Sorry Rude, I think got my wires crossed here mate. I wasn't referring to the "Firm," just the horse racing. I have no interest in the Royal Family, in fact I voted for a Republic in our failed referendum in 1999. I'm hoping to see Australia break free and become a Republic before I kiss off. But as I'll be 69 in a few weeks, I'm beginning to wonder whether I'll run out of time. I'm not going anywhere soon, but can I hang on for another 20 odd years? And if so, will I be dribbling down my shirt front and wondering what all the fuss is all about? I'd hate to miss the party.
I thought the plan was to have the Guineas in early June, so Royal Ascot would come after the Guineas not before? I suppose in some peoples' eyes that could devalue 2 races (especially) at Royal Ascot as you could have the 1000G winner asked to come out 2 weeks later. Is that so bad? It wasn't unusual for a filly.to run in a trial, then the 1000G, then the Irish 1000G then the Coronation. You seem to be seeing this as RA having preference but you could see it as the Classics having preference. It is going to be up to the trainers/owners, I would imagine, as to the choices they make. In a year like this there has to be compromise and compression somewhere in the Calendar. I think the problem is the European Pattern. Where will Ireland and France (especially) fit in with this? My concern is that those countries are better armed to handle this than the UK. They have racing bodies concerned about the Industry while we seem to have a 'flash' marketing organisation more concerned with how racing is seen by the general public and holding pop concerts after racing.
Don't understand this comment. It's likely that RA will be behind closed doors and so diminished anyway. How is that fawning to the Royals?
I'm afraid of that orange thing in the sky mate. And that blue stuff over head scares the buggery out of me. And what makes the trees sway about like they do, are they alive or something? And when this strange wet stuff falls all over the place, it just gets too much for me. Yesterday the wife spent a good 90 minutes trying to talk me out from under the bed. And I don't know why, but I'm really beginning to enjoy spending hours at a time sitting alone in the wardrobe.
I have an ex bookmaker mate out in Kenya, quite a character indeed. John Jenkins or John Power as him and his twin brother Tom traded under. Any of you guys know John? In his early 70s now.
The thing is partly that Royal Ascot would be behind closed doors if it does go ahead on the original date. That doesn't make it the great social gathering that it normally would be anyway. The second factor is something I don't think many have considered, which is that the first Saturday in June is on the 6th. That means that Royal Ascot would start just 10 days after the 2000 Guineas and 9 days after the 1000 Guineas. That is very tight indeed and I doubt many owners/trainers would be looking at that as something they would want to be putting their very best horses through. In my mind it would almost certainly lead to very poor quality renewals of the St James Palace and Coronation. Do we really want a Royal Ascot with no crowds and lower quality than normal? I know I don't. We would almost certainly have 2YO races at Royal Ascot on its original date where there is little or no form, or context, to base a bet on. I can't say I would enjoy that scenario at all.
Found this elsewhere. A fantasy Derby, interesting "pricing" ... don't know if it has/will be run as a virtual race, but a very nice collection. Lester is going to have his work cut out, riding five! If I had the skills, I'd run this virtual race myself. But as I haven't ......!
What a field. Nice post Reebs. A lot of the oldies will be on Sea Bird, but my age group sides me with Nijinsky. Some younger ones might select Shergar, but for mine, his time was much too slow.
I don't think Shergar would have a hope in that line up. Has to be Sea Bird or Nijinski. It would be interesting with both Slip Anchor and Reference Point going for it round Tattenham Corner
I was completely gobsmacked by Sea Bird's Derby win, and nothing since has really matched it. Shergar was spectacular, but as Cyc implied, maybe the opposition that day wasn't too good. I think Sea Bird + Nijinski is a good shout Ron
Shergar won his Derby by the widest ever recorded margin. He was even eased down to a canter for the final half furlong. He had won his Sandown trial by ten lengths, the Chester Vase by twelve lengths and went on to win the Irish Derby eased down by four lengths. It was such a shame that he blotted his copybook in the St Leger but in my humble opinion he was about as good as we have ever seen. PS; Kauto Star was way better than Denman......and Arkle.
Oldies? They're all oldies as we appear to be. A more recent winner might bustle up Sea Bird and Mill Reef (surely better than Nijinsky) and that's Sea the Stars.
I often find myself referring to others I see as oldies, when they're the same age or a bit younger than me.
I would back Mill Reef in that line up and the dark one is Golden Fleece he could of been a superstar, have him ew.
Controversially, I am going to say that Slip Anchor would have beaten Shirley Heights AND Mill Reef. Nothing at all to do with Ratings or strength of form. It's simply that anyone should be able to beat their Father and Grandfather in a race. I am not sure how Reference Point can be in the race and Golden Horn left out of it. Golden Horn went on to win the Arc in grand style and I think he would have tanked Reference Point. I also recall Pebbles handing Slip Anchor his arse on a silver salver.
