Lastly Figgis the stride patterns are interesting and as you say it’s good to have all such tools.

The one thing missing that matters is the horses weight.

Everything else is a slight distraction. So many trainers mention the weight and talk of how the horse has put on weight as the season has gone on.

This I believe is the most important information reserved for those in the know within the stable.

If weight doesn’t matter why do boxers have a weigh in?

I’ve said as much as I can (an d that’s probably too much!) and thanks to those who’ve engaged, let’s hope for a good race.

I don’t follow such people and never have impossible. It made me laugh to read that particular reasoning this morning. There are two types those who wait for the beeps and lights to change before they cross the road and others who can decide when to go for themselves.

Re: body weight if Tennessee was 40/50 kg over his racing weight facing Delacroix who’s had a run and stripped fit, would that make you wonder what improvement there might be?

I know that it’s a topic that many laugh at, but IT IS important.

Especially with the big NH horses who take more to get ready and then on the flat with the sprinters who run in handicaps every other week, they are subject to big weight losses/fluctuations and are running out of condition (too light) some times.

These figures are given and used by punters in the East (Hong Kong) for example.

The weight of a sport equine or a greyhound is vital in a competition. Similarly, a human athlete. But, is this info available despite its importance to gauge well-being and condition? It's not. Why not? The BHA is incompetent, and not punter-friendly.

Why does one think Australia is so particular about runners in the country eg The Melbourne Cup? Any slight imperfection in a scan the horse is denied its participation. No mitigation.

They are interviewing Gosden’s son in about ten mins on ATR for anyone able to view.

You could be right but he’s learning from a guy who knows who’s eggs and bacon. He’s just given the standard update about their runners. Not sure the ground was mentioned as to who will prefer give. Feels both will stay well. Said a bit about the oaks filly, feels Desert Flower will be tough.

Same horses Damysus & Nightwalker been picked in the post to run well by 3 ex Derby winning jockeys.

Very true. It's just the lack of confidence AOB is showing on Delacroix despite the underperformance of TLIW in The Dante. And, Moore's decision was only post the stall draws; the market did not reflect confidence in Delacroix either. Maybe it's the Dubawi Derby stigma.

Who stands to prosper more if Dubawi finally does sire a Derby winner? Is it win win for both?

dubawi could hardly be more sought after than he currently is - coolmore would surely like a derby winning son at their stud


not keen on the favourite. when did a derby winner last run in march? and the 1st of march at that. it's a long time to keep a 3yo on the go

market forces

probably will , imp , or i fully expect an  injury by race timee.

I think this years race is an exciting one for a change.
You can make a case for quite a few.
Let's hope we see a Champion.

Ruling Court would be an absentee if the inclement weather materialises, according to Appleby. A persistent and heavy rain is forecast tonight and tomorrow.

The draw for the Derby makes it all the more interesting tomorrow, with Pride of Arras, Damysus etc all in with Moore.

With the likely withdrawal of Ruling Court - high doesn’t look so bad.

I think Ruling Court will be pulled tomorrow as well. Today the ground was tacky in The Oaks; tomorrow can only be worse. And, the horse does not need to run either. He'd go for the SJP or The Eclipse then.

You’re not getting me on Lambourn by the way, was blinkered third time out when thrashed in the Beresford, went to France (Caron yeah where’s that?!) , the horse it beat there was beaten in the German 1000 guineas.

All the press are wise guy tipping it, barge pole for me.

Remember Impossuble you mentioned the word class.

No it wasn’t ever mentioned. But then again you get there see it’s watered…. Get O’Bidened and have second thoughts.

I feel confidence was stronger about the filly today getting the trip. Just my gut from interviews. Even today he said to Chapman that she gallops up the Molton gallop which is a hill strongly.
No mention of Ruling Court doing so and Chapman asked an open question about both their chances of staying.

He said if you see that mile out strong there (and said she can’t be pulled up at the end of it) then they think that they’ll get a mile and a half.

A nice insight into the working there.

I backed Lazy Griff at 85s this evening.
It is a bet on the weather and the possibility of rain overnight.
I think the favourite Delacroix might not stay, and Ruling Court has not been tried beyond 8f.
I have no idea if Lazy Griff would handle soft but the possibility of slow going might make the race a lottery.

Did you see Beckett’s comment? He was surprised that Pride of Arras won so easily on fast ground as he was convinced it wouldn’t suit him.G/L brandy

As with the Oaks, I layed a a subsequent non runner, Wimbledon Hawkeye,so all good.I tend to trust the colts at this time of the year more than the fillies and the two Group 1 colts are Ruling Court and Delacroix who, maybe boringly,either would be the best result for me. It appears that the weather may change everything and strong opinions may get washed away.Overall I like Delacroix`s credentials the best.

The 5 runner 10f race Delacroix won at Leopardstwon looks as weak as water.
The 4th and 5th next ran in a 12f Listed race at Leopardstown and finished 3rd and 8th.
Delacroix's 10f race win was 4.99s slow.
The next race, also 10f, a 3yo fillies maiden was 1.86s slow
The race after that, a 10f haddicap was 1.43s slow.

Delacroix Ballysax win was a better time, and any estimate of his ability hinges on the Ballysax.