Ready for the weekend...
Cold and fresh to start but the forecast suggests we are in for a pleasant afternoon.
A busy work morning with 11 older horses and three-year-olds heading to the Limekilns first lot and 15 two-year-olds the Al Bahathri second lot. The older horses included Red Cadeaux, who has taken a week of swimming in his stride and he completed six furlongs on the short gallop under regular partner Steve.
Mixed fortunes yesterday. Red Avenger didn’t get any cover and was undone by the steady gallop, Justice First bounced back to form at Newmarket and was denied by a rival who had slipped down the weights, while Tartoor shaped promisingly on debut in what was probably a deep maiden.
Scrutinise was set to line-up in the mile and a half handicap at Doncaster this afternoon but we have been forced to withdraw him on account of the drying ground. We have endured a frustrating time with this horse – we couldn’t find a race when the ground was soft – but he’s in at Kempton on Wednesday and we may take our chance on the all-weather.
One declaration for Monday with Queensbury Odyssey set to be our first nursery participant of the year at Nottingham. Pat Cosgrave rides.
A number of entries for Friday including Qeyaadah in novice company at Haydock.
The final day of Glorious Goodwood and this year’s renewal of the Nassau looks a cracker, with all the threads of the season thus far seemingly brought together. It has proved difficult to split the three-year-old fillies, but today’s victor will be top of the pecking order.
What a week it has been for Qatar, with Dubday’s victory in yesterday’s Glorious Stakes proving a landmark success. The financial investment Al Shaqab have made in the meeting has undoubtedly increased the quality of racing this week, and it is important they taste success. Richmond winner Shalaa, in particular, looks a serious prospect.
The first day without Racing Post replays and form anoraks will undoubtedly be in meltdown. Let’s hope this is just a temporary blip, like the fallout over data rights, because it would be a travesty for the student and the punter should the arrangement prove permanent.
England lead 2-1…the nation starts dreaming!
Finally, the very best of luck to Richard Hughes as he calls time on a remarkable career this afternoon. His drive and ambition in the saddle appear to have transferred seamlessly to his training aspirations, and I am sure he will be an instant hit in the new chapter of his career. Thank you, Hughesie.
Have an enjoyable weekend.
Ed