Just because Rainer didn't like the look of that Yorkshire afternoon Tea!! No need for being so down on the racing! To be fair to Hollie she has ridden winners at 29 different tracks in the UK this season, it's not just the All Weather.
That is the point for me though, i'd rather have a flapper on a horse if I know he is going to put the horse in the right position, rather than someone who is inconsistent in riding position and gets it wrong in terms of tactics. It is a bit like the Spencer thing, who is a jockey I love to watch and will back if its a horse who needs his style of riding.
Nothing wrong with negative, Oddy, but I think you've simply misread this. The comparison isn't with derelicts scrabbling in gutters; it's much more like the old British and American concept of the B-picture. That was where fledgling actors, directors, cameramen, sound engineers and scriptwriters learned their trade, developed their skills and put out a finished article which didn't involve studios risking colossal sums of money. It also provided gainful employment for people in those, and other, jobs whose careers were on their way down. The other major point here is that riding (and training) moderate horses actually involves a considerable amount of skill. These beasts are often bad-tempered, inconsistent, hard-mouthed and - not least - getting older and craftier. Most thoroughbreds have a flick of speed buried away somewhere, and there's a genuine art in working out how to use it, and at what stage of the race. Because AW tracks are mostly sharp and tight, the best jockeys need to know where their race is likely to be won and lost. The last Big Thing is that, very often, the connections pick one race on one day as that horse's real chance to earn his keep. That may be because it's finally got down to a workable weight, or it's finally completely fit, or the opposition is so bad - or not busy - that the moment won't come again for the foreseeable future. But once the gates open, it's all on the jockey, and they have to get it right. It's a considerable responsibility, and not to be undervalued. So, I think you owe Hollie a box of chocolates. She's a very good pilot, and I hope she goes on to great things.
Fair points Rainer, I guess the grass roots of the sport is indeed important for providing a springboard to bigger and better things (and providing gainful employment for many people around the country). I'll give Hollie a "well done" rather than chocolates - I'd hate to be the cause of her having to put up overweight.
The exchanges are pricing up the 2yo median auction at 12.40 as if it's a match, and probably rightly. But Astrozone seems to be simply a better and more willing horse than Xian Express (who looked regressive lto) and Luke Morris makes fewer mistakes here than most. There's some 6-4 about as I post (11.00 am), and I'd say that anything over evens would be a sensible investment. Won't be back for a while, so a Happy New Year to the other sandsnakes.
Southwell 12:05 Noddy Shuffle This one gave the impression a longer trip like todays is needed. There is a bit of money going down on Noddy Shuffle's handicap debut today. James Sullivan is a good jockey booking for shrewed connections I think. Nice each way chance.
Seasons greetings all. As it's the sand and Derek Shaw, speculative punt on Due A Diamond e/w at 22/1 in the 12.40 Only 2 places but he may have this one ready.. We'll see.
Southwell 1.15 Forseti Not long with Michael Appleby after leaving the Balding yard. Last run was a step in the right direction and wouldn't be surprised if Forseti reaches a place at big odds today
Southwell 1.50 Murqaab Showed that a return to form is not far away when 5th at this track 2 runs ago. Lewis Edmund back in the saddle and cheekpieces added today after Murqaab disappointed last time under an inexperienced ride. Well drawn in stall 3.Good each way chance
Southwell 3.00 Awsaaf Was fancied on last run at this track when beaten fav in 5th. Lurks on a dangerous handicap mark and not lightly to dismiss today with veteran jockey Jimmy Quinn at huge odds.