Aix La Chapelle another exciting prospect for AOTF

The Ballydoyle Juveniles section in Ahead on The Flat has unearthed some exciting two year olds in recent week. Carry The Flag, Confucius and Sun Goddess were highlighted and that trio are Royal Ascot bound. The impeccably bred Aix La Chapelle (4/1) added his name to the list following his impressive debut success at the Curragh on Wednesday evening. A colt by Justify out of Group 1 winning mare Immortal Verse, he is a half-brother to Group 1 winners and former stablemate Henri Matisse and Tenebrism. Partnered by Wayne Lordan, the Ballydoyle colt came under pressure soon after halfway in the seven furlongs maiden before responding generously to pressure. Leading inside the final furlong, he stretched away to win by a length and a half and, in doing so, booked his place for the Listed Chesham Stakes ar Royal Ascot (18th June). Aidan O'Brien will be seeking his eight victory in the seven furlongs event. 

Admittedly, she was a short price but it was good to see Top 40 entry Gone By get off the mark at the third time of asking at Ripon. Ralph Beckett's filly had finished runner-up on her two previous outings and was found a golden opportunity at the North Yorkshire track. Stepping up to a mile and three, Hector Crouch's mount made all the running readily pulling away from her three rivals approaching the two marker to win hard held by a dozen lengths. Black type will be the main aim but she ought to win competitive in fillies' handicaps over middle distances beforehand.

I am continuing to work on the Royal Ascot Update - please head to the Publications section of the site to order a copy.