HAYLEY TURNER: I missed being at Chester this week, there is always an atmosphere like no other racecourse. I had a memorable experience there last year. I was dumped on the way to post on a horse of Tom Dascombe’s called Roudee, he was the outside of the field. I was wearing the Channel 4 head camera! (They edited out my swearing) I managed to get back on board and I just sent him, I was so cross.
The aggressive tactics worked because he won! The owners were from that neck of the woods so, for them, it was like winning the Derby, they are such a fun bunch. I will never forget it. I was chuffed to see Tom Dascombe and his team have so much success this year. I bet they all have sore heads today.
I think the media made a mountain out of a mole hill with the US Army Ranger/Port Douglas finish. I think the enquiry was just to keep the peace. Under normal circumstances they wouldn’t have held one. Port Douglas challenged, ducked left under two smacks so Shamus put his whip down to which the horse responded well to and, ran on for it. Not all horses respond well to the whip.
I was on At The Races yesterday I spotted a couple at Lingfield worth following….
1. Tetradrachhm – he has blossomed from two to three and loved the extra four furlongs. He’s bred to stay even further so if he does with that cruising speed he’ll go places.
2. Kindly – Simon Crisford doesn’t put the gun to their heads first time out. Kindly ran a solid race to finish 3rd, Simon’s horses learn a lot on their debut and the patience usually shows benefits next time out.
3. Red Trooper – George Baker’s newcomer caught the eye when finishing third to more experienced runners. The track was riding slow with few coming from behind. Red Trooper was an exception.
Back to Lingfield today but this time on the grass track. Neither the Derby or the Oaks trial are races to be lumping on! There are a few who still have not put their cards on the table this year, it’s impossible to know how well the winter has treated them
I’m looking forward to seeing how Chinoiseries has wintered. She didn’t disgrace herself in a listed race at the back end of the season and will really appreciate the extra few furlongs. David Simcock has patience with this type of horse, he gives them time to grow mentally and physically.
Mountain Bell is one who has proven already this year and the patient tactics work with her. She bolted up on soft ground at Windsor. Up in grade and faster ground will prove to us today that it was no fluke.
Derby trial – Winning Story is one I have high hopes for. He has only won a maiden but did it in style. I’m not sure what to make of the first time cheekpieces, he didn’t look lazy when he won. Maybe they are taking the sharper track in to account.
Talking about the Derby, wouldn’t it be great to see Minding in it? I think Cape Verdi was the last filly to take it on, that was in 1998. Six fillies have won the Derby before but that was 100 years ago!!! I doubt she’ll participate, if a filly beat the boys that would lower their breeding price tags, big time.
I’m sure they will have their buisness heads to make the decision.
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