Eddie Lynam's Classic hope Viztoria suffered her first defeat when second behind Penny's Picnic in the Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte.

Viztoria had made a big impression when bolting up in a Naas maiden in July when trained by Ado McGuinness and was equally impressive on her debut for Lynam in the Listed Blenheim Stakes at the Curragh.

With the testing conditions in France not expected to pose any problems, Viztoria appeared to have every chance of landing a first Pattern-race victory under Johnny Murtagh, but she had to make do with minor honours, beaten a length.

Penny's Picnic had won four of his previous six starts, with his two defeats coming in races won by Clive Cox's leading juvenile Reckless Abandon.

George Baker's Boomshackerlacker was third, with the David Wachman-trained Three Sea Captains fourth.

Admirable sprinter Maarek ran yet another good race but was narrowly denied by Myasun in the Prix de Seine-et-Oise.

David Nagle's pride and joy has enjoyed a superb campaign, with wins in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle and the Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh bettered by victory in the Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

He was down in class to Group Three, but having been outpaced early, as is his wont, he could never quite get on terms under Seamie Heffernan and was beaten half a length by the Maxime Guyon-ridden winner.

Brian Meehan's Ballesteros, John Ryan's Iver Bridge Lad, Hugo Palmer's Khubala, the David Elsworth-trained Swiss Dream and Regal Parade from Milton Bradley's yard were all well held.

Ann Duffield's Melody Of Love faded into fourth in the Prix Miesque behind the impressive winner Aquatinta, after holding every chance under Eddie Ahern. David Evans' Queen Aggie was unplaced.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests