Muthabara can make amends for Guineas flop in Coronation Stakes

Jun 20 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

MUTHABARA can put her disappointing run in the stanjames.com 1,000 Guineas behind her with victory in the Coronation Stakes (3.45pm) on day four of Royal Ascot.

John Dunlop’s exciting three-year-old filly can show her run at Newmarket was not a true mark of her ability.

Before the fillies Classic she was said to be ‘woolly’ in her coat and also had a minor injury scare. She was beaten less than four lengths in eighth behind Natagora. But she didn’t have the same zest and burst of speed as she had shown in her three victories prior to that.

She is better judged on her Duty Free Stakes win in April and now given a break to get over her niggles, the Red Ransom filly can fulfil her potential in the Group One feature.

Enroller has looked a progressive horse this season and can confirm that by winning the Queens Vase (4.20pm).

Willie Muir has been talking about the Marju colt as a possible St Leger candidate and a big run today is needed for that.

This is a step up in class but his wins at Leicester and Newmarket over 1m4f warrant the move. The three-year-old should handle the step up to 2m and providing the ground isn’t too lively he can continue his progression.

Being a gelding Aidan O’Brien’s Hebridean couldn’t enter the Derby or the Irish equivalent. But the son of Bach can land the ‘Ascot Derby’, the King Edward VII Stakes (3.05pm).

Hebridean wouldn’t be regarded as one of the leading lights at Ballydoyle but with the form of the stable he is an interesting type. There was a lot to like about his win the Group Three Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh last time and stepping back up to 1m4f he can keep the Ballydoyle bandwagon rolling.

The decision to bypass the Royal Hunt Cup to run in the Buckingham Palace Stakes (5.30pm) can pay off for Zaahid.

Barry Hills’ four-year-old could have stepped up to a mile for that race, but staying at seven furlongs looks a sensible options after his win over course and distance in the Victoria Cup last month.

Zaahid looks an excellent bet to follow up that win this afternoon.

Others to note are Mick Channon duo Halicarnassus in the Wolferton Handicap (4.20pm) and Please Sing in the Albany Stakes (2.30pm).

ROYAL ASCOT PREDICTIONS (Day Four):

2.30pm Please Sing

3.05pm (King Edward VII Stakes) Hebridean

3.45pm (Coronation Stakes) 1 Muthabara 2 Infallible 3 Spacious

4.20pm Halicarnassus

4.55pm (Queens Vase) Enroller (NAP)

5.30pm Zaahid