Decent enough card at Goodwood this afternoon, alongside Redcar and Perth before Kemptons usual Wednesday evening meeting. One I thought might be interesting, if 100% fit, was MI REGALO 12/1 in the 3.10 at Goodwood. On debut it ran in a very, very warm race won by Dinkum Diamond (106 rated), and was also in behind other useful sorts since such as Foghorn Legorn (90), Emilio Largo (86), Reckless Reward (98), and Bussa (81). The point being of course that it had some promise in running against those types on debut, and subsequently vindicated such thoughts with an win in a Kempton maiden, with BARNET FAIR (now rated 89) behind in fourth. He then started 11/4 2nd favourite in a Kempton handicap, but weakened away very tamely, and given the 238 day absence since, you wonder if there were some problems which caused the poor performance. That said, the opposition that day were not bad after all, and he was well backed to beat the likes of FRED WILLETS (rated 90), and again BARNET FAIR (89). He remains completely unexposed running off 78, and whilst Andrew Balding is not a prolific Goodwood winner, he does have a 27% place rate there, so this will be by top e/w selection of the day. I will also keep some faith in FALLEN IDOL 5/1 (3.45 Goodwood). This was William Buick writing just before the Group 3 Rose of Lancaster stakes at Haydock: "I'M hoping the ground has come right for FALLEN IDOL, one of four rides at Haydock, in the Group 3 Rose of Lancaster Stakes (2.45). He doesn't want it soft, but he does like to get his toe in, and his official rating of 105 has also made him a hard horse to place, because he either has to carry huge weights in competitive handicaps or he goes for Group races. It was too soft for him when he was fourth to Poet in this 12 months ago, but the forecast ground should be up his street. Rab Havlin rode him first time back at Sandown last month, and I thought the horse ran really well - he would have needed it but he finished his race off - and I think this one is winnable." He disappointed that day but subsequently went on to win a listed event on Good To Soft at Sandown. I'm prepared to forgive him for his effort behind CAI SHIEN last time, as Richard Hughes dictated the pace in that to perfection and did Fallen Idol no favours whatsoever, and he probably did well to finish 3rd and get that close. The pace should be generous with OPERA GAL in the field. And finally, and more importantly- R.I.P Michael Jarvis- a wonderful trainer and by all accounts a wonderful gentleman. So let's dedicate this daily thread to both Michael and another legend in Ginger McCain. These people are why racing is racing- lest we forget.
Nice write up again TopC mate Like the look of Fallen Idol and totally agree with what you say mate. Very very sad week with 2 losses of extremely successful trainers
agree with GDC sad week put on a positive 2 ive had the pleasure of getting back to fitness are out at perth today and i wish them luck off today after a busy night, do i go to redcar or take the far better half out for the day ??????????????? have you been to redcar !!!!!!!!! (if BPG were out then she would have to go shopping, by the way he is pencilled for newcastle later this week) so no bets but a beady eye on the events at perth, the jumps are coming, gentlemen start your engines, and ,,,,,,,,,,,, stay frosty
"Dano me boy, our patrick gets the leg up on Rockyaboya, rubys away on his hols, in the 4.30. He was a good second in a 2 mile handicap hurdle at Cork but then disappointed badly when favourite for a maiden hurdle at Tramore over 2m 5f (you know why) The step up again in trip here shouldn't be a problem and we are hopeful that he will be good enough to at least get into the frame, so tell that galoot to get his hand in his pocket, it will pay for his darts winter festival and Oddy should have a go as well, that Berlin bum knows im good for it. Take care big fella catch ya soon and stay frosty" ps Gordons got a banker in the race before with MIB, fill ya boots his what he told me Just in from willie
Morning gents... A better looking day today, but again tarnished with the sad news about Michael Jarvis, and i echo the thoughts and comments of the previous posters... Not looked at anything yet but i think its Perth that will get most of my attention...
2 for me today on what looks a rather tricky days racing, gone for some value up North at Redcar: 400: Richard Whitaker must be due to hit form very soon so I am willing to take a chance on CD winner Aussie Blue at 16s EW. 435: Ruth Carr's horses hit their peak earlier in the year but are running back into form again so Amazing Blue Shy at 25s is worth an EW poke. Nice small EW double too, be lucky all
TC would the ground not be on the soft side for Fall Idol I so fancy Debussy in this race a bit short for me normally but I just think this ones cut above on.known form.
Is anyone watvhing Attheraces this morning? They've got Dr Marwan Koukash 'documentary' on, he's shown them round his house and explained his plans for the future with horse racing. He's a character! He did say one thing he was proud of is that his horses will always try- he says he rarely ever bets and that he lets the horses handicap themselves, regardlesss of their mark getting too high, which was refreshing.
Ardent, it could possibly be coming up too soft for him, but He has won on good to soft and put up some decent, if not spectacular, efforts on soft ground previously. I think what is clear is that Gosden won't risk him on fast ground, so I'll take the chance.
A few that i fancy for today... Perth... 3.00 - Baccalaureate, 11/4 3.35 - The Cockney Mackem, 9/4 nap 4.10 - Cool Newport, 15/2 4.45 - St Killians Run, 11/2 5.20 - Another Dimension, 6/1 Good luck to all who play today...
From geton there's a few that have chances that i'll be backing. 3pm One For Joules 3.35 Cockney Mackem 4.10 Red Riverman Then one from me: 3.10 Goodwood Silenzio Trixie on the ones from Perth and a decent single on the Goodwood runner.
Afternoon, all. Decent action today and I'll nominate an Irish raider running in Scotland to my regular readers: One For Joules (3.00 Perth) - what a lovely name for a filly by the way. This one is a dual winner over hurdles (has two wins on the flat to her name as well) and was not disgraced last time when a creditable 4th at Galway in a €16,000 heat. Dropped to claiming company today I think she can regain winning ways as her overall form looks stronger than all her rivals today. One For Joules has a few pounds in hand on official ratings and if you've got a few shillings spare I would not put anyone off submitting a claim for this useful and nicely bred type after the race. Good luck to all on the forum today.
