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This looks a very hot GR1 fillies race with Nahoodh, Natagora, Darjina and Sabana Perdida in the field. Other British runners are Barshiba and Raymi Coya. I hope Nahoodh can give a good account.
This is a very hot race. I think Natagora will prevail. Her runs in both the Guineas and the Prix de Jockey Club were both top class.
Very interesting that Aidan O’Brien chose the Nassau for Halfway to Heaven despite the stamina doubt and the formidable presence of Lush Lashes. Obviously he reckoned that Natagora/Darjina/Sabana Perdida/Nahoodh (I think in that order) were a more daunting prospect over the 8f distance than anything the Nassau could put in her path.
Hi folks
Does anyone know if Deauville is a straight mile or on the turn ?
Isn’t it ridiculous having 2 group ones for fillies and mares over 8/10 furlongs on consecutive days ?
Lush Lashes, Halfway to Heaven, Majestic Roi, Muthabarra, Heaven Sent, Darjina, Natagora, Nahoodh, Goldikova…….they could all run over either 8 or 10 furlongs………this just gives an opportunity for the top fillies to avoid each other and have two easier chances of a group one win
I can see that the breeders, trainers and bookies want this…….but is it good for the sport ?
I thought the whole purpose of the ‘pattern’ was to funnel the best horses up through the grades so they end up running against each other
Grrrrrrr…………………
It’s a straight mile. Goldikova is missing from the potential winner’s list
The D’Astarte is no easy race on Sunday. It is exceptional for it’s breadth in quality this year, one of the strongest renewals of this race ever. Lush Lashes who will probably win the Nassau convincingly would have to put up her best performance to date to even place in the D’Astarte if using RPR’s as a guide. As for O’Brien it is obvious he is going for the 26 grp.1 wins mark but it has been very tough sledding for him in France this year. It took his best horse to win his only grp. 1 there and there wont be a lot more contribution from that side of the channel in his quest. He knows that Halfway to Heaven would have no more than a snowball’s chance in hell of winning on Sunday, so he has correctly chosen the easier option on Saturday.
Rather dismissive of the Coolmore team I thought Brendan. When seeking group one wins smart people go for the best chance.And John Magnier is nothing if not smart.But aside from that Halfway to Heaven was only about 3 lengths behind the winner in the French Guineas when totally unfancied(23/1).
Next race ridden by Heffo and as second choice she won the Irish Guineas. Knowing how Coolmore horses improve as they race I would not be so eager to dismiss her if racing in France and fancy her to win tomorrow at Goodwood.Rather dismissive of the Coolmore team I thought Brendan. When seeking group one wins smart people go for the best chance.And John Magnier is nothing if not smart.But aside from that Halfway to Heaven was only about 3 lengths behind the winner in the French Guineas when totally unfancied(23/1).
Next race ridden by Heffo and as second choice she won the Irish Guineas. Knowing how Coolmore horses improve as they race I would not be so eager to dismiss her if racing in France and fancy her to win tomorrow at Goodwood.Hmm. Is Ballydoyle becoming something of a cult where followers pounce on anything that could be remotely construed as negative? This thread is about the race on Sunday. Halfway to Heaven is not running there so who is being dismissive? Are Ballydoyle horses the only ones to improve as they race?
Brendan,I read your post, after two lines you go on to Lush Lashes which is not in the French race. Following that you refer to Coolmore.I replied to what you had written not the title of the thread.Nefertiti introduced the Coolmore horse and I responded to that as you did also I presume. The French race looks a good one and on form Halfway to Heaven is good enough to compete at that level.Coolmore would not be at the cult level yet.Frankie is still the icon.Many yards peak for certain races Ballydoyle just keep racing and their good ones seem to improve from race to race.
The Nassau is 10f and this is 8f so I don’t see why the proximity of them to each other is an issue.
Anyway getting back to this race the trainer says Darjina and Sabana Perdida will not run if it comes up soft. Lets hope the rain holds off as will spoil the race.
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Why O’Brien choose the Nassau.
He Knew – (That no-one would be prepared to test his horse’s stamina, and the favourite would be given a nightmare passage)?
In today’s race I’d find it hard to split Natagora and Darjina but, working on the assumption they’re a good few pounds better than the rest, a dfc looks the safest option.
At 9/4 Natagora looks good value as she should be quite hard to pass on these conditions if in form.
I may have a little e/w on Briseida at 50-1 though.
brendanr wrote:
Goldikova is missing from the potential winner’s list
Yes, I agree she’s good, and with the ground probably too soft for both Darjina and Sabana Perdida, I think she’s the one most likely to trouble Natagora.
Darjina is becoming the world’s most frustrating Group 1 horse. I think this has become a trait of hers – just not wanting to win. Fair enough, the ground was against her … but this won’t help her attitude!!!
Perfectly timed ride by Olivier Peslier – this man is having the season of dreams. Has to be the best lbs for lbs jockey in the world right now.
I don’t think Natagora liked the conditions or liked freewheeling on her own.
And boy, didn’t Frankie have itchy fingers!
Like to see the top four duel in the Prix de l’Opera.
Like to see the top four duel in the Prix de l’Opera.
Agree – but add Lush Lashes and Listen to those for a race to savour – yum yum!
Darjina is becoming the world’s most frustrating Group 1 horse. I think this has become a trait of hers – just not wanting to win. Fair enough, the ground was against her … but this won’t help her attitude!!!
Perfectly timed ride by Olivier Peslier – this man is having the season of dreams. Has to be the best lbs for lbs jockey in the world right now.
Bit harsh about Darjina as she was giving weight all round and the ground, unlike Goldikova, wouldn’t have suited her. This result along with the Nassau pays a big compliment to Zarkava which the form book makes the best filly in training.
I think Johnny Murtagh may be in with a shout for the best lb for lb jockey at the mo.
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