Haha, always good debate. Draw is the least of the worries for Golden Horn- it's pace he wants to come off and if there's none, he doesn't have quite a turn of foot like his big rivals.
Before the big race tomorrow and the ensuing pandemonium around what happens I'd just like to say how great it is to have the English Derby winner, French Derby winner, Champion mare Treve and Prince of Wales winner Free Eagle in the race. Having the two 3 year olds adds so much to the race and brings home just what a shame it has been to not have the likes of Australia in the race in years gone by. A real shame that Jack Hobbs couldn't be given his chance at testing whether a form reversal is possible and to give Godolphin a lively one, but he will be racing as a 4 year old and could end up here next year. I hope it's a good race- Jarnet wants an 'even pace' for Treve but I hope something makes it a bit quicker than that. We'll see.
Well the plan was to set off by car at 8am and arrive at the car park around 11ish. Problem No 1. We didn't leave until 9.10am Problem No 2. Although we made up good ground and were on schedule for a 11.30 arrival, I hadn't factored in (because it was a late decision) that the ladies would be stopping off at a services not too far from the course to change. Another good half an hour lost Problem No 3. As we were so far behind time we hit traffic and were stuck in a tunnel for some time. Problem No 4. Getting to an open car park. Cars all over the place. Eventually we got in and parked just on the other side of the course opposite the stands. Although advertised at 3 Euros for parking, it was actually 10 euros (by this time who cared ). The admission fee, although advertised at whatever it was, had been jacked up to 20 Euros with even bigger prices shown at the gates. Anyway we all got reduced entry (senior citizens and FFE membership). Watched the finish of the first race from the finish post on the car park side. Unfortunately that cost us as we were going to back Ballydoyle Problem No 5. Lost Amanda. As we went through the gates with our tickets my wife and I, and some others, were stopped by Security to have our tickets checked (the ticket office gave out some tickets with 2014 printed on them). Amanda thought we had gone through and was looking for us in the course whilst we were stuck at the gate waiting for reprinted tickets. What a ****ing shambles that was; it was only so that some girl standing next to the Security guards could tear a bit off and let us through. Missed the second race 3rd race. Went to place a bet on Jazzi Top. After explaining that we just wanted a win ticket, the bell went and she couldn't take the bet Managed to get right down the front to see the paddock parade for the Arc. Disappointed with the look of Treve but Golden Horn looked an absolute picture. Backed Golden Horn and New Bay both for a place. Got just over 100 Euros back. Limato was my best bet of the day. Mistake, as I said to the ladies the only one to fear was No 8. With my usual forum staking I would have had a large sum on Limato to win and a saver on Make Believe to secure a nice profit if Limato won and a small profit if Make Believe won. What did I do? Win and Place on Limato (unaware of the odds) . Got a little bit back Still, betting-wise, ended up just short of 50 Euros in pocket. With a bit of preparation beforehand plus the benefit of seeing horses in the parade ring, I should have made a much bigger profit. But it was all about getting there and seeing Treve make history and all that went wrong. All my feelings and race assessment re Treve and the Arc are posted elsewhere so won't go into that. Almost had the rail to ourselves after the Arc. The place almost emptied out - incredible Lessons learned. 1. Driving was much easier (and quicker) than I thought with no traffic problems until near Longchamp 2. Would drive again but would stay overnight near the course Saturday and possibly stay overnight Sunday (having stopped off for a meal on the way back it was a bit tiring and didn't get home until midnight) 3. Prepare tentative staking plan before arriving at the course and only adjust after paddock inspection 4. Enjoy the celebrations whichever horse wins (after all, we did when the German mare won ) -------------------------------------------------------------- Alert alert. Using my childhood selection process (ones with most 1s against their name) I selected Nos 5 and 14 in the Arab race (no bets). No 5 led all the way and No 14 ran on to get second
I am sorry but I cannot recall who, from my fellow 'posters', is the great supporter of Sea Bird. I only hope they saw the 'Arc' coverage on Channel 4. It was shown because of the proposed renovation/reconstruction of Longchamp. I think that Sea Bird's win was the first Arc after an earlier redevelopment of the track.
