Rizeena can bounce back in Group 1 Prix Morny
Published:Clive Brittain’s speedy filly Rizeena looked very smart when winning the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot but was subsequently beaten at Newmarket. She was never really travelling with her usual fluency that day and crossed the line two and a quarter lengths adrift of Lucky Kristale.
Her trainer was reluctant to put her defeat down to the step up to six furlongs but she reverts to five here and is reported in good form. The unbeaten Vorda is favourite to repel the foreign raiders after an impressive display in the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin.
The filly had Anticipated and Ambiance behind her that day and is seeking a fifth straight victory. American trainer Wesley Ward struck at Royal Ascot with No Nay Never who fought back after being headed to win the Norfolk Stakes.
Richard Hannon runs Brown Sugar and Anticipated, first and second in the Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. The runner-up looked unlucky there and may reverse the placings but this looks a much hotter race.
The second Group 1 on the card looks destined to go to His Highness the Aga Khan who is doubly represented with Dalkala and Sarkiyla. The former won the Group 2 Middleton Stakes at York’s May meeting before finishing unplaced behind Novellist at Saint-Cloud.
Sarkiyla did not settle in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot behind Duntle but had decent form last year. The biggest danger to the Aga Khan duo may come from Andre Fabre’s Romantica.
Ed Dunlop’s Joshua Tree bids for a repeat victory in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay at 3.15 but may find the competition stiffer this year. Top Trip was a fine third in the Ascot Gold Cup and will be difficult to beat if repeating that level of form here.
The son of Dubai Destination had previously been beaten only a short head in the Yorkshire Cup whilst Gloomy Sunday won the Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May. Andre Fabre is represented by Dance Moves who steps up in trip after winning in Listed company.
Selections: 1.30 Rizeena (NAP), 2.40 Dalkala, 3.15 Top Trip (nb)
