THUNDER TO STORM HOME

16:40 Carlisle

Illykato has been a consistent performer for connections and she drops back down to 7 furlongs, after winning over a mile at Goodwood last time out. The firm ground is not a problem and on official ratings, she has the best chance of all. However, she’s been given a 3 lbs penalty for her last win, which puts her down in the ratings, and she was not altogether convincing. Moreover, she was 13th in a Group 3 on her only time over 7 furlongs, which leaves serious question marks.

Cloudy Dawn represents connections who took this race with Tapisserie, two years ago. She has not done much wrong and probably warrants favouritism for this race. She steps up in trip today but I do not think that should bother her too much. The only question mark about her, is whether she will be able to handle the step up in class. On paper, it seems like she should but this is a stiffer race than it looks. In short, she could be anything.

Thunder Beauty is the sole Irish raider in this field, with Ken Condon and Danny Tudhope teaming up again, after winning this race, for connections, four years ago with Elusive Beauty. The good-to-firm ground is a question for Thunder Beauty but her form is unrivalled. Last time out, she finished 6th when staying on, over 6 furlongs on yielding ground, in a Group 3 in Ireland. The winner of that race was Sonaiyla, who subsequently finished 6th in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot. Moreover, Thunder Beauty was not disgraced in a Group 1 at Longchamp and before that, finished 5th over 7 furlongs on good ground, to Shale, with the subsequent Guineas winner Mother Earth and runaway Oaks winner Snowfall behind her. If she can overcome her one bad run in Britain, she should have a major chance at winning this race.

THUNDER BEAUTY (WIN)

written by Kieren McHugh