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Thursday 17th January

Thu 17 January 2019

Dark Red

Good morning from Newmarket, or should I say Dubai! We have had enough of running around the AW in freezing temperatures back home, and instead train our sights on the Dubai Carnival with Dark Red.

The old boy runs in the Azizi Star Handicap over a mile and a quarter on the turf at 4.50 (UK time). He has been a tremendous performer for us over the years, winning four times, including in three very valuable handicaps, and placing on seemingly dozens of occasions in all sorts of big handicaps at marquee meetings.

Last year he appeared as good as ever, as he began the campaign from a career-high mark of 102, and yet managed to finish seventh in a good Lincoln, and then placed four consecutive times in decent company. On his final appearance of 2018, at Glorious Goodwood, he ran a little below his best but has had a good break subsequently to get over some physical issues.

Although now a thoroughly exposed seven-year-old, the plan was hatched some time ago to bring him over for the Carnival. The layout of the track, and the typical prevailing conditions, should be in his favour, whilst the style of racing ought to play to his strengths. He has been under the expert supervision of former jockey Tom McLaughlin whilst in Dubai, and I am happy to report that Tom is pleased with the way the horse is moving and training as we approach the race.

We had this race picked out for him long before he touched down in the Emirates but, on paper at least, it looks a devilishly difficult affair. There are five Godolphin representatives, including Mountain Hunter, who won an equivalent race last year, the highly promising Dante fifth Nordic Lights and the progressive handicapper Celestial Spheres. Getting in amongst these will be very tricky, but I do note that we have been priced up by the bookmakers as the favourite amongst the non-Godolphin contingent – though that leaves us around 14/1!

That is probably a good reflection of our chance, and with a wide draw we are likely to drop him in and ride for a bit of luck and try to pick up the pieces late on – though I do fear getting caught out off a slow pace. As such we have booked top Irish jockey Chris Hayes, who is very well versed in riding around the track, to do the steering. Dark Red rarely lets us down, so I hope he can fly the flag for La Grange Stables this afternoon.

On an altogether different and far more important note, I would like to pass on my deepest condolences, and those of all at La Grange Stables, to the family of Natasha Galpin and everyone at Iain Jardine’s yard, following the tragic news which emerged yesterday. RIP Natasha.

 

All the best,
Ed.




 



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