Well boys and girls, itâs that time of year again. Derby day. The premier, three year old classic on the planet is to strut itself once again. Some in far flung regions of the world will hold that their Derby, run on dirt, should hold pride of place, but how can this be justified? For me and a few others, that kind of thinking just canât be supported by any well reasoned debate. But enough about that other race, weâre here today to celebrate the umpteenth renewal of this time honoured race, an event first run at Wolverhampton in 1462. And Iâm here to tell you, Iâm bloody excited about. And what better place to stage this wonderful event, but Epsom Downs? A course at times described by some rather unkind souls, as a meandering goat track imprinted on someoneâs God forsaken, undulating cow pasture. I beg to differ though. God has not forsaken this hallowed ground, heâs blessed it with some of the finest thoroughbred bloodlines the globe has ever seen. And what of the horse flesh that has passed before us over the years? No not the poor unfortunates who've had the ignominy of ending up on some European dinner plate, but the greats of the turf. You all know who they are, and thank goodness for that, because I have no idea as to who they might be. Didnât Arkle win a Derby for Scobie Breasley? If not, I stand corrected and most humbly apologise for my shortcomings, which it must be stated, are many and varied. But thatâs a horse for a different course. I donât know who is in with the best chance of taking out todayâs great event, or how the race will be run, but rest assured, as that bold collection of colours comes cascading down the hill towards Tattenham corner, I, like all racing fans, will be caught up in the splendour of the spectacle itself. We wonât be thinking of past champions, or the perceived quality of this years crop, weâll be filled with expectation and awe. And as they sweep the bend and begin that arduous run for home, those of us whoâve by now done our cash cold, will turn our attention to the combatants who with a furlong to go, will have the race to themselves. He with the biggest heart will prevail. And to him, will go a precious place in the annuls of racing history.
Oy Cyc how we have missed your prose. How are you mate? Well, I hope. Which horses are writing the headlines down under at the moment?
You know how it is Oddy, each new D1 winner is the next super star. At the moment, it seems to be a year for three year old. They take on the all aged and have had the wood on them. Maybe a decent crop this season. We might be able to find one to send your way.
Nice one Cyc and great to hear from you again. Is Clarkey gonna carry the team to recapture the urn?...he has scored 25% of the teams runs in the last year or so. Shows what a great batter he is but it maybe reflects a shortage of runs for the rest of the top order.
Cyclonic, good morning! God to hear your melodic prose again. However, I shouldn't describe Epsom as "a meandering goat track imprinted on someone’s God forsaken, undulating cow pasture." I should describe it as....barren up-and-down hills inhabited by and bequeathed to the Romany by God when he created the world. When he'd finished his magnificent creation, not surprisingly, he had indigestion. His final act was to fart twice. Thus Epsom Downs came into being. The other place was Bacup in Lancashire- hell on earth which still retains "unadopted streets." Cyc, I'm surprised you haven't put your life savings on Dunaden. I must be the only idiot who believes he will duff up St Nicholas Abbey. Look after yourself.
Thanks guys. The SNA clash with Dunaden will be one of the highlights of the day for me. I'm not sure he can the tables on the fav Tam. At his age I think he'll want a serious pace. AOB has assured an ideal pace for SNA, but I don't think they go hell for leather and allow the French horse into the race. SNA will probably skip away in the straight and win. But if they commit too early in the straight, then old Dunaden might surprise a few folks.
Thanks Ron mate. We're all fine. I hope you have recovered from you problems, and that the family are in good spirits as well.
