ITM Plus - Nick Luck Euro Preview Notes

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Yesterday, following pre-entries, PTF hosted Nick Luck and got his initial impressions of the European contenders. It’s worth a listen but if you’re pressed for time, the notes below are a compilation of the discussion (thanks Steve Bonnick!)

Juvenile Turf Sprint

Nick had penciled in Quick Suzy for this race ever since her win at Royal Ascot given the raw speed she'd shown there, particularly as she looks to have been kept back for this. Twilight Jet has a lot of gate speed and is an out-and-out sprinter, although he was concerned that Go Bears Go and Armor might want further. Hierarchy - “very tough...and will keep trying” - was Nick's pick of the outsiders if the pace collapsed.

Juvenile Fillies Turf

Mise En Scene is “very interesting” given the form she has shown behind the best filly in Europe, and granted a good trip she should go close. Hello You looks likely to relish the distance and has some smart form, although Nick wasn't sure that Zain Claudette would be as effective over this distance. Cachet is tough but lacks a bit of class, but the unexposed Malavath represents a shrewd trainer who places his horses well and is potentially going to be a nice price.

Juvenile Turf

There are a lot of interesting European runners here, with the “professional” Modern Games arguably the most interesting. A rapid improver with a top trainer, he will likely be the pick of stable jockey William Buick over the tough Albahr, whose overall form needs improvement but will likely be ridden by Frankie Dettori and has shipped before and won. James Doyle, Godolphin's other stable jockey, will likely ride Dubawi Legend, who Nick believes to have the best single piece of form, although he is worried that he can be a bit rank. He didn't totally discount Great Max, either, given that he seemed to be favored for this race over owner-mate Go Bears Go, who arguably has better form. A hint he may go well, perhaps.

Turf Sprint

Nick preferred Emaraaty Ana - “a very talented horse” of the two Kevin Ryan runners, suggesting this might be too sharp for last year's winner Glass Slippers. The ground, and the emphasis it'd place on speed, was a big concern for Nick regarding A Case Of You, particularly when juxtaposed with the bog he ran on last time out.

Filly & Mare Turf

A race complicated by horses cross-entered for the Turf. Nick felt Audarya had a good chance and, although she didn't find as much as looked likely last time, he believed a return to the US would suit. He believed the 11 furlong distance would suit Love, while he respects the connections of Acanella despite her looking like she has a bit to find. Ocean Road is “a complete unknown quantity” who was highly-touted earlier in the season but has only run once since June. The Dubai effort of Japanese runner Loves Only You is arguably the best form on offer and that would “make her very competitive” if repeated here.

Mile

Nick “couldn't have” last year's winner Order Of Australia after he bombed out at Keenland last time out. Mother Earth “ought to be competitive” in this spot, while Space Blues ought to start favorite and there is hope he will get the mile distance. Master Of The Seas is one to take seriously on his 2000 Guineas form.

Turf

Nick thought this race would “possibly” go to a European runner, but he “wouldn't be dogmatic about it”. Tarnawa should run another bold race, and he thinks Teona is a “very, very good horse” who he will be wherever she runs. Of the Godolphin pair, he prefers Yibir over Walton Street, but wasn't overly enthused by either. Nick wouldn't be overly enthusiastic about Love's chances if she runs, although she has a chance if at her best.