Justice First left, Al Hamd right
A chilly and slightly overcast morning here at Headquarters today. I worked a handful of horses on the Al Bahathri Polytrack and was pleased with how they went. Ian Barlow the former Chairman of the RCA and a director of Goodwood racecourse was here during second lot to see Scrutinise, he is a member of the Thurloe Thoroughbreds Syndicate than own him.
We have two runners at Kempton Park this evening. Al Hamd would appear to have a very good chance of winning the 6:15 at Kempton Park this evening. I hope he has improved for a winter on his back. Justice First runs in the 7f handicap later on at 8:50 and I am hoping for a truly run race. Luke Carson one of our apprentices is taking 7lbs off his back as he holds no secrets from the handicapper at the moment. He has taken his racing very well and appears to be fresh so I hope he can run with credit once more.
It is not long now until the Dubai World Cup and it is interesting to see just how bullish Art Sherman is on California Chrome’s chances. He has been fantastic for racing and has shown people that you do not always have to spend a fortune to own a top class racehorse. Whilst he beat nothing of note in his trial he was very impressive when carrying a big weight and as long as he gets a better passage in the race this year he will take all the beating. Another interesting story that emerged yesterday was the news that Wesley Ward will be targeting the Brocklesby, potentially bad news for those trainers who traditionally target the race.