Coronation Cup First Up For Alpinista

Three-time Group 1 winner Alpinista (GB) (Frankel {GB}) will step out in the June 3 G1 Cazoo Coronation Cup at Epsom for her first start of the year, according to trainer Sir Mark Prescott. Raced by breeder Kirsten Rausing, the 5-year-old delivered five victories in five starts in 2021, including three straight German Group 1s: August's Grosser Preis von Berlin, September's Preis von Europa and the Grosser Preis von Bayern on Nov. 7.

Prescott said, “She is fine and we intend to run her in the Coronation Cup. We have no intention of running her before–but as you know, it always goes wrong–our intention is to start in the Coronation Cup and end in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and what we do in between we are not quite certain, but that is the aim.

“I don't think she is particularly ground dependent, but I would avoid extremes.”

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Latest Additions Bring Cazoo Derby Entries To 93

There are now 93 entries for the £1.5-million G1 Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs on June 4, following the close of the latest entry stage. Godolphin's Listed Cazoo Blue Riband Trial winner Nahanni (GB) (Frankel {GB}) earned an automatic berth to the Classic, while the runner-up, Susan Roy's Grand Alliance (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), and Glory Daze (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), a maiden winner at The Curragh for the Glory Gold Partnership, were added to the nominations at a cost of £12,000 each.

Also entered in the Derby are the undefeated dual group winner Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and the G1 National S. second Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who has also won twice at group level, for the Coolmore partners; and G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud victor El Bodegon (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in the colours of the Nas Syndicate and A O'Callaghan. Third to El Bodegon in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud was Godolphin's Goldspur (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The G3 Autumn S. hero Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) has also stood his ground in the royal blue.

Still signed on are group winners Bayside Boy (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) for Teme Valley and Ballylinch Stud, Flaxman Stables' Piz Badile (Ire) (Ulysses {Ire}), Her Majesty The Queen's Reach For The Moon (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), and Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Royal Patronage (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) among others. The Listed bet365 Feilden S. winner Eydon (Ire) (Olden Times {GB}), who bears the silks of Prince Faisal, also holds an entry.

There is a final £75,000 entry stage on Monday, May 30.

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Royal Patronage Camp Leaning Toward The Derby

Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Royal Patronage (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who won the G3 Acomb S. and G2 Royal Lodge S. in succession in August and September, respectively, has developed well this winter and is likely to try the G1 Cazoo Derby route, according to co-trainer Charlie Johnston. Eighth in the G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy S. on Oct. 23 where he picked up an injury, the bay has been recuperating, but looks more of a “mile-and-a-quarter-plus” horse to Johnston and his co-trainer father Mark. Originally, the training duo had pencilled in a start in the G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas for the colt.

“We've had lots of excited Highclere owners coming here at regular intervals to see Royal Patronage, who seems to have wintered very well, but it is still very much the early days of his preparation for the season ahead,” said Charlie Johnston. “We won't see him before the Guineas at the absolute earliest and I think we're starting now to lean towards the route of starting in the [G2] Dante [S.] with a Derby run in mind. He's certainly the flagbearer [for the yard] in the 3-year-old division.

“It always sticks in my head that dad has always said the best trial for the Derby is the Guineas and I think, probably going into the winter, we thought we had that as the favourite place for him to start this year.

“Only when we start to do some faster work with him in March will we get a better handle on what distance is going to be optimum for him this season but looking at him, the physical shape and size of the horse now, he's starting to scream a mile-and-a-quarter-plus.”

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Epsom Downs Jubilee Celebrations In The Works

On the eve of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, The Jockey Club has revealed some early details of the plans in place to mark the celebration at the Cazoo Derby festival at Epsom Downs on June 3 and 4.

With The Queen confirmed to attend the Derby alongside members of the Royal Family, tens of thousands of fans will be permitted to attend the raceday, with The Hill also re-opened for the first time in two years. The Hill will this year include a ticketed Jubilee Family Celebration section, with other sections of The Hill remaining free to access. There will also be a free evening for the local community at the racecourse on June 2, and plans are in the works for a lighting of a Jubilee Beacon.

Phil White, London Regional Director at The Jockey Club, said, “We can't wait for the first weekend in June and we have some really exciting plans coming together to mark Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Due to the pandemic we've been unable to stage the event in front of proper crowds since 2019 but we fully intend to make up for that this year with a unique carnival atmosphere to mark such a special occasion that only The Cazoo Derby can provide.

“Ever since last June we've been working hard behind the scenes preparing and 2022 marks the first in a five-year programme to elevate the event and make it even more of a spectacle for our customers and those who watch it on television all around the world. Even though we're still four months away from Derby Day itself, we've seen unprecedented demand for tickets and by providing people with the opportunity to share such a special day with Her Majesty The Queen we're anticipating selling out the main racecourse enclosures on Derby Day well ahead of previous years.

“This will be the 243rd running of The Derby, an event which has a long tradition of bringing people from all backgrounds together. With that in mind it won't matter whether you're a racing or sports fan, whether you want a great day out or are passionate about being part of the Jubilee celebrations, there will be something for everyone. We want as many people as possible to join us and be a part of what will be an unforgettable event. It really is going to be spectacular.”

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