No excuses could be offered for the dismal performance of Animal Kingdom in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, he was simply outclassed and only managed to beat two tired horses over the line.

The even money favourite was on the outside, appearing to be travelling well until reaching the half way stage of the race, he gave one flicker of hope then the light faded soon after.

Whether he is strictly a dirt horse may never be known, as most likely he will never race again, that would have to be his swansong if he is going to stand as a sire at Arrowfield this season.

In hindsight one may ask, did he have anything to prove by going to Royal Ascot? Everything seemed to have been set in stone long before his latest race.

Shamexpress Outclassed

Shamexpress’s performance in the King Stand Stakes was almost a replica of Animal Kingdom’s earlier run, there was a shade of light for a while but it faded out at the business end of the assignment.

He appeared to jump well from the gate, settling down among the first half dozen horses on the far side of the track, his white blaze was prominent.

There was a glimmer of hope for a fleeting moment, however, it was short lived, he gave little thereafter finally finishing well back in the field.

There is nothing now for Shamexpress, the spring is out for him, he may be looking for back to back Newmarket Handicaps in the autumn.

Dawn Approach Wins In A Thriller

Dawn Approach rehabilitated himself in what was a slogging finish with Toronado, in winning the St James’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He virtually gave up in the Derby, the trip certainly didn’t suit him, he failed to stay, after leading he finished well back in the field near last.

Punters are a forgiving breed, they sent him out favourite again this time, he was almost out of business when another runner almost brought him down, Kevin Manning was lucky to retain his seat in the saddle.

Rock Princess took no harm from having raced at Sandown four days ago and coming out at Moonee Valley on Saturday winning in great style.

Chris Hyland adapted a theory used by trainers in years gone by of giving a horse two runs in a week, provided it pulled up well from the first run.

That old theory certainly worked with Rock Princess, after running fifth at Sandown she coasted in at Moonee Valley to win running away.

Those that supported her at Sandown, had they backed up again at the Valley, would have shown a slim profit as she started at better odds.

The winner, Rock Princess, was a fair way out of her ground early, where Spin The Bottle was commanding plal

. Rock Princess winning well

Positions didn’t alter much until the top of the straight, when Ben Knobel brought the winner out into light to have a crack at the leading division.

It wasn’t long before Knobel had the situation under control; he had the fire power under him with his mount going on to win well.

Her next start is likely to be the Travis Harrison Cup over the same distance and track, she runs her best races at Moonee Valley.  

Ben Knobel - Promising young Jockey  

Tony Vasil was not hiding behind the door when he declared that Prince Harada might be the best he has trained.

A big statement that cannot be taken lightly, remembering the two best horses he has trained to date, Elvstroem and Haradasun, he produced in the winter.

After a previous win at Ballarat he opened up favourite at the Valley, and while he raced well off the pace early, he came into the race quickly once the home turn was reached.

Vasil does have an advantage in training, he rides quite a bit of his own track work, he knows how horses under his own care are performing, he does not have to be told.

Prince Harada winning at Moonee Valley

Prince Harada is by Haradasun, the colt that Tony trained to win the Doncaster Handicap, and reportedly sold to Coolmore for more millions than he was worth.

The colt is now entitled to be aimed towards the spring, he has won twice, whether is up to Caulfield Guineas standard is yet to be determined.

He is still a bit green, missing the start, and was giving the leader Boer several lengths by the time he really found his stride.

The Guineas is naturally on the agenda, he will have a few weeks off, whilst the distance of 1600 metres should not be a concern.

Tony Vasil - Trainer of the winner

Robbie Griffiths could see another second coming up, until Nadeem Lass’s number appeared on the semaphore board as the winner of the Boscastle Handicap at Moonee Valley.

Had the decision been reversed it meant that Griffiths would have trained 52 seconds for the season, it has become quite exasperating for the popular Cranbourne trainer.

The race provided the best finish on the program, with racegoers looking in all directions as four horses crossed the line, with only inches separating each of them.

Finally it was Nadeem Lass who received the judge’s nod after coming from near last at the school, those that supported the filly can thank Michael Rodd they had a collect.

Moonee Valley might have the shortest run in of all city courses, however, it can pull out some exciting finishes, the Boscastle Handicap was one of them.

Nadeem Lass was running on in the straight at the rate of knots, it was just a matter of getting a clear run at the leaders, once Rodd saw the opening he was there in a flash.

The filly had been racing consistently without winning; she deserved a change of luck with the win giving her additional confidence.

She was bred at Three Bridges Stud, they are producing nice horses on the banks of the rich Loddon River at Eddington. 

Nadeem Lass with Michael Rodd up

Moonee Valley Racing Club is to be applauded with their decision to invite 20 of the leading weight for age horses, from all corners of the globe, to contest the $3 million this year’s Sportingbet Cox Plate.

Whilst the Cox Plate is clearly among the richest weight for age races in the world, it has never been won by an overseas horse.

This could be the opportune time with our best rising four year olds, All Too Hard and Pierro, having gone to stud, the cupboard is looking pretty bare.

The true weight for age horse is getting pretty scarce; it is a concern for the major race clubs Australia wide.

Moonee Valley Racing Club will fully subsidize all expenses for travelling to Melbourne, to contest the weight for age championship of the southern hemisphere.