TEMPLEGATE takes on Saturday’s racing confident of firing in some winners.
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TAMFANA, (2.40 Newmarket, nap)
Can win a well-deserved Group 1 in the Sun Chariot Stakes. She was desperately unlucky not to win the 1,000 Guineas here in May and stepping up in trip in two French Group 1s has not really suited. She looked much more comfortable when bolting up over this trip at Sandown in August.
Five-time Irish champion Colin Keane takes the ride and that is a huge plus. Last year’s impressive winner Inspiral is a class act but it’s hard to have any confidence in her given she has blown the start on her last three runs. Her stablemate Nashwa is another with huge ability but is likely to need this run after a break. So that leaves Guineas heroine Elmalka and See The Fire as the main dangers.
AL AASY (2.25 Ascot, nb)
Not getting any younger at the age of seven but looked at the peak of his powers when smashing the course record at Newbury last time. He’s proven on softer ground and will get this race run to suit with plenty of competition for the lead. Danny Tudhope is a brilliant hold up rider and he looks a worthy favourite.
He will have to be at his very best because he takes on two previous winners of this race. The selection’s stablemate Hamish won this in 2022 and is in his element when the mud is flying. The main concern with him is that he has run poorly on his last two starts.
Al Qareem is a gritty front runner and showed plenty of guts to win this last year. He was no match for Al Aasy last time but this track and ground brings out the best in him. Salt Bay is a strong stayer and can show up well.
CARRYTHEONE (3.35 Ascot, treble)
The selection has no room for error off top-weight, but no one rides the straight course at Ascot better than Spencer. He has gone close a few times in these big handicaps and if his top rider can smuggle him through then he has every chance.
Qirat is a worthy favourite having won a hot contest at Goodwood with a bit up his sleeve. A 5lb rise is unlikely to stop him. Fellow three-year-old Volterra is another with plenty of upside but his draw in stall two might not be the best.
Fresh always runs his race but may lack a yard of pace these days. Two Tempting finished ahead of a few of these at Chester and is always underestimated in the betting. Last year’s runner-up Popmaster is a big price and United Approach can reward each-way backers.
Templegate’s TV verdicts
KARMOLOGY looks the solid option in this competitive fillies’ handicap. She’s usually very consistent but never showed up at Yarmouth last time. Her earlier form is very useful and she can give weight and a beating to her rivals.
The main threat is likely to come from the unexposed Min Huna. William Haggas’ filly was a smooth winner of a handicap at Sandown last month and should still be competitive off an 8lb higher mark.
Noisy Jazz is going the right way and could give the selection a race if getting cover early. In a deep contest, the likes of La Pasionaira, Queen Of Soldiers and Treasure are all capable of getting involved at generous prices.
A big prize pot for the winner and Archie Watson’s TWAFEEG looks the class angle in this race. She beat a subsequent Group 2 winner on debut and wasn’t disgraced in the Albany at Royal Ascot in June.
She’s bred to handle the ground and the only concern would be her 100-day absence, but, given the big money on offer, she will surely be primed for this.
Sunracing’s columnist Andrew Balding saddles likely favourite Brighton Boy and he was very strong at the finish at York. First-time cheekpieces will sharpen him up even more.
Afentiko and King Of Angels both have bags of experience, but The Dragon King and Aubergine are feared more.
2.40
TAMFANA can win a well-deserved Group 1 in the Sun Chariot Stakes. She was desperately unlucky not to win the 1,000 Guineas here in May and stepping up in trip in two French Group 1s has not really suited. She looked much more comfortable when bolting up over this trip at Sandown in August.
Five-time Irish champion Colin Keane takes the ride and that is a huge plus. Last year’s impressive winner Inspiral is a class act but it’s hard to have any confidence in her given she has blown the start on her last three runs.
Her stablemate Nashwa is another with huge ability but is likely to need this run after a break. So that leaves Guineas heroine Elmalka and See The Fire as the main dangers.
Ascot
1.50
RELIEF RALLY looks the one to beat after a hugely promising effort when second at Newbury a fortnight ago. That was even more commendable because it was her first start since May.
William Haggas’ filly loves soft ground and this trip will not be a problem on a stiff track. Beautiful Diamond is the main threat. She was outclassed in the Flying Five at The Curragh last time but had earlier chased home smart Believing in a Group 2 contest.
Her 3lb penalty may just anchor her inside the final furlong. Conditions are not ideal for Democracy Dilemma, who is very quick but may set this up for a closer – like the selection.
Of the rest, Rumstar has run some big races in top handicaps and has every chance of outrunning his insulting odds.
2.25
AL AASY is not getting any younger at the age of seven but looked at the peak of his powers when smashing the course record at Newbury last time. He’s proven on softer ground and will get this race run to suit with plenty of competition for the lead.
Danny Tudhope is a brilliant hold up rider and he looks a worthy favourite. He will have to be at his very best because he takes on two previous winners of this race.
The selection’s stablemate Hamish won this in 2022 and is in his element when the mud is flying. The main concern with him is that he has run poorly on his last two starts.
Al Qareem is a gritty front runner and showed plenty of guts to win this last year. He was no match for Al Aasy last time but this track and ground brings out the best in him. Salt Bay is a strong stayer and can show up well.
3.00
VADREAM looks a spot of value to win this for a second time. Charlie Fellowes’ speedy mare won this in 2021 and grows an extra leg when the mud is flying. She has won three times on soft and heavy ground and conditions are in her favour.
She’s a proven Group performer and David Egan will be hoping he can get plenty of cover from stall four. Jarraaf is improving through the ranks and has impressed twice over this track and trip.
He looks like he belongs at this level, but conditions would be a concern. English Oaks looked smart when hacking up here in the Buckingham Palace.
He has not been disgraced since, but the drop back to six furlongs looks a good move. A big run from Wiltshire would not surprise. He was unlucky at Haydock last Saturday and a return to this trip will suit.
3.35
GET ready for a bit of Jamie Spencer (below) magic on CARRYTHEONE. The selection has no room for error off top-weight, but no one rides the straight course at Ascot better than Spencer.
He has gone close a few times in these big handicaps and if his top rider can smuggle him through then he has every chance. Qirat is a worthy favourite having won a hot contest at Goodwood with a bit up his sleeve. A 5lb rise is unlikely to stop him.
Fellow three-year-old Volterra is another with plenty of upside but his draw in stall two might not be the best. Fresh always runs his race but may lack a yard of pace these days.
Two Tempting finished ahead of a few of these at Chester and is always underestimated in the betting. Last year’s runner-up Popmaster is a big price and United Approach can reward each-way backers.
Redcar
3.20
FRANCISCO’S PIECE ran a blinder at Haydock last time and this tough as old boots juvenile is tailor-made for this test.
His form looked to have regressed through the summer but the return to soft at Haydock last time showed he is just ground dependent.
He has bags of experience and stepping up to six furlongs looks a very wise move. Low draws tend to be a big advantage in this too. Uncle Don was a massive eye-catcher in defeat at Ayr in a similar heat.
He was a touch slow away and left with too much to do. This added furlong looks perfect. Billboard Star brings Group form to the table and gets in here off a lovely racing weight.
Northern Ticker ran a clear career best last time and is on the upgrade. Invictus Gold beat nothing at Newmarket but could not have done it any easier.
Ascot
1.50 Relief Rally – big effort when second in a Group 3 at Newbury last time.
2.25 Al Aasy (nb) – class act at this level and looked in peak form in the Geoffrey Freer
3.00 Vadream – very useful when the mud is flying – big chance
3.35 Carrytheone (treble) – consistent and Ascot specialist Jamie Spencer takes the ride
4.10 Ornellaia – placed in a Group 1 last season and could be worth chancing
4.45 Badri – won this last year off a much higher mark
Newmarket
1.30 Karmology – has plenty of weight but can make the most of a drop in class
2.05 Twafeeg – beat a subsequent Group 2 winner on debut and has more to offer
2.40 TAMFANA (nap) – loves cut in the ground and looks a Group 1 in waiting
3.15 Chorus – bred to relish soft ground and a test of stamina
3.50 Cape Breton – clueless on debut but will have learnt plenty
4.25 Secret Theory – bred to be very useful
5.00 Bellarchi – has dropped back down to her last winning mark
REDCAR
1.35 Arabian Angel – cost a fair whack and form looks rock solid
2.10 Binhareer – shaped okay on debut but will do better here for top team
2.45 Dandy’s Angel – in flying form and conditions are perfect again
3.20 Francisco’s Piece – unlucky at Hamilton with ground back in favour and extra furlong a plus
3.55 Grey’s Monument – form has stacked up all year and should have too much
4.30 Naepoint – looks ahead of handicapper and has form on soft
5.05 Expressionless – yard are in great nick again and on handy enough mark
5.37 Jungle Land – lightly raced and return to soft looks a big plus
SOUTHWELL
4.05 Beechdale – improved again latest and generous opening mark in weak race
4.40 Sardinian Warrior – penalty should not stop him after easy win here
5.15 Marianglas – better at Newcastle and can cope with modest raise
5.45 Murashah – bumped into one on handicap debut and can go one better
6.15 Cracksing – been expensive to follow but top claimer jumps on
6.45 Buzz Box – just denied latest and can kick on further
7.15 Rogue Sensation – backwards step at Haydock but this is easier
7.45 Bouvier – will have too much in the tank for these
8.15 Apostle – steadily improved and stays very strongly
WOLVERHAMPTON
4.20 Make A Scene – has a habit of losing but found a very good opening
4.55 Glenridding – battled well on handicap debut and handicapper been kind
5.30 Flagon Dry – shaped nicely on debut when not unfancied and this easier
6.00 Saxon Raider – has plum draw for top connections in a weak race
6.30 Surveyor – bumped into big improver at Goodwood and this is much easier
7.00 My Boy Jack – surely capable of striking off this mark after Thirsk effort
7.30 Aramram – blinding run in Silver Cup at Ayr and this big drop in grade
8.00 Laser Focus – yard could not be going better and has best draw
8.30 Persian Phoenix – can jump out from stall one and dictate this
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A SMALL red berry drops off the branches shading me from the fierce afternoon sun.
If it hadn’t plopped directly into my glass of vermouth, I wouldn’t have noticed — as the band performing on the cobblestones before me had me fully engrossed.
This had become my typical afternoon routine at the peaceful Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resort, deep in rugged countryside on the Spanish island of Majorca.
When guests aren’t flopped by one of the two peaceful pools (which remain uncrowded even in the school holidays) or reading their getaway novel in a quiet corner by the old windmill, they can get stuck into loads of free activities including tennis, yoga or live music.
My friend Abbie and I chose to curl up on a cushioned sofa in the sun, sipping on the hotel’s own brand of delicious vermouth.
It would be rude not to, as this fortified wine is made by the resort’s star chef, Andreu Genestra, and can’t be bought anywhere else in the world.
This is part of the sustainable ethos at Zoetry, where much of the food is grown in the surrounding gardens, including on ancient trees — rich with juicy fruit and berries — dotted in between the old buildings.
One of its restaurants, also run by Genestra, was awarded a green star in recognition of its eco-friendly dishes — that is on top of its Michelin star.
Our 12-course tasting menu of elegant Majorcan-style dishes there was nothing shy of delicious.
My favourites included the best potato omelette I’ve ever tried and lentil risotto with ceviche shrimp.
If that all sounds too rich or fancy, don’t panic.
There are three other restaurants serving more casual dishes, from tacos and sushi to salads and fried fish.
This was my first visit to Majorca, and all I really knew of it was what I caught on snippets of ITV’s Love Island.
The panning landscape shots of rugged mountains and lush trees where one solo villa seems to stand isolated from the rest of civilisation looked quite appealing.
And, in all fairness, the lush Zoetry hotel wasn’t all that different, sat in a quiet corner, a 20-minute drive from the busy capital Palma.
But, to my relief, the place was not littered with bikini-clad singletons looking to “couple-up”.
If you are keen for a more lively atmosphere then you can certainly get that in Palma, but this resort is all about laid-back getaways with a touch of wellness.
After all, it was only 20 years ago that this secluded 14th century manor house belonged to a wealthy family, and the place has certainly kept an air of sophistication about it.
In fact, many of the original items found when renovating the home are still dotted around, including in the bedrooms, each of which is unique in shape and size and has its own story to tell.
The tiny cove is picture-perfect with the bluest waters, flanked by chalky hills and dotted with little sailing boats.
Our bedroom had a plush super-king bed and patio doors leading on to a leafy garden area with a cushioned sofa — the perfect spot for sipping a morning coffee in our robes and watching the birds peck at fallen berries.
Abbie and I had decided to stick to the wellness theme and instead of hiring a car, like many guests had, we explored the area on electric bikes, which can be rented on-site.
Zoetry is located right at the edge of one of Majorca’s popular cycle routes and the advantage of being in such a remote location meant we rarely needed to cycle with the road traffic.
Helmets strapped on, we pedalled along empty dirt tracks, past rolling vineyards and through a tortoise conservation area.
Luckily we spotted the small shells crossing the path ahead of us before whacking our e-bikes up to full speed.
After 30 or so minutes we reached the clifftop above the beach of Cala Pi, on the western side of the island.
Glancing down, I was sure we must have stumbled upon one of Majorca’s best-kept secrets.
The tiny cove is picture-perfect with the bluest waters, flanked by chalky hills and dotted with little sailing boats.
Ice cream stalls and restaurants selling beer and light bites sit above the beach, at the top of the cliff, although I’d recommend packing a picnic, which is what many of the locals around us had done.
We were grateful for choosing e-bikes over traditional ones on the return leg. Not for achey legs, but for speed.
If we pedalled fast enough, we would have time for one more vermouth before check-out.
Race you there, Abbie.
GETTING THERE: EasyJet flies to Majorca from Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and other UK airports from £14.99 each way. See easyjet.com.
STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at the Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resort in Majorca is from around £605pp, based on two sharing. See hyatt.com.
TEMPLEGATE looks to bag a lot from a little with £150,000 guaranteed today at Ascot.
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LEG 1 Relief Rally
Looks the one to beat after a hugely promising effort when second at Newbury a fortnight ago. That was even more commendable because it was her first start since May.
LEG 2 Al Aasy, Al Qareem
AL AASY is not getting any younger at the age of seven but looked at the peak of his powers when smashing the course record at Newbury last time. He’s proven on softer ground and will get this race run to suit with plenty of competition for the lead.
AL QAREEM won this race last year after beating Bluestocking in the Listed Stand Cup at Chester. She comes in again off the exact same preparation having won that race again and she’s proven on soft ground and is very reliable.
LEG 3 English Oak, Jarraaf
ENGLISH OAK has course and distance form and won impressively in a big Royal Ascot Handicap here earlier in the season. Second in a Listed last time out but vet reported he lost a shoe. Can crack on today.
JARRAF won over course and distance on last TWO runs. Unbeaten over six furlongs and can handle the step up in class.
LEG 4 Carrytheone, United Approach, Volterra
CARRYTHEONE has no room for error off top-weight, but no one rides the straight course at Ascot better than Spencer. He has gone close a few times in these big handicaps and if his top rider can smuggle him through then he has every chance.
UNITED APPROACH is proven in the mud and ran a race full of promise when going down narrowly over track and trip last time. First-time cheekpieces will sharpen him up.
VOLTERRA has yet to race on soft, but was a classy fourth last time out in the Mile Handicap at York. Dropping back down in trip should suit him.
LEG 5 Ornellaia, Queen Of Mougins
ORNELLAIA was placed in a Group 1 last season and second in a French Group 2 before that, could be worth chancing. Doesn’t mind the mud either.
QUEEN OF MOUGINS has been coming close all season for firing trainer Ralph Beckett and can get her nose in front with cheekpieces on for the first time.
LEG 6 Badri, Fantasy Master
BADRI won this last year off a much higher mark (13lb more), and can go in any ground. Looks to have a solid chance.
FANTASY MASTER won well last time out at Doncaster and can handle 5lbs more.
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ROYAL Navy chiefs yesterday revealed they have sacked 21 sailors following a major probe into sex abuse and bullying allegations.
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said rampant misogyny, bullying and other intolerable behaviours were all exposed during the two-year investigation.
Whistleblower Sophie Brook revealed how when she served on nuclear submarines, comrades compiled a “crush depth rape list” and an officer put his manhood in her pocket.
Admiral Key apologised unreservedly to former Lieutenant Brook and praised her courage for coming forward.
The sacked sailors ranged from junior ratings to a commander, The Sun understands.
Three people were sacked as a direct result of Ms Brook’s allegations.
A fourth got a severe reprimand for serious ethical breaches.
A further 18 were dismissed as a result of 28 secondary investigations after other sailors complained.
Admiral Key said: “I offer a public apology, both to Ms Brook and to any personnel, past or present, that have been subject to any form of unacceptable behaviour during their time in service. I am truly sorry.”
He went on: “We must institute a culture that does not allow space for this behaviour to exist and we must deal with perpetrators swiftly, without fear or favour, which I can confirm we have now done.”
Four more sailors were demoted, while six others faced lesser punishments.
Admiral Key added: “Our people must be able to perform their duties with dignity, pride and respect.”
