News from the North(ern) Hemisphere

[stodge]

On 8/22/2023 at 10:06 AM, Black Kirrama said:

 

Sir Stodge.   The match race tomorrow   Race 4 from York , NZ time @2:35 am is on our Trackside CH 2. Four starters. But no first pool by our nervous TAB.

I would have thought the Fixed odds on Paddington were 10 % overs.  $1:50. ?

It should be a procession.

Any late thoughts ?

 

PADDINGTON is around 4/7 and 8/13 up here currently so that would be about $1.60.

If "the lads" especially Michael Tabor go in hard he could easily go 1/2 or even 4/9. MOSTAHDAF is unfancied but there's been a little support for NASHWA down from 9s to 7s.

If PADDINGTON is the same horse as in the Eclipse, he wins this - the reports are he continues to thrive physically but you always wonder at what point they've gone to the well once too often.

[stodge]

As York begins to take over, a moment to reflect on the weekend past.

Last Saturday saw the Group 2 Hungerford at Newbury over 1400m. This didn't look the strongest of races and race planning really need to look at the absurdity of having two Group 2 1400m races within a week - York has one as well. JUMBY, the 2022 winner, was a late scratching and CHINDIT went off 2/1 favourite but the race went to WITCH HUNTER, a stable companion of CHINDIT's. 

WITCH HUNTER had won a big 1400m handicap at the Royal Ascot meeting but had been beaten in Group 3 and Listed company and was running off 108 which you wouldn't think would be a Group 2 winning mark. I think he prefers a straight track so maybe we'll see him in the Park at Doncaster next. NEW ENDEAVOUR ran a fine second and he's the one I take from the race - he had run second in the Britannia, an ultra-competitive 3-y-o handicap at Ascot, but had been beaten by NOSTRUM at Newmarket - I think 1400m is more his trip and he's got plenty of potential.

I thought CHINDIT was done for pace and he's basically a miler these days while the likes of MOSTABSHIR, MARBAAN and POGO all ran poorly.

Sunday saw a strong card at Deauville with two Group 1 races - the Morny and the Jean Romanet. The former is for juveniles over 1200m and follows the Phoenix in setting the benchmark for the juvenile colts. A very strong British and Irish challenge was headed by Coventry winner RIVER TIBER along with Richmond winner VANDEEK while the best of the locals looked to be the filly RAMATUELLE

Prix Morny: 

A decent finish fought out between two useful 2-y-o. VANDEEK keeps his juvenile record - I went against him at Goodwood and I opposed him here too but he's clearly got a lot of ability. The plan for the winner is the Middle Park and his breeding suggests he'll be a sprinter rather than a miler so the Commonwealth Cup route looks the way forward.

RAMATUELLE ran a fine race in defeat - it's not easy for the fillies to compete with the colts even with the weight allowance. She's favourite for the Cheveley Park at the end of September if they decide to bring her over but she looks an exciting propsect for Christopher Head, very much keeping the dynasty on track.

RIVER TIBER got well out of his ground early and ran as though a step up in trip was needed - the problem for Aidan O'Brien will be trying to keep him and CITY OF TROY apart in the big 1400 and 1600m juvenile races in the next couple of months.

SACRED ANGEL ran okay in fourth but the others were well beaten off.

The Jean Romanet saw VIA SISTINA sent off favourite to continue her progression having won the Pretty Polly in Ireland.

Prix Jean Romanet: 

Apologies for the French commentary - couldn't find an English one. Equidia is the specialist French racing channel.

The Rothschild winner, MQSE DE SEVIGNE, does the Group 1 fillies' double swooping late to nick the prize in the final stride. The winner is decent but improving and reversed the Corrida form with ABOVE THE CURVE who ran yet another consistent race in third.

VIA SISTINA did nothing wrong and came to win her race - I suspect a more British style race would have suited her more than the winner. She's in both the Fillies and Mares and the main Champion Stakes on Champions Day but I wonder if the Opera will be her target.

The winner has shown she can mix it at both a mile and 2000m and that gives her connections plenty of options in the autumn.

On the undercard, JANNAH ROSE returned to winning form in the Alec Head beating LUMIERE ROCK - the winner had been well held in the Diane and the runner up in the Irish Oaks so it was good to see both fillies coming back to form and both will have big targets in the autumn though I suspect we'll see the latter back up to 2400m.

The usual suspects turned up in the 3100m Kergorlay and this time SOBER came out on top with the British raider GRAND ALLIANCE a decent second in front of THE GOOD MAN. The winner will, I imagine, go for races like the Cadran and the Royal Oak.

[stodge]

10 go in tomorrow's Yorkshire Oaks over 2400m at the Knavesmire. A more open contest than has often been the case in recent times - the 3-y-o top the market with the Irish Oaks first and second, SAVETHELASTDANCE and BLUESTOCKING occupying the top two places at 3/1 and 7/2 respectively. There wasn't much between them at The Curragh and I doubt there will be here. 

WARM HEART was fifth having won the Ribblesdale at Ascot - the runner up, LUMIERE ROCK, was fourth in the Irish Oaks and second in the Jean Romanet last Sunday. I think she's the one who could enjoy the quicker ground the most - SAVETHELASTDANCE and BLUESTOCKING might just want it softer.

FREE WIND was fifth in the Hardwicke and fourth in the Lillie Langtry at Goodwood - both perhaps a notch under par.

AL HUSN beat NASHWA at Newcastle and did so again in the Nassau but this is her first run at the trip.

ROSSCARBERY is reportedly well fancied - she'll love the trip and [perhaps, like some Irish and French horses who normally run at home on quite slow ground, will improve for some quicker ground.

I'm on WARM HEART each way at 8s but it should be an interesting race.

The supporting Group 2 is the Lowther for the juvenile fillies - 9 go to post and the favourite, RELIEF RALLY, has proved herself very good at 1000m including a close second in the Queen Mary and a clear win in a valuable sales race. Up 200m, we'll have to see if her speed will be enough. She holds FLORA OF BERMUDA on Ascot form for all the latter won well next time at Goodwood.

I think Aidan may have the answer here with CHERRY BLOSSOM who looked very good in a Curragh fillies maiden which often goes to a good one. Yes, she's yet to run in pattern company but I think she can make the step forward. Charlie Appleby has put blinkers on STAR OF MYSTERY after the latter was turned over at 1/6 last time.

[stodge]

As a bonus, we've also got the Friday final declarations.

16 go in the Group 1 Nunthorpe over 1000m - plenty have claims but it's very much a battle of the generations. At the top of the market is the 6-y-o HIGHFIELD PRINCESS who won this last year and after placed efforts in the King's Stand (behind BRADSELL) and the July Cup, she bolted up in the Group 2 King George at Goodwood. She has a big fan club and always runs well.

The 3-y-o BRADSELL is the new speed prince - the 2022 Coventry winner was no match for LITTLE BIG BEAR over 1200m at Haydock but back at 1000m he beat HIGHFIELD PRINCESS in the KIng's Stand. The York 1000m is flatter and easier than Ascot so that will help BRADSELL. 

The 2-y-o BIG EVES could upset them all - we know juveniles can run well as THE PLATINUM QUEEN did last year. BIG EVES gets 21 lbs from HIGHFIELD PRINCESS and 22 lbs from BRADSELL so that's not to be sniffed at. BIG EVES looked brilliant winning the Windsor Castle at Ascot and in the Molecomb at Goodwood won despite not liking the ground. 

Of the others, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee winner KHAADEM has a chance but was five lengths behind HIGHFIELD PRINCESS and I'm not sure he has improved that much. REGIONAL is unbeaten this season but this is a big step up for a horse who is Group 3 proven so far. DRAMATISED won the 2022 Queen Mary but you have to forgive her a really disappointing effort in the King's Stand.

I think this looks set for BRADSELL though it's interesting to see him, BIG EVES and HIGHFIELD PRINCESS all drawn together in the middle of the field.

7 go in the Group 2 Lonsdale over 3250m. Basically, this is a re-run of the Goodwood Cup with five of the first seven home re-opposing. QUICKTHORN won this last year the way he won the Goodwood Cup this year but there's no way he'll be allowed the rope he was at Goodwood. COLTRANE tried to chase down the winer but faded in the final 200m to finish third in front of  GIAVELLOTTO, COURAGE MON AMI and BROOME. GIAVELLOTTO won the Yorkshire Cup over 2800m earlier in the season and I think he could be the one to get closer though it's hard to forget COURAGE MON AMI won the Gold Cup at Ascot.

10 go in the Group 2 Gimcrack over 1200m. This looks a slightly sub standard renewal. KYLIAN steps up to 1200m after being held in third by BIG EVS in the Molecomb. JOHANNES BRAHMS was beaten by BIG EVS at Ascot and through the latter there won't be much between him and KYLIAN. HAATEM comes back in trip after winning the Vintage at Goodwood - I'm not wholly convinced as York is a sharp track. The Ralph Beckett horses are going very well and KING'S GAMBLE won a decent Newmarket maiden on debut but this is obviously a big step up in class.

[stodge]

On then to Saturday and after the excitement of midweek, a low key day in truth more about quantity than quality. We have eight cards in the UK and Ireland on Saturday - five afternoon meetings and three in the evening.

Just the two Group 2 races - at York, the final day includes the Ebor Handicap over 2800m which is a "win and you're in" for the Melbourne Cup. SWEET WILLIAM, representing the Gosdens, is 10/3 favourite to continue his rapid progresssion. He would join the likes of VAUBAN who has won in Group 3 company as possibles for a trip to Melbourne later in the year.

The Group 2 City of York over 1400m is the race the Hungerford used to be. KINROSS and ISAAC SHELBY lock horns again after their pulsating finish in the Lennox at Goodwood. We know KINROSS loves York and quick ground and there's more than a suspicion ISAAC SHELBY prefers softer turf. SACRED was six lengths behind KINROSS in this last year but has had a much lighter preparation not having run since finishing second to KHAADEM in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee at Ascot. That puts her right in this.

We know AL SUHAIL is very good - he won two Group 2 races at Meydan and was a fine third in the Al Quoz Sprint. His sixth to KHAADEM was decent and he comes into this with claims. The other horse rated above 115 is MUTASAABEQ but he's a miler these days.

It's hard to look past KINROSS - AL SUHAIL would be the one I'd put up against him.

Goodwood has been hit by heavy rain this evening - as we know, it can get very wet there and they've three consecutive days starting with an evening card tomorrow. Saturday sees the Group 2 Celebration Mile for which eight have been declared - three older horses taking on five from the classic generation. The likes of CHARYN and GALERON mixed it in races like the 2000 Guineas and the St James's Palace earlier in the summer - the latter has blinkers for the first time and is overpriced at 16s.

EPICTETUS was thought of as a Derby hope but he won over this course and distance last time on the soft lowering the colours of NOSTRUM. ALDAARY was second in the Summer Mile at Ascot but found the Sussex a bit too hot - this is more his grade and he's my idea of the winner. 

[stodge]

Time to begin the review of the York Ebor Festival and the opening day would seem, as always, the logical place.

Despite what has been a distinctly average summer up here, the ground on the Knavesmire was still Good to Firm, Good in places for the start of the meeting.

The day one feature was the Group 1 Juddmonte International over 2000m. Just four went to post for what has been, based on the ratings of those running in it, one of the best races in the world. Favourite was this year's 3-y-o sensation, PADDINGTON, who has won the Irish 2000 Guineas, St James's Palace, Eclipse and Sussex in barely 10 weeks. He faced MOSTAHDAF, winner of the Prince of Wales, arguably the best 2000m race for the older horses run in Europe this year. NASHWA, won of the Diane and the Nassau as a 3-y-o and of the Falmouth this year, looked to have a big task against the boys while THE FOXES, himself a Group 2 winner over the course and distance in the Dante, looked outclassed.

Juddmonte International: 

One of two brilliant displays of professional race riding on offer on Wednesday afternoon - I'll come to the other later. Dettori surpassed Lester Piggott's record of five Juddmonte wins with a superb lesson in front running race riding on a horse with proven form beyond 2000m against a horse whose Group 1 win at the trip had come in a more muddling race at Sandown.

The only kink in PADDINGTON's stamina was his stamina and in a strongly run 2000m race that was laid bare as the favourite wilted in the final 100m and was eventually run out of third by NASHWA, another proven at 2000m and slightly further. In truth, I don't know what else Ryan Moore could have done given his opponents were determined to run the finish out of his horse and all the weight concession in the world made no odds.

MOSTAHDAF made some very good horses looks slow at Ascot and now runs the 2000m division especially on quick ground and he's now 3s for the Irish Champion next month. NASHWA ran well against the boys but I imagine she'll be put back against her own gender and perhspa back to 1600m for the Sun Chariot. As for PADDINGTON, he's earned a break and while his future as a stallion is assured, as to whether they'll give him another run or leave him for the Cox Plate remains to be seen.

The Group 2 Great Voltigeur over 2400m was the reverse of the Juddmonte. The latter saw a well judged ride from the front but in the former the front runners went too quick and set it up for one from off the pace. Dettori went too hard on GREGORY and dragged both ARTISTIC STAR and CANBERRA LEGEND into a pace duel which they all lost. Meanwhile, Ryan Moore had sat off the pace on CONTINUOUS and as the race collapsed 400m down, swooped to pick up the pieces and in the end won well. He's 4s for the Leger but the third here, GREGORY, remains 3/1 favourite for all this was a disappointing effort.

[stodge]

The second day of the York Ebor meeting saw racing continue on ground described as Good to Firm, Good in places with 3 mm of irrigation provided overnight.

The feature Group 1 was the Yorkshire Oaks over 2400m and unlike some other championship races (notably the Juddmonte), we had a double figure field which included an intriguing clash of the generations. The older fillies were headed by surprise Nassau winner AL HUSN who had thrived on the soft ground at Goodwood and was now trying a new trip on much quicker ground. FREE WIND had disappointed in her last two - against the colts and geldings in the Hardwicke and then in atrocious conditions in the Lillie Langtry.

The classic generation looked to have the edge in terms of quality - Aidan O'Brien had two strong fancies, SAVETHELASTDANCE who had just failed in the English Oaks before a come from behind win on soft ground in the Irish equivalent and WARM HEART, who had won the Ribblesdale on quick ground at Ascot but had only finished fifth in the Irish Osks where it was said the soft ground and getting too far off the pace had contributed to her defeat. Very much connecting the two Ballydoyle runners was BLUESTOCKING from the Ralph Beckett yard who had finished an eye catching third in the Ribblesdale before just getting mugged in Ireland by SAVETHELASTDANCE.

Yorkshire Oaks: 

Another marvellous race and you'd better believe I was getting emotional having backed WARM HEART earlier in the week. James Doyle was at his best here and the post-race analysis (done on the ITV coverage by Ruby Walsh, the ex-jump jockey who also works for Racing UK) showed how Doyle had held Frankie Dettori behind him until the last possible moment to get that valuable first run. Another brilliant example of race riding at the highest level.

Back on fast ground, WARM HEART was always in a good position but had to dig very deep to hold off FREE WIND (and what a tough filly she must be to bounce back from that gruelling and exhausting run at Goodwood) close home. 

Ryan Moore did his level best on the favourite but she never strode out with the fluency on this surface she shows on softer ground. The post-race debrief was inconclusive as Aidan always needs to consult with "the lads" (Coolmore) before announ cing future plans but given the ground preferences of the two fillies, I'd have thought WARM HEART would only go for a race like the Vermeille if the ground at Paris was suitable (seems unlikely) so the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf looks likely. With autumn coming, you;d think there'd be more options for SAVETHELASTDANCE - she could go for the Vermeille but I think the Arc would be ideal especially if it really softened up in Paris.

FREE WIND redeeemed herself after a couple of poor runs - I wonder if the Gosdens would consider the Irish Leger?

Of the others, BLUESTOCKING was also inconvenienced by the quick ground but ran okay in fourth - I hope they keep her in training as I think she has plenty to offer next season. The other older fillies were outmatched by the younger types who finshed 1-3-4. AL HUSN was another who apprarently hated the ground.

As it was Ladies' Day at the track, it was only fitting the supporting race should also be for the fillies. The Group 2 Lowther for the juveniles over 1200m saw a fine win from RELIEF RALLY but trainer William Haggas was adamant she's a sprinting type who may not arguably train on so the Cheveley Park is the plan. I was taken by the runner up CHERRY BLOSSOM from the O'Brien yard and she may well be the one to figure in classic plans. However, the first six home were covered by two lengths and the sectionals showed they went steady for 600m and then sprinted for 400m so I'm not sure how reliable this form will be.

 

[stodge]

The third day of the York Ebort Festival is for many racing fans the highlight of the week withe the Nunthorpe, the Gimcrack and the Lonsdale - three races with great identity and tradition for the county of Yorkshire.

The Nunthorpe is one of only two 1000m Group 1 races in the British calendar - the other is the King's Stand at Ascot. The winner and second from that race, BRADSELL and HIGHFIELD PRINCESS, re-opposed. The former hadn't run since Ascot but the latter had run a fine third in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee before scoring at Goodwood in Group 2 company last time. She had won the Nunthorpe in 2022 beating the 2-y-o THE PLATINUM QUEEN and another juvenile, BIG EVS, was strongly fancied having won both the Windsor Castle at Ascot and the Molecomb at Goodwood last time.

Nunthorpe Stakes: 

A right boilover as the unconsidered LIVE THE DREAM jumped like a scalded cat and made every yard running the 1000m in a notch under 57 seconds and holding the late challenges of HIGHFIELD PRINCESS and BRADSELL who filled the minor places.

Where did this one come from? In truth, this was the gelding's first run in a Group 1 and while there were snippets of form which suggested quick ground was his forte, it was a big ask to see him living with the proven Group 1 performers. He'd run third to DRAMATISED in the Temple back in May but his next run at Deauville had been on unsuitably slow ground. It was a huge success for this trainer (Adam West, yes I know, "Holy Group 1 Success, Batman!") and for Epsom as a training venue which was once second only to Newmarket but has fallen on hard times. Indeed, this was the first Group 1 for an Epsom-based trainer since the 2015 Leger.

The plan for the winner is to go to Santa Anita for the Turf Sprint - connections believe he'll be even better going round a corner and he jumps and runs like an American.

The second and third did very little wrong - they just, as we say up here, "ran into one". It looks as though their paths will cross again in both the Flying Five and the Abbaye though I suspect BRADSELL won't be asked to go on soft ground. BIG EVS was well held beating only a couple home.

We've seen a lot of the Goodwood form not holding up this week (no surprise given completely different tracks and ground conditions). The Goodwood Cup and Ascot Gold Cup form was once again put to the test, this time in the Lonsdale over 3200m. It was clear from an early stage Tom Marquand would not be able to repeat his Goodwood Cup front running tactics - it all seemed laboured and he was well beaten in the straight - I think Goodwood took a lot out of QUICKTHORN and he needs more time between his races.

With QUICKTHORN cooked, COLTRANE came through to take advantage but was all out to hold the late challenge of COURAGE MON AMI for whom, I suspect, even 3200m is a bit short. To be fair, Oisin Murphy on the winner held in Dettori on the runner up but the runner up grinds rather than quickens and while I suspect next year's Gold Cup will be his for the taking, over the shorter trip, he's likely to come up just short.

In third was Yorkshire Cup winner GIAVELLOTTO who ran much better on this quicker ground and wasn't beaten far. I suspect the 3600m at Doncaster will be ideal for COLTRANE but it gives COURAGE MON AMI an extra 400m so another intriguing encounter awaits..

The Gimcrack over 1200m for the juveniles looked wide open but Marquand got this one to perfection on LAKE FOREST who atoned for a 1/3 failure last time with a sustained late challenge to run down the Ballydoyle contender JOHANNES BRAHMS in the final 100m. Just a length back in third was KING'S GAMBLE, who was having his second run after winning on debut in the race where LAKE FOREST was only fourth. The former still has much to learn and I like him as a longer term prospect.

[stodge]

The final day of the Ebor meeting took place on ground which remained on the quick side. Officially called Good to Firm, Good in places the rail had been moved out to provide fresh ground on the far side.

The feature Group 2 was the City of York over 1400m. As we know, there's no British Group 1 over 1400m for the older horses (the Dewhurst is for the juveniles). The Lennox at Goodwood, the Hungerford at Newbury and the City of York are all staking claims to be the next Group 1 race and the York race had £500k in prize money with the winning owners getting £283,500. To be honest, the only gap in the Ascot schedule, to my eye, is a significant race for the older horses over 1400m - the juveniles have the Chesham, the 3-y-o have the Jersey and there's a big handicap but no Group race.

One option might be a Group 2 at Ascot, a Group 2 at Goodwood (the Lennox), the Group 1 at York and another Group 2 at Doncaster (the Park). The French won't countenance any challenge to the Foret so the best you'll ever get is a Group 2 on Champions Day.

That's for another time - the best 1400m horse currently, KINROSS, ridden by Frankie Dettori, went off favourite in front of SACRED, a very useful filly who had just been run out of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee over 1200m at Ascot. ISAAC SHELBY brought solid 3-y-o form including a Greenham win but a suspicion softer ground might help. MUTASAABEQ normally races aty a mile these days but had won four from five at this trip.

A pulsating race with any number of angles but half the field lost their chance by racing stands side but the pace was in the centre and KINROSS came through to lead in the final 200m and won a shade cosily from AUDIENCE and the filly SANDRINE. The front three finished a couple of lengths on from ISAAC SHELBY and SACRED who in turn was further ahead of AL SUHAIL and MUTASAABEQ who were disappointing.

KINROSS is a serious performer from 1200-1600m with his optimum in between. He's in the Sprint Trophy at Haydock for which he is 7/2 second favourite behind SHAQUILLE but longer term the aim is another crack at the Breeders Cup Mile. AUDIENCE ran much better than at Goodwood where the slower ground probably didn't help and SANDRINE also enjoyed the quick ground - remember how well she ran in the Falmouth last year when it was really firm at Newmarket. I'm sure ISAAC SHELBY will be well targetted in the autumn when the easier ground will be a big help.

The big handicap was the Ebor itself over 2800m which is a "win and you're in" for the Melbourne Cup. This year, the first two in the market fought out a thrilling finish with ABSURDE (Dettori again this time for Willie Mullins) just getting the better of the favourite SWEET WILLIAM. I'd not forget the third, LIVE THE DREAM, probably the best Godolphin performance in a disappointing week, who was giving the winner 5 lbs and the second 10 lbs. It wouldn't surprise me to see all three head for Flemington - the winner was seven and a half lengths behind VAUBAN at Ascot 

I see LIVE YOUR DREAM is $34 - the same odds as Lonsdale third GIAVELLOTTO.

Needless to say, not a dry eye in the house as Frankie came in to the winners' enclosure on both the big winners and the glorious farewell tour continues.

At Goodwood, heavy rain had turned the ground Soft for the Group 2 Celebration Mile and ALDAARY was a late scratching. EPICTETUS went off favourite but the ground had probably gone too soft for him  and it was a return to form for ANGEL BLEU instigating a Group 2 cross the card double for trainer Ralph Beckett (completed by KINROSS twenty minites later). He had won the Vintage, the Jean Luc Lagardere and the Criterium International as a juvenile but the hot weather and fast ground didn't work for him last year and he was disappointing after running third in the Greenham. It's been a while getting back but his seventh in the Queen Anne and fourth in the Summer Mile suggested he was returning to form.

Soft ground seems vital for this one so they'll be hoping for a wet autumn. The 4-y-o gave 6 lbs and a beating to some decent classic generation colts including KNIGHT (second) and CHARYN (third, having dwelt leaving the stalls). The second is one to note for the autumn campaign.

ANGEL BLEU was entered for next Sunday's feature at Longchamp, the Group 1 Moulin. It's far and away the highlight of what is otherwise a very quiet weekend in Britain and Ireland.

 

[stodge]

It looks like a very poor renewal of the Moulin on Sunday at Longchamp.

The locals have all the eight entries though it's still possible to supplement tomorrow. BIG ROCK was runner up in the Marois and that's far and away the best form on offer.

There's a much better field for the Grosser Preis von Baden over 2400m. German Derby winner FANTASTIC MOON has a clear chance but I think he has a lot on his plate with ZAGREY who chased home WESTOVER in the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud and the latter's run at Ascot makes that very good form. MR HOLLYWOOD chased home FANTASTIC MOON in the Germand Derby and has had a break since - he could be the best of the 3-y-o.

The calendar has thrown up some anomalies this year with the British races a week later than usual - this year Irish Champions Weekend clashes with the Sprint Trophy at Haydock rather than the Leger meeting at Doncaster.

KING OF STEEL is 11/8 favourite for the Irish Champion with last year's wunner up ORNESTO at 5s. AUGUSTE RODIN, apparently working very well, is 6s and last year's winner LUXEMBOURG is at 8s.TAHIYRA is 4/6 to win the Matron. On the Sunday at The Curragh, the Nunthorpe second and third, HIGHFIELD PRINCESS and BRADSELL, are 6/4 and 9/4 respectively for the Flying Five.

The unbeaten YLANG YLANG is 6/4 to win the Moyglare while EMILY DICKENSON, HAMISH and KYPRIOS are 3/1 co-favourites for the Irish St Leger.

Much more on these races in a fortnight.

[stodge]

Confirming no changes for the Moulin on Sunday and I'd be surprised if BIG ROCK can't follow up his Marois form in a race dominated by the locals.

In other news, the English Oaks winner SOUL SISTER won't be seen again this year after picking up an injury when third in the Grand Prix de Paris. She stays in training and you'd think she'd be an interesting prospect in 2024.

 

[stodge]

Not much to report from the UK and Ireland over the past weekend with all the quality action in Europe. Frankie Dettori went to Kincsem (he was a remarkable racehorse, Europe's Phar Lap perhaps?) Park in Budapest and rode a double including the local Group 1 (worth just £25k to ther winner) on SPLENDENT, a 90-rated handicapper who ran away from the best Hungarian horse to win by three and a half lengths.

Coming further west, the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden went for £200k - the German Derby winner FANTASTIC MOON was a late scratching leaving the Derby runner up MR HOLLYWOOD to face the decent French raider ZAGREY.

Grosser Preis von Baden: 

Hope you enjoyed the German commentary on Wett-Star which seems to be the German racing channel. It certainly looked a big crowd at Iffezheim, a little way out of Baden and not far off the French border.

A real thriller as MR HOLLYWOOD fought off STRAIGHT only to be mugged on the stick by ZAGREY who was unconvincing but got the job done. I think STRAIGHT doesn't quite see out the 2400m. ZAGREY is 12s for the Arc with MR HOLLYWOOD at 33s and if it came up really soft, the latter might be an attractive long odds option.

Coming further west and north to Paris, the start of the autumn season at Longchamp heralds the end of summer and a run of fixtures leading to the Arc in a month's time.

Yesterday's feature was the Moulin over 1600m for which there was frankly a disappointing field with no British or Irish raiders leaving Marois runner up BIG ROCK favourite at 3/5 with the British bookies.

Prix du Moulin de Longchamp: 

I'm not sure being slow out of the stalls was part of the plan and it certainly didn't help - Lemaitre's attempt to make every yard on BIG ROCK failed though I think the horse ran a decent race.

To be fair, SAUTERNE is a decent filly - third in the Pouliches, second in the Jean Prat and third in the Rothschild - there was plenty of evidence a round mile was what she preferred. Whether they'll run her in the Dollar or step her up to the Opera I don't know. There was a bunch for third which FACTEUR CHEVAL just won - he had chased home PADDINGTON in the Sussex but the ground here was better and I really think the former needs deep ground. 

I've possibly been a bit crabby as the first three home are all decent types - I can understand the British and Irish fillies waiting for the Matron this weekend but the colts don't really have a Group 1 mile race until Champions Day so this was perhaps a wasted opportunity or perhaps an indication that, minus PADDINGTON, the colt and gelding milers just aren't much currently.

[stodge]

A much busier weekend approaching with Group 1 action in England and especially Ireland with France joining in on Sunday.

Saturday's British feature meeting is at Haydock and the Sprint Trophy over 1200m is the featured Group 1. 23 have been entered with Commonwealth Cup and July Cup winner SHAQUILLE 10/11 favourite to add a third Group 1. As time has gone on, the weight advantage enjoyed by the 3-y-o over the older horses has declined and SHAQUILLE now gets just 2 lbs from KINROSS who is rated just 1 lb lower. We know KINROSS is brilliant at 1400m but he's decent at 1200m and was third to SHAQUILLE at Newmarket. 

KINROSS is 3 lbs off having been beaten a length and a half at Newmarket.

Splitting them was RUN TO FREEDOM who completely outran his odds but is now 20s which seems a big price.

In Ireland, the first day of Irish Champions Weekend takes place at Leopardstown - KING OF STEEL is 13/8 and AUGUSTE RODIN 10/3 for the 2000m Champion Stakes while TAHIYRA is 4/6 to win the Matron having already won the Irish 1000 Guineas and the Coronation after a narrow defeat by MAWJ at Newmarket.

Sunday's Curragh card has four Group 1 races while the Vermeille highlights Arc Trials day at Longchamp.

[stodge]

The entries are through for the Group 1 races at The Curragh on Sunday where the ground is currently Good.

16 are in the Flying Five over 1000m and the race is dominated by the second and third from the Nunthorpe, HIGHFIELD PRINCESS and BRADSELL, who re-oppose.

Aidan O'Brien has only five of the eighteen in the Moyglare for the juvenile fillies but YLANG YLANG looks his stable best so far and she is a strong favourite. He also has five of the twelve in the National for the juvenile colts - CITY OF TROY may be his lead runner but this looks a very strong field.

Just eight are in the Irish St Leger and there must be a question mark over HAMISH's participation with the ground drying all the time. EMILY DICKENSON is an obvious choice but last year's champion stayer KYPRIOS is due to return after a long absence.

BLUE ROSE CEN leads the 3-y-o entry in Sunday's Vermeille at Longchamp but this race will have its final supplementary stage on Thursday.

[stodge]

Harry has just reported this but a routine race at Ripon late yesterday afternoon has entered the history books.

1/25 shot DOOM faced a single rival, the unraced KARMOLOGY. a daughter of Golden Horn out of a Shamardal mare. 

Champion Bonus Maiden Fillies' Stakes: 

Planty of fingers well and truly singed on this occasion with nearly £500,000 wagered in running and the vast majority on DOOM.

The interesting thing for me was that the filly quickened past the colt running the section from 400m out to 200m out in 11.34 seconds and 11.68 seconds for the final 200m so it was less that DOOM got very tired - KARMOLOGY quickened from 400m and kept going through the line.

DOOM was the shortest priced loser since ROYAL FOREST also got turned over at 1/25 at Ascot in 1948 

[stodge]

A busy weekend ahead in Britain, Ireland and france as the autumn campaign really gets started.

Britain's big race on Saturday is the Group 1 Sprint Trophy at Haydock over 1200m. The ground on Merseyside remains watered Good despite the current heatwave. 17 go in the feature but the betting is very lopsided with Commonwealth and July Cup winner SHAQUILLE at 4/5 and 10s bar. The basic question comes down to whether you're with or against the favourite. He's given good horses start and powered past them on his last two runs and if he brings his best he will be very hard to beat.

He's rated 3 lbs in front of Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee winner KHAADEM who might get a nice tow into the race and finish well at 33s while July Cup runner up RUN TO FREEDOM seems overpeiced at 25s. SACRED is better at 1400m and SPYCATCHER, for all he was runner up in the Maurice de Gheest, has a bit to find on this quicker ground. Another to consider if the ground quickens is REGIONAL.

I've had a small each way play on KHAADEM at 40s but this isn't a race with an obvious punting angle.

In Ireland, Leopardstown stages the first day of Irish Champions Weekend and the ground is watered Good, Good to Firm in places. The two Group 1 races on the first day card start with the Matron over 1600m for the fillies and mares. Thirteen go to post but there's a fair bit of dead wood and the market has it between three fillies. TAHIYRA was just beaten in the English 2000 Guineas but followed up in the Irish version and the Coronation at Ascot. Dermot Weld has made no secret of his admiration for the filly and while I think further would help she may be good enough here.

Weld also saddles HOMELESS SONGS who won last year's Irish 1000 Guineas but was only fourth in this last year when 5/4 favourite. The ground was much softer that day and I reckon Weld has been looking forward to running this filly on a decent surface. Finally have the fast improving ZARINSK who won the MInstrel over 1400m last time. The step up in trip should suit but she has a bit to find with the Weld fillies on the numbers. TAHIYRA should win and will need to if the champion Weld thinks she is - her stable companion looks the biggest threat.

In some years, the Irish Champion over 2000m is the race of the season surpassing even the Juddmonte at York and this year might be one of those years at least in terms of depth - nine go to post and six of them are rated above 120. Aidan O'Brien has three in the race and while POINT LONSDALE might be the pacemaker, LUXEMBOURG won this last year and it may be a reflection of the strength of this year's renewal he's 10s - he was second in the Prince of Wales and I can excuse his fourth in the King George where the ground had gone agsinst him.

SPREWELL was once considered a live Derby prospect but looks outclassed while AL RIFFA won the National last year and put in a decent effort behind ACE IMPACT at Deauville - that wa sokay but good enough to win this? I have my doubts.

Further up the order, Frankie Dettori has been booked for ONESTO who was runner up in this last year. His fourth to INSPIRAL in the Marois on a belated return looks an ideal prep and he has to be considered. NASHWA bridges this and the Juddmonte - she was no match for MOSTAHDAF but nicked second from PADDINGTON. Can she build on that for a win at this level? I'm to be convinced but she'll acquit herself well I'm sure.

ALFAILA is third favourite at 5s after his strong Group 2 win at York and this is his big chance at the top table mixing it with the very best. On bare form, he has to find 5 lbs to be competitive but we know he's improving.

The English Derby 1-2 re-match and while it's fair to say this is a different time and place than 2400m at Epsom in early June both have had interesting summers. AUGUSTE RODIN followed up at The Curragh though didn't convince everyone and then ran a stinker in the King George being beaten miles. KING OF STEEL went on from being runner up at Epsom to following up in the King Edward VII at Ascot but he was outstayed in a strongly run King George albeit finishing well in front fo AUGUSTE RODIN.

I think both the favoured 3-y-o had hard races at Epsom and I think both will fail - a bold prediction perhaps. I quite like last year's first and second, LUXEMBOURG and ONESTO and the latter's run in the Marois screamed prep race. A final Irish hurrah for Frankie Dettori is 8s but this is a race to savour with more twists and turns than a South Island country lane.

Aidan O'Brien has a formidable juvenile pack to shuffle and the incredibly expensive DIEGO VELAZQUEZ has been set aside for the Group 2 over 1600m for which he is 8/15. He's a full to both BROOME and POINT LONSDALE which makes me think he's going to be a stayer and I think he's a 2024 Derby horse. The Group 2 Park for the older horses over 1600m looks wide open - BUCKAROO is a narrow favourite for Jospeh O'Brien.

[stodge]

No confirmation on Harry's report that SPYCATCHER will miss the Sprint Trophy tomorrow. It's set to be another blisteringly hot day in NW Europe (perfect weather for rugby). SHAQUILLE has eased back to Evens with support for a number of the others including MILL STREAM, SWINGALONG and KHAADEM.

Sunday looks to be a big day in Ireland and France with plenty of top class action. Four Group 1 races make up the second day of Irish Champions Weekend and with the uncertainty of thunderstorms forecast, this is a real nightmare for early punters and may not be much fun for late ones either.

The ground has tightened to Good, Good to Firm in places - ten stand in the Flying Five and we come down to the fundamental of HIGHFIELD PRINCESS and BRADSELL. The former won this last year as part of her golden autumn and though outpointed at York she put up another solid effort at the very highest level. She is actually 1 lb better off despite finishing three quarters of a length in front of BRADSELL at York and I can't help recall the latter's sole disappointing effort as a juvenile was at this track. ART POWER has a good record over the course but his best form is on slower ground.

I fancy HIGHFIELD PRINCESS to follow up and confirm the York form with BRADSELL.

Nine go in the Moyglare for the juvenile fillies over 1400m. YLANG YLANG looks the top Aidan O'Brien filly currently and she's won both her starts including a comfortable defeat of VESPERTILIO in the Silver Flash last time. PORTA FORTUNA was well held by BUCCANEURO FUERTE in the Phoenix but that was a Group 1 and the additional 200m should be fine - I think she could give the favourite plenty to think about.

The aforementioned BUCCANEURO FUERTE is one of six entries in the National over 1400m for the juvenile colts but he's only third in the market behind two of Aidan O'Brien's battallion of juvenile colts - HENRY LONGFELLOW and CITY OF TROY. The former won the Futurity three weeks ago but Seamie Heffernan rides as Ryan Moore is on CITY OF TROY who won at Newmarket by six and a half lengths. My only reservation is that was on easy ground and the breeding to me says he'll always be happier with a bit of juice. For that reason, I'd be on HENRY LONGFELLOW but it's a race to watch with a view to next season.

Just five stand in the Irish St Leger over 2800m - this sees the return of KYPRIOS who was champion stayer last year - this was one of his four Group 1 wins which culminated in a 20-length romp in the Cadran. Will he be completely fit first time up? That's impossible to know without paddock inspection - ELDER ELDAROV won the 2021 St Leger at Doncaster and while connections thought he would make into a staying cup horse, the fact is his first run over this trip at York was his best. EMILY DICKINSON may be the O'Brien number two on paper but she won the Curragh Cup over course and distance (on soft ground) before chasing home QUICKTHORN at Goodwood. 

IF KYPRIOS is back to his best, he'll win this but if he is short a run, EMILY DICKINSON may yet ensure the prize returns to Ballydoyle. 

The Group 2 Blandford over 2000m for the fillies and mares is basically Ireland's equivalent of the Nassau - it looks wide open and LUMIERE ROCK is only a tentative choice.

Off to France and Aidan O'Brien has WARM HEART in the Vermeille over 2400m. Just eight run in this big fillies' race - WARM HEART won the Ribblesdale and the Yorkshire Oaks last time and that looks very good form. She faces BLUE ROSE CEN who won the Pouliches and the Diane and got far from an ideal run in the Nassau. This is a new trip but if she can hold her speed over the extra 400m she must have a big chance. The Malleret winner RUE BOISSONADE and the Pomone winner MELO MELO are also in the mix for what is another intriguing heat.

The two established Arc Trials are the Foy for the older horses and the Niel for the 3-y-o. IRESINE won this last year but by-passed the Arc and won the Royal Oak. She should win this again albeit the ground is quicker this year and we know she's best on really soft ground. Eight go in a fascinating Niel - the Grand Prix de Paris winner FEED THE FLAME takes on the German Derby winner FANTASTIC MOON GREENLAND represents Ballydoyle but I'd be surprised if he was good enough.

[stodge]

The big post-weekend news has been the sacking of Kevin Stott as AMO Racing's main rider following the ride on KING OF STEEL in the Irish Champion on Saturday. Kia Joorabchian is a mercurial type who doesn't take well to failure and the public removal of Stott follows the sacking of Rossa Ryan last year. It's a top-level job but I can't see many takers.

We'll get back to a very busy weekend just gone in the next contributions but looking ahead it's the Leger Festival at Doncaster which has had a re-vamp. It used to go Wednesday to Saturday but this year it will be Thursday to Sunday with the final day a "family fun day" featuring the Leger Legends race which brings out of retirement past jockeys riding for various charities over the straight mile.

This means the opening day is now stronger and features two Group 2 races for the fillies - the May Hill is for the juveniles over 1600m (round). DARNATION is top rated after her Group 3 win at Goodwood but both Ralph Beckett and Andrew Balding have entered fillies who have won their only races and are very much in the "could be anything" pile.

The Park Hill over 2800m is known as the "Fillies Leger" - Aidan O'Brien has entered two and Joseph four including LUMIERE ROCK. Dermot Weld has entered SHAMIDA yet another product of the wonderful Aga Khan bloodstock empire.

On Friday we have two Group 2 races at the extremes - the Flying Childers is for the juveniles over 1000m. BIG EVS is back in his own age group after failing against his elders in the Nunthorpe. The Doncaster Cup over 3600m is for the stayers. TRUESHAN has been entered but I doubt the ground will ease enough for him to run. COLTRANE won this last year and comes off a fine effort in the Lonsdale but he faces Ebor runner up SWEET WILLIAM who may have bumped into one in the form of ABSURDE at York.

Saturday's feature is the Leger itself but just nine have been entered - Aidan O'Brien has four headed by Voltigeur winner CONTINUOUS and John Gosden has three headed by the favourite GREGORY. This race could seriously cut up.  The Group 2 Champagne for the juvenile colts over 1400m has just seven - ROSALLION, unbeaten in two, is clear favourite. The Park over 1400m features the second and third from the City of York, AUDIENCE and SANDRINE, against SPYCATCHER, who was a late scratching from the Sprint Trophy last Saturday.

The Doncaster Executive will be very disappointed by this entry - indeed, only the Irish and the O'Briens have prevented a complete farce and it's hard to understand why - we're three weeks from York and well in front of the Arc and the big autumn prizes but it just seems there aren't the horses for the number of Group races currently.

[Ohokaman]

Big upset in the Sprint Cup with Regional winning at 30/1 and favourites well down the track. Old fave Khaadem ran his usual honest race.

Good to see Haggas and Marquand back in the winners circle with a brace, Post Impressionist at good odds here too.

 

[stodge]

22 hours ago, Ohokaman said:

Big upset in the Sprint Cup with Regional winning at 30/1 and favourites well down the track. Old fave Khaadem ran his usual honest race.

Good to see Haggas and Marquand back in the winners circle with a brace, Post Impressionist at good odds here too.

 

If you'd read my preview on the race I did say:

On 9/7/2023 at 8:36 PM, stodge said:

He's rated 3 lbs in front of Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee winner KHAADEM who might get a nice tow into the race and finish well at 33s while July Cup runner up RUN TO FREEDOM seems overpeiced at 25s. SACRED is better at 1400m and SPYCATCHER, for all he was runner up in the Maurice de Gheest, has a bit to find on this quicker ground. Another to consider if the ground quickens is REGIONAL.

I've had a small each way play on KHAADEM at 40s but this isn't a race with an obvious punting angle.

The ground quickened in the very hot sunshine - I didn't back REGIONAL but my bookie paid five places so I made a few quid on the race.

POST IMPRESSIONIST was very good running down CAIUS CHORISTER in the final 200m and my old mate CHINDIT did me a nice favour in the opening Group 3 over 1600m.

[stodge]

Time to begin the weekend review and we'll start at Haydock where a sunny and hot afternoon greeted a decent crowd of racegoers.

The feature Group 1 Sprint Trophy over 1200m was dominated by SHAQUILLE, the top sprinting 3-y-o who had won both the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot and then followed up in the July Cup at Newmarket. On both occasions he had missed the break but powered through in the final 400m to win cosily. He faced 15 rivals (SPYCATCHER a late scratching on account of the quickening ground) many of whom hhe had beaten at Newmarket but he now missed the useful filly SACRED and the improving 3-y-o MILL STREAM among others.

Haydock Sprint Trophy: 

There's an old adage - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The SHAQUILLE team thought the ground he lost at the start was a problem which needed resolving so they resolved it - he broke well and even led but that's not the way he runs and he was a target and was beaten fully 400m down. Indeed, the 11/10 favourite trailed in last.

With SHAQUILLE beaten, this Group 1 was up for grabs and the quicker ground enabled REGIONAL to make full use of his proven 1000m speed (he was fifth in the Nunthorpe) but was all out to hold the late challenge of the 50/1 shot SHOULDHAVEBEENARING with the 80/1 shot BELIEVING third. 

SWINGALONG had the stands side draw and was fancied before the off but she was left alone as the race developed centre to far side and in the circumstances fourth was a decent effort. Jamie Spencer opted to follow SHAQUILLE but when that one folded KHAADEM got into some traffic touble and came home fifth to save @stodge's full English. MILL STREAM was sixth and has to prove he can cut it at the top table.

SACRED alos failed badly only beating SHAQUILLE home in a race which left the bookies' happy.

BELIEVING ran a career best by some way and it may be she's a filly on the rise - SHOULDHAVEBEENARING had previously chased home LITTLE BIG BEAR in the Sandy Lane over the course and distance on quick ground so on that one piece of track form he was overpriced at 50s. 

The winner now comes to the sprinting top table but his options will be limited once we get further into autumn as he clearly relishes decent ground and I wonder if connections will consider America.

[stodge]

The first day of Irish Champions Weekend unfolded at the Leopardstown track on the outskirts of Dublin.

The weather was sunny and hot and the ground was officially Good, Good to Firm in places.

The Irish Champion over 2000m is one of the feature races of the year and this year's renewal was no exception - the first and second from 2022, LUXEMBOURG and ONESTO were joined by one of the top older fillies in NASHWA but they faced the first and second from the English Derby in the form of AUGUSTE RODIN and KING OF STEEL. The mercurial AUGUSTE RODIN had flopped in the King George following wins at Epsom and in the Irish version at The Curragh.

Irish Champion Stakes: 

I'm not sure about redemption but fair to say the Derby winner back to somewhere near his beat. There's always been a suspicion he wasn't an out-and out galloper and he had the tactical speed for 2000m and this was clear evidence. It was also, dare one say it, the execution of a well thought out plan by the Ballydoyle team. Both LUXEMBOURG, who ran a blinder in defeat, and POINT LONSDALE meant a generous pace was on offer and Ryan Moore kept AUGUSTE RODIN close to that gallop.

Perhaps Hollie Doyle will regret being so far back on NASHWA but she improved strongly off a strong pace and ran home strongly just failing to nick second from LUXEMBOURG but showing she can mix it with the boys as she had at York. The question on this evidence is who would win a race between AUGUSTE RODIN and MOSTAHDAF, who also loves fast ground and a strong pace. I suspect we won't ever find out but we have a benchmark to compare the generations at 2000m.

KING OF STEEL was fourth and it seems AMO racing bosses were less than happy with Kevin Stott's ride and he was sacked on Monday morning. I've viewed the race and that looks spectacularly harsh - he wasn't beaten far and wasn't just dealing with the winner but with a Ballydoyle planned race.

ONESTO never got competitive and it all happened a bit quick for ALFAILA who might be suited back at 2400m.

The fast ground produced a time 2.72 seconds faster than standard at 2 minutes 2.68 seconds.

As for the winner, three wins and two flops from five runs - he's 10s for the Arc but I can't see him running and the Champion Stakes at Ascot would be possible only if decent ground were likely and in mid October that's a big ask.

The other Group 1 was the Matron for the fillies and mares over 1600m and with HOMELESS SONGS a late withdrawal, her stable mate TAHIYRA went off a shade of odds on to beat a reasonable field of classic fillies and older fillies and mares.

Matron Stakes: 

She's really very good and unquestionably the top 3-y-o filly at a mile. Indeed, I'd go further and suggest she's probably beat the colts as well.  She beat MEDITATE (fourth) even further than on the previous clashes.

The British raider ROGUE MILLENNIUM delighted her syndicate The Rogues Gallery with a fine second and she has improved from the Duke of Cambridge but looks another for whom fast ground is a prerequisite. JUST BEAUTIFUL put up a career best effort in third with MEDITATE fourth and the others well beaten off. 

TAHIYRA will probably get her chance with the colts at the Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot on Champions Day and we know softer ground holds no fears. She's 4/1 second favourite with PADDINGTON 5/2, NASHWA 5s and INSPIRAL 7s. It shows the strength of the fillies and mares at a mile that the 2000 Guineas winner CHALDEAN is on offer at 10s. 

Elsewhere on the card DIEGO VELAZQUEZ won his second race up at 1600m - he's 10s for the Dewhurst and 9/4 for the Vertem Futurity but he's another for whom soft ground might be an issue. The Group 2 Park Stakes over 1600m saw the sole win of the afternoon for the British raiders as FLIGHT PLAN, trained by Karl Burke, saw off the favourite BUCKAROO - I noted a better run from VICTORIA ROAD who may be starting to make up for lost time earlier in the season.

It was a fantastic afternoon for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore as they won four of the eight races.

[stodge]

On then to Sunday and first stop France for Arc Trials day at Longchamp and the ongoing north west European heatwave left the turf riding near Good and quicker than usual for this key meeting.

The Group 1 was the Vermeille for the fillies over 2400m - Aidan O'Brien, fresh from four winners at Leopardstown on Saturday, saddled his Ribblesdale and Yorkshire Oaks winner WARM HEART against the nest of the locals headed by the favourite, Pouliches and Diane winner BLUE ROSE CEN who had arguably not had the rub of the green at Goodwood though probably more accurate to say Aurelien Lemaitre was out ridden on the Sussex Downs.

Prix Vermeille: 

She's a wonderfully tough filly and duly collected her second Group 1 following the Yorkshire Oaks success last time. She thrives on quicker ground and at The Curragh the ground had just gone against her. She wouldn't be out of place in an Arc field if you knew it was going to be decent ground. 

She's in the Fillies & Mares on Champions Day but I think she'd be the type to take to America. MELO MELO continues to improve rapidly - she won the Pomone at Deauville on heavy ground and I imagine she'll be an Arc contender. For me, BLUE ROSE CEN didn't see out the 2400m and is basically a 2000m type.

The two Group 2 Trial races had small but quite select fields - the Foy for the older horses saw IRESINE turned over by PLACE DU CARROUSEL who had been well behind him in the Ganay. The truth is IRESINE needs much softer ground and I'd like to think a typical Parisien October bog might be right up his street (or alley).  The Niel foe the 3-y-o saw a clash of the German and French Derby form and it was the German Derby winner FANTASTIC MOON who won by two and a half lengths. Like many German horses, he seems better on ground quicker than he would normally find at home - I think he'd love British turf and this was arguably a career best.

FEED THE FLAME had won the Grand Prix de Paris beating ADELAIDE RIVER (who won a Group 3 at Leopardstown the previous afternoon) and had been expected to follow up but was decisively outpointed and not for the first time German form had been underestimated.

[say no more]

I really enjoy reading these updates - thanks.

Tahiyra - wow!

Leopardstown looks like a beautiful racecourse.

[stodge]

11 hours ago, say no more said:

I really enjoy reading these updates - thanks.

Tahiyra - wow!

Leopardstown looks like a beautiful racecourse.

Thank you for the kind word, my friend.

I've never been to Leopardstown for a race day. It is Ireland's premier dual purpose track as they ran top jump races there as well. I know it's at Foxrock on the outskirts of Dublin and if you follow the coverage you can occasionally see glimpses of Microsoft's European HQ building which is close by. It's reachable by road and rail from central Dublin and they run special buses on most racedays.

I'm told the facilities are extremely good as well and I hope to try them one day.

Ireland has its share of quirkier venues - yesterday they had the annual meeting on the beach at Laytown, where they run 1200 and 1400m races at low tide. Again, never been but have seen pictures and the surface seems more like American slop but it is of course wet sand. Some horses really take to it and come back year after year and run far better than on either grass or a synthetic surface.