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The race was already building up to be something very special with the prospect of the record breaking French mare going head-to-head with Britain's top older miler, but the added spice of last season's Irish classic winner also throwing his hat into the ring is likely to cause a frenzy of activity in the
Royal Ascot betting.
Aidan O'Brien's Cape Blanco, (in whom prominent international racehorse owner Fitri Hay bought a significant share during the winter), hasn't raced at anything less than ten furlongs since his final outing as a juvenile when he completed a hat-trick of wins at seven furlongs with victory in the Group 2 Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes at Fairyhouse in August 2009. Last season however the son of Galileo surprised most observers by showing tremendous pace to lead from the start in the Irish Champion Stakes, going off so fast that (rather like Frankel in this year's 2000 Guineas) those watching the race unfold felt he would almost certainly run himself into the ground.
In the end jockey Seamie Heffernan had
the last laugh as Cape Blanco
stormed over the winning line five-and-a-half-lengths clear of stable companion and top notch miler Rip van Winkle, who never drew close enough to land a blow. Doubtless similar tactics will be employed at Royal Ascot with Cape Blanco attempting to draw the finishing sting out of two top class rivals, both famed for their searing turn of foot.
Bookmakers have cut Cape Blanco to a best priced 12/1, whilst Canford Cliffs remains the 5/4 favourite. with the mighty Goldikova offered at 6/4.
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