Black skies. Swirling behind Epsom’s “Cruise Ship” Grandstand. Dark and threatening but skirting by right now. A razor sharp rainbow spearing the middle distance….
Epsom race today. The first time this year. Dress rehearsal. For a big day in just over a month’s time…
The Betfred Blue Riband Trial Stakes. Ballydoyle sending over New Zealand. 8/13 this afternoon – 50/1 for the Derby. The Gosden’s Saxon Street the 11/4 second in this afternoon but 66/1 for the big one…
I have always struggled to understand why today’s trial does not attract more of the legitimate candidates for Derby glory. It would seem to make all the sense in the world to spin your potential Derby horse around the hills and the bends and the corners and the cambers. “Practice makes perfect…”
But year after year, we witness a “trial” that has barely any relevance to the first Saturday in June. All rather confusing ?! Maybe, New Zealand or Saxon Street or another will bolt up later, and be launched to the higher echelons of the Antepost market. Or maybe not….
A runner for us in the first. FIZZY BEAR (Hollie Doyle up). Up against Runman, the regally bred son of Frankel with a family tree that exudes class. Not all regal family trees exude class (?!) – but this fellow looked pretty good on debut, and 2/11 in early betting tells the tale…
FIZZY will learn plenty more on the unique nature of this cool racecourse, and it might well all seem a little calmer than the 26 runner Newbury maiden he played in last time…
The Punchestown Festival kicking off later. Willie’s Army out in force. Some compelling racing – but “after the Lord Mayor’s Show” and a long season might catch some out…
Another cool Guineas…
1988. Doyoun. He paid for a decent night or three…
