Le Bois de Boulogne. Paris in the autumn. Golden leaves on sidewalks…
A predominantly dry forecast. After today. As ever, anxious glances at Weather Apps that only really tell half of the tale. Some praying for rain, others seeking clear blue skies..
Set fair for the British invasion of pumped up punters. Across Longchamps Racecourse this weekend, there will be a lot more “Hello Mate” than “Bonjour Monsieur”…
Restaurant bookings made a year ago. Tables secured. Menus and wine lists perused from afar…
The track will be empty on Saturday save for the diehard. Several keeping their powder dry. Husbands and boyfriends and lovers regretting that they did not go racing as they are flicked to and fro between Chanel and Gucci…
Sunday, and the place will be rammed. Badges for various “Tribunes Reserve” at a premium, and providing oases away from the madding crowds. Pay at the door and it will cost you a fraction of what you will have to pay if you decide to go racing today at Musselburgh, Catterick or Kempton…
French racecourses don’t often do crowds. And so trying to secure “deux grandes bières et trois bouteilles de vin rouge” can be challenging. As can placing a dual forecast at the PMU on “numéros trois et cinq s’il vous plaît….”
As well as being “balmy”, a little bit of the “barmy” has crept in…
The draw for the big race will take place tomorrow morning. Under the auspices of an independent regulator – I wonder who that is ?? Not a bookmaker’s rep I hope, because the draw is not going to be announced until many of the great, the good and the downright naughty are assembled for a party demain soir…
In Europe’s greatest race (a personal opinion), the draw is of paramount importance. It will be fascinating to see whether there are any market moves once the machine has done its random work behind closed doors in the morning. And ahead of the official “reveal” in the evening….
French whispers that might be Chinese whispers. Or not….??
FIZZY BEAR ran well and hard at Bath yesterday. Done by the draw…
Our old mate KITARO KICH (Benoit up) to his happy hunting ground later. Kempton. Competitive stuff and a less than ideal draw. We always tend to notice the bad draws more than the good. Rolling the eyes when we are 12 of 12, and gently moving on when we are allotted plum slots…
In other racing news, Constitution Hill is headed to Milan for his next outing. How many column inches will that trip fill I wonder ??
Montjeu. 1999. One of the best…
