I was going to tell you some fascinating gossip I heard yesterday about two trainers in York who were apparently entertaining Ms. X, the daughter of another trainer with the modern equivalent of some Sherbert dip. Papa was deeply unamused when he walked in on the home science experiment and pistols at dawn were discussed. Meanwhile one of the entertaining young trainers then managed to displease Ms X, by being caught in flagrante with another leading horsewoman. Sadly I can’t reveal anything, because one of the trainers’ relations is legally trained and is keen on the use of injunctions. The fact that I was out carousing on a Friday night, may seem strange to you, given my strict views and support for The Temperance Society. The trouble was as previously mentioned, I had a 09:30 dentist in Coventry, (fine thanks for asking), and then worked ceaselessly upon my return, watching Hollie getting Trueshan home in a truly remarkable ride, and filling the gaps in between with polishing my CV. As a result, I got a bad dose of Lambourn Lag, which is a bit like Altitude Sickness combined with Jet Lag whilst chewing Temazapan, where you are so spaced you can’t tell the difference between Wembley and Wednesday.
I was only doing the CV, because a number of people had contacted me throughout the day. suggesting that I apply for the post of CEO to The Wales. I did have a quick shufti at the brief which required the following from me:
- Builds relationships quickly and authentically with the ability to persuade, convene, facilitate, and build consensus – Nothing more authentic than a Kneesup hug – but always discreet.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, adept at communicating strategy simply and effectively This small website with both its loyal readers and the wok chef at the local Chinese takeaway should tell you how effective the Kneesup comms strategy is
- An inspiring internal champion, who will energise others with positivity, enthusiasm, and ambition You provide the carrots, I’ll provide the sticks – but I’m always wary of the lean and hungry look of the ambitious
- Emotionally intelligent, with “low ego”, and strong self-awareness and understanding of their impact on others You won’t find a lower ego this side of Trump Towers even if I do say so myself and my impact on others is really only noticeable if I fall on you.
- Progressive and innovative in their approach; demonstrates exemplary judgement in order to bring well-thought-through ideas, insights and challenges to TRHs I’m the man for brilliant ideas – Channel 5’s International Royal 5-a-side for example. All the Royal Households of Europe and supplemented by some of the “disappeared” like the Pahlavis or Makkonens of Ethiopia. Score 10 for adding diversity and inclusivity!
Job’s a good’un I reckon. Talking of things that are so unlikely to happen, that you could safely put money on a negative outcome…
Two 5-runner Group 2s and only 5 runners in a 0-105 10f handicap. Could it be 48 hr decs? Could it be programming? Could it be ?????
1:50 DONCASTER Betfred Champagne Stks (G2) (Colts & Geldings) Cl1 (2yo) 7f ITV 5 run
Richard Hannon has won 3 of the last 9 renewals and his easy Ascot Listed winner ROSALLION is the odds-on favourite. I even read the suggestion that he is the best British-trained juvenile we’ve seen this season. However, I found a stat that said 16/22 winners were February or March foals, which makes the 7/2 on offer for Charlie Hills’ IBERIAN look sensible.
IBERIAN 3 pts Win
2:05 CHESTER tote Stand Cup Stks (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m4½f ITV 7 run
AL QAREEM 2 pts e/w
2:25 DONCASTER Betfred Portland Cl2 (3yo+) 5½f ITV 22 run (6p gen 7p with Sky)
KIMNGRACE had bad luck in running LTO at York but finished strongly. His pilot gets on well with the horse (5R 2W 1P) and with only 8st 7lb has a real chance! SIGNIFICANTLY has further improved with the application of cheek-pieces and seems to be enjoying the yard-switch. He’s still on a winnable mark and has the benefit of pace around him. The trends suggest GET IT and TEES SPIRIT but my eye was taken by DREAM COMPOSER’s run at Ascot LTO in the Shergar Cup dash. He finished 3rd of 10 from a bad draw (needed to be low) and had been gambled on heavily beforehand. On the back foot after meeting trouble at the start, he was off the bridle some way out and made his effort tight against the stands’ rail, well away from the other principals. Under the circumstances, this was a fine performance. LIVE IN THE MOMENT who was 4th of 11 in the Stewards Sprint Hcap, then ran like a dog in the St Wilfred, won LTO at Goodwood and has race conditions to suit today. There may be a race left in him off this mark.
DREAM COMPOSER 3 pts e/w – LIVE IN THE MOMENT 2 pts e/w – KIMNGRACE 2½ pts e/w
240 CHESTER Camden Hells Hcap Cl3 (4yo+ 0-90) 1m2½f ITV 10 run
BARYSHNIKOV 5 pts Win
3:00 DONCASTER Betfred Park Stks (G2) Cl1 (3yo+) 7f ITV 5 run
SANDRINE and AUDIENCE took the podiums behind Kinross in the City of York Stakes and renew rivalry here. The record for Females in this race is not good and that suggests AUDIENCE. However I do have a soft spot for BIGGLES but can’t really come up with a good reason to back him! So for the craic alone:
AUDIENCE – BIGGLES ½pt RFC
3:35 DONCASTER Betfred St Leger Stks (G1) (No Geldings) Cl1 (3yo) 1m6½f ITV 9 run
Trying to get a handle on the likely tactics is tricky – because it will be a tactical race. CHESSPIECE and ARREST are the two most likely to be upfront from the gates opening – unless AoB has also put in a front runner. He has an outstanding track record in this final Classic of the season having 57R – 6W – 9P and judging by the profile of his previous winners CONTINUOUS and TOWER OF LONDON have the closest fit. The Gosdens aren’t far behind in decent Leger records with 14R – 4W – 4P and ARREST and GREGORY both meet their previous runners’ profiles. TOWER OF LONDON was backed heavily at the July Meeting but didn’t really have the clearest of runs and just failed to grab Charlie Appleby’s subsequent Great Volitegeur runner-up Castle Way. He’s progressed with each of his four starts this season and he shaped like a proper stayer in the Bahrain Trophy.
TOWER OF LONDON 4 pts Win
4:10 DONCASTER PJ Towey Construction Hcap Cl2 (4yo+ 0-105) 1m2f SKY 5 run
SIMPLY SONDHEIM 3 pts Win
4:45 DONCASTER British EBF 40th Anniversary Maiden Stks Cl2 (2yo) 1m SKY 10 run
You know me for a German connection and VIMEIRO who cost 650,000 gns as a Sea The Stars yearling is out of a German mare who was a G2 winner and was placed in a G1. With that sort of decisive non-wooly thinking, I’m surprised Kate ad Will haven’t already called!
VIMEIRO 2 pts e/w
5:20 DONCASTER Hippo Pro 3 Sealant Hcap Cl2 (3yo+) 1m SKY 15 run
Ralph Becket has some interesting Donny St Leger stats that suggest his geldings and fillies over 7f+ have a 52% strike rate Win and Place. Thaqt would bring SONNY LISTON (runner-up in the Royal Hunt Cup) into thew reckoning when 4th of 19 in the mile Ebor Festival handicap. He will however need to pick up from the back because I can’t see any pace here. LIBERTY LANE has had some rotten draws and must surely come good sometime. BRUNCH wouldn’t be a surprise.
LIBERTY LANE 4 pts Win – BRUNCH 2 pts e/w – 6 x ½ pt CFC with SONNY LISTON