Alex Hammond: Shore thing?

Sky Sports News HQ’s Alex Hammond was sweet on Long House Hall last week. Find out who she fancies for this weekend in her latest blog.

Reflecting briefly on last weekend – you were right to oppose the odds-on favourite Even Song in the Irish Oaks, but not many people predicted Seventh Heaven bouncing back to form. What did you make of the Classic and where could we see the winner next?

Well, I was pleased that my decision to oppose the hot favourite was vindicated, but I was actually kicking myself for not going with my original feeling that Harlequeen could run into a place.

I backed her each way at Epsom, but wasn’t convinced she was a true stayer after that. She proved me wrong with another smart performance to finish third and not only did she stay but it looks like she will stay further and trainer Mick Channon has actually now entered her for the St Leger; although you’d imagine the Park Hill would be the better option.

As for the winner, the form looks strong with Oaks runner up Architecture bouncing back and giving the form a solid look. I’d imagine Aidan O’Brien will take the winner to York for the Yorkshire Oaks next month. The only moderate race from Seventh Heaven this season came in the Oaks, but you’d always forgive a horse a bad run at Epsom and she was also hampered at a crucial stage. The Knavesmire should suit her well and she must have a good chance of following up.

Dan and Harry Skelton enjoyed a day to remember at Market Rasen when landing the two big Listed races over hurdles and fences – are they set to be even more of a force through the winter than they were last year?

Oh wasn’t that marvellous? I hope all the blog followers were on Long House Hall in the Summer Plate as I quite fancied the horse to win it for the team. It’s so exciting to see Dan and Harry coming through to take on the big boys and it can’t be too many years before Dan is Champion Trainer.

I haven’t been lucky enough to visit his Warwickshire yard yet, but I’d love a look round. From what I’ve seen the facilities are magnificent and with father Nick backing his boys things won’t be done by half measures. Someone asked me the other day if I was lucky enough to have a jump horse in training who would I pick to train it. My first response was Willie Mullins, but I think having a horse with the Skelton’s would be great craic and there’s no doubt you’d see results.

This Saturday’s biggest race is obviously the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. With last year’s winner Postponed out, who do you fancy to win the Group One prize?

I was disappointed to hear the news that Postponed isn’t 100% and misses the race. On Wednesday I’d looked ahead to the race on Sky Sports News HQ and spoke about the fact he was bidding to join an elite group of just two former dual winners, but sadly that’s now not to be.

His absence has made the race more competitive though and there will be a chance for the first two home in the Hardwicke to take each other on again. Dartmouth was game in victory at Royal Ascot, but he only just beat runner up Highland Reel and the latter was arguably a touch unlucky as Seamie Heffernan dropped his whip and the horse was carried right in the closing stages by the eventual winner; they were only separated by a head at the post. Dartmouth had to survive a steward’s enquiry …

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