Wednesday's Meetings Wincanton N/H 7 Races 1:35-4:45p.m. Wetherby N/H 7 Races 1:45-5:00p.m. Bangor-on-Dee N/H 7 Races 1:55-5:10p.m. Kempton(E) A/W 9 Races 4:23-8:30p.m. Racecards At The Races Sporting Life Racing Post Good Luck
You don't expect a race like this at Kempton Park at the end of February on the all-weather. The 7.30 start is grandly titled the 'European Road to the Kentucky Derby' Conditions Stakes but it's not the name that catches the eye but the hopefuls participating. There are only 6 runners but the current outsider, Godolphin's Olympus Point, has the highest RPR (of 100) in the field. One can only discern that he is in the field as a pacemaker for the current favourite Opera Ballo, who won like a very classy animal 2 weeks ago on his debut. Is he this year's Notable Speech, who won the 2000G after a couple of AW wins in 2024? So far people seem to think he could be. This isn't a one horse race though. Third favourite is Balding's Quai de Bethune (a reference to the Somme?) who won the other division of Opera Ballo's race and in a faster time. Varian's Saddadd is 2nd favourite and won his only start back in December as if rated very highly, as they say he could be anything. A surprising and fascinating event, any of the 6 could win. Maybe one to watch. The winner is likely to be very useful.
Nice spot Bustino, I will try and watch it live but will definitely check the replay. I have this preconceived notion etched into my DNA that horses that run on the all weather can't be any good. I must move into the 21st Century
17:10 Bangor-on-Dee - Goguenard Class-5 Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle over 2m7f on heavy ground. Has a chance to run a decent race in this affair. Reverts back to hurdling after disappointing over fences. Wears cheek-pieces for first time. Harry Atkins (3) rides for the D J Jeffries stable. 5/1 best price in many places on the ATR site, at time of writing.
Winner looks insanely talented. That turn of foot around 2 out was impressive and even looked leisurely at that as well.
Well I'd guess the target will now be the 2000G. Made the others look very ordinary, which I don't think they are. Certainly a feather in the cap for Ghaiyyath and given he is by Ghaiyyath why no entry in the Derby? Maybe it's that his dam is by Invincible Spirit, but the rest is chock full of stamina. Of course he can be added later. Still looked green to me. So more improvement should be forthcoming..
