After seeing multiple poor rides in the last couple of months, it's great to see that this is also a problem in France.
I don't know what the jockey of Arjan was thinking. I was confident in him causing an upset in terms of odds against the favourite, but the jockey had different ideas. He tried going for a gap on the inside of the leader, which was always going to shut in his face. The horse then had nowhere to go and finished a couple of lengths behind the winner, whilst still being on the bridle.
In terms of the Prix Du Jockey Club (French Derby), I don't think I could be annoyed with Darmyaz. He had to go against all of history to win, as he had only had one run. I thought he ran with credit, given he had to settle towards the rear. It wouldn't surprise me if he goes for the Arc, as he was staying on very strongly. I think he'll win a Group 1 at some stage of this year.
Naval Tribute 13/8 (2pt) – Newbury 4.35
I thought siding with Naval Tribute was a no-brainer for Monday's racing at Newbury. He was second to Believeitanducan at Ascot, the same horse who won easily for us at Chester on the Lucky 15 on Saturday. My selection in this race has only gone up 1lb for the good effort at Ascot, so I'm fairly confident that he'll win this race.
I struggle to see a horse that is as well-handicapped as the Alan King horse was at Ascot, and that's why I struggle to see another horse beating Naval Tribute. My selection is fully unexposed at this trip, has the form to win, and handles the ground. Newbury is expecting rain, but by the time this race is off, only a millimetre would have landed, making no change to the ground.
Cieren Fallon is having a fantastic season, and he is back on board after he wasn't on last time out, but he was on for the horse's win at Beverley the time before. The trainer is also in good form and is a trainer who is great at racking up many wins on his horses through the season. He is very strong at finding nice opportunities for his horses.
From what I can see, his odds have dropped from 3/1 to 7/4. In my opinion, he is the price that he should be, and if I were able to get 3/1, I would be extremely happy. I think his current price is fair, and I think he could shorten a small amount, because the winner of the Ascot race has won again since.
GambleAware