I think number one, the Board has provided us with a three-year strategic plan, so I'm going to follow that strategic plan, and execute it. And, to summarize that, number one is going to be to enhance the guest experience for our racing fans and to recruit others to become new racing fans. The second is the re-privatization; to work with the kind of people we have at the table and with state government, and the third is just to improve the quality of racing and purses at every racetrack we operate."

—Kay

Q: The future of casino gaming at New York tracks?

"I'm aware of the conversations (in Albany). I do not have a position to express today. I am comforted by the fact that Governor Cuomo has selected a great Board and has expressed an interest in making sure that horse racing is very successful today and for years to come. I look forward to working with this Board and with state government to make sure that happens."

—Kay

"We looked at three big categories of candidates. Some were people who were extraordinarily experienced directly in Thoroughbred racing. Some were turnaround specialists. Third were people who were very, very talented leaders and managers. At the end of the day, the search committee, number one, unanimously, thought it was very important to have someone with leadership and management experience. I'd like to say that a lot of problems NYRA has experienced in the past have not been because of lack of racing savvy, but because of lack of government savvy. That's my point of view."

—Board Chair David J. Skorton on the selection of Chris Kay

"Chris was a dream candidate for us because he cared about racing. He loves it. He's been doing it since he was a young person and wants it to succeed, but basically he is a very strong manager and leader from different types of organizations – for profit, not-for-profit, [he's worked in] organizations that had to deal in the governmental sector. We wanted someone who is experienced in making that connection, in the public-private partnership as opposed to the public-private war, and I think we're going to go in the right direction."

—Skorton

"I've mentioned before the two huge, mega jobs of the new Board: One was to get new leadership and management, and I emphasize both leadership and management. And then secondly, to look toward re-privatization, however long that takes. That's going to take some long-term vision."

—Skorton

Q: How bonuses will be determined?

"We have a balanced score card that we've developed. If you're not familiar with that term, it's a way to assess performance based on some quantitative metrics, like finances and things like that, there's also qualitative metrics. I want to be very public about this: this is not a guaranteed extra $250,000. We made that very clear to Chris during the recruitment process. This is going to be performance-based and I'm a hard grader."

—Skorton

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In brief

Attendance was up slightly for Tuesday's opening day of Royal Ascot at 46,359, just ahead of the 46,297 that attended in 2012. Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels was delighted with the way the ground rode on the first day of Royal Ascot and will keep the going description at "Good" overnight. He said of Wednesday's forecast, "There is a possibility of a shower or two but if we miss them and the dry conditions we had today prevail once again, then good to firm could enter the going description sometime tomorrow."...

Unbeaten Albany (Eng-G3) hopeful Sandiva (Footstepsinthesand) will carry the colors of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani in Friday's six-furlong contest having being sold by Middleham Park Racing for an undisclosed sum in a private deal. The chestnut, who cost a bargain £18,000 as a Doncaster August yearling, has emerged as a leading early-season distaffer after bagging a May 10 Nottingham maiden by six lengths and then impressing when doubling up in the June 3 Fillies' Sprint at Naas. "Sandiva has just been sold to Sheikh Al Thani and won't be running for Middleham Park in the Albany," revealed Middleham Park's Nick Bradley. "We do wish her new connections all the best, but unfortunately in horse racing we are a business and we have to look after our owners' interests. We sold one or two of our horses last year, we've hopefully used the money wisely, and we'd like to do the same with the sale of Sandiva. It's disappointing Middleham Park won't get a winner at Royal Ascot, but I think she will win. That's just the position we are in the market at the moment."...

The Aga Khan's Group 1 winner Ridasiyna (Motivator) has been retired after suffering a minor setback, according to Tweets from the Aga Khans Studs. Trained in France by Mikel Delzangles, the four-year-old filly hit a career high when winning last year's Group 1 Prix de l'Opera, becoming the first Group 1 winner for sire Motivator. She finished fourth, beaten 1 3/4 lengths, by Zagora in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf to round out her season, and was sixth in the Group 1 Prix Ganay in her lone 2013 outing on April 28. Ridasiyna will join the Aga Khan's broodmare band...

Clydesdales will be at Penn National on June 28-29 (Photo courtesy of Anheuser-Busch) The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to appear on Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29, at Penn National. Weather permitting, the eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon and parade down the stretch at Penn National shortly before live racing on June 28 and 29. First post is at 6 p.m. (EDT), and during the live racing program on both evenings, the Clydesdales will be situated on the apron area for photo opportunities with fans. The Clydesdales' appearance at Penn National is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800's. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show. Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands -- or six feet -- at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year. A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day. Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries. The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the Anheuser-Busch breweries in St. Louis; Merrimack, New Hampshire; and Ft. Collins, Colorado. They also may be viewed at Grant's Farm in St. Louis and at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, Missouri ...

Lane's End has named Lexington-based Cornett-IMS to assume the lead on marketing and communications for their operations as of July 22, 2013. "We enjoyed a successful relationship with Baker Communications for many years," said William S. Farish, owner of the prominent Thoroughbred breeding farm. "They developed many great campaigns for us and we did not take making this change lightly. Our team was impressed by what Cornett could offer Lane's End in terms of depth of services and experience with Thoroughbred commerce." Cornett represents clients both inside and outside the Thoroughbred industry. "Lane's End is a leader in an industry that we love and know quite well," agency President/CEO Kip Cornett said. "It's an honor to work with this iconic brand, the Farish family and their team." Joyce Fogleman, a 24-year employee of Lane's End, continues in her role as Director of Marketing for the farm. For more information, contact Fogleman (859-873-7300) or Cornett (859-281-7878).

On the California worktab

Multiple Grade 1 hero Game on Dude (Awesome Again), who notched his fourth consecutive victory and pushed his earnings past $4.7 million in the April 20 Charles Town Classic (G2), worked six furlongs in 1:13 2/5 over the fast track at Santa Anita on Tuesday. The six-year-old gelding will make a title defense in the Hollywood Gold Cup on July 6.

Grade 1 winner Liaison (Indian Charlie), second as the favorite in the Californian (G2) on June 1, drilled the bullet in 1:13 in advance of the Gold Cup.

Grade 2 winner Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway), fifth when shipping to Belmont for the Metropolitan Handicap, clocked his move in 1:13 3/5.

Grade 3 scorer Govenor Charlie (Midnight Lute), who will look to rebound from an eighth in the Preakness next time, exercised in 1:13 4/5.

Black-Eyed Susan (G2) winner Fiftyshadesofhay (Pulpit) recorded a half-mile in :48 1/5.

Grade 3 queen Rumor (Indian Charlie), fifth in the Humana Distaff (G1) on the Kentucky Derby undercard, sauntered five furlongs in 1:04 2/5.

Multiple Grade 2 winner Tres Borrachos (Ecton Park), trailer in the May 27 All American (G3), logged five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 on the Cushion Track at Hollywood.

On the New York worktab

Once-beaten Tapicat (Tapit), unraced since a convincing win in the February 2 Florida Oaks (G3), breezed three furlongs in :39 2/5 on the fast Oklahoma training track at Saratoga on Tuesday.

Grade 3 winner Hessonite (Freud), sixth as the favorite in the May 25 Sheepshead Bay (G2), stepped five furlongs in 1:01 4/5 on the fast training track at Belmont Park.

On the California worktab

Multiple Grade 1 hero Game on Dude (Awesome Again), who notched his fourth consecutive victory and pushed his earnings past $4.7 million in the April 20 Charles Town Classic (G2), worked six furlongs in 1:13 2/5 over the fast track at Santa Anita on Tuesday. The six-year-old gelding will make a title defense in the Hollywood Gold Cup on July 6.

Grade 1 winner Liaison (Indian Charlie), second as the favorite in the Californian (G2) on June 1, drilled the bullet in 1:13 in advance of the Gold Cup.

Grade 2 winner Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway), fifth when shipping to Belmont for the Metropolitan Handicap, clocked his move in 1:13 3/5.

Grade 3 scorer Govenor Charlie (Midnight Lute), who will look to rebound from an eighth in the Preakness next time, exercised in 1:13 4/5.

Black-Eyed Susan (G2) winner Fiftyshadesofhay (Pulpit) recorded a half-mile in :48 1/5.

Grade 3 queen Rumor (Indian Charlie), fifth in the Humana Distaff (G1) on the Kentucky Derby undercard, sauntered five furlongs in 1:04 2/5.

Multiple Grade 2 winner Tres Borrachos (Ecton Park), trailer in the May 27 All American (G3), logged five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 on the Cushion Track at Hollywood.

On the Kentucky worktab

Grade 3-placed Redwood Kitten (Kitten's Joy), winner of the James W. Murphy on the Preakness undercard, traveled six furlongs in 1:13 over the Polytrack at Keeneland on Tuesday.

On the New York worktab

Once-beaten Tapicat (Tapit), unraced since a convincing win in the February 2 Florida Oaks (G3), breezed three furlongs in :39 2/5 on the fast Oklahoma training track at Saratoga on Tuesday.

Grade 3 winner Hessonite (Freud), sixth as the favorite in the May 25 Sheepshead Bay (G2), stepped five furlongs in 1:01 4/5 on the fast training track at Belmont Park.

On the Kentucky worktab

Grade 3-placed Redwood Kitten (Kitten's Joy), winner of the James W. Murphy on the Preakness undercard, traveled six furlongs in 1:13 over the Polytrack at Keeneland on Tuesday.

For Wednesday or Next Raceday

NORTH AMERICAN ALLOWANCE RESULTS

BELMONT NOTEBOOK

JUNE 20, 2013

by John Mucciolo

A pair of Grade 3 tests highlighted the weekend at Belmont Park.

Hill Prince S. (G3): Repole Stable's NOTACATBUTALLAMA (Harlan's Holiday) put in a strong run in the lane to overcome the 12 post and gamely register a neck victory. The New York-bred sophomore colt endured one mile on the "good" turf in 1:34 4/5 for trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez.

Bed o' Roses H. (G3): Susan Wantz's DANCE TO BRISTOL (Speightstown) swept to the lead nearing midstretch and was not bothered all the way to the line in posting a convincing 2 3/4-length win. The Ollie Figgins III trainee blasted seven furlongs on the fast main oval in a wicked 1:20 4/5, just four ticks off the stakes mark.

Track Stats

A total of 47 races were held at the Elmont, New York, venue, with favorites winning at a 38 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 55 percent of the wins during the week. From 34 races on the main oval, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (21 percent), while six of the 13 races on the lawn were taken all the way on the front (46 percent).

We thought the main track was pretty balanced and the best place to be was stalking the pace a few lengths off the rail as the week progressed.

Six grassy winners led at every call this week, including four on Sunday from six turf races. Of the six, four came on the outer lawn (3 routes, 1 sprint), while two came on the inner lawn (1 sprint, 1 route).

Meet Totals

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (6/12)

5TH -- TWO SUSANS (Purge) overcame a slow start and a bit of traffic to rally home and get up in a very nice debut win for conditioner Charlton Baker. The sophomore filly finished off six furlongs in a very sharp 1:09 4/5 for the level, and could be a nice one with more seasoning.

CARTLA SWEETREVENGE (Stephen Got Even) finished seven lengths clear of third in this runner-up spot and ran as well as one can expect in defeat. This filly will be graduating in the very near future with similar performances.

7TH -- PEACE AND JUSTICE (War Front) left quite an impression at first asking in here when wiring the field for John Shirreffs, who is not know for horses with speed or winning at first asking. The well-bred colt was always clear and gave the impression he could thrive with more ground to work with under Junior Alvarado.

Thursday (6/13)

3RD -- MY HAPPY FACE (Tiz Wonderful) was very professional in winning this one in her first start since January and first under the care of Chad Brown. The ultra-talented three-year-old filly looks all set to step back up to graded foes in her subsequent outing.

Friday (6/14)

2ND -- ASSURED (Empire Maker) tracked the leader, took over in early stretch and cruised home a fine 4 3/4-length winner. The well-bred Bill Mott pupil really looked good from a visual standpoint today and she should loom large with winners in an allowance spot next time.

3RD -- SAN PABLO (Jump Start) settled in third early and put in a powerful run on the turn and into the lane to dust a very good field in here by 3 ½ lengths for Pletcher. The five-year-old win machine made pretty easy work of a pair of Grade 1 types and could move into the higher rungs of the handicap division with another move forward off of this.

8TH -- MOMENT IN DIXIE (Dixieland Band) made a nice late run to be second behind a fine winner on this occasion in her first run in 2013. The Jimmy Toner charge should be much more fit next time and very dangerous if back with this kind.

Saturday (6/15)

5TH -- CATRON (Distorted Humor) pressed the pace to the top of the lane and took over in the stretch to post a sharp debut score in this dash for Pletcher. The three-year-old colt came home in a blistering 1:08 4/5 on the fast main oval and obviously could have a nice future ahead of him.

Sunday (6/16)

7TH -- Pacesetter and eventual runner-up MARIEL N KATHY (Corinthian) made the favored winner work for everything she got in a great second-place outing on this occasion. The three-year-old miss will be picking up a lot of checks with similar efforts and expected improvement for Dominick Schettino.

A Look Ahead

The Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose Stakes on Saturday is the lone graded race upcoming at Belmont Park.

UPCOMING STAKES

BELMONT NOTEBOOK

JUNE 20, 2013

by John Mucciolo

A pair of Grade 3 tests highlighted the weekend at Belmont Park.

Hill Prince S. (G3): Repole Stable's NOTACATBUTALLAMA (Harlan's Holiday) put in a strong run in the lane to overcome the 12 post and gamely register a neck victory. The New York-bred sophomore colt endured one mile on the "good" turf in 1:34 4/5 for trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez.

Bed o' Roses H. (G3): Susan Wantz's DANCE TO BRISTOL (Speightstown) swept to the lead nearing midstretch and was not bothered all the way to the line in posting a convincing 2 3/4-length win. The Ollie Figgins III trainee blasted seven furlongs on the fast main oval in a wicked 1:20 4/5, just four ticks off the stakes mark.

Track Stats

A total of 47 races were held at the Elmont, New York, venue, with favorites winning at a 38 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 55 percent of the wins during the week. From 34 races on the main oval, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (21 percent), while six of the 13 races on the lawn were taken all the way on the front (46 percent).

We thought the main track was pretty balanced and the best place to be was stalking the pace a few lengths off the rail as the week progressed.

Six grassy winners led at every call this week, including four on Sunday from six turf races. Of the six, four came on the outer lawn (3 routes, 1 sprint), while two came on the inner lawn (1 sprint, 1 route).

Meet Totals

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (6/12)

5TH -- TWO SUSANS (Purge) overcame a slow start and a bit of traffic to rally home and get up in a very nice debut win for conditioner Charlton Baker. The sophomore filly finished off six furlongs in a very sharp 1:09 4/5 for the level, and could be a nice one with more seasoning.

CARTLA SWEETREVENGE (Stephen Got Even) finished seven lengths clear of third in this runner-up spot and ran as well as one can expect in defeat. This filly will be graduating in the very near future with similar performances.

7TH -- PEACE AND JUSTICE (War Front) left quite an impression at first asking in here when wiring the field for John Shirreffs, who is not know for horses with speed or winning at first asking. The well-bred colt was always clear and gave the impression he could thrive with more ground to work with under Junior Alvarado.

Thursday (6/13)

3RD -- MY HAPPY FACE (Tiz Wonderful) was very professional in winning this one in her first start since January and first under the care of Chad Brown. The ultra-talented three-year-old filly looks all set to step back up to graded foes in her subsequent outing.

Friday (6/14)

2ND -- ASSURED (Empire Maker) tracked the leader, took over in early stretch and cruised home a fine 4 3/4-length winner. The well-bred Bill Mott pupil really looked good from a visual standpoint today and she should loom large with winners in an allowance spot next time.

3RD -- SAN PABLO (Jump Start) settled in third early and put in a powerful run on the turn and into the lane to dust a very good field in here by 3 ½ lengths for Pletcher. The five-year-old win machine made pretty easy work of a pair of Grade 1 types and could move into the higher rungs of the handicap division with another move forward off of this.

8TH -- MOMENT IN DIXIE (Dixieland Band) made a nice late run to be second behind a fine winner on this occasion in her first run in 2013. The Jimmy Toner charge should be much more fit next time and very dangerous if back with this kind.

Saturday (6/15)

5TH -- CATRON (Distorted Humor) pressed the pace to the top of the lane and took over in the stretch to post a sharp debut score in this dash for Pletcher. The three-year-old colt came home in a blistering 1:08 4/5 on the fast main oval and obviously could have a nice future ahead of him.

Sunday (6/16)

7TH -- Pacesetter and eventual runner-up MARIEL N KATHY (Corinthian) made the favored winner work for everything she got in a great second-place outing on this occasion. The three-year-old miss will be picking up a lot of checks with similar efforts and expected improvement for Dominick Schettino.

A Look Ahead

The Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose Stakes on Saturday is the lone graded race upcoming at Belmont Park.

RACING DATES

NATIONAL

UPCOMING STAKES

TOP BRIS CLASS RATINGS

RACING DATES

RACING LEADERS

(through June 17, 2013)

Note: Figures are for North American-based racing

RACING LEADERS

(through June 17, 2013)

Note: Figures are for North American-based racing

NATIONAL

TOP BRIS CLASS RATINGS

For Wednesday

*all times Eastern

AT A GLANCE SCHEDULE

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday

HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2011, Bloodstock Research Information Services. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from Equibase Company LLC and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Equibase Company LLC.

HIGHLIGHTS

For Wednesday

*all times Eastern

HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2011, Bloodstock Research Information Services. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from Equibase Company LLC and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Equibase Company LLC.

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