Found in a lovely vintage shop in Carlingford, Ireland over the weekend – racing & a good pint of Guineas truly make for a winning combination!
A Winning Combination
Tag Archives: horse racing
The Curragh “failing to woo the punters”
Groundhog Day: low attendance & poor racegoer experience – the Curragh is in the news for all the wrong reasons yet again.
Irish flat racing HQ staged the 3-day “Irish Guineas Festival” last weekend. A superb package of top-class racing, that included the first Classic races of the new season, as well as an additional five Group races.
Tickets were comparably cheap (€20 early bid), especially compared to other top-class sporting events (or admission to many UK racecourses). And yet, very few turned up to watch Lake Victoria romping home in the 1000 Guineas on Sunday, or a day earlier Field Of Gold getting his stylish redemption in the Irish 2000 Guineas.
No doubt, the shocking weather didn’t help to entice punters to go racing and brave the elements – a tragedy, because the racing was superb. But who can blame those who stayed home: the Curragh isn’t a great place to be at when the weather doesn’t play its part. That’s one of the disappointing facts about this shiny new facility that cost upward of €70 million to redevelop.
However, even in previous years, when the weather gods provided somewhat kinder conditions, attendance figures on Guineas weekend (3 days) didn’t make for pretty reading: 14.088 (2024), 14.773 (2023) and 12.700 (2022). Neither 2000 Guineas Saturday- or 1000 Guineas Sunday broke the 6.000 mark during this period.
This isn’t a once-off phenomenon – it’s a new normal for racing at the Curragh. Attendance for the Derby is anywhere between 10-13k these days, a dramatic decline from 2015, the final Derby run at the Curragh before the redevelopment, that saw a whopping 25.225 huddling around the parade ring to get a glimpse of Jack Hobbs.
Surely, nobody wants to try and rewrite history in an attempt to romanticise the old Curragh. It was a kip when it got finally demolished; walls could tell stories of yesteryear, electric cables dangling dangerously loose in the wind above the heads of racegoers, and the cramming inside the betting hall around the small TVs put those with claustrophobia in a state of paralysis.
Nonetheless, I used to be a member at the old Curragh and I loved the old, shabby place. The available space was rather well utilised to the most part, there was a logic flow through the track for the racegoer and even though the parade ring was a lot smaller than the new one, you still saw the horses!
Perhaps I am romanticising the old Curragh?!
The annual membership was affordable and provided dedicated parking, quick access to the track, a charming members bar overlooking the finish line, a designated members area to watch the racing with the best view across the track, and the occasional side offerings like trips to Coolmore Stud.
Back then the membership was about €180 and seriously good value, even if you couldn’t go every time they raced. In 2025 the membership fee stands at a whopping €350 (mind, when they reponed it was ‘only’ €265…. call that inflation?!).
Granted, that’s still not bad value if you go to all the 24 days. But who does that? Very few. It’s a steep price. In the past it was decent value even if you only went 10-12 times a year, plus the added perks made it worthwhile. Not so much these days.
Anecdotally (I would love to see official figures) the Curragh lost members during the rebuild (when they offered temporary facilities but charged full price, nonetheless) and certainly in subsequent years, due to the significant price hike.
The sad reality is, members or not, ever since the reopening of the redeveloped Curragh, people have voted with their feet and stayed largely away. The drop in attendance for marquee race days, as highlighted earlier, is nothing less than dramatic.
That’s strange, because logic would dictate that a new, modern facility would encourage more and not less people to attend fixtures.
While the official attendance figures for last weekend haven’t been released yet, it’s hard to believe they’ll be any better than the aforementioned figures in 2023 or 2024.
I was there and it didn’t feel a busy on Saturday. It’s certainly eye-opening when AK Bets outlines in their excellent The Racing Room Podcast that they took merely 95 and 55 on the two Classic days. On the lesser days, the place is basically deserted.
The question is: why? Why do people vote with their feet? It can’t be the price point: admission is incredibly affordable, even for the best days of racing at the Curragh – I want to highlight that as a clear positive (while I remain critical of the pricing for the membership) – the early bird offerings are superb value for money. €20 for the 2000 Guineas, €25 for the Irish Derby, for example.
The place hasn’t moved. It’s where its always been. Getting to it is possibly by public transport via bus or train and subsequent shuttle busses, albeit not as plain a sailing as it could be – I did that many years while living in Dublin. Car parking is free onsite. Food and drink, while not cheap, is competitively priced in comparison to rugby, football or GAA.
Why then the dramatic drop-off in attendance? From my personal experience the often cited pain points with the new Curragh mirror the ones I see as well:
- Poor design and use of the space available – some key areas feel overcrowded even if overall attendance is low.
- Parade ring isn’t a great place for viewing the horses ((despite having been redone!).
- Main hall inside the stand gives the vibe of a train station or airport arrival hall.
- Not enough seating available inside.
- The roof’s still whistling furiously in windy conditions.
- Poor protection from the elements in the grandstand.
Some of these criticisms are possibly harsh and contradictory. Racing is an outdoor sport, you can expect to get wet if you want see the horses in the parade ring.
On the other hand, where money’s spend (especially tax-payers money) an expectation of excellence follows. And this expectation of excellence isn’t met at the new Curragh. Be it the roof, be it the facilities inside, be it the poorly designed parade ring.
It’s also hard to imagine that the place could pack more than 15.000. It would be total carnage, with multiple bottlenecks and poor crowd flow. Even with only 10.000 onsite, these issues persist when previously at the old site 20.000 could fit relatively comfortably.
I want to be fair and balanced, and give credit to recent attempts to improve the experience. New marquee tents, food vans, a SPAR inside, more tables and seats. Admission has been made more affordable. So, something is done. Yet, it’s not enough to make you want to spend half a day there. It remains a cold, windy and rather uncomfortable place. Smaller, older tracks around the country do it much better.
Perhaps, for plenty of people the habit of going racing at the Curragh got broken during the redevelopment phase as well. Some never got back into the habit. Some returned once or twice and didn’t enjoy the experience. They’ve never been back.
There’s also a considerable lack of visibility inside the Kildare community. I live in Naas. It’s a 15min drive down the M7 for me. I can’t recall having seen any marketing for the Guineas Festival. Unless you’re a racing fan, you probably wouldn’t have known there’s two of the most important races in the Irish flat racing calendar taking place over the weekend.
Personally, I can’t offer many solutions. Saying that, it’s not my job. I only speak as a racing fan and from my personal experience. And that experience hasn’t been great.
I feel the bird has flown, and the glory days will never return. Flat racing has never been that popular in Ireland. Nonetheless, there shouldn’t be an obvious reason why attendances at the Curragh have dropped so dramatically since the redevelopment, when plenty other sports are thriving in the post-covid era.
There shouldn’t be one obvious reason. Yet there are multiple obvious reasons for the decline. And they are self-inflicted. The blame lies firmly with the racecourse management. It seems, as populist as this may sound: the track has been build for those in the posh seats, with us peasants (aka the average racegoer) forgotten.
A Day at: Hamilton Park
I always wanted to get a first-hand experience of Hamilton Park, a track where horses come to a near standstill in the closing stages thanks to a notorious stiff finish to the line.
Last weekend the opportunity for a maiden visit to Hamilton Park finally presented itself: that’s UK racecourse #17 ticked off the list for me. This May 4th visit coincided with the tracks opener for the in 2025 and was also billed as “Family Day”.
It showed: Hamilton Park was rammed with families. Screaming kids everywhere. The place was packed, perhaps the balmy spring weather a great help to get people through the turnstiles as well.
So here’s a quick report of my day at Hamilton Park, and a final assessment of what are the odds of me returning in this life.
Let’s Go Racing
Situated just outside of Glasgow, getting to Hamilton is pretty straightforward: for me that meant catching a flight at 6.50am in Dublin, arriving with ample time for a breakfast fry in Glasgow, before then catching the train from Glasgow Central to Hamilton West, a 30-minute ride with ScotRail.
The £6 for the off-peak return ticket felt fair (plus £16.50 for the luxury of taking the airport express bus to Glasgow city centre).
It’s another 25-minute walk from the station to Hamilton Park – not the most scenic walk, that’s for sure – though, I took a little detour through a rather deserted Hamilton on that Sunday morning.
In any case, as far as travel to a racetrack goes, Hamilton Park is generally quite easy to get to with public transport, and that’s a big plus for me.
Not a Cheap Day
An adult ticket purchased in advance was £27. That’s okay for British racing, but feels steep compared to Ireland, given this was a bog-standard day with the one class 3 Handicap as the ‘feature race’.
In comparison: ‘Early Bird’ tickets for Irish 2000 Guineas or Irish Derby day cost €20 and €25 respectively. Irish Champions Weekend Saturday – arguably one of the best days of flat racing in the world – is still cheaper than the ticket for Hamilton.
I know one can’t compare like for like necessarily. But I do feel it will come to bite the sport in the UK sooner rather than later that parts of society are effectively priced out of it.
And it doesn’t stop with getting through the door. The rip-off proper starts inside. I was gobsmacked by the prices for food and drink. Yes, it’s a sporting event, things cost more there, yet it seems bonkers that you have to pay £7.30 for bad lager, or £12 for a pretty simple Chicken Burger (without chips – those are a fiver on top!).
Three thin donut rings with a glaze of sugar? £4.60. The seven quid for a the Guinness in a plastic cup was nearly “value for money” at that rate.
And let’s not forget going racing without having a bet isn’t really an option for many people, either. So it all adds up: a day at the races is expensive.
That’s nothing new, and it’s not really an issue for me, truth told – I’ll continue to fly over to go racing in Britain, simply. because I love the sport.
Nonetheless, I wish racecourses (not all, but a majority) wouldn’t “take the piss” if it comes to prices for food, drink and or even the cost of entry and having a decent view of the action.
Rant over.
The Racing Experience
The Class 3 Handicap over 1m 5f and Class 2 Novice Stakes over the extended mile were the highlights on the card that offered seven races in total, with a bunch of lower grade handicaps filling the rest of the card.
Sallaal, the winner of the Novice Stakes looked a smart prospect. The 91 rated son of Frankel could go on to do better things, although he seemed quite unruly during the preliminaries, having unseated the rider and needed to be walked all the way to the post.
I truly enjoyed the compact nature of Hamilton Park. The distances between pre-parade- and parade ring, and then to the grandstand, are short. Bars and facilities always close. Betting ring right in front of the stand.
There is one stand, the views are fine from there, except the initial part of the loop when horses turn left for the longer races, everything else is visible, and the long straight with the horses climbing the last 2 furlongs makes provides an excellent view of how each race unfolds when it matters most.
Obviously I don’t know what’s the experience on a normal day, perhaps family day didn’t help, but a few me opportunities to sit and relax would have been welcomed.
The small restaurant and bar/betting shop area inside the grandstand were always full to the brim and it was impossible to find a spot to sit and just sip a coffee or beer while studying the racecard. A small coffee van. like it’s present at most Irish tracks, would have been nice too.
Odds of Return
2/1
Overall I enjoyed my visit to Hamilton Park. The weather helped, and while it was packed, it never felt too uncomfortable, except the lack of options to sit. I mentioned my gripes with costs of going racing here, specially given this wasn’t a “Premier” day.
I wouldn’t mind to be back one day. If I never get back in this life, it won’t be a big issue, either. Maybe not on “Family Day”, though. The view from the stand of the long straight is class, and the compact nature of the course ideal.
Saturday Selections: 30th March 2024
Super run by Misty Grey yesterday in the competitive All-Weather Sprint Handicap at Newcastle. He finished a gallant 2nd.
Ultimately beaten beaten by a stronger winner from off the pace. Nonetheless, a huge run given his 16/1 price and can’t ask for more.
Unfortunately Shoot To Kill missed the break and had a mountain to climb there and then – too much, but most likely he wouldn’t have had a chance with the impressive Cephalus in any case. Tempus run as the price suggested, sadly. Tracked the pace but wasn’t good enough on the day.
…….
4.40 Cork: Handicap, 5f
I have been weighing up all last night and this morning whether to get involved in this race. It’s competitive. Unexposed Goal Exceeded is potentially the “x-factor”, hard to gauge but possibly well-handicapped.
Two Stars and Stag Night meet once again after they locked horns a fortnight ago and also at the Curragh in their respective final runs last season.
Two Stars the likely pace angle in the race, this is where the pace will develop. That’s a positive for Stag Night, but also lightly raced Goal Exceeded.
I’m questioning whether this is the right trip for Goal Exceeded, though. Perhaps an additional furlong is much more likely to see him to best effect, for that he could be well-handicapped today on Handicap debut.
Nonetheless, as a 3-year-old against some seasoned sprinters, on deep ground, appears quite a stiff task, and with that in mind I find his price too short.
Two Stars remains quite unexposed, too, and has shown excellent early speed in all his runs since a slow start in his debut run. He ran to 82 on speed ratings in his final race last year at the Curragh. The handicapper has been lenient to leave his mark untouched after that as well as the recent third placed effort.
He’s an obvious chance today, but quite a short price, and may face some competition for the pace as well.
This his is competitive and the likes of Never Shout Never, mud lover Mickey The Steel, dangerously well-handicap Mehman or the mare Magical Vision can’t be ruled out.
What gets me always back to Stag Night is the fact this should turn today into a a testing enough 5 furlongs, with a couple in the field likely to keep Two Stars honest up front, which will be a huge help to his chances.
Stag night is still low mileage for a 6-year-old, he had issues with his feet, reportedly. Nonetheless, last season in his final two runs on deep ground over 5- and 6f he was able to produce significantly improvement performances.
An 84 speed rating for his Naas win, bettered by a 91 speed rating when a super 3rd in a tight finish at the Curragh. He clearly was well when he returned at the Curragh earlier this months too, as he looked good in the parade ring where I saw him prior to the race in flesh.
He ran really well and “won” the race on his side, but couldn’t live with the turn of foot of the eventual winner, who made a move away from the pace, though, and was possibly seen too late as well.
Stag Night is up a pound for the run, but intriguingly has the assistance of young apprentice Danny Power, who claims invaluable 10lbs. This is only his second ride under rules.
The young apprentice looked quite comfortable on his sole ride at Dundalk, though. I think this weight allowance can only be a help for Stag Night in the deep ground. He is an uncomplicated sort. Just ride him, push him out, and given he only has to follow the lead of Two Stars, who’s drawn right beside, this shouldn’t be too tricky.
Given the price has gone to a point where I feel comfortable to get involved in this competitive race, I’ll have the bet on Stag Night. Ideally he’d go up to 6 furlongs, I feel. But at around 5/1 now he’s more than a point bigger than I’d have him.
10pts win – Stag Night @ 5/1
Racing, who cares?
If you’re a racing fan it’s a mission impossible to escape the doom and gloom narrative that’s currently surrounding the sport.
An ever growing list of daily news and opinion pieces are questioning the future of the sport. Wearing blinkers or a hood may not be a sufficient avoidance strategy. Because right now everyone wants to have their say on all the things that (seemingly) go wrong in racing:
The 2024 Cheltenham Festival seemed to be a tipping point. Equine performances took a backseat; first overshadowed by negative chatter in the racing bubble (nothing new, it’s always doom and gloom) before it found its way – worryingly – to feature prominently in mainstream media as well.
Steep decline in ticket sales and lower attendance figures. Flat atmosphere. Boring races. Poor customer experience – That’s what made the headlines throughout the week of Jump Racing’s “Olympics”.
Even ITV, a (welcome) cheerleader for racing, that usually sees the world through Ed Chamberlin’s rose tinted glasses, couldn’t avoid the negative narrative that was shaping the week:
In truth, all this represents only the rotten cherry sitting on top of the spoiled cake that racing fans get served every day of the week.
Racing as a sport, most prominently jumps racing – but make no mistake, the flat has its own serious issues – finds itself well and truly in the midst of a seemingly unsolvable (?) polycrisis.
It’s not really about that one famous week in March in isolation. In fact, there are blindingly obvious reasons for what’s happening here – jumps racing’s flagship event simply magnifies the situation:
- 1. Racing isn’t that popular in an increasingly urban society these days.
- 2. Competition creates excitement: but the sport itself isn’t as competitive as it used to be.
- 3. It’s a seriously expensive day out.
All three aspects fit perfectly to everything we have heard and seen a couple of weeks ago at Cheltenham. However, they also fit the wider situation racing finds itself in. Which is not to say there aren’t ways to rectify some of the issues. There is!
Let’s expand on these points a bit and bring in a bit of personal experience as well. Especially on the first point. Even though, shifting social and cultural norms aren’t something entirely under the control of the sport, in fairness.
Racing’s popularity in the urban society
I work in a diverse environment and talk to people from all over the world on a daily basis. I also love talking racing and will tell people about it whenever they give me an inch.
The vast majority of all the different people I meet are – at best – ambivalent if it comes to racing. Some will call out the animal welfare aspect, a select few will question whether it’s appropriate to “beat horses with a whip for human profit”, while a small minority will actually have any engaging interest.
Make the test yourself: ask a selection of random friends or colleagues what they know and think about horse racing (I bet only a few are going to mention the whip – it’s a non-issue for most people).
Yet, you’ll find out that most people lack the most basic understanding about horse racing. More often than not, the lay person wouldn’t even know that the thoroughbred is a different breed to the horse they’ll see lurking over the wooden fence on the side of a country road.
The majority of modern, urban society neither has- nor ever had any touchpoints with horse racing. And why would they?
They’ve never given a reason to care about the sport and likely never will…. no matter the current number of permitted strokes with the whip or whoever the headline music act is that lines up after the racing on a Saturday evening card at Windsor.
Let’s not kid ourselves – even if the following notion sounds overly nihilistic: we live in a modern, urban society where racing won’t gain any significant mainstream relevance ever again. The horse has bolted, so to speak.
Does it mean the overall downward trajectory can’t be at least halted? I’d say it can, at least to an extend. Which leads to the other two points, as clear and obvious they seem.
Lack of competition devalues the product
There have been way too many articles written about customer experience, costs of going racing and the racing product itself – at least in the context of the recent Cheltenham Festival.
What I will add and want to emphasise: racing absolutely needs big clashes. The heavyweights of the sport must race each other – they’re the ones who can give the media, and in extension a wider public, a reason to be intrigued by what’s happening on the actual racetrack.
I’ll touch on the “care about what?” aspect later on again – for now, let’s call out the obvious: if genuine racing fans struggle to get excited about the racing product on offer, why should anyone outside the bubble waste any thought about it?
That leads to the final point, which in a sense is intrinsically linked to the quality of the racing product: the costs of going racing. It doesn’t make the product automatically exciting just because you merely insist you’re offering a premium product and this in itself warrants premium prices, IF the product that markets itself as premium doesn’t actually deliver a premium experience on AND off the track.
As convoluted as that may sound, Cheltenham is a prime example for this notion. Mind, it’s not the only place where it holds true. Admission to a large number of British racetracks is expensive as well. And not all of them can be classified as “premium venues”, let alone hosting “premium events”, by any means.
Food and drink doesn’t turn magically “premium” just because it costs racegoers an arm and a leg to buy a portion of chips fried in cheap vegetable oil and a run of the mill lager. Neither does it have to be “premium”. But decent value for money, that’s what it must be.
Let’s be honest: more often than not going racing is an expensive day out. And that’s even without having a single bet.
Tie that back to the actual sport on offer. If the racing isn’t good, because the best avoid each other or the field sizes are small, then the decline in attendance and interest in the sport is an entirely self-inflicted result. Because those in charge of the sport have it in their hands to make meaningful changes.
There’s an audience for Racing
Even if attendance figures were down at Cheltenham (and continue to fall across the sport, while multiple racetracks have closed worldwide also), clearly there remains an audience for the sport – certainly on these shores.
Thousands are still flocking to the bigger meetings and the smaller race tracks alike. There is a vibrant, engaged and real fan base: genuine racing fans.
That’s the kicker for me: instead of trying – in vain – to appease and attract an audience that will never be captured by the magic of racing, “the sport” – regardless of jurisdiction – needs to make every effort to create the best possible racing product AND experience to engage its core audience.
“Competition creates excitement.
Excitement creates engagement.
Engagement creates betting turnover.
Simple!“
Okay, it’s not that simple. Nothing ever is. Nonetheless, the key ingredients for a better racing product remain rather simple. It starts with great sport.
And continues with fair pricing for entrance, food and drinks. Let’s make a day out at the racecourse an attractive experience. In contrast: ripping off people, putting greed first? That’s what alienates fans.
Don’t stop there: more data, better data, reliable data. Help fans engage with the sport in a deeper way. Drive innovative media coverage through smart use of technology. Racing can feel pretty “old” and certainly isn’t at the forefront of driving innovation in sports coverage.
There’re opportunities aplenty: drones, helmet cameras…. you name it. Racing is such a visually exciting sport. Help TV and media operators to transport the spectacle in a spectacular way.
A more engaging atmosphere can also be created at the racetrack through technology. Let’s be honest, not much is happening between races. Technology can help create a richer atmosphere here as well.
The sport itself needs to be at the forefront of any marketing effort. You want people to care about the stories the racing produces. You want people to engage with the sport for the sport itself – not for the reasons of drinking and partying in a large open air venue with the half-hourly disruption of a bunch of horses running in circles.
Because that’s the exact opposite to creating meaningful fan engagement with the sport. Of course, that must include the betting side as well. Nobody can deny the fact these two are intrinsically linked, even if not for everyone. An attractive racing product makes for an attractive betting product as well, though.
Fan Engagement key to long-term viability
Julie Harrington did seem to grasp this aspect in her now infamous statement when she touched on the “need to grow our fanbase by encouraging new fans and retaining existing fans”.
Yet, these platitudes aren’t anything new. We heard them before. And we’ll likely hear them again. Tangible action is needed. Urgently.
In my view (and it’s only an opinion, perhaps a wrong one): before the BHA tries (in vain) to miraculously gain any new fans, how about creating a better experience for existing fans first?
Imagine: fans in love with the sport who are also in love with their personal experience of their beloved sport, are the best marketing tool there is: they’ll tell other people. They share experiences, photos, videos and stories on social media.
They’re ambassadors for racing. Because fundamentally, humans who are passionate about something, always want to share this passion with other people.
On the flip side, most likely they’re as likely and passionate about telling other people how disappointed they are with the trajectory of their beloved pastime right now. This has a ripple effect, one way or the other.
Let’s make racing great again
Let’s conclude and bring this all back to a more positive outlook. There are obvious ways to improve the experience for racing fans (and punters).
Nothing comes cheap, and nothing will change magically overnight. But there are core themes that will create positive impact, if tackled and not left to linger for much longer.
Obviously, this is very much with British racing in mind. On the other hand, racing is struggling in many countries that are not Japan or Hong Kong (plenty to learn from their playbook, though).
- A revamped racing program: deliver regular clashes of the best horses and healthy field sizes. That’s creates excitement and betting opportunities for punters (if they can get on; that’s a topic for another day).
- Value for money: a day at the races must be affordable, inviting and providing an engaging experience.
- Enhanced experience through technology: bring racing into the 21st century. Drive stronger engagement with the sport through data, use of new technologies and exciting multi-media coverage.
Although this may sound overly simplistic, ultimately, it boils down to one question – one that racing authorities need to find answers for ASAP. This question encapsulates everything mentioned beforehand:
“Why should I care about horse racing?“
Flat Horses to Follow 2024
The flat is back and quickly kicks into gear. As is customary tradition for this time of the year: here’s a selection of horses to follow throughout the 2024 flat season.
My main focus is once again on potential Group level performers – although some may turn out to develop (“only”?) into classy handicappers. In any case, I hope the following 10 horses do offer indeed significant upside based on what they have shown as juveniles.
In truth, hardly any of these are “dark horses”. I haven’t read any of the numerous “horses to follow” pieces yet, neither any of the more prominent stable tours, in order to avoid getting influenced; nonetheless, if you’re browsing Twitter you can’t escape that some names have been prominently mentioned.
Even though this list had been compiled weeks ago already, and only waited to be published with the start of the new flat season, I can hardly claim to have uncovered “original material”.
In any case, this is an exciting time of the year. All hopes still alive. That lends itself perfectly to take a cheeky look back, also.
HTF 2023 Review:
The 2023 edition did quite well in general. Not every horse turned out be a future star of our beloved sport. But some shot right to the top of the game, while others won decent enough races. If I only would have backed them all when it mattered most.
Nonetheless, the stars of the “class of 23” were clearly Continuous – an excellent winner of the St Leger, as well as Oaks heroine Soul Sister, who was also my biggest winner last year when she landed the Musidora where I backed her at 20s.
English and Irish Guineas placed Hi Royal, Coronation Stakes runner-up Remarquee and impressive Royal Ascot scorer Coppice were other notable horses achieving success in 2023.
………..
Anzac Day
3yo colt – Andrew Balding
Green on debut when he missed the kick and as a consequence was left with a mountain to climb in a race that favoured the front due to the pace..
Finished very strongly in the final furlong and hinted ability if he could learn and move up in trip, given his pedigree screams stamina.
He moved up an additional furlong ten days later at Newmarket. A fine start, he was soon toward the front of the pack and travelled really well. As he increased the tempo from over 3f out, he soon kicked clear and was not the be caught.
A superb run as he beat a good Godolphin horse in second. The speed rating of 89 confirmed the visual impression. He’ll improve as he moves up to 12 furlongs and could be a dark horse for the Derby.
Azada
3yo filly – Dermot Weld
Impressive finish on debut from the back of the field in horrible ground when she accelerated in superb style from 3f out to leave the rest of the field standing, all while overcoming early greenness.
Achieved an excellent 82 debut speed rating. Looks one with plenty of scope as a 3-year-old, though may need soft ground to be seen to best effect.
A step up to a mile will be no problem whatsoever. Beyond that remains to be seen. The Galileo mare produced a 10f Group 1 winner in Australia, though.
British Camp
3yo colt – Andrew Balding
British Camp was green on his debut. Missed the break and was early enough off the bridle entering the home straight.
Three light backhanders later and finished off nicely under alight enough ride in the closing stages to win it on the line, with seemingly much more left in the tank.
Ran five furlongs of the final mile the fastest sectionals, including the final two furlongs, dipping easily under 12s, in a pretty competitive race, beating some nice horses.
He wasn’t expected on the day. The late May foal drifted out 18/1 before the off. He did plenty wrong, didn’t enjoy the best of trips, and still won also achieving a superb debut speed rating of 84.
Trained by Andrew Balding, British Camp is very well bred and related to smart individuals in his family. He should be capable of getting 1m 4f, but a fast 10 furlongs may be ideal at this stage of his career.
Galen
3yo colt – Joseph O’Brien
Very impressive debut in a maiden where he finished only second behind City Of Try. Missed break, possibly by design, then travelled well against the inside off the pace. Nice progress but in a pocked and had to switch before he ran home strongly, chasing COT.
Wasn’t seen since July. That’s a big question mark. Things must have gone wrong. But he has a Guineas and Derby entry and looks potentially a seriously exciting prospect over 7f to a mile, if there are no further issues.
God’s Window
3yo colt – John Gosden
Showed a likable turn of foot on debut at Doncaster in soft ground despite not being advantaged by how the race developed early on, travelling without cover the first 1.5 furlongs, and coming from off the pace in a slowly run race.
Good 77 debut speed rating. Deemed good enough to contest a deep Futurity Stakes. Missed the break and was quite keen in the early part of the race. Badly positioned but impressive finish for third.
Can only improve as he moves up in trip. Out of an Oaks Trial winner, by Dubawi, he looks an intriguing Derby prospect.
Grosvenor Square
3yo colt – Aiden O’Brien
Gutsy Galway winner on debut. Looked green and clueless enough, especially around the sharp bends. Connections have introduced smart horses in this particular race in the past.
The son of Galileo doesn’t look flashy and doesn’t seem to do anything in a hurry either. He ran well for third travelling quite wide, although he also appeared one paced in the Beresford.
He was seen to much better effect on his final run last year, moving up to 9 furlongs in the Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown where he kicked nicely from the front to win with ease.
He’s certainly going to be better the further he goes, as his pedigree suggests, as a son of Galileo and a half-brother to Santiago. Not the classiest in the stable for now, but solid speed ratings over sharp enough trips for this colt as a juvenile, that suggests there is plenty of upside.
Henry Longfellow
3yo colt – Aiden O’Brien
This son of Dubawi and Minding looks the real deal. Visually and on the clock he’s been nothing short of impressive in his three career runs as a juvenile.
The way he quickened on debut and next time in the Futurity Stakes from the front on both occasions was highly promising. He subsequently made top-class 2-year-old Bucanero Fuerte look like a lowly rated claimer in the National Stakes.
Most likely some of that had to do with the fact BF didn’t quite get home over the trip in a fast race. Nonetheless, Henry Longfellow, once again confirmed the impressions from his first two runs.
A seemingly uncomplicated individual, he was able to quicken from the front as well as chase a pace and pass rivals. He looks to possess plenty of scope as well.
The visual impressions are backed up by speed ratings. 85 on debut – that’s often the sign of a potentially classy individual. 101 in the Futurity. Confirmed by a 100 speed rating in the National Stakes.
He has the 2000 Guineas written all over his profile. I’m not an ante-post backer but would be seriously temped by the 6-7/1 available right now. Not totally impossible that he can stretch out to the Derby trip, either, although 10 furlongs may be the limit.
Inisherin
3yo colt – Kevin Ryan
Only half a lengths beaten on debut when market expected nothing (50/1). Travelled the best to 2f out and only beaten by a vastly more experienced horse. Fine 76 speed rating for a debut.
Impressive victory on seasonal return at Newcastle. Benefited from prime position in a really slowly run race but was impressive the way he finished easily sprinting clear under hands and heels with two subsequent sub-11s furlongs.
Looks sure to improve for experience and a step up in trip looks ideal on pedigree. Out of smart Ajman Princess who was Lanshire Oaks 3rd and winner of the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet.
A stiff mile and a strong pace could also work, especially in the early part of the season, possibly. Maybe not a prime contender for a 2000 Guineas, but could have an outside chance.
One Look
3yo filly – Paul Twomey
Overcame a stiff task on debut to take on vastly more experienced rivals in the highly competitive Goffs Million at the Curragh. She obliterated her rivals thanks to superb acceleration from 3f out.
She benefitted from a solid pace and got the gaps when needed that day but the way she put the race to bed was nothing short of astonishing. That’s backed by a sensational 92 debut speed rating.
Not sure she’ll get much further than a mile given the speed she showed and the dam doing her best work over a mile, too. She may need soft ground as well, as it appears she hits the ground quite hard.
Uluru
3yo filly – Joseph O’Brien
Impressive debut at Gowran Park from a wide draw where she didn’t get too well away at the start. Nonetheless, she ran away with it in the end and clocked an excellent 81 speed rating.
Changed hands afterwards and was desperately unlucky for new owners Team Valor in her final start last season. It wasn’t a good pace, she was stuck in the pack and just couldn’t get out. Did well to finish 4th.
She looks capable of improving into a stakes filly. The dam won over 12 furlongs, so a step up in trip will surely help her to improve. She also has an early season entry at Naas in March.
Photos: Irish Flat Season Opener 2024
Photo gallery of the 2024 start to the Irish flat season at the Curragh on St. Patrick’s Day bank holiday.
18th March 2024, Curragh Racecourse, Co, Kildare, Ireland
© Florian Christoph, 2024
Cheltenham 2024: Gold Cup Preview
Twelve months ago I was very much in camp Bravemansgame and adamant that Galopin Des Champs isn’t nowhere near as good as the hype surrounding him.
In 2024 I’m no longer in camp Bravemansgame. It’s obvious by now that he’s not the same horse that finished a brilliant runner-up last year. He could still run well, but he’ll have to improve on anything he’s shown in three starts this season so far, to be in with a realistic shout to win the race – which looks a deeper renewal, too.
Galopin Des Champs? Can’t have him, once again. Races aren’t run and won on spreadsheets. But the fact remains the reigning champion has rarely convinced on speed ratings, with the Gold Cup a significant outlier across 17 career runs in my book.
Saying that, if taken last years Gold Cup victory at face value, the 7-year old gelding appears even more unbeatable a year later, especially after two visually impressive wins in his last two starts. But is he?
He was beaten twice after the Gold Cup and looked a mere mortal, unlike previously. The two subsequent visually stunning performances came in races that were run to suit him perfectly, I believe. Based on speed ratings they haven’t been impressive at all, though.
I’m left with the impression that a strongly run Gold Cup, on testing ground, will see Galopin Des Champs vulnerable to a stronger stayer. This scenario may play out this Friday. If he’s ridden handily, as he was the last few times, close to what could be a pretty good pace, on soft enough ground, he could burn through his energy reserves earlier than expected.
That poses the question: who’s the strong stayer good enough to beat the red hot favourite?
The ground may well have turned against Hewick. He may not even run, if trainer Hanlon is following through on his words leading up to the Festival. But I’m not sure he’d be good enough to win, in any case.
Corach Rambler, in contrast, is sure to run and to finish strongly. The Grand National hero and multiple course winner should have a proper shout, I reckon. The race could pan out perfectly for the 10-year-old.
It’s hard not be drawn to his sensational victories in the Ultima Chase, especially given the way he’s done it and the depth of the 2023 renewal.
He may need to improve a bit, though, given this is the classiest race he ever contested. Not impossible that he can raise his game in these circumstances.
But he’s a 10-year-old. He’s not exactly unexposed. How much more improvement is there to come?
I’m still trying to work out L’homme Presse. Undoubtably a talented individual, threatened to progress to the level required to be considered a proper Gold Cup horse. He’s got course form, and looked strong over shorter 2m 4f on his reappearance. Not so good the next time and I remain not fully convinced that he’s quite good enough in this grade.
Fastorslow should be the key rival to Galopin Des Champs, given he beat him twice at Punchestown in the last 12 months. However: those wins came in different circumstances.
Punchestown in April, at the end of the season, over 3 miles on yielding ground, and 2m 3.5f in the John Durkan at the start of a season, are hardly comparable to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, in my mind.
The supposedly “natural order” was assumed in the Irish Gold Cup in February this year. Fastorslow jumped well and ran an excellent race, but was unable to quicken and follow Galopin Des Champs’ acceleration, ultimately.
It’s clearly possible that the Gold Cup trip in combination with a good pace can bring out additional improvement. For all that, on speed ratings Fastorslow hasn’t convinced yet, and all those points combined make him a short enough price.
Price is everything: by pure process of elimination I’ve come to the final conclusion there’s only horse offering value in the betting and upside form wise.
That one horse is Gerri Colombe. The eight-year-old gelding, trained by Gordon Elliott, remains low mileage and has a strong 9-7-2 record under rules. He was only beaten at the Festival last year and when last seen in the Savills Chase.
Hitting a flat spot before the run-in cost him the race in the Brown Advisory twelve months ago. He stayed on incredibly strongly and one or two strides after the line hit the front. Would, could, should….
But it’s clear the step up to the Gold Cup distance will suit this strong stayer tremendously. That he can finish with zest and do it in a Grade 1 was evident when he won the Champion Chase at Down Royal thanks to an incredibly gutsy performance.
I’m prepared to forgive the below-par Leopardstown run, when runner-up behind GDC in his latest start. Something looked amiss that day.
If one is prepared to ignore that run, and believes he’ll have benefitted from a break since then – which his record fresh indicates – it’s hard to look past Gerri Colombe at the current prices. He’s got to improve, but has the profile of a horse who’s capable of doing so, especially with conditions most likely to suit.
10pts win – Gerri Colombe @ 10.5/1
Edit: I should have checked the market before sending this post. Having written it earlier today and having backed Gerry Colombe in the morning I missed that Hewick is out and the market reacted. GC is now about 8/1 (9.4 on some exchanges).
Still a more than fair price in my view, as I maintain he remains one of the prime contenders in the race. Though, I’m always aiming for transparency, so just thought to make this clear when having quoted a price in my preview that’s not a true reflection at his point any longer.
Flat Eyecatchers 2023: #2
A list of horses that caught my eye during the recent weeks of racing. Find all previous lists here.
Serious Look
25/04/23 – 4.45 Epsom:
Moved forward quickly to lead travelling wide. Was going strongly approaching the home straight, though gradually tired and fell away in the last two furlongs.
Paid for early exertions, doing too much in deep ground, as those ahead of him in the end were ridden with more restraint.
Travelles well. May found 9f in heavy ground beyond his stamina. A mile in soft ground should be fine, though, so is 7f with plenty of cut in the ground. He seems to hit the ground quite hard.
I’m Mable
26/04/23 – 7.55 Lingfield:
Settled in rear of the field. Travelled strongly, on the bridle as he approached the home straight but went widest and lost ground. Really strong finish. Good form.
Unlucky lto when also a strong run, confirmed here that he’s absolutely ready to strike. Can make a mess at the gate, though.
Would be most intrigued over 5f on turf again. Ran good speed ratings last season, and another 2lb down now, most likely seriously well-handicapped.
Spanish Angel
26/04/23 – 1.50 Catterick:
Widest draw was probably a disadvantage as was travelling on the stands’ side. Made strong progress from 3f out against stands’ rail and finished best of that group.
Huge run in circumstances, confirmed strong AW form, also was a bit unlucky lto. Looks on a possibly lenient turf mark in the right conditions, compared to AW as he’s not 10lb worse judged on speed ratings.
He prefers better ground to be seen to best effect. Didn’t enjoyed these conditions this season yet. Does stay 6f but probably best over shorter.
Soul Seeker
27/04/23 – 2.20 Beverley:
Moved quickly forward and crossed over the the far rail. Led the field, but pressured all the way. battled solidly before fading badly in the final furlong.
Softish ground far from ideal. He’s a different horse on better ground, ideally fast. Ran twice to 78 speed rating off a 77 mark last summer.
Down to a super mark now and after two solid runs under his belt this year, should be a big runner in the right conditions soon.
Lord Rapscallion
27/04/23 – 6.15 Chelmsford:
Grabbed the lead, largely uncontested, was going well entering the home straight. Eventually beaten by those from off the pace. Decent run.
Can ignore next time in class 2. Tricky sort but clearly still with an appetite for the game. Slowly drops to fair mark again. Won off 80 back in December.
Ran twice to speed rating 84+ last year on turf over 7 furlongs. With decent ground should be interesting, especially if he could dominate.
Platinum Girl
28/04/23 – 5.35 Doncaster:
Travelled supremely well from the front and had entire field well on the stretch from 3f out. Tired badly in the final furlong and eventually reeled in by two from off the pace.
Huge seasonal reappearance. Was placed off similar mark last year. Quite experienced and unlikely to have much scope. May find it tough to back up this effort if turned out quickly.
Lotus Rose
29/04/23 – 5.40 Doncaster:
Superb front-running effort. Kicked on from over 2f out and looked the winner until swamped late in the day. Ran to 69 speed rating here, strong form.
Ran multiple times to mid-60 speed ratings and higher. Improved nicely from seasonal debut. Probably best over minimum trip with cut in the ground but 6f on better ground no issue either. Versatile.
Glorious Rio
29/04/23 – 2.05 Haydock:
Badly bumped and squeezed out of the gate by two rivals, trailed as a consequence. Wall of horses in front and had to switch wide to the far side, giving ground and momentum away. Came through well from over 1f out.
Strong run in circumstances. Ran with credit on the All-Weather this year before. Comes down to solid mark. Not tons in hand but ran to 68, 69 and 71 speed ratings since August last year.
Any additional help from the handicapper will bue valuable. He’s better over the minimum trip, and prefers decent ground. Not disgraced at Newcastle on Tuesday off 69.
Dream Together
29/04/23 – 2.05 Haydock:
Travelled quite well on stands’ side, which was potentially not ideal being high drawn in this race, as was away from where the pace developed. Travelled strongly to 2f out before effort petered out.
Reportedly made a respiratory noise afterwards, that may explain the tame finish, although he wasn’t advantaged by the way the race developed in any way.
Small risk whether all is fine with him, but in any case another 2lb down and well-handicapped now. Ran solid on the All-Weather before, somewhat unfortunate. Achieved speed ratings last season that will give him a huge chance wherever he goes, if healthy.
Forward Flight
30/04/23 – 3.35 Wetherby:
Moved forward from #9 draw to closely follow the pace. Pressed the leader from 3f out and couple of lengths ahead before swamped. Accepted challenge and stuck strongly to the task to hold on for 2nd place.
Strong run and speed rating only 2lb shy of current mark, which was left untouched. Given great opportunity if he can find a handicap over a mile in proper soft ground as still somewhat unexposed in these conditions which seemingly bring out the best in him.
Can ignore hurdle and All-Weather form; he looks potentially well-handicapped off 70 in the right conditions.
Belsito
30/04/23 – 3.45 Musselburgh:
Fell out of the gate. Overcame his highly awkward start quickly, as moved forward rapidly to lead after the first furlong even. Did way too much to get there but only fell away from from over a furlong out.
Strong run in circumstances and clearly better than result. Won when last seen in 2022. Full-brother to Group 3 winning miler. Should have no issues going up in trip.
Opening mark no giveaway, but could have a couple of pounds ahead if he moves up to 6 furlongs.
Eponina
01/05/23 – 4.03 Beverley:
Grabbed the lead, although closely followed all the time. Keen in the first half of the race. Under severe pressure entering the home straight. Gutsy, still fought back when beaten over 1f out.
Clearly in good form. Ran well last two times as well. If ground stays soft drop to 7f possibly ideal. Chester entry on Wednesday interesting.
Closely enough rated to more recent best speed ratings, but any help from handicapper will see her having something in hand in the right race.
Master Sully
01/05/23 – 3.33 Bath:
First bumped, then squeezed out soon after the start. Stumbled after the first furlong. Got going again but ultimately never stood a chance. Better than this as he caught the eye at Lingfield before as well when turning very wide but finished well enough.
Not much scope but chance off 47, especially on turf, 5f on decent ground. Some strong performances last year, especially when out of the handicap off 51 at Ffos Las.
Ran twice to 48 speed rating, latest in January. Looks like he’s in the same sort of form as his best from 2022, hence should have a few pounds ahead now.
Sir Titan
02/05/23 – 1.50 Brighton:
Bounced out of the gate from wide draw to grab the lead and set strong gallop. Started to tire from 3 furlongs out, though ran solid to the line.
Not disgraced the last two. Veteran who still enjoys the game. Simply not the old force any more and will benefit from further drop in the ratings and down into class 6.
Mount Mogan
03/05/23 – 6.10 Brighton:
Led, although closely tracked. Still ahead at the final furlong marker, but heavily under pressure. Only faded from half a furlong out. Probably solid form, winner possibly still ahead of his mark.
Comes down to good mark. Ran well on the All-Weather (unlucky 03/03) against good opposition. Will benefit from drop to class 6 again and could be dangerous now, over 6-7f.
Possibly a bit better on the sand, but intriguing on turf off 63 if the ground decent, especially over 6 furlongs.
Hardy Angel
03/05/23 – 4.00 Pontefract:
Overcame widest draw quickly to dispute lead all the way while travelling wide, giving ground away. Hit the front just about with 1.5f to go before getting swallowed for good by two ridden with more restraint. Saddle slipped late, too.
Lightly raced. May enjoy better ground. Good run and interesting off current mark over 6f on decent ground, probably does also enjoy galloping track more than tight ones.
Fiscal Policy
03/05/23 – 9.00 Kempton:
Seriously keen throughout the race, but strongly travelling into the home straight. Tremendous visual impression when let go as he moved forward stylishly from 2.5f out to hit the front in an instant. Markedly tired from over 1f out and caught late.
Often keen over 6f. Ran well number of times before. Achieved 62 speed rating here, hence likely to be ahead of mark, and should be if not too harshly treated by the handicapper after this. Has 5f entries next week. Intriguing over the minimum trip.
Shabaaby
04/05/23 – 2.00 Ayr:
Awkward start. In rear, going okay until outpaced from 2f out. Kept going strongly to the line and finished best of all. Ran to strong 61 speed rating, 3lb below current mark.
Fast conditions over the minimum trip not ideal. Notably how well he ran. Clearly ready in right conditions. Prefers cut in the ground and stays 6f.
Ran to 68 speed rating at Dundalk in January. Changed yards. Tricky customer. Worth to wait for the right conditions. Perhaps ran too good to be dropped another pound our two here, though.
Gullane One
04/05/23 – 4.30 Redcar:
Led his group on the far side. Good pace. Ran strongly to the line but beaten by one from off the pace. Strong form through winner and 2nd.
Better over 6f and pretty ground independent, though may not want the extreme end of either side of the going stick. Ran good speed ratings within last twelve month and this a clear return to form.
Big R
04/05/23 – 2.10 Salisbury:
At disadvantage from the #8 gate. Caught wide and without cover early on, before settling at the back of the field. Good progress on outside from halfway stage. Nearly upside leaders over 1f out, before getting tired.
Comeback run and handicap debut. Huge performance against pace and track bias. Showed good early speed last year. May stay 7f on pedigree but 6f possibly ideal.
Was a cheap yearling but looks clearly better than opening 70 mark.
Michaels Choice
04/05/23 – 2.45 Salisbury:
Had the widest draw to overcome. Huge disadvantage. Raced widest without cover. Good progress from over 2f out, just tired late.
Strong run on seasonal reappearance. Ran to 66 speed rating. Clearly as good as ever. Won off 70 multiple times in the past. Ran to 70 speed rating twice last year.
Loves it at Salisbury. Interesting next time out but in an ideal world he finds a way to drop a couple of pounds to become seriously well-handicapped.
With Respect
04/05/23 – 2.45 Salisbury:
Awkward start, travelled strongly against the inside rail at the end of the field. Good progress but full effort delayed until he got out late to finish strongly.
Ran 70 speed rating equal to current mark. Caught the eye on the All-Weather before. Seems to be still improving and capable of winning, especially if not harshly assessed for this run by the handicapper.
Most likely prefers a bit of give in the ground, certainly no fast ground. Can be a bit tricky out of the gate but usually a strong traveller.
Capofan
05/05/23 4.25 Musselburgh:
Raced about 5 lengths off the pace, quite keen, took a grip. Overraced especially around the home bend and huge move from 4f out to go upside with leaders. Fell away in the closing stages.
Still a maiden and not one to trust too much, didn’t run a good speed rating yet. However this is probably solid form and a drop to 6f will be interesting off revised career-lowest mark.
B Associates
05/05/23 4.25 Musselburgh:
Travelled off the pace, outpaced halfway through, before good progress. held up behind leaders from 2f out, looked bit awkward, possibly hung. Ran on strongly.
Caught the eye lto over the minimum trip at Newcastle as well. Clearly in strong form but a difficult sort. A step up to 1m interesting. Maybe one tough to catch given it’s Goldie.
Azano
05/05/23 – 5.20 Newmarket:
Made the most of the standing start. Led, set strong pace, had the field on the stretch from 3 furlongs out and ran home better than most, bar a strong winner. Strong 92 speed rating.
Clearly up to win and confirmed level of form shown last year. If untouched by the handicapper interesting in similar race, especially in a smaller field.
Island Star
05/05/23 – 4.20 Goodwood:
Tracked an honest pace, always going well. Not a clear run from 3f out when horses led across him and hindered him to move out for his effort. Accelerated well once in the clear, especially after he was close to the pace all the time, before getting tired and not given a hard time in the final furlong.
Won well lto. Looks progressive and could still be handicapped to win off 77, after running to 73 speed rating here in not ideal circumstances.
Vecchio
05/05/23 – 4.20 Goodwood:
Tracked the pace early on, pretty keen through the race. Not a clear run in the home straight and had to delay full effort multiple times, also hung. Finished nicely under and easy ride in the final furlong.
Comeback run and gelded during his break. First try over a mile. Should get the trip easily if he can settle better. A drop to 7f shouldn’t be an issue, either. Should be competitive off a revised mark.
Straits Of Moyle
06/05/23 – 2.00 Thirsk:
Right up with the pace, never far off, always racing in prominent position. Was going notably well 2f out, found plenty for pressure and only went down behind two well handicapped horses.
Strong form. Clearly in good nick. Ran career best speed rating on All-Weather earlier this year, although much better on turf.
Ran 74+ speed ratings twice, including a career-best 79 last summer. Handicapped to win off 72 as left untouched by handicapper.
Lokada
06/05/23 – 1.35 Naas:
Prominent on the far side, travelled strongly, possibly going best. Got up late for 2nd place on his side, but no chance with winner on stands’ side, who was probably advantaged by racing on that side.
Up 2lb, more than fair. Ran to 70 speed rating here and 81 on AW last year. This form should be strong, every chance can progress and win next time. If not for racing from a wide draw lto at Dundalk her record could read even better.
Eyecatchers #10
A list of horses that caught my eye during the recent weeks of racing on the All-Weather and turf. Find all previous lists here.
Apache Star
06/03/23 – 5.30 Wolverhampton:
Quickly overcame his wide draw to move forward and grab the lead. Pushed a fast pace, going hard early on, while pestered on the outside. Still ahead approaching the final furlong and only went down late.
Excellent run off a career-lowest mark. Ran twice to higher speed ratings on the All-Weather. Clearly in shape to win again. Only one win from 19 runs is a poor return, though.
Didn’t always have luck with the draw latest. Has speed for minimum trip as well. Big chance wherever he goes next with a good draw and if he can dominate from the front. (huge nto performance 08/04 in hot race)
Watermelon Sugar
07/03/23 – 4.00 Lingfield:
Held up in last, going strongly as the field turned for home. Good progress against inside rail but momentum stopped, didn’t get a run until switched late to finish seriously well nearly hard held.
Held back in last races. Normally, if on a going day, right up with the pace. Seems to have speed for minimum trip but probably best over 6 furlongs.
Interesting on the All-Weather with money and a good draw; otherwise clearly one to monitor for the first weeks back on turf (subsequent run 28/03 ca be excused due to poor start).
Gatwick Kitten
07/03/23 – 5.10 Lingfield:
Tracked the pace going well on the inside where he came challenging from two furlongs out, before having his momentum stopped by shifting rival who closed the gap.
Comeback run, and first start for new yard. Looks in fine form. Did improve in the past for reappearance. Appears to be fairly handicapped on last seasons form.
Any improvement to come out of the yard change will see him have a cracking chance, especially back on turf over 5-6 furlongs. He loves it over the 5.5f at Brighton in particular (something seemed amiss next time out 28/03, also over 7f; somewhat worrying but will give him the chance).
Broughtons Flare
08/03/23 – 4.30 Lingfield:
Seriously keen the first half of race race, travelling wide, without cover. It was impressive to see him still able to finished the fastest over the last tree furlongs from off the pace.
Remains in strong form. Won three times earlier this year. Not desperately well handicapped on speed ratings off current mark, but a drop to 7 furlongs would be really interesting, if not a mile with a good pace to aim at.
Otherwise one to wait for, to drop a couple of pounds (ignore next time 25/03 over 8.5f, not the right trip).
Lion Ring
08/03/23 – 5.35 Kempton:
Moved quickly forward from wide draw, travelled on the outside, pushing the pace. Outpaced from over two furlongs out but gutsy and finished well to the line in hot race. Ran career-best speed rating
Was 2lb out of the weights. Recently claimed from Ireland. Ran well many times over there, but remains a maiden after 29 starts.
He can win if he drops down to class 6 over 6f I firmly believe as he may find these lower races in the UK easier (15/8 favourite nto, touched rail, short of room, odd run, can be excused).
Concierge
08/03/23 – 5.35 Kempton:
Travelled the back of the field. Made really good progress on the inside, showed multiple accelerations from mid-race right onward to finish the fastest from 4f out.
Excellent comeback run. He’s down to a good mark. Can be slowly away but judged on last years turf campaign, especially the first half, he is now handicapped to win soon, especially as he showed here to be in brilliant form. (nto 25/03 to be ignored; wait for return to turf).
Pillar Of Hope
09/03/23 – 6.15 Newcastle:
Alertly away, disputed the lead, until coming under pressure from 2 furlongs out. Kept going well before fading inside the final furlong.
Comeback run. Won twice on his return before. Probably better on turf and over 10 furlongs. Career-best in September at Redcar, when he ran to 86 speed rating. One to keep an eye out for turf in a few weeks time.
Piranheer
09/03/23 – 1.15 Southwell:
Poor start from #1 draw, soon detached in rear and plenty to do. Motored home from three furlongs out to finish the fastest, doing so rather easily under hands and heels.
Looks one who’s prepared for a specific day. One to monitor in the betting; judged on this form he’s certainly able to win off his current mark if the handbrake is off.
Love Destiny
10/03/23 – 8.30 Kempton:
Up with the good pace early on travelling wide, before settling in 2nd/3rd tracking a few lengths off. Going okay turning for home but came under severe pressure and seemingly going backwards from 2f out. Impressive how he fought back to finish 4th.
Looks to hit form. Drop in grade helped as well. Lost another 3lb on his official rating, and clearly down to dangerous mark. Possibly one ready to strike soon over 7f in similar race.
Kitbag
13/03/23 – 6.30 Wolverhampton:
Right up with the early and hot pace from his wide draw; was the only one who kept going in the final furlong, bar the strongly finishing favourite from off the pace.
Not exactly lightly raced. But chance given by handicapper now, and offers scope to move up in trip given his pedigree. Would be especially interesting over 7f (excellent nto 2nd place effort over 6f again, strong form possibly).
Nordic Glory
17/03/23 – 7.30 Wolverhampton:
Travelled in midfield, going okay and possibly poised for challenge turning for home when carrying his head awkwardly. Appeared short of room a number of times too, but kept going well. Finished seriously strongly nto (31/03) when in rear and wide.
Clearly hitting strong form. Will be big runner soon; back over 5 or 6f on turf also interesting. Still winless on grass but ran career best speed rating last summer at Goodwood. Probably best on decent ground.
Motagally
18/03/23 – 8.00 Wolverhampton:
Awkward away from widest draw, bumped by rival; settled in rear but seriously keen. Good progress from the back of the field against the inside rial in the home straight.
Normally 7f too far. Hasn’t shown much for nearly two years, although somewhat unlucky in final run last year. The way he finished here suggests he’s close to hitting some proper form.
Intriguing if he can find a 6f race on turf with decent to fast ground.
My Little Tip
24/03/23 – 6.30 Dundalk:
Went quickly forward from the widest draw to dispute early- then chase the pace. Bit flat footed over 2f out but ran on well for 4th without able to match pace of winner.
Ran well this winter at Dundalk. Down to good mark now, especially on turf over 7f. Ideally decent ground but anything good to soft to good to firm that’s not on the extremer side should be fine.
Apprentice
24/03/23 – 7.30 Dundalk:
Up with the pace early on from the widest draw. Travelling widest throughout, not an economical ride. Tried to apply pressure from 3f out but didn’t have pace to match of speedier rivals. Ran well to the line nonetheless.
Lightly raced, only second Handicap start. Half-sister needed 10 furlongs to win. Looks on the small size. One to monitor for the step up in trip into an easier race. Betting will also determine when she tries.
Macho Pride
24/03/23 – 7.15 Newcastle:
Pushed the past as part of duo until he hit the front briefly 2f out, then tired rapidly, although didn’t fully collapse and showed encouraginging signs as he went hard the first couple of furlongs.
Solid performances in recent months with ever threatening. Rewarded with a lovely mark now, ready for a 6f turf sprint on decent ground.
Well-handicapped in those conditions as he confirmed he’s probably still capable to run to the sort of level he showed last season when he ran three times to speed ratings of 57+.
Beau Jardine
25/03/23 – 4.40 Lingfield:
Made most of #1 draw and went forward to lead, set seriously good pace, going well and only swamped for good entering the final furlong, but continued to ran well to the line without being hammered.
Clear return to form after a long drop in the ratings on the back of poor showings ever since the early days of his career. This should be strong form.
Dropped another 2lb and of serious interest next time with any support in the market, most likely at his best over a mile.
Ventura Express
25/03/23 – 7.30 Wolverhampton:
Smartly away but soon restrained from his wide draw. In rear going well; steered into traffic approaching the home straight; only clear inside the final furlong finishing seriously well.
Clearly in strong form. Ran career best speed rating a few weeks earlier. Minium trip probably his best. Won last summer off 80 on turf. Not dramatically well handicapped off 79 right now but clearly ripe for a big run once the handbreak is off for good again.
Harry The Haggler
27/03/23 – 2.45 Lingfield:
Moved forward from wide draw and tracked the pace. Bit raw in the early parts of the race (possibly received a kick from horse in front just before the first bend). Turned wide and awkward for home and lost ground. Ran on well.
Good form. Still lightly raced as this was his handicap debut. Came back in January after being off the track and gelded since May. Appears to cry out out for a step up in trip, although I feel 7 furlongs on a less sharp track is also worth a try.
Harry’s Hill
25/03/23 – 2.15 Curragh:
Bit awkward away, but then showed then good ealy speed, disputing the lead. Going well for a long time before falling away in the final furlong.
Was up against it on class here as well as next time at Cork when not disgraced either. Both runs warrant upgrading as ground too soft to see him at his best.
Should find it easier in lesser grade and may get more help from handicapper too. Minimum trip on ground not properly soft remains of interest.
Tammany Hall
25/03/23 – 5.37 Curragh:
Travelled well enough in midfield and solid progress from 3f out, before being carried to his left from 2f out. Short of room in a pocket about 1.5f from home. Effort petered out once in the clear.
Dropped 3lb in the meantime. Infrequent winner but probably well-handicapped judged on strong runs in Handicaps last season. 5-6f with cut in the ground the ideal scenario. Should improve for this return.
The Toff
29/03/23 – 1.35 Lingfield:
Tracked the pace, although first couple of furlongs not the most economical, let the leader and eventual winner kick before going after him. Finished strong second and fastest last three furlongs of all.
Still a maiden, though, not without promise in a number of runs prior. Gelded in October and two good runs subsequently, but he didn’t see out a mile.
Dropped to good mark and clearly able to win over 7f furlongs. Uncomplicated sort usually up with the pace. Interesting if he can find a slightly easier race over 7 furlongs.
Ballybaymoonshiner
29/03/23 – 2.10 Lingfield:
Went quickly forward from the widest gate (#13) to grab the lead and set a solid pace. Going well turning for home and still in front approaching the final furlong marker. Only went down inside the last half furlong.
Good performance and rock solid form. Knocked on the door multiple times despite still being a maiden after 15 runs. A mile is too far, 7f right on his limit.
Ran a number of solid speed ratings in the last weeks and months that suggest he’s well capable to win off a 51 mark. Chelmsford entry over 7f on Thursday of real interest if he’s got a good draw.
Nefarious:
29/03/23 – 2.45 Lingfield:
Slowly away, in rear, outpaced from over 3 furlongs out, seemingly back on the bridle entering the home straight with delayed effort from jockey who made sure the horse got the most uneconomical ride possible.
6f is on the sharp side. Wasn’t in it to win it and hasn’t been the last few times. Dropped to sexy mark and of serious interest over 7f again.
Phoenix Star
29/03/23 – 8.30 Kempton:
Held up well off the pace, had loads to d still over two furlongs out then picked his way through the field and fished incredibly strongly.
Dropped another 2lb for this effort. Clearly in strong form, ran well this winter on the AW as well. On a good mark for sand and turf. Ran to better speed ratings multiple time in the last half year. Effective over 5-6f.
Ghost Lights
31/03/23 – 1.50 Lingfield:
Wide draw no help, forced to settle in rear. Going okay before turned wide for challenge, finished strongly against front-runner pace bias in slowly run race. Probably decent form.
Lightly raced, handicap debut. Showed promise in three starts prior. Pedigree points to possible improvement for step up to 7 furlongs.
Mucky Mulconry
31/03/23 – 1.50 Lingfield:
Path forward blocked after the start, forced to settle off the pace. Asked for effort from over 2 furlongs out. Huge finish against the inside rail in slowly run race.
Second run for new yard since moving over from Ireland. Still lightly raced enough and this effort when money was down suggests he’s capable to win off a mark around 50.
Dark Design
31/03/23 – 2.25 Lingfield:
Moved quickly forward from his wide draw to track eventual and very strong winner racing in second place. Didn’t have the pace to match and tired in the final furlong.
Still solid ran, as mostly he ran well in recent weeks and months. Dropped 2lb and interesting anywhere from 6-8f on AW or turf. Won off 55 and 57 last season, ran to 56 speed rating in January.
Sir Benedict
31/03/23 – 6.20 Newcastle:
Awkward start, in rear, behind a wall of horses from 2f out; good progress from 1f out, before stopped again with half a furlong to go.
Tricky sort who finds trouble regularly. Clearly down to good mark and in super form. With a clear run very much ready to strike next time.
Global Tycoon
31/03/23 – 3.15 Southwell:
Moved forward to grab the lead, not uncontested for the most part, though. Keen in the first half of the race. Going okay turning for home, only relinquished lead around the final furlong then tired rapidly.
Return off 274 days off. Not sure he stays a mile, either. Won well at Kempton over 7f last autumn. Still lightly raced. Interesting down to 7f again off his reassessed 56 mark.
Cruise
01/04/23 – 4.25 Kempton:
Raced in last, bit raw and fresh, niggled; attempted to make challenge from 2f out when going best toward the inside, path blocked and short of room until jockey takes big pull at the final furlong marker to get space on the outside. Finished easily the best under hands and heels.
Fair to assume she would have won with a clear run, perhaps even if she would have been ridden more vigorously in the final furlong in any case. Depth of form questionable, though.
Changed yards during winter for £27,000. First start since August. Should improve. Opening mark possibly lenient on this evidence. May be to short a price next time (entry 11/04).
Greatgadian
01/04/23 – 3.35 Doncaster:
The wide draw was far from an advantage, he travelled in rear and had to come around the widest outside on the far side to make a challenge from over two furlongs out. Flat footed from 1f out but kept going well to the line.
In solid form all winter. Definitely prefers better ground than the deep going in the Lincoln. Stays 10 furlongs and now down to a mark of 98 interesting on better ground.
Glory Fighter
02/04/23 – 5.40 Doncaster:
Went forward, but not before the jockey lost his irons early; quickly recovered, led but closely followed. Under pressure from 2f out and gradually weakened, though, ran well to the line for 3rd place.
Good reappearance. Down to fair mark. Caught the eye a few times last year without winning. Pretty ground independent, bar proper fast ground. Although, best performances came on good to soft to genuine good ground, over the minimum trip.
Toussarok
03/04/23 – 7.30 Newcastle:
Led, setting a steady pace, travelling full of enthusiasm. Challenged from two furlongs and no chance with the winner, but impressive how he kept answering the calls, stuck his neck out and found for pressure.
Clearly in good nick. On good mark. Won off 79 last year on turf. Ideally drops down to 6f on decent ground. Otherwise happy to wait, as if he drops a few pounds he’ll be seriously well handicapped.
Cavalier Approach
04/04/23 – 8.00 Southwell:
Bit awkward away from the gate. Travelled well against inside rail before short of room over 2 furlongs out, lost ground and momentum but jockey also didn’t seem particularly bothered. Finished nicely under light hands and heels.
Clearly never been in it to win it and never has been in five career runs. Worth to monitor the market the next few times. Seems to be in good shape.
Comes down to solid mark now, ran 55 speed rating last autumn which looks legit given the depth of that form. Minimum trip should be fine for now. May have some scope to move up in trip, too.
Revoquable
04/04/23 – 3.45 Thirsk:
Wide draw forced him to settle well off the pace. Trailed as the field turned for home, delayed challenge before getting into the clear about two furlongs from home. Ran on well but couldn’t get back to winner. Finished best of all.
Down to good mark now, after largely uneventful All-Weather season since a strong 1m win at Southwell in October.
Ran to 59 speed rating that day, hence fair to assume off 54 (if left untouched by handicapper) he’s got to be an interesting runner on possibly better ground over 7-8f.
Makalu
04/04/023 – 4.15 Thirsk:
Unusual good start but wide draw forced him to settle in rear. Trailed when turning for home but made excellent progress from 3f out before not quite the clearest of runs from two furlongs from home. Finished best.
Excellent reappearance and return to form after a bunch of poor performances last season. Clearly capable off 55, having ran to better speed ratings in the past.
One who wasn’t the sharpest out of the gate and needs a bit of luck due to his racing style. Ideally better ground, 6-7 furlongs fine.
Captain Corcoran
04/04/23 – 5.45 Thirsk:
Awkward start, held up in rear, travelled well, good progress from three furlongs out but not clear run entering the final furlong. Finished nicely nonetheless under pretty easy ride.
Clearly ridden with intend not to show all of his cards here. Usually up with the pace. Nice reappearance after light All-Weather campaign in any case. On a good turf mark and ready to rock any time soon.
Coast
05/04/23 – 2.25 Wolverhampton:
Moved quickly forward and set fast pace. Had the field on the stretch and still ahead approaching final furlong before fading badly.
Doesn’t stay 7f. Strong run, backed up recent massive runner-up performance. Down to six furlongs will become interesting. Although has a couple of 7f entries. Hopefully she can get find a way to drop below 54 to become seriously intriguing.
Totnes
05/04/23 – 3.00 Wolverhampton:
Travelled very strongly in rear of the field, good progress from 3f out. going much the best. Challenge petered out from over 1f out as she hang badly to the left.
Can be excused. Perhaps something wasn’t right. She was ultra-impressive weeks earlier over the same C&D, winning in the manner of a talented filly on only her second career run.
She should be better than than the 71 opening mark. Pedigree points to stamina for more improvement to come beyond 7 furlongs.
Albert Cee
05/04/23 – 4.30 Kempton:
Off to a quick start, right up with the hot pace, travelled strongly and kicked on over 2f out. Beaten by better horse on the day but impressive as he fought back gamely late.
Could improve for this outing, first one for a new yard and as a 3-year-old. Uncomplicated sort, and if not too harshly reassessed by the handicapper, of real interest in similar race with a little bit less pace to compete.
Intervention
06/04/23 – 6.30 Southwell:
Hard to control as overly keen early on, led go after first two furlongs. Established comfortable lead but did way too much and faded badly in the home straight. 1m is too far, in any case.
Highly frustrating sort due to incredible consistently. Ran numerous times really well over the winter (inlcuding lto catching the eye). But in the grip of the handicapper. Ran two career best speed ratings this winter as well.
Perhaps it was a final bow by connections that he need help from the handicapper to allow him to run a race without intent to do well. One to monitor, if he can find a way to fall to 75 he’d be intriguing over 6f on the AW. Would like to see more assistance before being interested on turf.
Creme De Cacao
06/04/23 – 7.30 Southwell:
Keenly moved forward and led, set good pace, although closely followed and put under pressure around the bend. Kicked on while travelling on the bridle approaching the home straight. Tired from 2f out but nice attitude as she fought back gamely all the way to the line.
If she can settle a bit better, which isn’t impossible, given this was the handicap debut for this lightly raced filly (April foal), she offers upside off her opening mark. Not impossible that she can drop to 6 furlongs also.
Compare
06/04/23 – 2.10 Chelmsford:
Awkward start, heavily bumped a rival, led early on before settling in third. Kicked on nicely against inside rail approaching the home straight; hit the front 1f out, strong run to the line but no chance with winner from off the pace eventually.
Possibly strong form. Winner won back-to-back with this; third won last time out. Others looked solid in this field. He was a 50/1 shot, clearly outran his price.
Still lightly raced enough. Offers upside over a mile ran at a decent pace. May stretch out to 10 furlongs; either way deserves another chance.
Mr Escobar
07/04/23 – 2.05 Lingfield:
Travelled very smoothly tracking the pace. Confident ride, jockey took multiple pulls as they turned the home bend, seemingly going much the best. Didn’t get the gap in the home straight and minded in the closing stages.
Short-priced favourite, Ryan Moore spoke in glowing words beforehand; an obvious one, perhaps too short next time. Lightly raced, improved nicely at Dundalk in maiden company. Clearly ahead of his mark over these sort of trips.
Captain Dandy
07/04/23 – 1.40 Bath:
Had no chance from the widest draw but did exceptionally well against the bias finishing best of those drawn in the high numbers.
Confirmed huge impression from lto win at Wolverhampton when he finished seriously well after missing the break and giving the field a headstart.
Tricky sort who can miss the break, did much better here at Bath and perhaps the penny has dropped, somewhat. One to keep an eye on for headgear and/or for being gelded.
Madam Fenella
07/04/23 – 2.15 Bath:
Awkward start, wore hood to post; she’s tricky as the past tells. Travelled well and did seriously well to finish as close as she did from her wide draw.
Had limited opportunities on turf in handicap company. Ascot run from last September noteworthy. Probably not much scope in terms of moving up in trip beyond 6 furlongs.
Intriguing once she drops down to class 6 on turf. She seems to handle soft ground but has shown to stay 6 furlongs as well, possibly interesting on better ground.
Gioia Cieca
08/04/23 – 2.25 Musselburgh:
Not quite the sharpest of starts early on; soon tracked the pace and was going okay with bit of progress on inside before heavily under pressure from 2f out. Stuck with it and ran well to the line, no match for winner, though.
Good to see him finish well after break and first time since a wind OP. Can be upgraded as softish ground far from ideal. Hasn’t ran overly impressive speed ratings yet but deserves a chance over 7f on decent to fast ground.
Possibly well-handicapped in those conditions judged on last season. Not one to give to many chances but worth to wait for his conditions, in any case.
Rock Melody
08/04/23 – 4.45 Musselburgh:
In rear racing against the inside rail with plenty to do over 1f out. Rapid progress but squeezed and short of room in the closing stages; finished really well.
Lovely return from a break and for a new yard. Trip on the sharp side. Better over 6 and 7 furlongs. On a workable mark, has ran to similar speed ratings already.
Mustaffiz
08/04/23 – 8.00 Wolverhampton:
Missed break, keen afterwards. Uneventful run. Caught the eye a number of times when he ran well in last weeks and entered on Eyecatchers #7.
Really liked his lto Kempton run as well. However, after he tried a number of times now it’s clear now he’s in the grip of the handicapper and needs some help, hence no surprise to see him having missed the break here.
Monitor as he falls below 60 (ideally 58 and lower) for return to front-running tactics over stiff 5f or 6f.
Three Beauz
09/04/23 – 2.05 Southwell:
Bit awkward away, bumped by rival, possibly lit up as a consequence. Travelled keenly, approached 2f powerfully, though. Behind wall of horses, had to switch very wide, made good ground all the time. Couldn’t quite sustain effort.
Off a break, still lightly raced and offers plenty of upside. Looks capable to win off current mark if he can progress from this run. Number of good performances as a juvenile, also on turf. Decent ground and minimum trip would be intriguing.
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