It wasn’t a bad weekend for results, which started to bring us back towards the sunny uplands, and away from the Slough of Despond. We had four winners on Saturday at 7/1, 15/2, 9/4 and 5/4. We had Max Verstappen win at Miami; entirely and as predicted because of Red Bull’s power rather than Ferrari’s agility, although Bottas 7th was a blow and entirely down to the Safety car. We also gave you the winner of Badminton – but we still couldn’t find anyone to take a bet. I think this is one for Balthazar at Fitzdares. Could someone have a word with him please in time for next year?
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Over drinks with a trainer, I hear of a heightened level of angst between Derby sponsors Cazoo and the Jockey Club, although the latter has apparently got the blinkers on, and failed to notice the warning signs. Given that Cazoo founder and Zoopla creator, Alex Chesterman has forgotten more about brand development and marketing communications than many of those around the JC board table, I suggest somebody very senior gets the metaphorical oily rag out and starts enquiries as to what the trouble is.
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Once again we had our eyes focused on the talent of apprentices this weekend and I am kicking myself over Vafortino, who I swerved for reasons still unclear to me. His 7lb claimer Benoit de la Sayette bought him home like a good ‘un and The Racing Post covered his success in depth. They also added Harry Davies, Ryan Sexton, Oisin McSweeney, and Jake Coen to their list of claimers whose names you might want to remember over the next couple of months.
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I am really hoping that a Shk. Momo, or even Mssrs Magnier, Smith and Co, might give HM a free lease on one of their Derby hopefuls while retaining all racing and breeding rights in 2023. What a super Diamond Jubilee present that would be, after her devastating news this week. Come on Boys, none of you are getting knighted anyway, so you might as well be seen as a good egg for the rest of your lives.
Day 1 of The Dante meeting is below.
I suspect the rain will come on Day 1 and we might even get a change of going around 2:30 pm.
1:50 YORK Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Hcap Cl2 (4yo+) 1m4f 11 run
William Haggas GAASSEE has obvious merits and is priced accordingly. Several commentators have described him as a Group horse masquerading as a handicapper. He’s also top on Timeform ratings. Having mentioned the claimers already, Harry Davies is on the topweight GLOBAL STORM who last ran in Meydan in a G2, coming 2½l third to Hukum, and his 7lb claim will certainly make a difference – sadly I fear not enough to put him much above fourth place. Also on my radar is JUST FINE for Stouty, who ran well on ground that was softer than ideal. If the rain hasn’t got in by 1:50, he’s in with a chance.
JUST FINE 2 pts e/w
2:05 NEWTON ABBOT Racing Welfare Hcap Hdle Cl3 (4yo+ 0-135) 2m2½f 6 run
GET BACK GET BACK was a wet blanket LTO in a 3 runner race at Exeter. It was a silly tactical race and this is theoretically doable. The others all have the look of wishing to be in a field with the sun on their back. CHAPMANSHYPE is nearing a mark when he might be of interest and Jamie Snowden can tuck one away. He is being backed.
GET BACK GET BACK 2 pts win
2:25 YORK Churchill Tyres Hcap Cl2 (4yo+ 0-105) 6f 22 run
PUNCHBOWL FLYER William Buick – decent draw. MR WAGYU will be up with the pace and meets trends DAKOTA GOLD pace and mid-div draw. Wouldn’t put anyone off ASADJUMEIRAH – if he can get a clear passage when he comes late ½f from home.
DAKOTA GOLD 2 pts e/w– Dutch the three PUNCHBOWL FLYER (1pt) – MR WAGYU (2.83pts) – ASADJUMEIRAH (1.17 pts) for 5pts Win (Returns Profit 28.96 pts Odds 23/4)
3:00 YORK 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (G2) Cl1 (3yo+) 6f 10 run
DRAGON SYMBOL 2 pts Win
3:35 YORK Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (G3) (Fillies) Cl1 (3yo) 1m2½f 5 run
EMILY UPJOHN probably wins – but I am afraid of LIFE OF DREAMS
No Bet
4:10 YORK Paddy Power ‘Here For The Craic’ Hcap Cl3 (3yo 0-95) 7f 11 run
MOJOMAKER 3pts e/w with Skybet for 4 places – SYSTEM 1½ pts e/w