My 13-2 Cesarewitch tip – and why The Lion In Winter could be huge for Coolmore’s multi-million pound stallion operation
THE historical 1968 movie ‘The Lion In Winter’ plays out in racing form today as the Coolmore operation moves into a new era of top class stallions.
Promising two-year-old THE LION IN WINTER (3.00) aces five rivals in the Group 1 Dewhurst — considered by most in the game as the ultimate contest for Classic-developing youngsters.
In its time it has fallen to the greats like Frankel, Nijinsky, Mill Reef, El Gran Senor and Zafonic.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
Coolmore, with supremo John Magnier its driving force, is the headquarters of the world’s largest breeding empire. It wasn’t always that way.
Coolmore came into the Vigors family in 1945 and was inherited by Tim Vigors, a famous fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain.
Vigors eventually went into partnership with his friend and leading trainer Vincent O’Brien as well as owner Robert Sangster, the Vernons Pools magnate.
He later sold his interest to O’Brien and his son-in-law, Magnier who, in time, became the sole owner.
Why is all this important, you might ask?
Well, as stallions come and go, Coolmore has to move with the times.
Sadler’s Wells, Danehill and Galileo led the way, but now it’s about Justify (via City Of Troy), Deep Impact (Auguste Rodin), American Pharoah and Wootton Bassett.
Should he win today, The Lion In Winter brings the opportunity of a Group 1-winning son of another colossus — Sea The Stars — to the Coolmore stallion ranch.
That is why The Lion In Winter is so well named.
As the movie with the same title centred on Henry II and a storyline about his attempt to establish a line of succession.
Aidan O’Brien, of course, trains The Lion In Winter.
And should he land today’s seven-furlong event he will become the winning-most Dewhurst trainer of all time with nine successes — including multiple Group 1 winner Rock of Gibraltar and City Of Troy.
At €375,000, The Lion In Winter seems to be a relative bargain.
He won well on debut in a maiden at the Curragh before romping home in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York, thrashing Wimbledon Hawkeye who has since gone on to win the Royal Lodge.
That said, he’s no certainty — even though he is the clear 5-1 ante-post favourite for next year’s 2,000 Guineas and 6-1 market leader for the 2025 Derby.
Coolmore’s deadly rivals Godolphin are determined to tame the Lion.
They take him on with both the unbeaten Ancient Truth and supplemented Shadow Of Light, the mount of their No1 rider William Buick.
Shadow Of Light’s stamina is being tested after his Group 1 Middle Park win over six furlongs.
Connections suggested that say he was more a Commonwealth Cup type than a Guineas horse, but he ran strongly to the line and it’s worth a try.
Ancient Truth bids for four wins in a row, and was a convincing winner of the Superlative Stakes in July, defeating the re-opposing Seagulls Eleven.
It’s a worry the Charlie Appleby runners has been off the track for 91 days, though.
The selection has to be The Lion In Winter, especially as this is a race which could have so much more meaning for Coolmore than just coming first this afternoon.
The big betting race of the day is the Cesarewitch, the marathon over two and a quarter miles that meanders between two counties.
Sea Of Sands goes for Willie Mullins and is chucked in on some old German form although he’s never tried staying trips on the Flat.
He did, however, win a little race at Listowel over hurdles the other day. I can’t tip him, though, not at a short price.
The one I like is the Emmet Mullins contender JACOVEC CAVERN (3.40) who has a reasonable draw in stall 14, something that is more important than you might think.
Jacovec Cavern was a fine second at Galway, staying on well in a big field and has mixed in some top class hurdle races, including when eighth to Lossiemouth in the 2023 Triumph.
Back in 2022, Jacovec Cavern was trained by Mick Channon and he banged in a handicap at Newbury off 76.
A mark of 83 this afternoon seems very fair — and my fellow Favourite columnist Hayley Turner will have no issue doing the 8st 2lb.
Added to all that any juice in the ground is no issue.
Let’s hope Jacovec Cavern roars in, just like the Lion. Good luck and Yeeehaaa!
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.