2019 TRF Flat Ten To Follow Competition

No flat Group races today, but tomorrow is our first Group 1 of the competition – in France’s Ganay 4:25 Longchamp. One of the most popular horses runs, no less than 11 TRFers with Gaiyyath; Baynet, Botchy1, Coops72, Gingertipster, Jackh1092, Jonibake, Kilmurry, MTOTO88, Nathan Hughes, Triptych and Silent Assassins; it being Triptych’s nap (paying double Group points). Will be able to judge Ghaiyyath’s Arc hopes if Waldgeist runs to form. He was 4th, beaten less than two lengths by Enable at Longchamp. The 5th there – Capri – goes in Navan’s 4.15 Group 3 Vintage Crop for Jackh1092 and Silent Assassins… 2017 St Leger winner possibly on his way to a campaign over staying distances in 2019.

No points scored today. Nobody has Waldgeist (yet). Gaiyyath 3rd in a Group 1 usually means points, but only 5 ran so only first two score in the Ganay. Why did I come up with that rule! Capri also a disappointing 4th in the Vintage Crop. Sunday’s entry – Greenasgrass’s Southern France showed some promise in 3rd, along with Pink Dogwood who won the Navan Oaks trial (only listed – no points).

It was a bit strange, can’t really see an excuse for Gaiyyath. Waldgeist was top rated in Timeform and (surprisingly I thought) showed effectiveness in a truly run 10f. But Gaiyyath had his ground, distance and seemed an easy(ish) lead. Be interesting to see how fast they did go, but if pace was even then I can’t see any race excuses. Nonsense spouted afterwards about needing a different trip. They don’t change that much within a month… but maybe the race came too soon after reappearance? Seemed in trouble some way out. Hopefully all is ok Jac; as you suggest – lightly raced and a big long backed horse – got to think not easy keeping him sound.

It was evident Ryan wanted to race more prominently on Capri (as he usually is) but a little slowly away on reappearance. Moore tried pushing him to get a more prominent position but didn’t work. Possible being held up (and at times surrounded) didn’t suit the horse. Also seemed a bit awkward in the closing stages when hanging in behind – which I don’t remember him doing previously. Of the two stable companions it was Southern France who shortened up in the market, so could be Capri needed the race.

Nice to see Pants, Greenasgrass and FinalFurlong’s lists. Look forward to seeing MarkTT’s.

Thought I’d be the first to sub; although last year Roaring Lion would’ve been substituted out of my 10, and he’d have gone on to be the biggest scorer.

This week’s Group Races (not absolutely sure about the French races):

Wednesday 1st May Prix Penelope Saint-Cloud 1m2f Group 3 3yo fillies 160
Cartiem 21/20 181
Wednesday 1st May Prix Du Muguet Saint-Cloud 1m Group 2 4yo+ 400, 200
1st Plumatic 28/1 680, 2nd Olmedo 23/5 218
Wednesday 1st May Sagaro Sakes Ascot 2m Group 3 4yo+ 200
Dee Ex Bee 11/8 214
Wednesday 1st May Commonwealth Cup Trial Ascot 6f Group 3 3yo 200
Calyx 1/3 203
Saturday 4th May Palace House Stakes Newmarket Rowley 5f Group 3 3yo+ 200
.
Saturday 4th May Jockey Club Stakes Newmarket Rowley 1m4f Group 2 4yo+ 400, 200
.
Saturday 4th May 2000 Guineas Newmarket Rowley 1m Group 1 3yo colts & fillies 1000, 400, 200
.
Sunday 5th May Dahlia Stakes Newmarket Rowley 1m1f Group 2 4yo+ fillies & mares 320, 160
.
Sunday 5th May 1000 Guineas Newmarket Rowley 1m Group 1 3yo fillies 800, 320, 160
.
Sunday 5th May Prix Hedouville Longchamp 1m3f Group 3 4yo+ 200

Less than 24 hours to get your entry in.
Entries close when gates open for the 2000 Guineas.