Rain arrives at Newmarket
Ground conditions could play a major role in the outcome of tomorrow’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Newmarket with good going expected.
Rain arrived at the home of British Flat racing this afternoon with three millimetres falling by 4.30pm, and the total could be as much as six millimetres before a return to drier weather later.
“It started raining just before 3pm and it’s been coming down steadily since then. We’d had three millimetres by 4.30pm and we are forecast between four and six. It should rain through to about seven o’clock,” said clerk of the course Michael Prosser.
“Once that rain’s gone through we can expect a cool, dry night about four or five degrees centigrade and it should be dry tomorrow at 17 to 18 for a pleasant autumnal day.”
Connections of the big three in the betting – Dubawi, Rakti and Starcraft - for the mile championship, sponsored by Barclays plc, expressed different going preferences for their charges.
Michael Jarvis, trainer of last year’s winner Rakti, wanted a minimum amount of rain, Saeed bin Suroor, responsible for the ante-post favourite Dubawi, is praying for good or softer ground, while Starcraft can handle any going, according to his handler Luca Cumani.
And John Gosden warned at the final declaration stage Hungerford Stakes winner Sleeping Indian, runner-up to the Jarvis-trained Iffraaj at Doncaster last time, would only run if there was sufficient rain.
Jarvis said: “I hope the rain doesn’t amount to much. I’d rather not have any, but it’s raining right across the country and was always coming our way.”
Jockey Philip Robinson told Racing UK: “I hope they don’t get too much rain and it doesn’t get too soft.
“But the preparation for him has been grand. He has been really relaxed in his homework. He seems to be enjoying his work more now so let’s hope he is the same on the track.
“There are no two times alike with this horse, but all I can say is he seems more relaxed at home than I have ever seen him, so let’s hope that is a good thing.”
All of Rakti’s five Group One successes have come on ground varying between firm and good. The six-year-old has not raced since finishing second to Valixir in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot at York.
“Everything’s fine with him. He’s run well after long lay-offs before. It’s not a problem,” Jarvis added.
The rain encouraged more support for Dubawi, who was cut to 13-8 market leader from 2-1 with William Hill.
“The ground is important to him – he wants it good or easier,” bin Suroor told www.godolphin.com.
The Irish 2000 Guineas winner defeated his elders on his latest start in the Prix Jacques le Marois and is aiming to repeat the trick.
The trainer went on: “Dubawi worked very well with Frankie Dettori up on Tuesday over six furlongs on the Racecourse Side.
“He is in good form and ready to run. I am happy with him but it will be a tough race.
“Dubawi has won three Group One races so far, and he has the class to win this.”
Dubawi is aiming to become the fourth Godolphin winner of the QEII after his sire Dubai Millennium in 1999, Mark Of Esteem (1996) and Summoner (2001).
Godolphin will also be represented by a pacemaker, Blatant, who did a similar job when fourth for the unplaced Dubai Destination behind Falbrav in 2003.
“We are using Blatant to ensure there is a good pace in the race, something which suits Dubawi,” added bin Suroor.
Luca Cumani is hoping Starcraft can deliver a late challenge and is content knowing the son of Soviet Star can act on any ground.
“We’re not worried about the going. He goes on every type of ground, but I just hope in the sake of fairness to everyone concerned the ground is good,” he said.
The Newmarket trainer reported the Australian ace to be at the top of his game.
“Godolphin have a pacemaker and Rakti likes to be up there. We will sit in behind. It’s just a question of biding our time before asking him to go,” Cumani added. “He’s ready for the race.”
Starcraft will be ridden by young French jockey Christophe Lemaire, who partnered the horse to an all-the-way win in the Prix Moulin at Longchamp earlier this month.
That was only Starcraft’s third run in the northern hemisphere and his first since last October, having joined Cumani’s stable in February.
On his British debut, the four-times Group One winner was only half a length behind the Michael Jarvis-trained Rakti when third to Valixir in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot at York, at which point he was still acclimatising.
“He’s fine now – 100 per cent,” said Cumani.
The sextet is completed by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Mullins Bay, winner of the John Smith’s Cup and the mount of Kieren Fallon.
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes betting:
Ladbrokes: 13-8 Dubawi, 9-4 Starcraft, 5-2 Rakti, 12-1 Mullins Bay, 14-1 Sleeping Indian, 200-1 Blatant.
William Hill: 13-8 Dubawi (from 2), 9-4 Starcraft, 5-2 Rakti, 11-1 Mullins Bay, 16-1 Sleeping Indian, 200-1 Blatant.
