Lovely Lingfield they used to call it and I have to say that this is a great and spacious middle ranking course that is a really relaxed environment engendering an enjoyable visit. It has been very well redeveloped since I was last here back in 1999 with plenty of places to sit down, very decent food at reasonable but not cheap prices and overall good value for £15 allowing pretty well unrestricted access to all areas. Thrisk executive ought to get off their tyke rumps and visit a few places like Lingfield and see how to treat your customers.
More to follow
Lingfield is a tight triangular course especially the all weather which sits inside the turf circuit. This has often led to the conclusion that the draw favours high numbers who have the benefit of the inside lane so to speak. However today’s results showed no bias whatsoever. In fact the main feature to consider is that big fields lead to scrimmaging, trying to make all can lead to front runners cutting their own throats and coming around the outside for a late run means forfeiting lengths. On balance if there are more than six runners it looks like lottery territory!
Here is my view of the racing
LINGFIELD MARRIOTT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB MEDIAN AUCTION MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 6)(2yo) Winner £2,047 7 runners 5f Standard
A not bad set of two year olds for a class 6 auction. They went a fair gallop. Bit of a crosswind throughout the day but nothing which had a major impact on the racing. Weather was very nice and sunny. Going clearly standard based on the times.
RED SOCKS modest pedigree. Shown a little promise in maidens on the all weather but is exposed and not particularly good. Still looks a bit backwards in condition, raced in blinkers for the first time which didn’t really do a lot more for him. A fair third today holding every chance without really looking like the winner.
COURTLAND KING couple of promising runs out of five outings including bit unlucky second on the polytrack at Wolverhampton Buick booking is interesting. Ran a very decent race from a poor box and stayed on in eye catching manner. Clearly second best but appears to be one who could stay further soon
CALENDER KING Channon entry and debutante pedigree sprinty and some fair relations in amongst them. Looked a nice fit sort but was edgy and green in the paddock. Missed the kick and took a while to understand what the feck was going on but once he did stayed on well. One to keep an eye on
MALTEESE AH Fahay debutante and some precocious types in the family. Looked particularly well for her debut and was very calm in the preliminaries. Pinged out showed excellent speed until coming to the end of her tether at the furlong pole. Surely a maiden against her own sex perhaps over five will see her in the winner’s spot. Is a positive
MULTI BLESSING Improved a bit on debut when third but was hopelessly outpaced and looked very poor. Stepped up on those efforts and looked in good nick and slightly sweating in the paddock to stay on in resolute style for a meritous victory. Not sure if he will go on for this but can get a mark now and enter nurseries.
EDEN BROOK SELLING STAKES (CLASS 6)(3-5yo) Winner £1,706 5 runners 1m Standard
Crosswind conditued and the pace was no more than steady
BROUGHTONS DAY steps down to selling class today and returns to a mile having been beaten in class 6 over 7 furlongs last run. Led for much and had every chance but was not good enough for this lowly contest.
CHARLES SMIRKE only wins out of 33 outings came twice over course and distance. However has been tried out of desperation in the full range of stuff and has been recently beaten when tried in claimer / seller levels. Well backed in seller today and despite looking a bit podgy (probably sort that carries a bit of condition even when fit) won with an amount in hand. This highlights not his own potential but how moderate this mob are.
BETTER SELF is well suited by polytrack but has yet to win at Lingfield on it. Has tumbled down the weight recently and for a three year old is now on a very attractive mark which surely is not going to be compromised by winning today (60 and has recently won off 71 on sand). Ran as if preservation of her handicap mark was the number one priority and stayed on to suggest is plenty fit enough to do herself justice when required.
ILISSOS what’s going on a Noseda three year old in a lowly Lingfield seller? Breeding (a $40,000 purchase from a decent US line) suggests mile as optimal, has been racing at much longer trips and fading. Looks classic gamble territory and well treated by conditions based on OR. He was being triad in a tongue tie and I was looking to see if Casey Jones was the jockey based on the vulgar grunting emanating from this beast. He had his tongue hanging out all the time, it looked to have been bitten a bit in the race and I felt he looked a bit uncomfortable in the contraption. Fair second but easily held despite having a bit of luck in running when a split opened up a furlong out.
JACKIE LOVE breeding suggests 5 to 6 furlongs, has been raced with little success including in seller of seven so why bother racing over a mile? Outsider. Ran with credit and took the bends better than the rest which enabled her to have every chance two out. Is she any good? I doubt it but you’d like to see her run as often as possible in the summer if only for the chance of her a sneaky glimpse at her trainer’s rather eyecatching silhouette.
NEIL AND LIZ MUNCEY 25TH ANNIVERSARY CLASSIFIED CLAIMING STAKES (CLASS 6)(3yo+ 0-70) Winner £1,706 10 runners 7f Standard
I CONFESS one of those seller / claimer fixtures who have a very useful strike rate. Is well treated again and the seven furlongs on the sand suits him fine as does a trip to the Channel Islands where he also managed to win recently. Had a bit of a battle of it today when should have hacked up. Had a difficult draw but may need a bit of rest.
LOVES THEME a three year old who is not badly treated by the conditions today. Found handicaps difficult but a slip down to claiming over 6 furlongs led to a win last time. Not certain to stay this trip and was hauled in late today for a fair second. This is her sphere but maybe six furlongs may just be a reasonable consideration.
ABRIACHAN looked ok in the paddock and his handler clearly had other things on his mind as appeared to be constantly on his mobile phone, hardly professional I would say. Ran a good race today despite some early scrimmaging stayed on for third less than a length behind the winner. A real in and out performer who you can afford to see win.
KIRSTY’S BOY Irish raider and attracted a bit of support. Looked like the winner two out but folded tamely suggesting that six furlongs may be optimal
MARSH GREEN HANDICAP (CLASS 5)(3yo 0-75) Winner £2,388 14 runners 7f Standard
EL DJEBINA Mark Prescott with Seb Saunders up first time out in handicap with a three year old’s third run. Won on debut and entitled to be rated 69 on the basis of that. Bit unlucky and probably saw trip out on first effort at seven on the polytrack. However 75 looks toppy unless there was a deal of progress from debut. Looked a bit edgy in the parade and is a leggy sort who may well have been unsuited by turn here at Lingfield. I think needs a drop in weights and a more galloping track which Southwell is the best all weather version
DUNSEVERICK decent miler pedigree but very green at the moment and handicap mark looks spot on accurate. Greeness came into account again as got involved in the early scrimmaging of a particularly rough-house of a race. In the circumstances ran a decent race to be a close up third.
AQUILIFER recent course hatrick scorer including over seven. A rise from winning mark of 66 to today’s of 75 puts him in with little chance on the book. Caused quite a bit of the bother today adn race best forgotten really.
CEFFYL GWELL it would be remiss not to have a peak at a Hannon / Moore combination’s prospects. Must be suited by seven as runs on over six and was only beaten by well fancied stablemate last run over 7 furlongs when pair were clear. Looked fit and well. Held up in mid division early and was knocked about a bit on the first turn. Got back into the race and appeared to have a winning position two out and despite getting to the winner 100 yards out could not maintain progress having to settle for second. Seven furlongs is maximum trip and needs to be ridden a little more prominently. Having said that hold up tactics would have worked fine today if a clear run had been gained or even just an event free journey. Surely must win again off this 75 mark against three year olds?
FIRSTNIGHT had been highly tried as a juvenile and now a step up to seven which on pedigree appeared to be suitable. Prominent throughout and outstayed Ceffyl Gwell where his stamina came into prominence. Seven furlongs is clearly his favoured trip
B W STRAGGLERS HANDICAP (CLASS 6)(3yo 0-55) Winner £2,047 14 runners 7f Standard
LOVE NEST has been placed exclusively to seven furlongs in maiden company and never looks like seeing the trip out. Pedigree suggests 5 or 6 furlongs but running on strongly having been outpaced in the main suggests that he does suit seven. Not a bad run for a seasonable debut and better likely to come
SILCA CONIGLIANO Channon entry maiden after 17 runs tells its own story. First effort over seven. Pedigree and running style suggests best chance is over a stiff five or soft six and definitely not this trip. Had a messy run as was held up probably in keeping with his stamina limitations over this trip. As with most big field races at Lingfield there are always a few hard luck stories and certainly Silca Conigliano came into that band today. However showed some pace once produced but by then chance had gone and he pottered in his own time for a not uncreditable sixth.
KOHA breeding suggests that this trip is ok and likely to stay a mile. Well beaten most runs to date but cost an awful lot of money to be a plater. Raced with every chance until completely outpaced when leaders quickened three out. Looks useless
LADYONTOP ran a game race to get up close home to haul in long time clear leader. On the upgrade and could easily follow up on this win if rated on the bare bones of it
GOLDERN COMPASS kicked clear two out and looked all over the winner until stamina gave was and was worn down by the gutsier filly Ladyontop, Bit of money for her today from 12/1 down to 7/1 and ran by far her best race to date. Next mark will be interesting as is 43
LINGFIELD PARK COUNTRYSIDE EVENING 4TH JUNE HANDICAP (DIV I) (CLASS 6)(4yo+ 0-60) Winner £1,706 10 runners 1m Standard
BELLE PARK An OR of 52 suggests a near winning mark. Has been seen best on turf and although a wolvo winner I am not convinced suits the sand. Has won and run well at Chepstow. Today’s run again showed that either track or surface is not ideal but his fourth place was promising so watch put if placed in similar event at Chepstow anytime soon
HAULIT still a maiden and seems stuck on current mark despite being comfortably beaten over this trip on many occasions including here. Another fair effort on the sand when a plugging on third today. You would have thought might suit a bit further
HECTON LAD goes very well on sand particularly poly and having won over surface and distance was clobbered by the handicapper up 10 pounds may just be in his grip. However a battling performance today shows that even off this relatively lofty 57 mark has the ability and tenacity to be successful. Genuine sort
INDIAN VIOLET certainly suite a mile here on the sand but handicap mark a bit high
CAVALRY GUARD led from about 4 out until 2 out when faded rapidly suggesting that either can’t be assed any more or doesn’t stay. Probably more the former than the latter
BYRDINHAND may not have been particularly well suited by racing over a mile but ran with credit showing sound stamina but not enough speed when a fair second today. Would suit a maidens race or claimer over slightly further eg im2
LINGFIELD PARK COUNTRYSIDE EVENING 4TH JUNE HANDICAP (DIV II) (CLASS 6)(4yo+ 0-60) Winner £1,706 10 runners 1m Standard
MNARANI returns to GB after a fruitless sourjon to Ireland stays the mile and has run ok on the polytrack. This mark of 48 is an all time low for him and surely if there was ever a chance to break the duck it is today. My review of the race came to fruition as he won with ease. A hold up horse who needs a lot of restraining to be seen at advantage. Could suffer and win if going a bit further up the weights.
CLEARING HOUSE was the only other runner to emerge with any credit. A hold up horse who plugged on well to be a clear but still detatched runner up. Is in good form at the moment.
How did they do next three runs to a £10 stake (each way 10/1 or more)
CALENDER KING (Positve) down £20
0 0
Raced OK next but finished last on final outing and ran as if someting was a bit wrong so shelved
MULTEESE AH (Positive) down £30
3 3 0
Next two runs were good each way efforts at 10s and 16s. However then went handicapping and it was clear that the 74 mark was way too much and she was shelved
CHARLES SMIRKE (Negative)level
Not seen out since so shelved
EL DJEBINE (Positive) down £30
0 0 4
Proved to be pretty well hopeless and shelved after three efforts
CEFFYL GWELL (Positive) down £20
0 0
Not bad next run but competely tailed off after that and was shelved
BELLE PARK (Positive) up £45
3 4 1 13/2
Ran very well next runs being sound each way value at 16/1. Then came in at 13/2 so three runs is enough due to go up in the weights so shelved
1 person is following this blog
A Grumpy Quarryman's Trip to the Races
Thirsk May 23rd 2011 Firm level
06 Dec 11 13:55
Thirsk was a bit of a disappointment. I am not sure whether I was just in a bad mood or it had been a long day but whatever it was I left the course not being convinced this was the best I had been to.
The visit started off with a not completely clear entry to the course car park. Having wanted to go in the centre and do a bit of work from that location it transpired that I would have to pay £24 to do so. I decided against that and instead opted for the public car park opposite the grandstand. The entry was £14 which compared to Southwell’s £11 for about the same standard of racing was a bit on the high side.
The overall facilities are very dated once you get in with investment apparently only on a flash building for the members. This is a recurring theme at Thirsk with plenty of areas allocated exclusively for those who buy a members’ badge or are annual members. The rest of the facilities are very basic, a small cafe, a drinking hall with few places to sit and a couple of decent grandstands. However to be in the members a collar and tie is a specific requirement. Whilst I am sure upholding standards is important the differentiator is arcane.
But wait there are more rules, you cannot take food or drink anywhere other than some corralled areas. Corralled is a specific and accurate term with riot barriers bought in to restrict foot traffic flows and thus enabling inspection and isolation of miscreants. Therefore the joys of sitting on the mastic covered concrete steps of the viewing area, munching on a hot dog whilst slurping some tea was banned by the executive and implemented with the sort of under orders regimentation one may have associated with jackboots.
Anyway there was entertainment of sorts to compliment a rather lazy card. By lazy I mean this should have been an all weather or afternoon meeting fodder not when there is the likelihood of a decent crowd on a spring evening who may return if they liked what they had seen. There seems to me to be a trend to stuff evening cards with low grade racing in the same way as you see on a greyhound BAGS special. Perhaps a seventh race would not have asked too much or a bit of mix in the card of a 2yo seller, maidens stakes and four handicaps.
Additional fun was arranged with falconry (although I never saw one of the five birds of prey do anything more than have a disinterested pick at some seeds) of the stationary / perched on a glove for an hour then safely bundled back into the van variety. Also there was a Jazz Band to provide some summertime carefree music of the 'you are at an event so enjoy it' genre. There were few takers on the adjoining wooden windswept seats who did not seem to be enjoying to ambiance complimented by having their coffee blown over their laps and tomato sauce smudging their Raceing Posts. In comparison to Wincanton’s Wurzals about as inspiring to the locals as I image watching Britain’s Got Talent is to them.
The racecard was functional and the ubiquitous ‘ Racing Phrase Book’ indeed had the often bandied about term ‘monkey’ explained to the non-cognisant. Vital stuff as all experienced racegoers mysteriously are overheard saying ‘Just seen Prince Faray lump a monkey down’. There is also inclusion of the term for £25 to accommodate the low at heel but for completeness where oh where is Booby Moore, Lady Gadiva and Sov when you need them explaining.
I missed the big event of Segway Racing (yes a mystery to me as well) down the final furlong of the course which took place a full ninety minutes before racing. What do you think the crowd is likely to be drawn from for evening start at half six? Yes people coming here from work likely to be arriving in the 5.30 to 6.30 slot. Did this level of organisation lead to an empire or did it lead to the rather disastrous white rose variety of heavy armed struggle.
The track is an oval with fair bends. It is essentially an easy to sharp track not really favouring any specific type. The draw favours low numbers on the round course but on the sprint track whilst a standside therefore high numbers draw may pn the face of it look promising it does get a bit congested and middle numbers appear to have a touch of a bias. Tonight the results largely underpinned this conclusion. The ground was fast tonight and I would call it Firm. The paddock has a rather splented old established tree in it with red leaves (whatever that is I have no idea) which offered shade for the few. Slightly disappoiting to the Plumpton SAGA bustrippers but at elast there was one.
So to the racing.
7 furlong maiden stakes which was run at a good clip given the very windy conditions. The provided a headwind for the first three furlongs and a tailwind for the homeward led.
FAIRY MIST Well beaten in a bumper on debut back in Feb. An expensive 180k purchase who is mile bred from a family with group winners. Looked in good condition in the paddock and although not in a prominent position for much stayed on well in eye catching style to finish fourth. The sooner he steps up to a mile the better and if he does could well win and he rates a positive as a consequence.
SELF EMPLOYED ran with promise twice as three year old when a bit green but appears to suit seven furlongs. Modest breeding. Ran in mid division for most and was produced from two out but by that stage the leader had poached a big lead that with the tailwind blowing Self Employed had no hope of pulling back. I think he was clearly better than the rest on this running, may well have hauled the winner in given different weather conditions and therefore can be backed with some reliability if meeting similar conditions again and rates a positive.
BRIO fair run on debut over 7 seven furlongs at Warwick. Decent pedigree with group winners including Italian Oaks. Looked pretty ordinary in the paddock and was never a factor. Bit disappointing
MAXIMILLION BOUNTY showed much improved form on second run when still a little green to be second over course and distance in maiden where the winner’s mark would translate to 79 giving him a good chance to pick up this sort of race. However having raced with every chance did not pick up when urged two out and was comfortably held.
MUFFIN MCLEAY appears to be better suited by a mile rather than this seven, was fancied in the ring but failed to catch the eye during the race ORBIT THE MOON well bred middle distance colt showed improved form but still modest on second run. May well need quite a bit further. However given the testing weather conditions jockey Sean Levey made maximum advantage and poached a bit lead coming into the straight and never looked in the slightest danger as ran on in very good style. Capable of winning over a mile and as this was not a bad maiden could be able to step up to handicapping given a mark of say 75
SPES NOSTRA looked very difficult ride when very green on debut middle distance and may be seen to better effect over sticks. Again ran no kind of race today EASTWOOD HO thrashed on debut over 9 furlongs and will be better over further. Pulled very hard and gave himself little chance. JORDANS EXPRESS modest breeding may prove better over hurdles. Slowly into stride soon dethatched and hopelessly last
STORM BLUE very nicely bred for 7 furlongs to a mile was cheaply bought. On her toes and was a problem loading, although a good sort she appeared backward and relatively weak. Better to come in time and stayed on through a couple of beaten horses to give sign of a little promise LANGTOON LASS bred to go over the sticks with the useful 2m4 hurdler Galshan in the family. Appeared a tetchy sort but stayed on ok.
MUNAAS DREAM fairly modestly bred filly and easily beaten tonight
6 Furlong two year old seller was a very poor seller with all under pressure from a long was out, much wandering around in the strong wind which not had a crosswind feel to it.
CARRIEANNS BOY Feb22 not brilliantly bred but there is plenty of pace in the family. Looked burley and in need of the run which was pretty well how it transpired although did not look keen to race and maybe completely useless
MANDERSTON Feb 13 has had three runs and not really showing great progress not responding to driving on one occasion. You would think that pedigree suggest middle distance. Appeared a bit spare and weak but didn’t run too badly being up there for a good while but meandered a bit in the closing stages causing problems and also got hampered.
MYSTAKE April 28 sprint bred and this six furlong trip may stretch stamina and is a late foal. Small weak filly who was always behind and makes no appeal
ARCTICACITY March 16 dropping down to seller and over six furlongs following promising second to useful Bannock who has been a winner since and rated 90 modest breeding but showed see out the six. Managed to just about get her head in front, but considering she looked all over the winner two out appeared to be touch reluctant and under strong driving did not really impress. She rates a negative. She must have impressed her owner though who had to pay the commission on seven and a half grand (fifteen monkeys I suppose the racecard phrase guide would say) to buy her in at the subsequent auction.
CIARA BO April 14 showed improve form when dropped to seller when second running on when I saw her at Redcar in April to finish second. Breeding is good and 6 to 7 furlongs at two year olds is ideal. She ran a poor race today despite looking fit and well in the paddock. She was noted as being cajoled early on and soon dropping out of it.
INDIANLIZZY April 15 breeding and running suggests she is very moderate. She showed a little promise today being prominent fading a bit out of it to be fourth. However she is still a bit green and wandered about a bit close home to suggest some headgear may be appropriate
JAQI UZZI April 22 some promise on debut but breeding nothing to get excited about as was her running. Only note I made was that she acted up in the pre parade ring and was very late into the paddock.
MAD FOR FUN Thrashed on both runs, is a big backward filly but ran with credit to be third having been prominent for much of the race
PINT SIZE Apr 5 cheap sprinty type who stepped up on her debut effort to push the favourite a long way to finish a close up runner up. This was encouraging and maybe a slip to five furlongs and being kept to selling company may lead to a victory.
Six furlongs class 4 handicap for three year olds. The wind had begun to ease off a bit for the remainder of the card but still a bit breezy
TAKE YOUR PARTNER Unbeaten in four similar efforts has gone up from 60 to 83 may be asking too much to transfer success from sand to turf and was soon beaten tonight
FIELDGUNNERKIRKUP Kept improving as a two year old and ended with six furlong maiden stakes win at stiff Pontefract. Everything points to him being suited to 1 mile plus so difficult to understand running tonight over this shorter trip and despite getting to dictate pace was caught flatfooted and one paced by the winner. However it was an encouraging run and is stepping up in trip appears to be on a handy mark so one to keep an eye on.
ONELADYOWNER Still appears fairly treated as only up 5 pounds on previous winning mark and in fact was unlucky on last run on present mark when badly hampered at tricky Chester. Tonight was prominent in the early stages but was quickly beaten at the furlong pole. I would say five is his best trip
ANOTHER WISE KID is up nine pounds from first win and five pounds for most recent win. I would say needs a stiff five or an easy six and therefore not ideally suited by tonight’s conditions. He held every chance at the furlong pole but just failed to see out the trip to finish fourth confirming the view regarding stamina. Acted up in the paddock before the race.
DREAM CATCHER has some really top class French two year old form but has not really kicked on since export to GB has yet to race off this preferable six furlong mark and is now 10 pounds off original handicap rating. Ran on strongly to win despite having to be switched to find a gap around a furlong out. Can go on from this if not harshly reassessed on his current 75 mark.
BLACK ANNIS BOWER clearly better suited by soft ground. On a poor mark of 73 for turf and surely a run over six furlongs on sand off that mark of 58 would be sensible. No real show tonight
LADY ROYALE has been hit since five furlong handicap class 3 win which led to a rating rise from74 to 80. Has been well beaten in conditions races since and this level tonight is quite a step down but there is little to support being able to win off 80 and in case looked in the paddock as if the run would have done her good
INDIES LAD is on a good mark of 78 having won off 82. Didn’t completely convince that he stayed six furlongs last run and showed little to suggest he fully stayed tonight.
CAPTAIN KOLO had been targeted at 5 furlongs and on pedigree it appeared that a step up to an easyish six would be beneficial. Finished third which was a fair effort however rolled about a bit late on impeding the winner slightly which suggests that he should be aimed at five as stamina limitation was slightly exposed.
Class 4 One and a half mile handicap for 4 year olds and over
SIRGARFIELDSOBERS was clearly thought promising by Aiden O’Brian when trained in Ireland. Has shown limited potential since coming to GB but not enough to suggest that he can win off this mark of 80. Looked in fine nick in the paddock despite lengthy lay off. Attempted to make most and ran a fine race being picked up inside final furlong but stayed on resolutely to suggest distance is right and this run should put him spot on next outing. Positive about this one
DAAWEITZA a very experienced old lag but has only won over this distance in a poor sand race at Southwell. I doubt he really stays and too much weight as 77 mark based on current level of form. Still looked to be carrying a bit of condition and was quickly put away tonight
GREEN LIGHTNING has won at galloping tracks such as when successful over 1m4 at Newmarket (no mean feat) off 78 and is now 75 but is running very poorly at present. However showed improved form in blinkers to finish staying on at one pace to be third behind two decent handicappers in this class. H e has an odd running style which gives the impression as being ungenuine but I thought he is just a one paced plodder who does put it in.
WAR POET looked fit and well being bought with a well timed run to pick long term leader up and go on for a convincing win. However he may pay for this with the handicapper and his 74 mark could be decimated. It is worth remembering that the second needed the run and the third is a bit one paced so I think he will find following up difficult.
PERTEMPS NETWORKS is on a turf mark eight pounds more than he has won under in the past, Will stay 1m4 and is suited by soft ground. Better over hurdles but ran OK given that tonight’s fast ground would have been a negative and without being a serious threat from the mile post.
BEAT THE SHOWER eight pounds higher mark than he has won under before and may well need further as appears suited by 1m6er advantage was outpaced throughout tonight
PUY D’ARNAC thorough stayer who needs 1m6 and soft ground to be seen at his best and showed bell-being with a creditable fourth holding every chance when produced about three out but could not get a blow in on the winner.
Five furlongs Class 5 handicap for three year olds and over
FOREIGN RHYTHM acts on any ground has won over 5 and 6 furlongs when in the 46 to 67 band and is at 67 at present. Speed for the first three furlongs and then dropped out of it rather tamely
BEAUTY PAGENT entered five furlongs tonight despite all previous form being over six furlongs for his handicap debut which is interesting. Made strong favourite and out battled runner up for close victory. Best clearly over five
OONDIRI is a fast ground five furlongs horse with all wins when off 57 and is on 61 at the moment. Missed the break a bit and then made a lot of use of to get into a challenging position before weakening into fourth. Needs a smart start to hold chance in future as barely gets the five in any case from this evidence
CRIMSON CLOUD form points to the fact that he is much better served by running on sand and although finished third was well held tonight
CRYSTALLUS continually the bridesmaid as clocked up fourth successive runners up position. Good run for a three year old filly at this stage of the year but you have to start doubting her resolution after this ‘battle’ one to be a bit wary of although clearly has a bit of talent there.
I mile handicap class 5
ELIJAH PEPPER turf wins have only come at six furlongs and has shown a liking for polytrack looks very high in the weight at the moment. Slowly out but ran ok finishing a creditable third suggesting that a return to sand may be rewarded despite high mark
VITO VOLTERRA four pounds up for recent seven furlongs win although has won over a mile he does look a real seven furlong competitor. He was ridden without a lot of restraint and the jockey lost his stick. As a consequence of both he tired late on and rolled about a bit which some steering aids might have corrected. Perhaps some stronger handling or allowed to bowl along over seven will see him to better effect. Either way he is clearly in good heart and on a decent mark so one to keep an eye on in lowly handicaps or claimers
QUITE SPARKY maiden but has looked a true miler based on running style. Found plenty of traffic problems tonight as is a bit of a hold up horse but managed to find his way to win by a head. Good effort this and clearly best suited by a mile.
FAZZA has won last two efforts over a mile which is optimum trip but has been upped six pounds for those successes and although on the premises and finishing fourth looks a bit anchored.
ROCK N ROYAL Pontefract win over six furlongs some time ago and is tumbling down the ratings but without any sign of impending success as is usually hammered. Tonight was no exception although showed some early speed
COME AND GO has won over course and distance when off a mark four pounds higher than tonight. Looked in need of seasonal debut and is expected to strip much fitter as a consequence however weakened out of the icture quickly once chance had gone. A touch disappointing as expected to get a bit involved tonight.
My first and only until today's visit to Thirsk was on the Saturday 2nd June 1979
HORSERACING fans are under starter's orders for a tribute to the sport at a show that has opened in the region. The World of James Herriot museum, in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is staging an exhibition of the history of the sport of kings. The exhibition, called From the Horse's Mouth, is being held to mark the 150th anniversary of the Kilburn White Horse.Racing memorabilia, on show until November, includes a race card used by the future King Edward VII.Horseracing fans will be able to trace the sport in Thirsk from 1612 - when King James I gave it his support.Punters can then follow its route to local landowner Frederick Bell, who gave part of his lands for a racecourse in the 19th Century.Despite that generous offer, horseracing in Thirsk was flagging towards the beginning of the 20th Century.It took a racing visit by Fred Archer, a famous jockey of the day, to revive interest.Royal patronage for Thirsk came with a visit by the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII in 1895. The visit also saw a new royal pavilion built at the racecourse, which graced the site for the next 30 years.In 1940, the famous St Leger race was run at Thirsk after it had been moved from Doncaster.Thirsk was one of several racecourses that hosted the St Leger event during the Second World War.The race was won by legendary jockey Gordon Richards, riding a horse owned by Aga Khan called Turkham.Thirsk Racecourse closed in 1941 until 1946 while an Army camp was placed on the site.Donald Sinclair, who is better known as Seigfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small, was once the official course vet - as was author Alf Wight who achieved fame writing as James Herriot.As part of the exhibition, racehorse trainer and author Jack Berry gave a talk.
How did they get on based on £10 stake (each way if 10/1 or greater)
FAIRY MIST (Positive) level
0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 7/1
Left first two as over less than the mile. Started hcapping off 60 (a tough high) at mile plus and that's when started backing. Gradually dropped diown the weights when running over too far. Eventually got to 60 first effort over stiff carlisle and 9f which was too much of a stretch. Dropped back to a mile on an easier course and bingo. Dropped like a hot spu after
SELF EMPLOYED (Positive) level
Not run since so shelved now
ARSTICACITY (Negative) up £30
4 0 0
Hopeless since and not seen since aug. Dropped now
SIRGARFIELDSOBERS (Positive) down £50
0 3 0 4 3
Clearly just a one pace old nag. I stuck with him for five runs rather than three which was in hidsight mad.
WAR POET (Negative) up £20
2 0 0 1 3/1 4 2
Was upped in class for next two runs with limited success. Dropped to class 4 and just got home. Beaten last two runs and is now shelved.
The visit started off with a not completely clear entry to the course car park. Having wanted to go in the centre and do a bit of work from that location it transpired that I would have to pay £24 to do so. I decided against that and instead opted for the public car park opposite the grandstand. The entry was £14 which compared to Southwell’s £11 for about the same standard of racing was a bit on the high side.
The overall facilities are very dated once you get in with investment apparently only on a flash building for the members. This is a recurring theme at Thirsk with plenty of areas allocated exclusively for those who buy a members’ badge or are annual members. The rest of the facilities are very basic, a small cafe, a drinking hall with few places to sit and a couple of decent grandstands. However to be in the members a collar and tie is a specific requirement. Whilst I am sure upholding standards is important the differentiator is arcane.
But wait there are more rules, you cannot take food or drink anywhere other than some corralled areas. Corralled is a specific and accurate term with riot barriers bought in to restrict foot traffic flows and thus enabling inspection and isolation of miscreants. Therefore the joys of sitting on the mastic covered concrete steps of the viewing area, munching on a hot dog whilst slurping some tea was banned by the executive and implemented with the sort of under orders regimentation one may have associated with jackboots.
Anyway there was entertainment of sorts to compliment a rather lazy card. By lazy I mean this should have been an all weather or afternoon meeting fodder not when there is the likelihood of a decent crowd on a spring evening who may return if they liked what they had seen. There seems to me to be a trend to stuff evening cards with low grade racing in the same way as you see on a greyhound BAGS special. Perhaps a seventh race would not have asked too much or a bit of mix in the card of a 2yo seller, maidens stakes and four handicaps.
Additional fun was arranged with falconry (although I never saw one of the five birds of prey do anything more than have a disinterested pick at some seeds) of the stationary / perched on a glove for an hour then safely bundled back into the van variety. Also there was a Jazz Band to provide some summertime carefree music of the 'you are at an event so enjoy it' genre. There were few takers on the adjoining wooden windswept seats who did not seem to be enjoying to ambiance complimented by having their coffee blown over their laps and tomato sauce smudging their Raceing Posts. In comparison to Wincanton’s Wurzals about as inspiring to the locals as I image watching Britain’s Got Talent is to them.
The racecard was functional and the ubiquitous ‘ Racing Phrase Book’ indeed had the often bandied about term ‘monkey’ explained to the non-cognisant. Vital stuff as all experienced racegoers mysteriously are overheard saying ‘Just seen Prince Faray lump a monkey down’. There is also inclusion of the term for £25 to accommodate the low at heel but for completeness where oh where is Booby Moore, Lady Gadiva and Sov when you need them explaining.
I missed the big event of Segway Racing (yes a mystery to me as well) down the final furlong of the course which took place a full ninety minutes before racing. What do you think the crowd is likely to be drawn from for evening start at half six? Yes people coming here from work likely to be arriving in the 5.30 to 6.30 slot. Did this level of organisation lead to an empire or did it lead to the rather disastrous white rose variety of heavy armed struggle.
The track is an oval with fair bends. It is essentially an easy to sharp track not really favouring any specific type. The draw favours low numbers on the round course but on the sprint track whilst a standside therefore high numbers draw may pn the face of it look promising it does get a bit congested and middle numbers appear to have a touch of a bias. Tonight the results largely underpinned this conclusion. The ground was fast tonight and I would call it Firm. The paddock has a rather splented old established tree in it with red leaves (whatever that is I have no idea) which offered shade for the few. Slightly disappoiting to the Plumpton SAGA bustrippers but at elast there was one.
So to the racing.
7 furlong maiden stakes which was run at a good clip given the very windy conditions. The provided a headwind for the first three furlongs and a tailwind for the homeward led.
FAIRY MIST Well beaten in a bumper on debut back in Feb. An expensive 180k purchase who is mile bred from a family with group winners. Looked in good condition in the paddock and although not in a prominent position for much stayed on well in eye catching style to finish fourth. The sooner he steps up to a mile the better and if he does could well win and he rates a positive as a consequence.
SELF EMPLOYED ran with promise twice as three year old when a bit green but appears to suit seven furlongs. Modest breeding. Ran in mid division for most and was produced from two out but by that stage the leader had poached a big lead that with the tailwind blowing Self Employed had no hope of pulling back. I think he was clearly better than the rest on this running, may well have hauled the winner in given different weather conditions and therefore can be backed with some reliability if meeting similar conditions again and rates a positive.
BRIO fair run on debut over 7 seven furlongs at Warwick. Decent pedigree with group winners including Italian Oaks. Looked pretty ordinary in the paddock and was never a factor. Bit disappointing
MAXIMILLION BOUNTY showed much improved form on second run when still a little green to be second over course and distance in maiden where the winner’s mark would translate to 79 giving him a good chance to pick up this sort of race. However having raced with every chance did not pick up when urged two out and was comfortably held.
MUFFIN MCLEAY appears to be better suited by a mile rather than this seven, was fancied in the ring but failed to catch the eye during the race ORBIT THE MOON well bred middle distance colt showed improved form but still modest on second run. May well need quite a bit further. However given the testing weather conditions jockey Sean Levey made maximum advantage and poached a bit lead coming into the straight and never looked in the slightest danger as ran on in very good style. Capable of winning over a mile and as this was not a bad maiden could be able to step up to handicapping given a mark of say 75
SPES NOSTRA looked very difficult ride when very green on debut middle distance and may be seen to better effect over sticks. Again ran no kind of race today EASTWOOD HO thrashed on debut over 9 furlongs and will be better over further. Pulled very hard and gave himself little chance. JORDANS EXPRESS modest breeding may prove better over hurdles. Slowly into stride soon dethatched and hopelessly last
STORM BLUE very nicely bred for 7 furlongs to a mile was cheaply bought. On her toes and was a problem loading, although a good sort she appeared backward and relatively weak. Better to come in time and stayed on through a couple of beaten horses to give sign of a little promise LANGTOON LASS bred to go over the sticks with the useful 2m4 hurdler Galshan in the family. Appeared a tetchy sort but stayed on ok.
MUNAAS DREAM fairly modestly bred filly and easily beaten tonight
6 Furlong two year old seller was a very poor seller with all under pressure from a long was out, much wandering around in the strong wind which not had a crosswind feel to it.
CARRIEANNS BOY Feb22 not brilliantly bred but there is plenty of pace in the family. Looked burley and in need of the run which was pretty well how it transpired although did not look keen to race and maybe completely useless
MANDERSTON Feb 13 has had three runs and not really showing great progress not responding to driving on one occasion. You would think that pedigree suggest middle distance. Appeared a bit spare and weak but didn’t run too badly being up there for a good while but meandered a bit in the closing stages causing problems and also got hampered.
MYSTAKE April 28 sprint bred and this six furlong trip may stretch stamina and is a late foal. Small weak filly who was always behind and makes no appeal
ARCTICACITY March 16 dropping down to seller and over six furlongs following promising second to useful Bannock who has been a winner since and rated 90 modest breeding but showed see out the six. Managed to just about get her head in front, but considering she looked all over the winner two out appeared to be touch reluctant and under strong driving did not really impress. She rates a negative. She must have impressed her owner though who had to pay the commission on seven and a half grand (fifteen monkeys I suppose the racecard phrase guide would say) to buy her in at the subsequent auction.
CIARA BO April 14 showed improve form when dropped to seller when second running on when I saw her at Redcar in April to finish second. Breeding is good and 6 to 7 furlongs at two year olds is ideal. She ran a poor race today despite looking fit and well in the paddock. She was noted as being cajoled early on and soon dropping out of it.
INDIANLIZZY April 15 breeding and running suggests she is very moderate. She showed a little promise today being prominent fading a bit out of it to be fourth. However she is still a bit green and wandered about a bit close home to suggest some headgear may be appropriate
JAQI UZZI April 22 some promise on debut but breeding nothing to get excited about as was her running. Only note I made was that she acted up in the pre parade ring and was very late into the paddock.
MAD FOR FUN Thrashed on both runs, is a big backward filly but ran with credit to be third having been prominent for much of the race
PINT SIZE Apr 5 cheap sprinty type who stepped up on her debut effort to push the favourite a long way to finish a close up runner up. This was encouraging and maybe a slip to five furlongs and being kept to selling company may lead to a victory.
Six furlongs class 4 handicap for three year olds. The wind had begun to ease off a bit for the remainder of the card but still a bit breezy
TAKE YOUR PARTNER Unbeaten in four similar efforts has gone up from 60 to 83 may be asking too much to transfer success from sand to turf and was soon beaten tonight
FIELDGUNNERKIRKUP Kept improving as a two year old and ended with six furlong maiden stakes win at stiff Pontefract. Everything points to him being suited to 1 mile plus so difficult to understand running tonight over this shorter trip and despite getting to dictate pace was caught flatfooted and one paced by the winner. However it was an encouraging run and is stepping up in trip appears to be on a handy mark so one to keep an eye on.
ONELADYOWNER Still appears fairly treated as only up 5 pounds on previous winning mark and in fact was unlucky on last run on present mark when badly hampered at tricky Chester. Tonight was prominent in the early stages but was quickly beaten at the furlong pole. I would say five is his best trip
ANOTHER WISE KID is up nine pounds from first win and five pounds for most recent win. I would say needs a stiff five or an easy six and therefore not ideally suited by tonight’s conditions. He held every chance at the furlong pole but just failed to see out the trip to finish fourth confirming the view regarding stamina. Acted up in the paddock before the race.
DREAM CATCHER has some really top class French two year old form but has not really kicked on since export to GB has yet to race off this preferable six furlong mark and is now 10 pounds off original handicap rating. Ran on strongly to win despite having to be switched to find a gap around a furlong out. Can go on from this if not harshly reassessed on his current 75 mark.
BLACK ANNIS BOWER clearly better suited by soft ground. On a poor mark of 73 for turf and surely a run over six furlongs on sand off that mark of 58 would be sensible. No real show tonight
LADY ROYALE has been hit since five furlong handicap class 3 win which led to a rating rise from74 to 80. Has been well beaten in conditions races since and this level tonight is quite a step down but there is little to support being able to win off 80 and in case looked in the paddock as if the run would have done her good
INDIES LAD is on a good mark of 78 having won off 82. Didn’t completely convince that he stayed six furlongs last run and showed little to suggest he fully stayed tonight.
CAPTAIN KOLO had been targeted at 5 furlongs and on pedigree it appeared that a step up to an easyish six would be beneficial. Finished third which was a fair effort however rolled about a bit late on impeding the winner slightly which suggests that he should be aimed at five as stamina limitation was slightly exposed.
Class 4 One and a half mile handicap for 4 year olds and over
SIRGARFIELDSOBERS was clearly thought promising by Aiden O’Brian when trained in Ireland. Has shown limited potential since coming to GB but not enough to suggest that he can win off this mark of 80. Looked in fine nick in the paddock despite lengthy lay off. Attempted to make most and ran a fine race being picked up inside final furlong but stayed on resolutely to suggest distance is right and this run should put him spot on next outing. Positive about this one
DAAWEITZA a very experienced old lag but has only won over this distance in a poor sand race at Southwell. I doubt he really stays and too much weight as 77 mark based on current level of form. Still looked to be carrying a bit of condition and was quickly put away tonight
GREEN LIGHTNING has won at galloping tracks such as when successful over 1m4 at Newmarket (no mean feat) off 78 and is now 75 but is running very poorly at present. However showed improved form in blinkers to finish staying on at one pace to be third behind two decent handicappers in this class. H e has an odd running style which gives the impression as being ungenuine but I thought he is just a one paced plodder who does put it in.
WAR POET looked fit and well being bought with a well timed run to pick long term leader up and go on for a convincing win. However he may pay for this with the handicapper and his 74 mark could be decimated. It is worth remembering that the second needed the run and the third is a bit one paced so I think he will find following up difficult.
PERTEMPS NETWORKS is on a turf mark eight pounds more than he has won under in the past, Will stay 1m4 and is suited by soft ground. Better over hurdles but ran OK given that tonight’s fast ground would have been a negative and without being a serious threat from the mile post.
BEAT THE SHOWER eight pounds higher mark than he has won under before and may well need further as appears suited by 1m6er advantage was outpaced throughout tonight
PUY D’ARNAC thorough stayer who needs 1m6 and soft ground to be seen at his best and showed bell-being with a creditable fourth holding every chance when produced about three out but could not get a blow in on the winner.
Five furlongs Class 5 handicap for three year olds and over
FOREIGN RHYTHM acts on any ground has won over 5 and 6 furlongs when in the 46 to 67 band and is at 67 at present. Speed for the first three furlongs and then dropped out of it rather tamely
BEAUTY PAGENT entered five furlongs tonight despite all previous form being over six furlongs for his handicap debut which is interesting. Made strong favourite and out battled runner up for close victory. Best clearly over five
OONDIRI is a fast ground five furlongs horse with all wins when off 57 and is on 61 at the moment. Missed the break a bit and then made a lot of use of to get into a challenging position before weakening into fourth. Needs a smart start to hold chance in future as barely gets the five in any case from this evidence
CRIMSON CLOUD form points to the fact that he is much better served by running on sand and although finished third was well held tonight
CRYSTALLUS continually the bridesmaid as clocked up fourth successive runners up position. Good run for a three year old filly at this stage of the year but you have to start doubting her resolution after this ‘battle’ one to be a bit wary of although clearly has a bit of talent there.
I mile handicap class 5
ELIJAH PEPPER turf wins have only come at six furlongs and has shown a liking for polytrack looks very high in the weight at the moment. Slowly out but ran ok finishing a creditable third suggesting that a return to sand may be rewarded despite high mark
VITO VOLTERRA four pounds up for recent seven furlongs win although has won over a mile he does look a real seven furlong competitor. He was ridden without a lot of restraint and the jockey lost his stick. As a consequence of both he tired late on and rolled about a bit which some steering aids might have corrected. Perhaps some stronger handling or allowed to bowl along over seven will see him to better effect. Either way he is clearly in good heart and on a decent mark so one to keep an eye on in lowly handicaps or claimers
QUITE SPARKY maiden but has looked a true miler based on running style. Found plenty of traffic problems tonight as is a bit of a hold up horse but managed to find his way to win by a head. Good effort this and clearly best suited by a mile.
FAZZA has won last two efforts over a mile which is optimum trip but has been upped six pounds for those successes and although on the premises and finishing fourth looks a bit anchored.
ROCK N ROYAL Pontefract win over six furlongs some time ago and is tumbling down the ratings but without any sign of impending success as is usually hammered. Tonight was no exception although showed some early speed
COME AND GO has won over course and distance when off a mark four pounds higher than tonight. Looked in need of seasonal debut and is expected to strip much fitter as a consequence however weakened out of the icture quickly once chance had gone. A touch disappointing as expected to get a bit involved tonight.
My first and only until today's visit to Thirsk was on the Saturday 2nd June 1979
HORSERACING fans are under starter's orders for a tribute to the sport at a show that has opened in the region. The World of James Herriot museum, in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is staging an exhibition of the history of the sport of kings. The exhibition, called From the Horse's Mouth, is being held to mark the 150th anniversary of the Kilburn White Horse.Racing memorabilia, on show until November, includes a race card used by the future King Edward VII.Horseracing fans will be able to trace the sport in Thirsk from 1612 - when King James I gave it his support.Punters can then follow its route to local landowner Frederick Bell, who gave part of his lands for a racecourse in the 19th Century.Despite that generous offer, horseracing in Thirsk was flagging towards the beginning of the 20th Century.It took a racing visit by Fred Archer, a famous jockey of the day, to revive interest.Royal patronage for Thirsk came with a visit by the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII in 1895. The visit also saw a new royal pavilion built at the racecourse, which graced the site for the next 30 years.In 1940, the famous St Leger race was run at Thirsk after it had been moved from Doncaster.Thirsk was one of several racecourses that hosted the St Leger event during the Second World War.The race was won by legendary jockey Gordon Richards, riding a horse owned by Aga Khan called Turkham.Thirsk Racecourse closed in 1941 until 1946 while an Army camp was placed on the site.Donald Sinclair, who is better known as Seigfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small, was once the official course vet - as was author Alf Wight who achieved fame writing as James Herriot.As part of the exhibition, racehorse trainer and author Jack Berry gave a talk.
How did they get on based on £10 stake (each way if 10/1 or greater)
FAIRY MIST (Positive) level
0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 7/1
Left first two as over less than the mile. Started hcapping off 60 (a tough high) at mile plus and that's when started backing. Gradually dropped diown the weights when running over too far. Eventually got to 60 first effort over stiff carlisle and 9f which was too much of a stretch. Dropped back to a mile on an easier course and bingo. Dropped like a hot spu after
SELF EMPLOYED (Positive) level
Not run since so shelved now
ARSTICACITY (Negative) up £30
4 0 0
Hopeless since and not seen since aug. Dropped now
SIRGARFIELDSOBERS (Positive) down £50
0 3 0 4 3
Clearly just a one pace old nag. I stuck with him for five runs rather than three which was in hidsight mad.
WAR POET (Negative) up £20
2 0 0 1 3/1 4 2
Was upped in class for next two runs with limited success. Dropped to class 4 and just got home. Beaten last two runs and is now shelved.
No Comments
[
429 views
]
York 12th May 2012 Good finished down £54
02 Dec 11 13:33
It was a rit grand kyow getting in with chaos caused by some gates designated for vouchures (God knows what the promotion was all about but there were plenty of promo stickers liberally stuck to a large number of spectaters apparell including one on each cheek of a not unshapely red dress clad Aris) , some for consessions (plenty of fifty somethings appeared to believe greying sideburns enough to qualify as a senior in Yorkshire where pride is abandoned for the sake of £3 in the old sky rocket)and some for those with correct change (commendable planning for the shrapnel collectors). There were no signs for these in most circumstances which allowed my grumpy gene to kick in on the back of additional adrenalin. If you can't be bothered giving change Mr York Racing then have a twenty pound gate with a free racecard. However the entry price once I had the chance to submit my newly minted score was a very very reasonable £17 for a super card. I had to give the old Edwardian turnstilles a few sharp shoves to get the rusting mechanism to ratchet the prescribed distance. One further point to the first phase of the day was that on approach to the main gates I thought I was outside the cheapside at Longford Greyhounds yet again. This is the most miserable entrance I have seen at a top class racecourse and in fact must be reminesent of the clocking on shed at a Minsk tractor factory. Please York knock it down and have something modern, enticing and functional.
Welcome to Longford Greyhounds; York's homage to Midlands design kitsch
So a bad start, but there was quickly a big plus, at last a racecard with two year old foaling dates. Well done York and in fact this is about the first racecard of the season that I thought was very good value for the £3. Great features and stats on the races, a bit of colour regarding the main jockeys , plus a report on yesterday's races. All in all the benchmark for other racecourses who in gneral should feel embarrassed by their miserable attempts to justify more than a quid. I reckon they might as well go back to the old 30p bland format of just runners and riders I grew up with in the 1970s.
York has got great facilities and there are loads of good places to watch from . There is a good view head-on from the paddock, there are plenty of stands to choose from and I like the old fashion one which is usually empty and situated close by the furlong pole. There are plenty of food and watering holes but I wasn't that hungry so didn't partake but I have to say the tea was very moderate for the money.
[b**** of the North[/b]
The going was a remarkable Good today although a strong drying wind and bright sunshine meant a change the next day to Good to Firm. The good ladies of Plumpton would have to have rifled through the old handbags in search of the spinhailers to halt the wheezing of delight when they saw several very fine old trees in the pre parade ring of all places. With the Dante being run here at York there was a good midweek crowd and taking into account the recession it would appear the game is holding up very well indeed. This leads to the question; why all this scrimping on money including purses? Surely the high interest must attract more promotional budget from industry? I think our marketeers are just bloody lazy sticking to bookies and traditional backers for sponsorship. Why not get someone like Bupa backing something or some of Ryanairs competitors, what about the utility companies who fleace the general public? Investec are a great example of how to get the most bang for your buck. They wheel out their quite eyecatching Zebra, they had the brand new Derby trophy on display and I gather this has been the norm for all the Derby trials. I saw the trophy and I really liked it's quite innovative design, symbolising the topography of the course and the three centries of competition all in silver. I could not check if it was silver or another precious metal, or even an alloy of aluminium because plebs could only view by pressing their grubby little fat faces against the window rather like schoolboys gazing at a hornby rail display in a December shop frontage. Be reasonable they might touch the relic leaving chip grease fingerprints to mar the view for the more decerning.
Pleb free zone enabling borgousie their rightful space to indulge in the customary reverential bow in its presence
The Dante has a deserved recent reputation for being the foremost Derby trial. But I want to have a look at how well runners in today's early sprint then do in the June Epsom Dash. So I have had a look at this in a bit of depth. The last fifteen winners came from a Thirsk handicap (well btn), 4th in a Redcar handicap, 2nd in a 6f hcap at Newbury, 3rd in this race coming off the pace, 5th in a chester hcap, 8th in this race with some late headway , 2nd in a Beverley conditions race, 2nd in a handicap at Epsom, 8th in Scottish sprint at Musselburgh, 14th in this race held up, Koln winner. 3rd at kempton, btn at kempton when 5th, 5th in Sandow handicap. There is in conclusion a May Beverley race once called Angel conditions over 5f race which keeps coming up as a prep often with the winner but sometimes not the preceeding outing to Epsom. Beverley plus the Musselburough Scottish Sprint as well as todsay's race are the races worth noting. Also a trend suggest that 6 furlong race runs or a late headway horse over 5 furlongs seems to be indicators to help strim down the field come June.
I first visited York for the Magnet Cup back in 1978 out in the cheap area and have always enjoyed the racing here. I also was lucky enough to be present when a great Musidora winner Diminuendo stormed home. That visit was during a so called study week at the local mining college where probability estimation, risk quantification and basic profit and loss acccounting made up that afternoon's cramming. I was also at York for one of the Royal Ascot days which was very well done and leads plenty of credit to how northern courses are able to put on a show when the southern establishment sometimes do not seem to try hard enough to compel their customers to return. Perhaps in truth the north is the home of the genuine if one paced group horse whereas the south are handicappers of the W six times (waited with will win when wanted). The big meeting for York is obviously the August Ebor meeting. I have been there a few times but few can match the 1981 version including Beldale Flyer, Pragmatist, Contessa and best of all the brilliant sprinter Sharpo who is still in my opinion the greates ever sprinter. That year he flew past the so called greats of Moorstyle and Marwell like they were pacesetting platers. I think although it is a pretty fair track it does suit front runners as they are hard to peg back. Today's racing saw many horses even when racing on the round course, opted to race stand side where the going was best giving the view that draw was favouring low numbers.
The first race was a five furlong handicap class 2 which has been a clue in the past for the winner of the Epsom Dash. First home was Ancient Cross which I had not really considered. He was always prominent and hard riden from 2 out to win decisively. Not sure he will go on from this. Falaastem has had his best runs over sharper tracks and although reasonably handicapped his entry in the Epsom Dash next month should be noted in relation to today's stiffer test. Here he showed good early speed and stayed on thoroughly to take second place not undermining any apsirations for Epsom. the 4 year old Racy was a fair juvenille but did not appear to have trained on as a 3yo. Is often favourite so must have shown something back home could be better over a stiff five or 6f. Racey finished fast from a crowded position to catch the eye in third place and may be a late maturing type so as a four year old very likley to be ahead of the handicapper at the moment. Whilst fourth home was Judge and Jury who was quick but ran out of puff and you would say a sharp 5 would have suited him better. Of the rest Johannes dwelt but made up good late ground without getting a hard time of it. Although he won this race last year off same mark his best form appears to be over 6 furlongs and as he gets older (he is now eight) he is better kept to six where I think he is very likely to go close next time out. Blue Jack slow into stride again and was out of it from early doors. Blue Jack had been made favourite last time out at Chester when I was there and he had a very rough race from a bad draw. Has yet to win off a mark above 97. Another slightly unlucky one was Swiss Franc who was squeezed for room 2 out when begining to make a move. He was not given a hard time once defeat was clear but ran far better than finishing position suggests. Swiss Franc was a very useful juvenille running in Covernty (2nd) July Stakes(3rd) Gimcrack (3rd)can be tardy out the gate over 5f and not convinced stays 6f fully or is just not as effective at that trip yet(has won over 6f though and at six I think may prefer that distance now). Secret Millionaire ran a satisfactory race to finish fifth, has won off 2lbs lower, had run well in last four turf runs before lacklustre efforts in two most recent runs on the AW suggests that he is in good heart but unsuited by sand. Fitz Flyer has dropped to a winning mark but I think may pefer a cut, ran from a good draw but lacked early and was forced to come wide which was unfavourable. Ran with merit. Barney Mcgrew never travelled and was a bit disappointing (subject of an enquiry into his running).
York's racegoers are a genteel lot relaxing as the sprint leaders meet the distance
The Middleton Stakes is a Group 2 for Mares and Fillies over 1m2. It attracted a high quality entry. This was headed by the best middle distance mare in the game at the moment which is Midday. She looked a bit backward today but raced with considerable guts and class to wear down a useful filly to record a seasonal return victory for the first time. I am sure she is even better than ever, sure to come back here and defend her Yorkshire Oaks crown and I would like to see her have a crack at the Arc. She has won the Prix Vrermille before and that is a good indicator of Arc victory, I have always thought fillies / mares came into themselves in the autumn and there is plenty of evidence in the past that the girls can turn the boys over st Longchamps in October. The second home was the edgy Sajjihaa who looks useful. However this race was a Frankie masterpeice of waiting in front and then kicking on. This left the others a bit flat footed for a while and only the ultra classy mare could reel her in. I think she may prove better over a mile myself but whilst this race hints at capability to win Group2 I doubt she can succeed any higher and will be short proced next run based on proximity to Midday. Third home was the flashy and a bit edgy Timepeice. Always disputing the lead was unable to quicken when Sajjihaa kicked on. However I think she would prefer a bit of cut as to my eye she has a bit of a round action. Music Show was a shade disappointing finishing fourth. I am sure she will revert to a mile where I am sure she is best suited. Difficult to assess the rest as they were largely anonymous as was expected before the race so they all probably ran to their mark.
The great mare Midday all set for the Arc? Hope she gets a go at it
Winner of the Middleton
The Dante Stakes for 3 year old colts over 1m2 is a clear derby trial. The winner was the ultra game Calton House who showed good speed to take advantage of a gap to steer through for a comfortable win. Clearly the best horse in the race irrespective of the fact that there was only a muddling pace for 6 furlongs. Sure to stay 1m4 based on his running stlye and pedigree. The question is is he value at evens on the day for the derby? My view is that the french challenger Pour Moi looks a better Epsom prospect as he looks the right conformation and appears very nicely balanced. Plus I wouldn't completely knock Native Kahn out. I say this on the basis that he has a nice turn of foot, ran far less green in the guineas compared to the craven and the old adage fourth in teh guineas first in the Derby (I know the form book says he was third to Frankel but let's face it The Bushes were probably second that day!). I am not conviced about Recital as I think you need an uncomplicated horse with Epsom's hills, bends and especially the camber. If Seville turns up I cannot see him reversing form and in any case I think his style better suited for the Curragh version. World Domination is a big green leggy thing. His half brother stayed 1m6 and if he were mine I would be thinking about the St Leger. Yaseer, who I had earmarked as postential group horse this year, looked well but ran very poorly suggesting that maybe something went wrong.
The blogs Yaseer ran poorly
The Hambleton Stakes is a listed mile handicap and always attracts a good field. This was a very competitive contest and difficult to see wood for trees going forward. The winner was St Moritz who was in mid division for much until produced from 2 out and under hard driving just got home. The second was bottom weight Mont Agel who looked particularly well in the paddock and followed a similar race plan to the winner but just failed in a thrilling photo finish. Third was the eyecatching Dance and Dance who dwelt after the blinds appeared to be taken offf a tad late, but made great progress to stay on well. Fourth home was Pintura a real tough genuine sort was not beaten far from a prominent position for most of the race. Of the rest last year's winner Fareer was another who dwelt badly, looked in bother throughout, had traffic problems when trying to come through but was staying on well without getting a hard time of it. He has tried group company before and most recently finished second in Dubai at Group 2 level. I think he must be worth a go at listed. Another to keep an eye on is the mare Off Chance. She has had a right hike in the weights for winning a listed race at Pontefract last year, but she can win off this 100 mark and maybe she is the right type to come back for the John Smiths.
Head on view of Hambleton finish
There was a 5 furtlong sprint condition race which is much welcomed as there are few opportunities for progressing sprinty three year olds. It was won in very impessive style by the odds on favourite Night Carnation a decent filly and she has entries in the Temple but most interestingly is a fillies race at leaopardstown in July. The Thrill Is Gone ran on well from a poor draw and not a particularly hard race and she can win over six. Whilst second favourite Margot Did yet again lacked pace over five and I am not sure she is good enouh for condition races over six. She was hampered a bit in the early stages but I think making excuses can be the quickest way to the poor house.
Margot Did looked a good shaped filly in fine knick before the conditions race
Night Carnation cruises through for a comprehensive win
The maidens race for two year olds had a good winner in the experienced Noor Zabeel who showed plenty of stamina and can progress to listed over seven. Mick Channon has done very well to get a May foal winning this early in the season and some further progress can be expected. The fancied debutante and early march colt Giorgios Dream disappointed and did look very weak in the market. Is sprint bred so unlikely to step up further in trip and will have to muscle up a lot to take closer order. Likely to prove best on a fast surface. Apostle (late March colt)made up for a lacklustre run when second today. He hung to the right a fair amount and as such is still very green. Best kept to six furlong and may have just found a good one today.Tortoni(April) is a well bred April colt who looked a bit backward in the paddock. Appeared to hold little chance due to a poor start, but gradually got the hang off things and eat into the field to end up being a respectable third. Could progress. Overpowered who is a March foal from a miler family ran green but finished a decent fourth. Of the others the other who had a previous run was the big and backward Art Dzeko, the coltish Moon Trip who you would think may be cut before long, and disappointing Feb foal Come On Blue Chip who looked well in the paddock had the experience of a very encouraging third on his debut but did not run that well today.
Noor Zabeel on his way to picking up the maiden
The final race was a 2m2 class 4 handicap. It was won by Dark Ranger who powered clear from a packed firld from two out to win by a decisive two and a half lengths. The runner up was the blogs noted runner Blackstone Vegas which rewarded each way punters witha 20/1 SP and was backed at 28/1. Given a lot to do being held up in a big field and only produced from about two out. Was flying at the end to be a clear second, although it is doubtful if an earlier run from a more prominent position would have aided him. Highly consistant and due a win as is so often second. I am sure many of these will be seen over the sticks in the near future. As a quick summary of the remainder of note was; consistant sort, third home Hawridge Star held every chance being prominent throughout but could not go the pace of the winner and was soon overhauled by the runner up in the final furlong. Descaro runs consistantly to his ability but is not a favourable mark, Lady Bluesky finished well and suits a softer ground, should be noted if back over hurdles as this was a vary rncouraging run, Hollins ran ok but probably needs to be jumping.
Runners mill around before the stalls
The Blogs Blackstone Vegas looks well and runs fine race at rewarding odds
Notebook
Racy (positive) down £30
6 5 4
Ran consistently to her mark and wasa nice 16/1 each way place when fourth but after three runs she was binned.
Swiss Franc (positive) up £50
0 1 6/1
Hampered badly next time out and then won Newmarket sprint. Upped the handicap and as such left alone from there
Carlton House (negative) up £20
3 4
Well held in both derbies.
Midday (positive)down £5
2 2 1 6/4
Ran her normal creditable self if slightly behind her great level as one of the top mares around last year. Shelved after her last victory
Sajjahaa (negative)up £11
4 1 5/6 0
Did win a listed race whe odds on but failed to shine in group class
World Domination (positive) down £10
0
Raced if something amiss on only start this year
Fareer (positive) down £30
0 0 0
Hopeless in terms of being able to win off a stubbornly high mark
Off Chance (positive) down £30
3 3 2
Good and consistent. Unlucky to be done a head at 11/2 on third effort but shelved as no respite from the assessor
The Thrill Is Gone (positive) down £30
2 0 3
I though she would have won at Beverley on next appearance, ran well when third at 16/1 so decent each way effort. Shelved
Welcome to Longford Greyhounds; York's homage to Midlands design kitsch
So a bad start, but there was quickly a big plus, at last a racecard with two year old foaling dates. Well done York and in fact this is about the first racecard of the season that I thought was very good value for the £3. Great features and stats on the races, a bit of colour regarding the main jockeys , plus a report on yesterday's races. All in all the benchmark for other racecourses who in gneral should feel embarrassed by their miserable attempts to justify more than a quid. I reckon they might as well go back to the old 30p bland format of just runners and riders I grew up with in the 1970s.
York has got great facilities and there are loads of good places to watch from . There is a good view head-on from the paddock, there are plenty of stands to choose from and I like the old fashion one which is usually empty and situated close by the furlong pole. There are plenty of food and watering holes but I wasn't that hungry so didn't partake but I have to say the tea was very moderate for the money.
[b**** of the North[/b]
The going was a remarkable Good today although a strong drying wind and bright sunshine meant a change the next day to Good to Firm. The good ladies of Plumpton would have to have rifled through the old handbags in search of the spinhailers to halt the wheezing of delight when they saw several very fine old trees in the pre parade ring of all places. With the Dante being run here at York there was a good midweek crowd and taking into account the recession it would appear the game is holding up very well indeed. This leads to the question; why all this scrimping on money including purses? Surely the high interest must attract more promotional budget from industry? I think our marketeers are just bloody lazy sticking to bookies and traditional backers for sponsorship. Why not get someone like Bupa backing something or some of Ryanairs competitors, what about the utility companies who fleace the general public? Investec are a great example of how to get the most bang for your buck. They wheel out their quite eyecatching Zebra, they had the brand new Derby trophy on display and I gather this has been the norm for all the Derby trials. I saw the trophy and I really liked it's quite innovative design, symbolising the topography of the course and the three centries of competition all in silver. I could not check if it was silver or another precious metal, or even an alloy of aluminium because plebs could only view by pressing their grubby little fat faces against the window rather like schoolboys gazing at a hornby rail display in a December shop frontage. Be reasonable they might touch the relic leaving chip grease fingerprints to mar the view for the more decerning.
Pleb free zone enabling borgousie their rightful space to indulge in the customary reverential bow in its presence
The Dante has a deserved recent reputation for being the foremost Derby trial. But I want to have a look at how well runners in today's early sprint then do in the June Epsom Dash. So I have had a look at this in a bit of depth. The last fifteen winners came from a Thirsk handicap (well btn), 4th in a Redcar handicap, 2nd in a 6f hcap at Newbury, 3rd in this race coming off the pace, 5th in a chester hcap, 8th in this race with some late headway , 2nd in a Beverley conditions race, 2nd in a handicap at Epsom, 8th in Scottish sprint at Musselburgh, 14th in this race held up, Koln winner. 3rd at kempton, btn at kempton when 5th, 5th in Sandow handicap. There is in conclusion a May Beverley race once called Angel conditions over 5f race which keeps coming up as a prep often with the winner but sometimes not the preceeding outing to Epsom. Beverley plus the Musselburough Scottish Sprint as well as todsay's race are the races worth noting. Also a trend suggest that 6 furlong race runs or a late headway horse over 5 furlongs seems to be indicators to help strim down the field come June.
I first visited York for the Magnet Cup back in 1978 out in the cheap area and have always enjoyed the racing here. I also was lucky enough to be present when a great Musidora winner Diminuendo stormed home. That visit was during a so called study week at the local mining college where probability estimation, risk quantification and basic profit and loss acccounting made up that afternoon's cramming. I was also at York for one of the Royal Ascot days which was very well done and leads plenty of credit to how northern courses are able to put on a show when the southern establishment sometimes do not seem to try hard enough to compel their customers to return. Perhaps in truth the north is the home of the genuine if one paced group horse whereas the south are handicappers of the W six times (waited with will win when wanted). The big meeting for York is obviously the August Ebor meeting. I have been there a few times but few can match the 1981 version including Beldale Flyer, Pragmatist, Contessa and best of all the brilliant sprinter Sharpo who is still in my opinion the greates ever sprinter. That year he flew past the so called greats of Moorstyle and Marwell like they were pacesetting platers. I think although it is a pretty fair track it does suit front runners as they are hard to peg back. Today's racing saw many horses even when racing on the round course, opted to race stand side where the going was best giving the view that draw was favouring low numbers.
The first race was a five furlong handicap class 2 which has been a clue in the past for the winner of the Epsom Dash. First home was Ancient Cross which I had not really considered. He was always prominent and hard riden from 2 out to win decisively. Not sure he will go on from this. Falaastem has had his best runs over sharper tracks and although reasonably handicapped his entry in the Epsom Dash next month should be noted in relation to today's stiffer test. Here he showed good early speed and stayed on thoroughly to take second place not undermining any apsirations for Epsom. the 4 year old Racy was a fair juvenille but did not appear to have trained on as a 3yo. Is often favourite so must have shown something back home could be better over a stiff five or 6f. Racey finished fast from a crowded position to catch the eye in third place and may be a late maturing type so as a four year old very likley to be ahead of the handicapper at the moment. Whilst fourth home was Judge and Jury who was quick but ran out of puff and you would say a sharp 5 would have suited him better. Of the rest Johannes dwelt but made up good late ground without getting a hard time of it. Although he won this race last year off same mark his best form appears to be over 6 furlongs and as he gets older (he is now eight) he is better kept to six where I think he is very likely to go close next time out. Blue Jack slow into stride again and was out of it from early doors. Blue Jack had been made favourite last time out at Chester when I was there and he had a very rough race from a bad draw. Has yet to win off a mark above 97. Another slightly unlucky one was Swiss Franc who was squeezed for room 2 out when begining to make a move. He was not given a hard time once defeat was clear but ran far better than finishing position suggests. Swiss Franc was a very useful juvenille running in Covernty (2nd) July Stakes(3rd) Gimcrack (3rd)can be tardy out the gate over 5f and not convinced stays 6f fully or is just not as effective at that trip yet(has won over 6f though and at six I think may prefer that distance now). Secret Millionaire ran a satisfactory race to finish fifth, has won off 2lbs lower, had run well in last four turf runs before lacklustre efforts in two most recent runs on the AW suggests that he is in good heart but unsuited by sand. Fitz Flyer has dropped to a winning mark but I think may pefer a cut, ran from a good draw but lacked early and was forced to come wide which was unfavourable. Ran with merit. Barney Mcgrew never travelled and was a bit disappointing (subject of an enquiry into his running).
York's racegoers are a genteel lot relaxing as the sprint leaders meet the distance
The Middleton Stakes is a Group 2 for Mares and Fillies over 1m2. It attracted a high quality entry. This was headed by the best middle distance mare in the game at the moment which is Midday. She looked a bit backward today but raced with considerable guts and class to wear down a useful filly to record a seasonal return victory for the first time. I am sure she is even better than ever, sure to come back here and defend her Yorkshire Oaks crown and I would like to see her have a crack at the Arc. She has won the Prix Vrermille before and that is a good indicator of Arc victory, I have always thought fillies / mares came into themselves in the autumn and there is plenty of evidence in the past that the girls can turn the boys over st Longchamps in October. The second home was the edgy Sajjihaa who looks useful. However this race was a Frankie masterpeice of waiting in front and then kicking on. This left the others a bit flat footed for a while and only the ultra classy mare could reel her in. I think she may prove better over a mile myself but whilst this race hints at capability to win Group2 I doubt she can succeed any higher and will be short proced next run based on proximity to Midday. Third home was the flashy and a bit edgy Timepeice. Always disputing the lead was unable to quicken when Sajjihaa kicked on. However I think she would prefer a bit of cut as to my eye she has a bit of a round action. Music Show was a shade disappointing finishing fourth. I am sure she will revert to a mile where I am sure she is best suited. Difficult to assess the rest as they were largely anonymous as was expected before the race so they all probably ran to their mark.
The great mare Midday all set for the Arc? Hope she gets a go at it
Winner of the Middleton
The Dante Stakes for 3 year old colts over 1m2 is a clear derby trial. The winner was the ultra game Calton House who showed good speed to take advantage of a gap to steer through for a comfortable win. Clearly the best horse in the race irrespective of the fact that there was only a muddling pace for 6 furlongs. Sure to stay 1m4 based on his running stlye and pedigree. The question is is he value at evens on the day for the derby? My view is that the french challenger Pour Moi looks a better Epsom prospect as he looks the right conformation and appears very nicely balanced. Plus I wouldn't completely knock Native Kahn out. I say this on the basis that he has a nice turn of foot, ran far less green in the guineas compared to the craven and the old adage fourth in teh guineas first in the Derby (I know the form book says he was third to Frankel but let's face it The Bushes were probably second that day!). I am not conviced about Recital as I think you need an uncomplicated horse with Epsom's hills, bends and especially the camber. If Seville turns up I cannot see him reversing form and in any case I think his style better suited for the Curragh version. World Domination is a big green leggy thing. His half brother stayed 1m6 and if he were mine I would be thinking about the St Leger. Yaseer, who I had earmarked as postential group horse this year, looked well but ran very poorly suggesting that maybe something went wrong.
The blogs Yaseer ran poorly
The Hambleton Stakes is a listed mile handicap and always attracts a good field. This was a very competitive contest and difficult to see wood for trees going forward. The winner was St Moritz who was in mid division for much until produced from 2 out and under hard driving just got home. The second was bottom weight Mont Agel who looked particularly well in the paddock and followed a similar race plan to the winner but just failed in a thrilling photo finish. Third was the eyecatching Dance and Dance who dwelt after the blinds appeared to be taken offf a tad late, but made great progress to stay on well. Fourth home was Pintura a real tough genuine sort was not beaten far from a prominent position for most of the race. Of the rest last year's winner Fareer was another who dwelt badly, looked in bother throughout, had traffic problems when trying to come through but was staying on well without getting a hard time of it. He has tried group company before and most recently finished second in Dubai at Group 2 level. I think he must be worth a go at listed. Another to keep an eye on is the mare Off Chance. She has had a right hike in the weights for winning a listed race at Pontefract last year, but she can win off this 100 mark and maybe she is the right type to come back for the John Smiths.
Head on view of Hambleton finish
There was a 5 furtlong sprint condition race which is much welcomed as there are few opportunities for progressing sprinty three year olds. It was won in very impessive style by the odds on favourite Night Carnation a decent filly and she has entries in the Temple but most interestingly is a fillies race at leaopardstown in July. The Thrill Is Gone ran on well from a poor draw and not a particularly hard race and she can win over six. Whilst second favourite Margot Did yet again lacked pace over five and I am not sure she is good enouh for condition races over six. She was hampered a bit in the early stages but I think making excuses can be the quickest way to the poor house.
Margot Did looked a good shaped filly in fine knick before the conditions race
Night Carnation cruises through for a comprehensive win
The maidens race for two year olds had a good winner in the experienced Noor Zabeel who showed plenty of stamina and can progress to listed over seven. Mick Channon has done very well to get a May foal winning this early in the season and some further progress can be expected. The fancied debutante and early march colt Giorgios Dream disappointed and did look very weak in the market. Is sprint bred so unlikely to step up further in trip and will have to muscle up a lot to take closer order. Likely to prove best on a fast surface. Apostle (late March colt)made up for a lacklustre run when second today. He hung to the right a fair amount and as such is still very green. Best kept to six furlong and may have just found a good one today.Tortoni(April) is a well bred April colt who looked a bit backward in the paddock. Appeared to hold little chance due to a poor start, but gradually got the hang off things and eat into the field to end up being a respectable third. Could progress. Overpowered who is a March foal from a miler family ran green but finished a decent fourth. Of the others the other who had a previous run was the big and backward Art Dzeko, the coltish Moon Trip who you would think may be cut before long, and disappointing Feb foal Come On Blue Chip who looked well in the paddock had the experience of a very encouraging third on his debut but did not run that well today.
Noor Zabeel on his way to picking up the maiden
The final race was a 2m2 class 4 handicap. It was won by Dark Ranger who powered clear from a packed firld from two out to win by a decisive two and a half lengths. The runner up was the blogs noted runner Blackstone Vegas which rewarded each way punters witha 20/1 SP and was backed at 28/1. Given a lot to do being held up in a big field and only produced from about two out. Was flying at the end to be a clear second, although it is doubtful if an earlier run from a more prominent position would have aided him. Highly consistant and due a win as is so often second. I am sure many of these will be seen over the sticks in the near future. As a quick summary of the remainder of note was; consistant sort, third home Hawridge Star held every chance being prominent throughout but could not go the pace of the winner and was soon overhauled by the runner up in the final furlong. Descaro runs consistantly to his ability but is not a favourable mark, Lady Bluesky finished well and suits a softer ground, should be noted if back over hurdles as this was a vary rncouraging run, Hollins ran ok but probably needs to be jumping.
Runners mill around before the stalls
The Blogs Blackstone Vegas looks well and runs fine race at rewarding odds
Notebook
Racy (positive) down £30
6 5 4
Ran consistently to her mark and wasa nice 16/1 each way place when fourth but after three runs she was binned.
Swiss Franc (positive) up £50
0 1 6/1
Hampered badly next time out and then won Newmarket sprint. Upped the handicap and as such left alone from there
Carlton House (negative) up £20
3 4
Well held in both derbies.
Midday (positive)down £5
2 2 1 6/4
Ran her normal creditable self if slightly behind her great level as one of the top mares around last year. Shelved after her last victory
Sajjahaa (negative)up £11
4 1 5/6 0
Did win a listed race whe odds on but failed to shine in group class
World Domination (positive) down £10
0
Raced if something amiss on only start this year
Fareer (positive) down £30
0 0 0
Hopeless in terms of being able to win off a stubbornly high mark
Off Chance (positive) down £30
3 3 2
Good and consistent. Unlucky to be done a head at 11/2 on third effort but shelved as no respite from the assessor
The Thrill Is Gone (positive) down £30
2 0 3
I though she would have won at Beverley on next appearance, ran well when third at 16/1 so decent each way effort. Shelved
No Comments
[
250 views
]
