Most of the top websites just mention the provisions of the declaration and nothing in between. In my knowledge it seems like a rather obscure event, and hence I am unable to find anything substantial on why it came into existence. Any help would be really appreciated, thank you. London Declaration June 1941 to be precise.
- This race revolves around the admirable Poetic Flare. Having won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May, the son of Dawn Approach went on to run in both the French and Irish Guineas and whilst disappointing slightly at Longchamp, he came right back to his best in Ireland when just touched off by stablemate Mac Swiney.
Not only did he display an iron constitution but according to Racing Preview figures he posted a speed rating that was 11 points better than that which he posted in winning at Newmarket. On that basis he could actually be thriving on his racing and from an official mark of 118 he sets the standard.
Next in the betting is the John Gosden trained Mostahdaf. This colt only saw a racecourse for the first time in mid-March when bolting up in a Newcastle novice event over 7f. Since then he has won a conditions event and a listed event and he looks extremely progressive. When winning the conditions event at Kempton in early April he beat into third place El Drama who went on to win the Dee Stakes in a very good time at Chester next time thus adding real substance to the form. In winning the listed Heron Stakes at Sandown last time, he beat Highland Avenue half-a-length and according to official figures he meets that horse again here on 6lb better terms. He has a similar profile to his stablemate Palace Pier who won this race last season and he looks a big player for his powerful stable.
Of the rest, Battleground, Chindit, Lucky Vega, Thunder Moon and Wembley have all finished behind Poetic Flare in various races this season and they have to step up on what they have shown so far if they are to reverse form with the favourite. Highland Avenue is admirable and progressive but he just leaves the feeling that he may struggle to cope with Group 1 horses at this distance and a step up to 10 furlongs could unlock more improvement from the son of Dubawi.
All of which leads us on to Namoos. If any horse could outrun his odds then it may be Namoos. Although the winner of two handicaps this season, the form is strong and he brings with him an official rating of 110. Whilst more improvement is demanded he should bounce off this quick ground and at odds of 25/1 or bigger he could be a sporting each-way play to hit the frame.
Suggestion: Mostahdaf
Alternative: Poetic Flare and Namoos (each-way)
My family and I dined at Little Palace last night. This Chinese restaurant has been opened for a couple weeks.
They have it dialed in. Food/Drinks and service was really top notch. For a new restaurant, you would think that it had been running for years. Absolutely no hiccups in the experience.
The Sweet and Sour Cauliflower was the best veggie dish I have had this year. The Chicken Lollipops were outstanding, I only got one because the rest of the fam made quick work of it. Sesame Beef was so damn good. Egg Rolls: None left after the first course. Crispy Green Beans were quickly devoured. None of us could agree on what was the best dish, all of it was equally excellent.
My kids had a blast. They drank Mock Tails and people watched: the whole experience is very kinetic.
I washed everything down with a very well done Mai Tai and a beer.
Great Job, Little Palace. You will see us soon.
