Sorry Ron. I meant had you had a really close look & watched the race to see how well it ran in the Vermailles. Just a note of caution, but it is also entered in the Prix Foy on the same day.
Just been confirmed, CAMELOT will definitely run and Frankie Dettori will ride. Joseph will ride St Nicholas Abbey as he cannot do the weight for Camelot.
Interesting booking. That wouldn't have happened a few years ago.Perhaps indicative of a further thawing in relations between the shades of blue. Couldn't side with Camelot after his Leger blow out even though this race has cut up considerably.
When was the last time FD rode a Coolmore horse? A further sign of the thawing of what was a frosty relationship between Coolmore and Goldolpin?
Would rather have Buick on Camelot however is this a pointer to a supplemental entry for Great Heavens?
Sorry I was unclear ron. I meant had you had the chance to study her last run. I hadn't noticed that she is also entered in the Prix de L'opera on the same day. Surely she would try the Arc ? Frankie on Camelot. still worried about the ground !
Sheikh Mo was far from impressed. I was actually referring to post 2006 and the QE11 when the sides really fell out on the racecourse. Godolphin accused Coolmore of keeping Frankie's horse in (can't remember it's name) and assisting George Washington in his win.He subsequently complained to the stewards,who agreed and gave SH a 14 day ban (think!) AO'B accused Frankie of being "spoiled" and "throwing his toys out of the pram" and stating his rider did nothing wrong. He also expressed incredulity at the Stewards decision. Coolmore tried to secure Frankie's services afterward and,according to O'Brien,were told that Dettori was not permitted to ride for them anymore. Big boys and their toys!!! Anyhow,this appears to be in the past and Coolmore have recently had runners at the Dubai Carnival.They have also purchased a few Darley yearlings and this does seem to herald a new more cordial era....for the time being!
Light rain all night then heavy rain due tomorrow morning, mild but dry Friday and saturday morning with quite a bit of wind could dry it out a bit then light rain Saturday pm. Soft ground would be a big leveler, Ovfevre and camelot will both want it quicker. Meandre could well be a good shout, he'll plod round and make it home.
Following J A McGrath's article in the Telegraph on 25th Sept where he stated that his 'close sources' at Ballydoyle had 'informed' him that camelot's participation in the Arc was less likely by the day & would be withdrawn shortly, who thinks Aussie Jim will be featuring an apology for misleading the racing/betting public ?
orfevre won the Japanese derby on ground described as soft. this may not be the same as our soft ground but he went through it nicely enough so i see no reason why he would be anymore inconvenienced than any other horse now that nathaniel is out. obviously they would prefer it quicker but so would almost all of the others.
Anyone got views on Reliable Man? Just beaten by St Nicholas Abbey into fourth in the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. The first and second (Danedream and Nathaniel) were almost joint favourites for The Arc and SNA is about 10/1. Reliable Man is available at 40/1. Although the initial target after the recent run at Maisons-laffitte was given by De Royer Dupre as the Pattinson International at Woodbine the recent withdrawals could result in a change of mind. I think he may be the last decent each way gem! Listed as a 'possible' in most websites. Does anybody know if Reliable Man is an intended runner? I suppose I could wait for likely NRNB facility tomorrow.
I thought that his last race was like a prep run;given a very easy time over 10f. Possibly a place with a good draw ?
I must confess I have no idea how to calibrate the credentials of the favourite. I'm a bit in the dark as far as this years race is concerned given the large number of pre race casulties. Field size,ground conditions (some bad stuff heading for Paris) and draw numbers always preclude any ante post action from me regarding this event. Despite the defections,it may be too early to discount the race as sub par until we see what the favourite has to offer. That part of the race is fascinating.
Think I will wait til I see them parading in the paddock before making my selection (did fancy Snow Fairy until she got injured)
Anyone expecting Will Buick to get a call from Sir Michael Stoute and ride Sea Moon? (Especially with Ryan Moore not back yet)
