Returning home from the Al Bahathri.
Overcast and a little colder with the rain seemingly imminent.
We took 11 to the Al Bahathri first lot which included putting the finishes touches to the team for Goodwood.
Field Of Light proved disappointing yesterday. He didn’t find much under pressure and shaped as if the trip was too far, contrary to his Lingfield run. We might look for mile and a quarter turf options now and ride him more patiently.
Two runners this afternoon. Times Up contests a handicap for the first time since May 2011 and he has slipped to a mark of 98 having struggled to get competitive this season. He travelled quite powerfully in the Queen Alexandra but the rain had started to pour and he probably didn’t get home. We will be monitoring the weather for him this morning as he wants decent ground.
On the other hand, we would like some rain for Sagaciously at Newmarket and that shouldn’t be a problem. She found the ground too quick on her reappearance at Ascot but wasn’t beaten all that far, while she remains feasibly handicapped off a mark of 87 on the balance of her form. This is a competitive little handicap but it should be a useful guide as to where we go in the second half of the season with her.
Two declarations for Sunday with Biff Johnson heading to Carlisle and Ejbaar to Pontefract. A number of entries for Thursday as well, including Island Remede in what most of us know as the Lillie Langtry.
Trip To Paris remains on course for the Goodwood Cup having been confirmed this morning, although we scratched Red Cadeaux. He has been enjoying himself in the swimming pool on the Hamilton Road this week and we will look at options next month for him.
Finally, I received some excellent news about a former horse of ours yesterday. Costa Lotta, a mare by Statue Of Liberty who showed little enthusiasm for life as a racehorse having been bred by The Hon Robert Hanson, has been crowned High Goal Polo Pony Of The Year. She is one of Ollie Cudmore’s mounts, with Ollie being a leading figure in professional polo, and I am delighted she has managed to find a new vocation in her life after racing.
Ed.