TTP at Royal Ascot.
Generally quite cool and overcast.
Goodwood beckons once again and hopefully we can enjoy a better day three. Frankie suggested Prince Gagarin did not stay yesterday and we plan on giving him a break now with a view to an autumn campaign.
Two runners this afternoon and it is obviously a massive day for us all as Trip To Paris returns to the course following his Gold Cup success. Bar a 4lb penalty, I couldn’t be happier heading into the contest as the horse is in excellent form. He’s versatile in terms of ground and trip – stepping back to 2m won’t be an issue – but conceding weight to some high-class rivals, including the progressive Quest For More, won’t be easy.
That said, there isn’t a great deal of versatility in the programme for stayers and this is the logical next step for him. I’m sure he will run his race.
We also saddle Island Remede in the Lillie Langtry but the drying ground is a negative for her. She was maybe a bit unlucky not to win the Further Flight in the spring and she wasn’t disgraced here in May. She’ll need more to be a win contender, but you can often throw a blanket over these fillies and she should be thereabouts with a clear run.
One declaration for Saturday with Scrutinise heading to Doncaster for the mile and a half handicap. Neil Callan will ride.
A handful of entries for Wednesday including Ejbaar in a Pontefract handicap. We might consider turning him out under a penalty if it looks like we are in for a stiff rise.
Hannah was at her superb best when hosting a tour group from Discover Newmarket this morning. 28 guests visited the yard before heading to Banstead Manor to meet the legendary Frankel.
A scarcely believable day at Edgbaston yesterday but reality has kicked in this morning with a trouser-wetting early burst from Mitchell Johnson. The wicket looks like it will offer something throughout the match, so even a 100-run lead could be crucial.
Finally, I would like to add my condolences to the outpouring of grief following the death of Sir Peter O’Sullevan yesterday. To live a life so varied and fulfilling yet be admired and loved by so many is something that is virtually impossible to achieve. His place in sporting history is immortalised and he sets the benchmark for us all to aim at, whatever our endeavour may be.
Ed.