GODOLPHIN DRAMA: DAQMAN looks at the fall-out from John Ferguson’s decision to step down at the helm of Godolphin.
HAMILTON SURVIVES: A morning inspection was needed at Hamilton following Tuesday’s downpour but racing goes ahead.
HAMILTON NAP: An Irish raider who handles the soft ground ticks the boxes for DAQMAN’s nap on the day on Wednesday.
ALL CHANGE AT GODOLPHIN
All change at Godolphin following the news yesterday that John Ferguson has stepped down as chief executive and racing manager.
Following recent press coverage which has indicated unrest within the training and breeding operation Ferguson described his position as ‘untenable’.
In a statement issued to Press Association Sport, Ferguson said: “Given the recent articles in the media, it was clear my position was untenable.
“In times such as these, what matters is the future, and my stepping down will allow everyone to draw a line under things and move forward. This course of action is best for everyone.
“All the staff at Godolphin are wonderful people who work so hard for the greater good and I want to thank each and every one.”
Joe Osborne, managing director of Godolphin in Ireland, is taking up the position of interim chief executive.
Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor expressed his frustrations in a Racing Post interview last week.
He highlighted his anger at being forced to use James Doyle as a retained rider and described his latest intake of juveniles as a “disaster”.
HAMILTON IN POLE POSITION
More testing ground to report across the country but Hamilton has been given the go-ahead after a morning inspection.
Stewards took a look following 22.4mm of rain yesterday but deemed the course fit on going now described as soft, heavy in places.
Just like yesterday though there has been a deluge of non runners – 25 at the time of writing and the opener at 2.10 is down to just a four runner contest
ELLIOTT TO PLUNDER STAYERS
3.10 Hamilton Has cut up along with the other races at Hamilton but presents a perfect chance for the Gordon Elliott trained High Expectations to follow up on his win at Ayr last week over a similar trip for which he is penalised 6lb.
Although it was good ground at Ayr, he seems just as useful on testing ground as proved when winning over two miles over hurdles at Naas earlier in his career.
This will be really attritional up the Hamilton hill at the end and High Expectations seems to have stamina in abundance.
Main market rival is fellow Irish raider Mistiness who is a soft ground winner at Leopardstown and arrives here in good form having won a Fairyhouse apprentice handicap last time out over 1m 2f. Although he stayed on well that day, I’m fairly convinced that today’s extra distance will suit High Exceptions better.
4.10 Hamilton Despite six non runners this class 4 handicap remains really competitive and is by far the best race on the Hamilton card.
Gulf Of Poets and Cosmic Ray are both seeking hat-tricks but the handicapper might have had his say with respective rises of 8lb and 5lb.
Preference is for the Richard Fahey trained Carnageo who handled soft ground at Thirsk last time out well enough when a two length fourth in another class 4 event.
He was doing his best work in the closing stages that day and should be suited by the extra trip here.
Fivehundredmiles could be a place lay contender. Up 3lb for a narrow win last time out and completely unproven on the testing surface.
7.55 Kempton A class 3 handicap is the best race on offer today and takes on a new complexion with the defection of the Ed Dunlop trained Opposition.
It leaves a more open race and top weight Captain Peacock might be free to take advantage.
A poor run at Newmarket last can be discounted by the soft ground but his record here is good and (Newmarket aside) he remains in good form.
DAQMAN’S BETS:
BET 6pts win (nap) HIGH EXPECTATIONS (3.10 Hamilton)
BET 4pts win CARNAGEO (4.10 Hamilton)
BET 4pts win CAPTAIN PEACOCK (7.55 Kempton)
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