Coventry Stakes (6f, Tuesday, June 15, 3.05pm)
Royal Ascot is the biggest week in the British flat racing calendar. Alongside a plethora of Group 1s, racing fans are treated to some of the most competitive handicaps of the year, and some cracking juvenile contests that unearth future stars. In anticipation of this year’s meeting, Daryl Carter is providing his expert analysis and ante-post betting selections for all of the big Royal Ascot races. Here, Daryl provides his thoughts on the Coventry Stakes – one of the top juvenile races run at the meeting and a highlight on Day 1 of Royal Ascot.
Cadamosto
A decisive winner of a 5f Dundalk maiden contest, but that form looks no better than average, and his
connections are likely the reason he is top of the market at this early stage. He knew his job the first time up,
as many from the yard do, and he doesn’t excite at the moment.
Gisburn
Gisburn improved from his debut run behind Berkshire Shadow over 5f at Newbury on debut to score
readily at the same venue over six. He hung to the right on his latest start but scored in the style of a
proper horse and recorded a good time figure in the process. He looks rightfully priced, with
improvement sure to come.
The Entertainer
Won well at Navan on debut and showed a bright turn of foot to get out of a pocket and overcome
adversity. He picked up very impressively under hand and heels riding, and although that form is
challenging to get a handle on, he gave the impression there was plenty more to come. He may have
been bogged down next time at the Curragh behind Castle Star and shouldn’t be written off on that basis.
King Of Bavaria
Another Adian O’Brien runner and his form ties in with stablemate Cadamosto through Silver Surfer
when scoring at Naas over 5f. That trip looked like a bare minimum for him, so improvement can be
expected by stepping up in distance. He looks like a nice horse without screaming Coventry Stakes winner to
my eye.
Tenebrism
Aidan O’Brien trained runner and scored in soft ground over 5f at Naas and quickened up well from off
the pace doing her best work at the finish. She looks potentially very useful and is bred (as most are from
the yard) to be very smart indeed— one to keep on side.
Castle Star
Looked potentially top-class when scoring at the Curragh over 5f but then improved to win over 6f in the
Marble Hills Stakes Group 3 when scoring in excellent style. Connections are leaning towards the
Norfolk, according to reports, but that would be a folly mistake given he has just hosed up over 6f on
soft/heavy ground. He is one to be excited by.
Lusail
Won in very good style on debut at York over 6f despite looking green when under pressure. He kept on
strongly at the finish and screamed potential improver after not knowing his job once hitting the front.
Looks like a nice type.
Conclusion
This market is wide open now, and Aidan O’Brien holds a strong hand, but naturally, the bookies send
his runners to the top of the market, so there is little value on offer on those. However, CASTLE STAR
looked just that, a star in the making and although sitting on top of the pile 8/1 current best price looks
more than fair to me!