Hello everyone, This is my first post on the forum and after following the daily thread for the past couple of weeks, I've decided to join up. My first post is in regards to the running and riding of the John Oxx trained Alanza today at Leopardstown (6pm). The horse opened up at 11/8 before drifting to 5/2 before eventually going of at 9/4. The horse finished a close up third but was given a mountain to climb turning in and was ridden 'hands and heels' to the line. Apart from the annoyance of losing my bet (nothing major), I just thought that something fishy had gone on. I just watched the race again and my views have not changed, if anything they are stronger. People might say pocket talk but this is about more than that, I'm not worried about a few quid. I just thought if trainers are allowed to ride horses well within themselves like Alanza was then what hope do we have. I know trainers have done this since racing began for handicap races, but for a horse that has Group race entries you expect a bit more. Any views from anyone who has watched the race would be much appreciated, as my knowledge of horse racing is decent but not brilliant. Many thanks, Rob
If you had a filly who won easily first time out as a 2yo, and you had big plans for her, would you tell the jockey to go all out for the win in the first race of her 3yo season and only the second of her life? Of course you wouldnt. Oxx does it all the time with inexperienced fillies, Murtagh would have been told, if your not going to win, dont be hard on her. Murtagh gave her a crack and quickly realised she was not going to win so he eased off her. The horses whole career is ahead of her. Punters should know when backing a horse with a profile like hers, that they are not going to flog it. Owners and trainers are entitled to look after a young horse and there is nothing wrong with it. It was a nothing race compared to what they obviously have planned for her. The betting told you, who wanted 6/4 about a maiden winner against solid handicap form and guaranteed fitnees I dont know. Fair play if she was running against poor horses, she would have won on the bit but that race was a huge step up from a maiden if you actually look into it. If it was some 5yo who had run 50 times and this happens then it should be looked at. What Dettori done on Blue Bunting in the Oaks was alot worse, dropping his hands and losing 3rd in a Classic.
You make a fair point but there's coasting home when he's beat and there's giving the horse no chance of winning. It was definitely the second
The horse who finished the fastest won the race, they got away from him turning in, it wasnt as if he took a tug. The horse will be better over further and im sure you will get your money back on her. At 6/4 it was a mugs bet and I have no sympathy for anyone who backed her tonight.
