What a difference some rain makes...
I was at Doncaster to see Stradivarius and he did not disappoint. He travelled very easily throughout the race and at the top of the straight, Dettori was looking behind him to see if the pair following him were travelling. Once he had picked up the leaders he spent most of the last furlong looking over each shoulder for non existent challengers.
After he had been led in on the winner and done a flying dismount, it started to rain. The rain was too late for Trueshan, who had been withdrawn much earlier because of unsuitable fast ground. A good effort by the Prescott three year old filly Alerta Roja finishing second – could be another money spinner for Kirsten Rausing.
By the time the rain eased just before the running of the Mallard handicap the going had altered to good, good to soft in places. With my original selection a non runner, I could have switched to Rhythmic Intent but I did not. To win races it needs so many things to go right for it and easier ground – so it had got easier ground, at literally the eleventh hour, the race was run to suit it and it won.
With fifty yards to go in the Flying Childers, it looked like Corazon was going to win but then she got run out of it by two runners on the stands rail. At least that was better than Asjad, who was heavily backed, travelled for half the race and then found nothing when asked. Well done to those that had the consistent Able Kane as he led all the way.
