3 minute read
Timeform runs the rule over the Coronation Stakes, highlight of Friday's Royal Ascot meeting.
Barefoot Lady has been much improved this term, winning the Newll Gwyn on her reappearance. She was a good fifth in the 1000 Guineas (met trouble) and went down by only a head to Joviality in the Musidora last time. She should give her running again.
Claiomh Solais took four goes to get off the mark but was much improved when two lengths fourth to Misty For Me in the Irish 1000 Guineas last time, making the running. She is well drawn to attack and can go close.
Clinical is a lightly-raced filly who showed she's up to making her presence felt in pattern company when third to Antara in a Group 3 at Epsom on her reappearance. This demands a fair bit more, though.
Elshabakiya was second to Dubawi Gold in a seven-furlong listed raced on the AW on her
reappearance in March but hasn't repeated that form since and it would be a major surprise if she gains her first career win here.I Love Me landed connections a big payday when winning a Newmarket sales race on debut last October. She has shown useful form since, finishing two lengths second to Codemaster in a listed event back at Newmarket last time.
Immortal Verse refused to enter the stalls prior to the 1000 Guineas and was well held in the French equivalent on her penultimate start, but showed she's a smart filly when winning a Group 2 at Chantilly recently. She has a chance judged on that.
Joviality went with promise in two maidens but still improved beyond all recognition when edging out Barefoot Lady in the Musidora at York last time. She will have no problem with the step back to a mile and probably has more to offer.
Maqaasid had enough speed to win the Queen Mary but showed she just about stays a mile when third in the 1000 Guineas. Her down-the-field effort in the French equivalent is best ignored (poorly placed from bad draw) but there's a chance this stiff mile could stretch her.
Memory was one of the best two-year-old fillies last season. She was the subject of glowing reports but virtually refused to race when sent off second favourite for the 1000 Guineas and clearly comes with risks attached.
More Than Real was last seen when beating Winter Memories by two lengths (with Together back in fifth) in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Churchill Downs in November. She has a clear chance on that form and is a fascinating raider from the US.
Nova Hawk left her two-year-old behind when landing a heavy-ground listed race on her return. She showed she could handle quicker conditions when in the frame in both the English and French Guineas and is likely to be in the mix again.
Theyskens' Theory came up a little way short in top company last autumn but this imposing filly is well worth another try at this level after a smooth success in a listed race over a mile at York on her reappearance.
Together is the form pick judged on her runner-up efforts in the English and Irish 1000 Guineas, having quite a few of today's rivals in behind. The widest stall is a bit of a negative, though.
Timeform: 1. Claiomh Solais; 2. Together; 3. More Than Real
Timeform View: No outstanding performer in the Coronation this year, but plenty are in with a shout. Together holds obvious claims, but the widest stall won't make life easy and it may be that Claiomh Solais will be able to reverse Irish Guineas form, Jim Bolger's filly well drawn to attack from the two box. American-raider More Than Real and Nova Hawk complete the shortlist.