Red Verdon
Good afternoon! Yesterday was a better day for my runners, with Global Giant confirming his ability with an excellent third at Goodwood and Dubai Frame running well at Nottingham. Reddiac finished well back in the nursery at Goodwood, but he was handicapped significantly by a wide draw and his jockey was complimentary, so he is not one to give up on either.
This afternoon it is the turn of our stable star Red Verdon in the Gr.3 Glorious Stakes at 1.50 over a mile and a half. This horse needs little introduction and has been knocking at the door all year since winning a minor event at Lingfield in February. We have experimented with different trips with him this season as the Melbourne Cup is very much on the agenda later on in the year, but his last time out second in the Gr.2 Hardwicke Stakes was probably a career best, and Crystal Ocean franked the form when second in the King George.
As a result, we have no reason to move up from a mile and a half for now, and this race looks a suitable spot for him. Mirage Dancer of Sir Michael Stoute’s is a warm favourite and looks a tough opponent, whilst Second Step remains in great form at the age of seven and Eminent is incredibly talented too, should he return to his best. We cannot be confident given the quality of opposition and Red’s habit of finishing second, but we go there hoping for another good run.
All the best,
Ed.