1:59 Down Royal
The 1:59 at Down Royal is a 10-runner Coors Fillies Handicap over 1m4f194y on good ground. It features a mix of fair and modest performers, several of whom are stepping up or down in trip while others sport first-time headgear. The KTB Fit ratings are tightly bunched at the top, with Ankara heading the list on 65, just ahead of Navy Waters on 63, pointing to a competitive renewal where course form, trip suitability and the application of headgear could prove decisive.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape lacks an obvious leader, making this a steadily-run, tactical affair in which being handy is likely to pay. With several held-up types in the field, including the selection Ankara, the key question will be whether those racing prominently or in mid-division can dictate matters or if the race will fall into the lap of a closer. The steadily-run nature should suit those with a turn of foot off a strong gallop, but the lack of confirmed pace makes positioning early on critical.
The KTB Fit ranking
-
1Ankara KTB Selection65/100
Ankara is a fair sort who has shown little since a promising third at this track on his reappearance. He steps back up in trip having failed to land a blow over the same distance last time, while first-time headgear is now applied. The yard have a solid 19% strike-rate at Down Royal from a big sample. From draw 10 he is likely to be held up and produce his effort late. His placed effort on good ground from two attempts suggests he remains competitive at this level. The trainer and jockey combination carries an A/E of 0.88 and the 7 lb claimer could prove useful.
-
2Navy Waters63/100
Navy Waters is a fair performer with a solid record here, having won two of his three starts at Down Royal. He acts on good ground and has won at today's trip, though his recent form has been patchy with three placed efforts from his last six runs. The trainer holds a 14% strike rate at the track from 113 runs while jockey W. J. Lee is 0-4 here. Usually held up, he will look to produce his effort late from a favourable draw of 2. His course-and-distance form gives him a clear edge over several rivals. The combination's A/E stands at 0.86.
-
3Denim And Diamonds54/100
Denim And Diamonds is a fair performer who has shown mixed form this year but did win over this trip on good ground last season. First time headgear is now applied and the yard has a solid 19% strike rate at Down Royal. Steps back up in trip having last run over the same distance. He typically settles in midfield. From a low draw of 3 he should be well positioned in a steadily-run race. The trainer and jockey record shows an A/E of 1.04.
-
4Narlita51/100
Narlita is a fair performer on the balance of her ratings and race history but has been largely out of form this year with a string of modest efforts. She showed a bit when fourth over course and distance on her only previous run here yet holds a poor record on good ground and the yard has a low 4% strike-rate at Down Royal. Stepping up in trip today asks a fresh question of a horse that has not convinced at this sort of distance. She typically settles in midfield from draw 6. The jockey's 19% strike rate at the track offers some encouragement.
-
5Stellar Moment51/100
Stellar Moment is a fair 3-year-old with solid recent form including two wins and consistent placings from just five runs. He steps back up to 1m4f having already placed at the trip without winning, though the small sample leaves his exact trip requirements open to question. The trainer has a 0% strike rate from eight runs at Down Royal while the jockey's record at the track is not supplied. Usually held up with high confidence, he will come from off the pace. His placed effort on good ground adds to his claims.
-
6Vanir51/100
Vanir is a fair 3-year-old who showed useful placed form over shorter trips before a respectable third at this track last time. The stable has a solid 16% strike rate here from 106 runs and the colt has already won on this ground from three attempts. Stepping up in trip for the first time today asks a fresh question of him. He is usually held up.
-
7Nellcote51/100
Nellcote is a fair performer who has shown steady improvement in three runs this year, winning on good ground over today's trip last time. Steps back up in distance having previously finished second over 1m4f, which looks suitable on pedigree. Joseph Patrick O'Brien has a solid 19% strike rate at Down Royal from 241 runs while Declan McDonogh knows the track well. He usually races handily.
-
8Just Keep Flying48/100
Just Keep Flying is a fair performer who has shown consistent placed form without winning. Drops back from 1m6f to an untried 1m4f today which asks a fresh question of him. Trainer Jessica Harrington has a solid 12% strike rate from 570 runs at Down Royal. He is usually held up.
-
9Lady Plimsoll45/100
Lady Plimsoll is a modest performer who has been consistent of late with five consecutive placed efforts though she is yet to win this year. She ran respectably when fourth over course and distance on her only previous visit here and handles good ground. Trainer has a solid 14% strike rate at Down Royal while the 7 lb claimer takes the ride. She is usually held up with high confidence.
-
10Tatum43/100
Tatum is a modest performer who has won once at today's trip from just two attempts but was well held when last seen over further. Drops back in distance having finished tenth on his only previous run here. Trainer Noel Meade has a solid 16% strike rate at Down Royal from a big sample while Chris Hayes is aboard. He is usually held up with high confidence.
KTB verdict
Ankara is the KTB Selection. A fair performer, he showed promise when third at this track on reappearance and the yard's 19% strike-rate at Down Royal from a large sample adds to his appeal, as does the first-time headgear. The steadily-run nature of the race should suit his held-up style if he can find the right moment to strike. Navy Waters looks the main danger on the back of his strong course record, having won two of three starts here, while Denim And Diamonds, Stellar Moment and the progressive Nellcote are others to consider in what remains a tight handicap.
KTB Selection Ankara
Morning odds
Best available price per runner, captured 00:09 UTC, 28 Sep. These are a morning snapshot and will have moved — see the live racecard for current prices.
| Runner | Morning price | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Ankara | 16/1 | BetTom |
| Navy Waters | 4/1 | Bet365 |
| Denim And Diamonds | 12/1 | Bet Victor |
| Narlita | 18/1 | Bet Victor |
| Stellar Moment | 11/2 | Bet365 |
| Vanir | 6/1 | Bet365 |
| Nellcote | 3/1 | Bet365 |
| Just Keep Flying | 10/1 | Bet365 |
| Lady Plimsoll | 6/1 | Bet Victor |
| Tatum | 16/1 | BetTom |
This is the narrative read of the 1:59 Down Royal. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Down Royal racecard. Every result we hold for the track is on the Down Royal results & records page. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has the best course record in the field?
Navy Waters, having won two of his three starts at Down Royal.
How many runners are wearing first-time headgear?
Two: Ankara and Denim And Diamonds.
Which trainer has the highest strike rate at Down Royal in this race?
Joseph Patrick O'Brien with a 19% strike rate from 241 runs.
Which horse is stepping up in trip for the first time?
Vanir.
Who is the only 3-year-old in the principals?
Stellar Moment.
18+. Analysis and entertainment only — no guarantee of profit. KTB race previews are published for interest and are not betting advice. Only ever stake what you can comfortably afford to lose, and set your own limits. Free, confidential help: the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (GamCare.org.uk); in Ireland, the GamblingCare.ie helpline on 1800 936 725. Self-exclude at any time via GAMSTOP.
More from Kickthebookies