Green Storm
Green Storm finished only fifth in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday, but he can be marked up at least a little on the bare form of the run. He was keener than ideal through the early part of the race, so Billy Loughnane dropped him right in, back to last place, presumably in order to try to help him to settle better. Still last as they raced around the home turn, his rider had to bide his time before he could get racing room and ask his horse to improve. Caught in traffic around the home turn, he got into the clear when they straightened up and, when he did, he picked up well. Amiloc and Zayrann were making the best of their way home when he got out, but he stayed on well through the final two furlongs, getting to within four lengths of the winner by the time he got to the winning line. In another 100 yards, he probably would have been third.
This was a nice performance by Charlie Johnston's horse. Seventh in the Derby, there was a lot to like about the manner in which he stayed on here, after being keen early on. He was fastest of all through three of the last four furlongs, and he was a half a second faster than the next fastest through the final half-mile. He has won just once, but he finished second to Tennessee Stud in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud on heavy ground last October over 10 furlongs as a juvenile, and, out of the Ribblesdale Stakes winner Banimpire, he shapes as if he will appreciate a greater test of stamina now. He will be over interest when he steps up to a mile and three quarters.
Ascot, 20th June 2025
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