Morning, pilgrims. There is a reasonably treated one from the county running in the card commencer (2.00) at Goodwood. Sure to be popular as it’s owned by none other than Mr Ponsonby. Cor blimey what a combination that said chap and the county set. Do we think those bookie chappies are quaking, I say, quaking?!?
Since arriving in the county, from none other than Warren Place, RIDGEWAY STORM, has more than proved himself and has won 3 races and been placed on numerous occasions. Those 3 wins were all at Kempton Park but the old boy more than proved himself on turf last time as he ran a corker to just be denied in a decent handicap at York (arguably you could say it was his best ever run).
Alan King has always thought very highly of Ridgeway Storm and continues to put a hurdling career, on hold, re him as he thinks he has the capabilities to take high rank on the level and certainly outrun his current handicap mark of 90. The one unknown is, of course the marathon distance of 21 furlongs, but this one has in the past showed no signs of stopping at 2 miles so I would say he will last out fine. I wouldn’t, I say wouldn’t, be deterred by the ground at his half-brothers Western Point and the Grade 1 victor, Hollow Tree, both won with the word ‘soft’ or ‘heavy’ in the going descriptor. Must point out though that this is no Group horse in a handicap advice (like Time Test). Rather a horse who looks potentially well treated and is still progressive. I wouldn’t put anyone off an each-way tickle on Ridgeway Storm as the current 14/1 looks most appealing.
Meanwhile, in the ‘lucky last’ at Sandown Park (8.35) a horse I’ve banged on about for a long, long time, namely old boy Gosden’s NIGEL, really should oblige off a perch of 80. Although current quotes of 6/4 are hardly on the generous side of generous. I know the family very well (Nigel’s not old boy Gosden’s) and they are all about stamina so he should relish this step up to 14 furlongs. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, long term this really is one that those ‘jumping boys’ would love to get there hands on. Cor blimey imagine the effect that Mr Henderson could have on Nigel!
Win, lose or draw I’m off to God’s own county, Devon, for a week and a half from tomorrow morn so until the next time...take care.