Richard Hannon: “I’m worried about the ground but I maintain Mums Tipple is a very good horse”

ROYAL ASCOT – FRIDAY

1:50 G3 Albany

Cirrus (Pat Dobbs)

She ran a nice race when second on debut at Newmarket and has definitely improved a lot for the experience. This is obviously a big step up in grade but she’s a tough filly with a lot of ability and hopefully she can run a big race, although the ground would have to be a concern, as it will be for all of them, however. Memory won the 2010 renewal for Highclere Racing so it would be nice if this filly could give her owners a good run for their money.

2:25 G2 Norfolk Stakes

Cooperation (Sean Levey)

He’s a very speedy colt by Mehmas, who has made a bright start to his stallion career, and this horse was probably a little unlucky not to win at Newmarket on Saturday when he always looked the winner but got reeled in close him and I’m not convinced he really loved the ground that day but the step back to 5f should suit. We’ve done absolutely nothing with him at home to try and keep him as fresh as possible so he comes here in good form and shouldn’t disgrace himself.

Ventura Tormenta (Pat Dobbs)

He’s a colt we’ve always liked and I took him out of his intended debut at Newmarket two weeks ago because I felt the ground was plenty quick enough, although I’m not sure he really wants it as soft as it’s going to be here! He’s got plenty of ability, has done everything right at home, and has been ready to go for a while so I’d be quite hopeful that he can put up a bold show, but I’m under no illusion as to the big task he faces.

3:35 G1 Commonwealth Cup

Mums Tipple (Sean Levey)

He sulked the other day in the 2000 Guineas when Sean tried to take a bit of a pull and he hit the first undulation and thought, ‘forget this, I’m out’ and basically came home in his own time. He wouldn’t have blown a candle out after the race, and I know he’s much better than that, so we’re going back down in trip and going to let him rip. If you look at the two best races he’s run, they’ve been on flat tracks, York and Ascot, so going back there will be in his favour. He has so much speed. So I would be a little worried about the ground but I still maintain he is a very good horse and hopefully he can prove it.

We’ve got plenty of runners at Newmarket where Al Dawodiya steps back up to 7f in the 2:35 and she would be one of my best chances of the day at HQ along with Mark Of Gold who should run a solid race in the Novice at 1:25

Cloak Of Spirits and Threat are the two big guns flying the flag for us on Saturday so check back here for my thoughts on their chances plus our others runners at the weekend.