Agree about the Oaks LD73. First 2 look top class to me, on any ground. Indeed, none of yesterday’s results scream out “soft ground specialists” to me (though obviously all the winners can handle it). The Coronation Cup was 4.48s slow. Is the fact that the Derby was nearly 4 secs slower because the Ballydoyle contingent set such a furious pace in the Coronation, or that the ground deteriorated by 4pm, or are the Derby horses not as good?
I’m also pleased for Camelot mickeyjp. he never seems to get the credit or opportunities that he deserves. I fear that today only reinforces the view that he is an influence for stayers (&/or jumpers) that are at their best slogging through the mud though. At least “The Lads” seem to be talking him up a bit for once today.
The whole BC farce is an embarrassment (again). There was a live camera on this horse which showed him being in a potentially life-threatening position but the starter couldn’t see it. The whole starting stalls set-up is outdated. I’m sure it’s not beyond the wit of man (or woman) to come up with a system where the starter can view the situation from above, rather than standing on a ladder trying to hear jockeys shouting into the wind, to judge whether it’s safe to start the race.