No doubt about it: Minding is better than the boys. Ribchester best of the Classic generation boys – presumably feeble excuses to come for the others. Finally, a Champion on Champion’s Day.
I'd be wanting the stewards to have a look at the ride given to Blue Heron there ......................... never asked him a question, smelt of schooling in public
Unfortunately he's had a chip on his shoulder since losing the Juddmonte retainer. He refused to take part in the documentary on Sir Henry and Frankel because of it.
In case anyone missed the statement on Channel 4, GALILEO GOLD and ALMANZOR are among several horses who will be routine drug tested after stable representatives were found to be in possession of prohibited substances and/or permitted substances without the correct paperwork within the stable area. There's no suggestion of wrong doing but the trainer's have cocked up in not ensuring that their staff are fully aware of what they can and cannot take into a restricted area. The one time I've been in the racecourse stables during a race meeting (an evening in November at Kempton!), I had to be escorted as I did not have a security pass, turn out my pockets and sign a form giving all my contact details!
That was class from Almanzor, top class horse. Just a shame the horse considered for the Arc ahead of him never made the race.
Almanzor went into the Champion Stakes as the top-rated three year old in Europe and he put Found in her place (again) to prove that he is the best three year old in Europe. There surely cannot be any complaints as it looked like everybody had a chance but the way the race was run best suited the best horse.
Fair dooz to Found, I know she has reverted to type here finishing second but even though she is a bookie horse with a shocking win rate for her ability, have to give her credit for her consistency and constitution for running in top class races. Im disappointed that everything fell perfect for her in the Arc and not somewhere else but shes a very good mare on her day and certainty adds something to the top races.
Almanzor is undoubtedly the best three year old in training, but I'm wondering if he should run in Breeders Cup Turf over 1m4f (if entered) as he should stay considering what US racecourses are like (less chance of staying the trip at Chantilly or Longchamp).
Great day's racing at Ascot, really enjoyed it, still one to go! Great performance by Minding, and Found ran a terrific race just a couple of weeks after winning the Arc.
