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While I am not a general fan of James Willoughby (to me he very much come across as rather condescending with his views when on air), I thought that this was a rather interesting piece on Frankel the sire https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/articles/astonishing-rise-frankel-goes-its-now-time-believe/
So, First Eleven made his second appearance today – & it was a bit reminiscent of the first Joni. Looking at the replay on the JC site, he was taking a real hold going to post (back to that trait!); he fell out of the stalls again, made up some ground, came under pressure and kept on at the one pace without ever getting anywhere near the front end of the field. He is also a very big lad. So, he should improve at 3, but once again I had that ‘here’s a NH horse’ feeling looking at him.
Since Elarqam’s win at Newmarket, it’s been a bit of a quiet time for the Frankel’s. No winners since then (albeit Weekender was first past the post and then demoted). Even Soul Stirring was very disappointing in Japan on Sunday, in what was supposed to be her prep for the big G1 there in the Autumn. I can’t say I’d be that optimistic about Cracksman turning things around in the Champion. And so far, of the 2yos we’ve seen, it’s Nelson and Elarqam that are the best of them (both on a RPR of 110).
Elarqam has been put away for the year. Some interesting comments on him from Angus Gold post Shadwell’s purchase of his half-bro by Dubawi. Straight to the Guineas (like his mum and Mister Bailey’s) – up to 10f if he’s not good enough over a mile. Great attitude on him – a ‘very determined horse’ as well as a laid back one. Interesting too that the Dubawi ex Attraction was the first horse that Sheik Hamden went to see at Tatts Book 1. I think they are pretty keen on Elarqam.
Yes not many runners recently Titus but that will change this weekend. Soul Stirring ran over 9f which is a bit short for her and wasn’t given a hard ride – she’ll be a different proposition next time.
Glad they have put Elarqam away – he will make a very good 3 year old though not sure he’ll have the pace to beat the machine that is Expert Eye. Any one know what has happened to Herculean. He had a bad scope before the Royal Lodge I read….
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
Joni..Roger Charlton stated on Wetherby’s site that Herculean would miss all future engagements this season after his bad scope and would be put away now until next year..
We wish him well
JacThings turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...Interesting info about Frankel’s strike rate in big races. just increases the confidence in Cracksman in the champion stakes who lets face it, was a certainty to begin with
Might also have a punt on that Elarqam for the 2000 guineas.
I wish I could share your confidence Judge!!!
A really good day today though with Veracious looking like a nice filly for next year and Goldrush winning in great style.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
Veracious was fantastic today Joni. Went to the pre parade to take a look at her and they annoyingly kept the covers on so couldn’t really get a good look at how fit she might be. Winter Lightning having her first run looked much bigger and probably needed this race but is a sure fire winner next time out and the way she shot out of the stalls like a bullet I thought it was all over for our girl but her experience told and she forged ahead nicely in the closing stages.
Two more Frankels out at Newmarket tomorrow Queen Kindly and Monarchs Glen, looking forward to seeing them and will definitely be having small bets on each. Had a great day at HQ today
Hope I don’t give it all back tomorrow. 
Jac XThings turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...Ooops I forgot Westerland in the first race and I’m backing him too.
Going for the Trixie
Come on the Frankel babes
Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...A really impressive win for Monarch’s Glen today. I think we could see him in Group 1 races next year. Frankel now joins Galileo as the joint leading sire of Group winners from the 2014 crop.
Also a couple of positives in other races as firstly Kew Gardens franked the form of Nelson in the first (I think Nelson will develop into a strong Derby contender next year) and then the Guineas betting was thrown wide open after the Dewhurst. Watching that race today I couldn’t help but think that Elarqam will love taking a nice lead off US Navy Flag next May and then picking him off in the final furlong……you know how sad I am – those thoughts will fill my dreams until then!!!
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
Monarchs Glen is in Tatts HiT Sales Joni – Lot No 1086 if you’re interested (catalogued to sell Weds 1 Nov)! I suspect that –as a gelding, and with a RPR that looks sure to be upped from 111 to around 115 – he’ll be high on shopping lists for overseas’ clients, and that he will make a fair amount. By all accounts, and notwithstanding having been gelded, he’s still a difficult, albeit talented, beast. FD went so far as to say that he’s not a horse he looks forward to riding – just getting on him is tricky, and then there’s the 2f odd of ‘carting’ that continues to go on at the start of a race. Maybe he’ll be off to join his old pal Cunco in the States?! More G1 options for him there I’d have thought.
I suspect he’ll be withdrawn from the sale TO. He has improved a lot since he was put in. That is unless Juddmonte aren’t interested in keeping hold of a gelding.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
Rubilinda has just gone in as well at Belmont Park. That’s 3 out of 4 for her. Given a terrible ride apparently but got up in the dying strides.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
I suspect he’ll be withdrawn from the sale TO. He has improved a lot since he was put in. That is unless Juddmonte aren’t interested in keeping hold of a gelding.
I agree that he is likely to be retained
In recent years Juddmonte have kept a number of older geldings in training and PK hardly needs the money. The test is whether the horse can win at Group level and Monarch’s Glen looks nailed on to win at least at Group 2 level and maybe at Group 1
LevelGreat run from Monarch’s Glen today Joni and Titus
just going over in his coat but looked magnificent in the pre parade.Queen Kindly was also going in her coat and ran well considering she had a hard race in France just 2 weeks ago and think Westerland needed a bit more give in the ground he couldn’t quicken up the hill today.
Two great days racing at Newmarket you must try to get to Future Champions next year Joni so many good horses turn out especially on the Friday and it’s not quite so busy as Saturday..Jac
Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...Two great days racing at Newmarket you must try to get to Future Champions next year Joni so many good horses turn out especially on the Friday and it’s not quite so busy as Saturday..Jac
Definitely agree with that. My first visit to Newmarket (shamefully) on Friday and I loved it. Plenty of space to dash around to see the horses in various spots, place a bet, watch the races and grab the odd drink. Took loads of photos and may post a few if I ever work out how to do it. I was very taken with Veracious in the flesh. I remember seeing Sir Henry C interviewed many many years ago about what he looked for in a filly and I’m sure he would have loved her.
@TongeThat’s so nice to hear Tonge, so many have knocked Newmarket calling the Rowley Mile bleak and soleless and it’s far far from that and when the sun is shining there is no better place to be than seeing the horses in the beautifully maintained Parade Ring bursting with flowers all year round.
I too thought Veracious a lovely looking filly along with the Godolphin filly Winter Lightning who needed her run, something to look forward too through the winter months.
Another two year old out yesterday who is outstanding and progressing in leaps and bounds, to put in your notebook, is Ghaiyyath he looks like a 3yo and if they all three progress well through the winter we may have some live Classic contenders on our hands.Look forward to seeing your pictures Tonge, Nathan always recommends tinypix where you can get a free upload, then you put it on messageboards/forums and copy and paste the link to here, worth a try, good luck and enjoy your day at Ascot next Saturday…Jac
Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...
Jac
Jac X
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