Morning, you types. Hope everyone well. Corking card at York this afternoon one must say. I actually think Sir Mick Stoute will do very well on the old Knavesmire this afternoon. As I said earlier in the week I think his filly BRAGGING (2.40) is a Group 1 winner in the making and expect her to oblige here before succeeding at the very top table later in the campaign. Really liked her comeback win and I think she is very good. This time last term his ABSEIL (3.45), who is wonderfully bred, was being hailed as the latest ‘reincarnation of Pegasus’ and actually went off at just 7/2, I say 7/2, for the ultra competitive Royal Hunt Cup. His season crumbled after the stalls opened for this heat but the fact that his trainer has retained him as a 5YO speaks volumes and off just 96 I’d be surprised if he both didn’t reward each-way support and start rebuilding his reputation. Finally, in the Dante has to be JACK HOBBS (3.15) for me. Was bowled over by his win at Sandown Park, last month, and I think he’ll hit his opponents for 6 this afternoon. Good luck all. And to The Squire, of course.
Best of luck with Squire anyways guys, he looks to have a fair chance on the form book. The distance would worry me a little, as he's not an easy horse to settle, but he certainly has the ability to win over further than a mile. Il definately have a bet in running if he's not pulling after a furlong
Is the Stick chap still around or has he already toddled off to the races??? Sneaked a peak at the ‘Racing Post’ at the station this morn (train not Police) and there was an ad a few pages in alerting readers to the fact that the Bumper horse you went bonkers over (and rightly so as results proved) MODUS is being sold at Cheltenham 2 weeks today. Grade 1 placed on his last 2 runs is sure to command a huge price.
I have just checked out BHA Going @ Newmarket Newmarket / Thu 14 May Updated @ Thu 14 May Going/Track Good to Firm (Watering) (GoingStick: 8.8 on Wednesday at 15:00) Rails: The re-positioning of the bend into the home straight has increased the distance of the 12f races by 9 yards. Stalls: Stand Side Course 12f Centre Remainder Far Side Watering: We are no longer forecast significant rainfall on Thursday so the whole course is being irrigated on Thursday morning, 5mm being applied. Weather Dry on Wednesday and overnight. Thursday; Cooler and possible light rain in the afternoon/early evening. Good Luck Guy's
WFH today - so shall take in the racing as it unfolds today (that CRICFREE site is a godsend) ... Small treble on Bragging - Jack Hobbs and Squire of course .. let the games commence on what will be an eventful and informative day !! and on a pedantry note - SBC .. its Railway station ... note the american derivative 'train station' ... I'm surprised that you of all the hacks on this thread should be guilty of such an affront to the Queens English ... Good luck to all !!
American racing isn't my thing normally, but I was just reading an article about American Pharoah the Kentucky Derby winner drawing stall 1 in the Preakness stakes. Connections and the media where making out that drawing stall 1 was a big negative for the horses chances. I don't know wether dirt racing is different to the racing over here, but I'd of thought stall 1 was the ideal draw, particularly as most tracks are tight like Chester over there
Hi Shergar - Interesting post .. so I had a quick rummage around the interweb and found this .. which de-bunks the theory that 1 is a death draw completely ... Post Positions (since the use of a starting gate in 1930): Post Record Win% 1 83-8-4-5 9.6% ... 83 runs - 8 winners - 4 seconds - 5 thirds ... Only gates 8+10 had higher win % ... 9.8% and 11.8% respectively ... so makes no real sense @ all ..
SBC - given your stalwart support of the thread you are easily forgiven for a momentary lapse in concentration ... on a separate topic I found myself reviewing recent photographs and fell upon one taken with the forums favourite trainer - which I am sure you will enjoy more than most. I shall employ some technical wizardry and post it up soonest ...
Ground should not be watered this late. You are asking for trouble as the top can come off and the going becomes false. If the horses can't run on good to firm they probably shouldn't be running.
Day two of the Dante meeting and the punter once again is faced with three handicap lotteries plus a two-year-old maiden race. We can be reasonably certain that the favourite for the 2015 Epsom Derby will be going in the stalls for the Dante at 3:15, especially since the current favourite Jack Hobbs is one of them. Last year’s winner The Grey Gatsby won the Prix Du Jockey Club but the last Dante winner to succeed at Epsom was Authorized (2007). Nafaqa has not been seen since disappointing in the Craven, whilst top-rated Elm Park has not been seen since the Racing Post Trophy last term. John Gosden fields two unbeaten contenders: one a wide-margin handicap winner Jack Hobbs, the other victorious in a listed race Golden Horn; so both with something to prove. Aidan O’Brien fields two with questions to answer: winter ante-post Derby favourite John F Kennedy flopped on heavy ground last time and Ol’ Man River never went a yard in the 2000 Guineas. As Ballydoyle have dominated most of the other trials, it would be no surprise if I have picked the wrong one in thinking that JOHN F KENNEDY was beaten by the ground at Leopardstown, as his stablemate could equally bounce back. The Middleton Stakes looks like a very interesting renewal. Two fillies carry Group 1 penalties: Madame Chiang, who appears to prefer cut in the ground, and Ribbons, just beaten in the Prix de l’Opera on good. As neither have race fitness, this could go to Dahlia Stakes winner Bragging or the third Belle D’or. As I was on John Gosden’s filly that day, I may end up regretting switching to her conqueror BRAGGING today.
Cheers for the research The only thing I can think of is if the horse doesn't break well he could get stuck behind a wall of horses. But that's the same over here aswell.
In theory yes, but most people take a days holiday to make it a long weekend. Being a responsible chap, I shall be popping into the office for a couple of hours
Two for Tipperary: 18.05 OSCAR SAM 9/2 ew - with four places this is sure to be in the frame. Very close second last time and has brilliant claimer Luke Dempsey taking 5lbs off. 20.10 MONBEG ROSE 7/4 - Mullins /Mullins / Gigginstown need I say more? It is being smashed in all morning and so if you're going to play I reckon play early as it will shorten throughout the day. Finally, i've had to have a small saver on OUL MANRIVER at 11/1 for dante. I fancy Elm Park but 11s is just too big not to have a little interest. Best of luck all.
Good luck today stick, think there's been enough rain for it,I'm on! Brought 2 Brits over to belfast for the weekend,they loved it. Lived there for 27 years and recommend it to you all,got our flights all in for £44 from brum!
