Night of Thunder a rock-solid each-way prospect
Although a somewhat fortunate winner of last season’s 2000 Guineas, he showed he’s not very far off the very top when chasing home the brilliant Kingman in the St James’s Palace Stakes at this meeting, in 2014.
The only disappointment of his season came in the Coral Eclipse, in which the trip proved too far.
Back over a mile, he was a close third behind Charm Spirit in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp, before being a very unlucky loser behind the same horse in the QEII Stakes at this track.
He returned this season with a game victory over stable companion and old adversary Toormore, in the Lockinge. Though it always looks as though there’s nothing between these two, Night Of Thunder is superior, and can be expected to confirm that impression.
Freddie Head’s Solow is something of a curiosity. Having been asked to go almost two miles in one race last year, he’s now back to the bare mile. He’s an impressive sort when in full stride, but this is certainly his toughest task over this trip. He may have the class to come out on top, but is priced on the short side, and, on very fast ground, is opposable.
Able Friend is the standout performer in Hong Kong but has to prove he can deliver over here. His trainer believes he’s one of the best milers on the planet, and he’ll certainly love the fast ground, but since his early move from Australia to Hong Kong he has not travelled beyond Sha Tin. He has to be respected, but there are risks associated.
Perhaps the market leaders, Solow and Able Friend, will prove too good for the home team, but Night Of Thunder looks the safest conveyance, is proven at this level, on this course and on fast ground. He looks a rock-solid each-way proposition.
With cheek-pieces applied for the first time, Ray Ward earns the nap selection in the two-and-a-half-mile Ascot Stakes.
David Simcock’s five-year-old was a real eye-catcher on his only outing this season, running on strongly despite considerate handling, over an inadequate 10 furlongs. He finished less than 10 lengths behind Domination in this race last year, despite losing his position and being badly crowded around the final bend. With proven stamina and a faster pace expected this time, he is likely to be delivered late. A big run looks assured.
Boite could be the best alternative. Third behind Leading Light in the Queen’s Vase of 2013, he has looked progressive since joining Warren Greatrex at the start of the year, and is well-in on his old form.
Round Two is just preferred to Air Force Blue in the Coventry Stake. Jim Bolger’s colt has looked smart in both outings, and is open to plenty of improvement. The return to six furlongs is a positive, and he’ll take beating.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Air Force Blue is also potentially top-class. Despite concerns he might need the run, he made a winning debut at the Curragh last month, beating Rockaway Valley and Tonkinese. The runner-up was most impressive next time, while the third also secured his maiden on his next outing. The form looks strong and he has to be feared, though it’s interesting Finnegan, trained by Wesley Ward for the Coolmore team, has been well backed in the past 24 hours.
Gleneagles is short enough in the betting for the St James’s Palace Stakes, but the dual Guineas winner is the most likely winner. There’s a fear this could prove a tactical race and if Make Believe is allowed to set modest early fractions, he could push the favourite all the way. The French raider looks progressive, but Gleneagles’ Newmarket success was most impressive, and a repeat of that should be good enough.
