I’ll start with the latter. She has recently been in pre-training just outside Lambourn (under the banner of Seven Barrows and the guidance of Lieutenant Henderson), is currently on her holidays (don’t know where but am guessing a staycation. Maybe, half spent in Prestatyn and the other half in Rhyl) and will take up full residence at Seven Barrows from late Summer/Early Autumn. The 4YO, by Mahler, has to be one of the best bred fillies/mares to enter the NH sphere for many a season and the only surprise is how relatively inexpensive the old girl was – costing just €25,000 in August 2020 (and this was when Monkfish was already a Grade 1 winner over hurdles). You would have to expect that come the business end of term 2021/22 this one really would be challenging for top honours however she is campaigned, i.e. over hurdles or in bumpers. Now the really exciting part. What would you call Monkfish’s little half-sister?!? This really is wonderful and the most loveliest, loveliest name for a filly! Connections have monikered her Fishcake. Yes, Fishcake! How fantastic is that?!? As she is currently not ‘officially’ in training or yet to be entered in any race you won’t find Fishcake on any racing databases (such as the Racing Post one) but here’s her sales page from last Summer - https://www.goffs.com/sales-results/sales/land-rover-sale-2020-part-1/149. Really can’t wait for Fishcake to arrive at Seven Barrows and, in time, make it onto the old racetrack. Now onto Monkfish. As everyone will be aware he’s a 4 time Grade 1 victor (that above mentioned hurdling win, plus 3 novice chases) and the current 2nd favourite for the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup (8/1 at the time of writing). Seemingly, he had the chasing world at his feet after the old boys first 3 races over the big ‘uns but to me he then didn’t really go on to the ‘next level’ in his final 2 outings over fences – despite winning the RSA and having the, hardly shoddy, formline of -12 in this pair of heats. But, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a jockey so disconsolate and downbeat after winning a Grade 1 as Paul Townend after that RSA success. It was almost as if, in his interview after that win, Townend seemed to acknowledge that Monkfish had gone from possible ‘reincarnation of Pegasus’ to just the more mortal, very good. And then, of course, he followed this run up by being beaten, 8 lengths, at Punchestown. Where do these 2 runs leave Monkfish, then??? I really don’t think 8/1 is that bad a quote (in a division not brimming with stars) but do feel that original (or mine at any rate) assumptions re the horse may have to be downgraded somewhat. At any rate I think Monkfish now has a bit to prove.
Firstly, Fishcake, it doesn't surprise me that she was relatively cheap given that in my opinion she doesn't look very imposing or special in the photo and video from the sale. I wouldn't be expecting much from her racing career, and she will probably be at stud sooner rather than later given that she is related to Monkfish. Do you know who owns her? Monkfish, I think 8/1 is a rank price at the minute given how disappointing he was on his last run and how little opposition he has raced against. Latest Exhibition blew out in open handicap company and look at how bad the UK form is from that Cheltenham run. I mean beating Fiddlerontheroof by less than 7 lengths is hardly Gold Cup favourite form. He is a talent, he jumped beautifully earlier in the novice season and if he returns to that form then he could be very interesting for the Gold Cup. However, open company against a decent set of Irish horses is going to be tough.
Future Bloodstock own Fishcake. I say though, old boy, that's not very gallant of you in your description re Fishcake. I'm most shocked. And I wouldn't dismiss her just yet as afterall let's not forget the effect that Lieutenant Henderson's brilliant brain, magic hands and soothing words are going to have on the old girl. Oh yes, once this combination have worked its full effect Fishcake can only go one way...
I'd actually say that Fishpond was a lovely name for a filly. Conjures up images of calmness, tranquillity, beauty and the wonders of Mother Nature. We won't though dwell on the supermarket trolley that some Chav has chucked in... Did a Racing Post search and I see that there was actually a filly (born 1970) called Fishpond! And she in turn produced a son who won 7 races (Pondering I) - 5 for those old rogues the Pipe's.
Re Monkfish’s handler what do we think about him taking high rank in the ‘Royal Ascot top trainers’ list??? Not going to be having millions of runners but can see him having very creditable challengers in almost all the handicaps of a mile and more plus, of course, runners in heats like the ‘Gold Cup’ and the ‘Queen Alexandra’. And then you can probably throw in a ‘wildcard’ in at least one more race at the meet. No prices available re the ‘Top Trainer’ but Mr O’Brien apart I can’t see a huge number of handlers having any more than a couple of winners at Royal Ascot – and Mr Mullins should be capable of this as a bare minimum. Would appeal as an possible each-way bet if those bookie chappies offer silly prices.
Maybe, not. A few of the races had entries today and he only seems, if Sporting Life are to be believed, to have made 1 (in the Gold Cup). Some of the handicaps and 'Queen Alexandra' are still to be opened up but on first glance the old boy doesn't seem to be targetting the meet.
i see that Future Bloodstock's recent Grade 1 winner, over hurdles, has been declared to run on the Flat on Friday - most eyecatching. Stormy Ireland will head to Down Royal for a maiden event. She hasn't gone on the level for a whopping 1,653 days and it will only be her 3rd ever run on the Flat. They other 2 being in France back in '16. After this Down Royal run she should secure a handicap mark, on the Flat, so you have to wonder will she be 'Ascot Stakes' bound (or alternatively another Ascot handicap) after Friday?!? But whether she goes to Royal Berkshire, or not, is most deffo one to look out for on Friday.
Had to go down to the old archives and dig this thread out as the above mentioned Fishcake has now been given an race entry - in the 'lucky last' at Wincanton next Thursday. It will be fascinating to see how the old girl gets on when she makes her racecourse bow. As a reminder here's the 5YO's sales page - Goffs - https://www.goffs.com/sales-results/sales/land-rover-sale-2020-part-1/149
