If you thought this week that Time had taken leave of his/her/its senses, then you are not alone. Most of this week seems to have had every minute of each hour filled with angst at This tribal issue, and ennui at That. Do I really care if Sid and Bob sling a statue into the Bristol Dock… not much, truth be known, but I do feel affronted by the fact that somehow it is my fault – and that because I am affronted, I am somehow uncaring.
In much the same way as I truly don’t care about the gender grammar of Time or Harry Potters’s views on life, I have no reason to be upset by anyone’s sexuality or more importantly, other people’s views on other people’s sexuality. Do whatever the hell you want, but do not tell me I am flawed for not actively supporting you.
For clarification, Ms Griselda Woke, my moral starting point has always been that if you’re a chum or a fellow traveller on life’s stony path and I can help, then I will, and indeed I am obliged so to do. Stand at the side of the path and hurl insults, bricks and spit at my passing and I shall be irritated, but it won’t really matter.
But don’t hinder my path because, as Jules said in Pulp Fiction. “The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and goodwill shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know My name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee.“
Jules is Righteous and Cool.
During the passing of Time, GoDaddy has been trying to fix the mailing situation. They have failed to date, but I’ll try and let as many of you know when we put the tips up – but please bear with us. To compensate, I have arranged today for ITV to start the racing at 4:00ish, as it is simply more convenient for me…. believe that and you’ll be backing the following tips blind! Stay Cool…..
4:40 CURRAGH Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Maiden (Plus 10 Race) (3yo) 1m2f 17 runners
LOUGH CUTRA is a non-runner, but in any event, I had already shoved in the book, DAWN RISING who in his first race back in October 2019, “missed the break” according to the race reader. That is the single greatest understatement in the history of racing. He walked out in his dressing-gown, had a cup of tea, ate some oats and then strolled after the field. He was beaten under 7 lengths, which is accurate but a poor description of his finish. I shall be deeply unsurprised if he turns in a much better performance. He’s 8s now, but he’ll be the subject of e/w money so get on quick. Oh yes – he’s also the brother of last year’s Irish Derby winner. GALILEO CHROME and SERPENTINE have both been backed by big money.
DAWN RISING e/w
4:55 NEWBURY It’s Not Rocket Science With MansionBet Handicap Cl3 (3yo 0-90) 1m 12 runners
COUNT OF AMAZONIA e/w
5:10 CURRAGH Equine MediRecord Handicap (3yo+) 6f 14 runners
NORDIC PASSAGE hosed in at Naas on Monday and despite being only his second run, this ex-Gosden charge has been given a 12lb anchor to try and level the field. I’m not sure it will be enough, and he could turn out to be the 100+ rating that he was originally thought capable of.
NORDIC PASSAGE win
5:25 NEWBURY MansionBet’s Royal Ascot Special Handicap Cl2 (4yo+ 0-100) 7f 5 runners
BLUE MIST win
5:40 CURRAGH Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Handicap (3yo) 7f 17 runners
UNITED FRONT Win
5:55 NEWBURY Watch And Bet With MansionBet At Newbury Handicap Cl2 (4yo+ 0-100) 1m4f 10 runners
AWAY HE GOES confirmed his Newbury form LTO and shaped as though there was still more to come. He responded well to pressure and looked as though he was thoroughly enjoying himself. In time he’ll get 14f.
AWAY HE GOES Win
6:10 CURRAGH Coolmore Ten Sovereigns Gallinule Stakes (Group 3) (3yo) 1m2f 6 runners
It’s hard to see past the top-rated MYTHICAL. I am concerned about the fast ground – but sheer ability might seem through. CROSSFIREHURRICANE will rattle the cage.
MYTHICAL win
6:25 NEWBURY MansionBet’s Beaten By A Head Handicap Cl3 (4yo+ 0-95) 1m2f 9 runners
MOLL DAVIS wins
6:40 CURRAGH Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) (3yo) 1m 11 runners
The Racing Post says it all when it simply declares: “….the Irish 2,000 Guineas is Siskin’s to lose, no matter what way you look at it. If he stays, he wins. Or is that being too presumptuous?” Not it isn’t. By every measurement, Siskin should not lose this. If I was going to pick one for a forecast it would be ROYAL LYTHAM, whose saddle slipped LTO and which would have unbalanced him. He is great value at anything around 10s.