Triple Time will be a popular choice of ‘clock’ aficionados in the Novice Stakes over seven furlongs of ‘soft’ Haydock today and I’ll definitely be one of those betting this Kevin Ryan-trained Frankel colt which made such a huge impression on debut at Leicester thirty days ago.
A 17/2 chance, and definitely ‘not fully wound up’ as paddock observers noticed, Triple Time made a hash of the start and ducked away, leaving Andrea Atzeni’s mount trailing a fast pace set by Hollie Doyle-ridden Sweeping with John Gosden-trained favourite Dhahab tracking the leaders.
Approaching the final furlong Dharab quickened through to lead as Triple Time reduced arrears from way back with giant strides; in the closing stages the latter powered into third place beaten two lengths and one and three-quarters by the aforementioned principals with note-books filled with comments on placed runners.
Sweeping confirmed the value of this form with a creditable fourth at Royal Ascot 18 days later when Hollie rode him similarly in the ‘Chesham’ over seven won by Aidan O’Brien’s ‘hot-pot’ of the major fixture, Points Galore, a 10/11 chance and a triumph for ‘big-hitters!’
Dhahab was somewhat unlucky not to win the ‘Coventry!’
Plenty of fancied rivals against Triple Time makes for an intriguing race but none is likely to match my selection which should be ideally suited to extra distance because progeny of the sire seem better over further, and prefer easy surfaces.
Earlier stable companion Ryan’s Party attempts to retrieve recent Beverley losses in the ten-runner Maiden Stakes over six furlongs but once-raced, Charles Hills-trained Ibn Aldar will not be a surprise if causing one under ‘PJ’ McDonald; though last but one in a slowly-run race over a similar distance at Lingfield a fortnight ago this Twilight Son colt is reckoned potential ‘first division’ quality, according to legendary father, Barry Hills!
This incredible octogenarian still rings on a daily basis and mentioned ‘Battaash is in good form’ following his somewhat lack-lustre fourth in the group one sprint at Ascot last month; apparently he’ll be much better next time!
Recent York winner Bosh is certain to be favourite for an eleven-runner Novice Stakes over six furlongs of ‘good to soft’ Newbury but a 6lbs penalty favours the chance of Hollie’s mount Sisters In The Sky, an eye-catching first-up third in good time around Chester three weeks back. A cracking each-way proposition.
Selections, Haydock, 1.35 Ibn Aldar (e.w); 2.45 Triple Time (e.w); Newbury, 18.53 Sisters In The Sky (e.w).
Jeffrey Ross, horse-racing correspondent for WMN since 1983 when winning the most prestigious racing journalist award, Sporting Life Naps Table, before winning it a record number of six times collectively in the Racing Post, the current ‘trade’ paper, including 2019