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Saturday 13th July

Sat 13 July 2019

Red Verdon

Good morning from Newmarket. Yesterday was a source of frustration, as we repeatedly banged our head against the crossbar! However, it was great to see Dark Red return to form at Chester and our Chepstow runners both ran extremely well to finish in the places.

Today we are a little less busy, but there is no less excitement as Red Verdon is our sole representative in the Gr.3 Silver Cup Stakes over a mile and six-furlongs at 2.40 at York. Our stable flag bearer has been on his holidays since his latest run in the Gr.3 Aston Park Stakes and we are hoping that he will return to action refreshed and back to his best.

After a tumultuous end to his 2018 campaign he was gelded and returned to action with a decisive win in a Doncaster conditions event in March. However, his fifth place finish in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket, and his aforementioned performance at Newbury, were plainly not quite up to his best.

We must not forget Verdon’s long list of previous achievements. He is a Listed winner, was second in the Gr.1 Grand Prix de Paris, second in the Hardwicke, fourth in the Irish Derby, sixth in the Derby itself and has placed in Group company on numerous other occasions. At six years of age he might just be a little past his prime, but he shows enough in his home work for us to hope that he can return to form at some point This test at York looks a good point to start him back, with the mile and three-quarter trip well within his compass and the ground conditions absolutely fine. 

Weekender, Gold Mount, Sea The Lion and Raheen House all set a stiff standard, but we are looking forward to seeing signs that Red Verdon is coming back to his best for the second half of the season. He did really well for his break and looks to be in good form, so I keep my fingers crossed. David Allan will be doing the steering.

 

Best Wishes,
Ed. 



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