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Hopefully the racing authorities will not be blinded by being so far up the arses of the Tory Party and see racing could be given some attention if they court Labour through Victoria Starmer. Though given Dildo Harding’s presence…
Nice/sad to be reminded of Robin Cook, probably the most high-profile Labour politician who loved racing. I always think that decency in British Politics died with him.I’m lucky enough to own a share in Apple Away, and the Ultima is now under serious consideration for her.
Now, I must stress that I’m against this, and would sooner miss Cheltenham and go to Aintree fresh for the 3 mile Manifesto Novice Chase.
However, I think Scu is looking at her current rating of 141 and comparing her to when Corach Rambler won off 140 as a novice in 2022. Apple has only had 3 runs over fences, but will run on Sunday at Exeter in a Mares listed Chase against experienced Mares or the Reynoldstown the week after at Ascot. A win would blow her handicap mark though. In comparison Corach had had 5 runs in 2022, the final being an unseat 4 out in the Reynoldstown.
She is also entered in the Brown Advisory (Lucinda’s choice but Scu’s last resort) and the NH Chase, and may get a Mares Chase entry. Of these I feel that the NH Chase would suit her best as all she does is gallop, as she showed when winning the Sefton Novices Hurdle at the National meeting last year beating 2 Cheltenham winners.
For the record Scu has been in love with Apple since they bought her, and he goes really gooey over her in the update videos.
Very nervous every time she runs…
2.25 Ascot – Claymore
2.30 Fairyhouse – Digby
3.50 Newmarket – Hand of God
4.10 Ascot – Farhh to ShyReserves
2.40 Newmarket – Shazam
5.00 Newmarket – Ivory Madonna1.50 Newmarket – At Vemeiro
3.40 Newmarket – Greek Order
4.15 Newmarket – Mallavelly
4.25 Haydock – RacingBreaks RyderReserves
2.25 Newmarket – Jasna’s Secret
3.00 Newmarket – VandeekIs there a consolation prize of a packet of Haribo Starmix for the lowest score in the group stage?
Celtic Champion 3:25 Newmarket
National Interest 3:50 Newbury
Mica Malpic 4:30 Listowel
Mudskipper 5:00 NewburyReserves:
Rebel Rhyme 1:5O Ayr
Greysful Storm 5:20 AyrFirstly, I must confess to being a committed Anti-Monarchist.
So, today’s coverage of the St Leger was unwatchable once Charles Windsor and his former mistress arrived to watch his horse run (that we pay the training fees for). The amount of sycophancy, especially from Chamberlain, was beyond belief and I found myself muting the coverage between races.
I normally give ITV the benefit of the doubt on their coverage as they have that fine line of catering to the casual and serious viewers, but this was unwatchable.Selections for Saturday 16 September
3:35 Doncaster: Middle Earth
4:00 Bath: Cluedo
4:45 Doncaster: At Vimeiro
5:20 Doncaster: Freedom DayReserves: (in order of preference)
5:45 Bath: Hawk Jet
3:55 Navan: Bears HugSandalwood who was pulled up sharply by Harry Cobden at Newton Abbot on Sunday 23 July has been retired after breaking down and damaging a front tendon. Owners Group sent a video out today and, baring accidents or infections etc, should recover in time and then be found a good home. He is currently bandaged up on box rest at Paul Nicholls, but they hope to be able to move him soon to EquiPrep to have all the time needed to recover. While he looked a bit subdued, he was very calm and relaxed and was even able to rest up one of his hind legs while standing.🥰
Still devastated by the news. He was on his summer holiday in a field at Venetia’s at the time. While he hadn’t yet delivered on the racecourse he was a beautiful little grey with a personality and so sweet. He’d made a good friend in Venetia’s postman.
RIP fella.A horse debuted in a Bumper in Ireland in March called We Will Rock You. Dad is Great Pretender and Mum is I Want It All.
Alcala has been retired. Have been part of his syndicate this year, only had the one race for me, but lovely he is being retired as soon as age appears to be catching up on him.
Am sure this lovely near white chap will be inundated with offers of a good home, and if not, he’ll have a home at Equiprep for life. Comments from Paul Nichols:
Alcala had some blood in a post-exercise scope last week and, although he seems fine in himself, I don’t feel that he is in top form at the moment and age may be catching up with him a touch. Having had a discussion with Owners Group management, we feel that it is in Alcala’s best interests to retire him now, rather than attempt to get him back to the racecourse later this year. He owes us nothing, and my gut instinct is that he has probably had enough and deserves a long and enjoyable retirement. He’s been a wonderful horse for the yard and we have enjoyed some wonderful days with him. The highlight was probably his win in the Listed Summer Plate at Market Rasen in 2017. He always attracted a lot of support at the races and on stable visits, and on behalf of everyone at Team Ditcheat, I’d like to thank you for your enthusiasm over the last few years.Report by Owners Group:
We were, of course, saddened to hear that Alcala had scoped poorly after a piece of work last week. Given that Alcala would require a quiet couple of weeks following this diagnosis, and due to Paul’s feeling that Alcala may be losing interest in training, we feel that the only sensible option is to retire him with immediate effect. Alcala won nine races in Owners Group colours and he was a definite favourite at Ditcheat. The decision to switch him to Hunter Chases a couple of seasons ago had a positive effect on Alcala, with his most impressive performance coming at Ascot under Harry Cobden last March.
Alcala is twelve years of age now and has a total of 37 races under his belt. He deserves a wonderful retirement, and he is due to head to EquiPrep in the coming days.I’m worried that if Kauto wins the Kempton executive might paint the Dessie statue brown as he will have overtaken Dessie for most King George wins…
From a Sporting Life news story…
Razor Royale misses the race to aim for the Whitbread (sorry, old school…), and it looks like the Mullins pair of Deutschland and Dooneys Gate will also not be running.
Guess that means Made in Taipan will run now for the same connections.
It was ground dependent a few days ago for him according to the RP, though one has to heavily question running this probable non-stayer at Cheltenham, Navan and potentially Aintree in a period of time barely over 3 weeks…Think Whinestone Boy will struggle to get in now.
Pipe has all but confirmed his no hopers like Pablo du Charmil and Piraya. Will Mullins follow suit with his non-stayers Deutschland and Dooneys Gate? Will NTD run all seven still?Would like to see Silver Birch and Abbeybraney get in, but even this is looking slightly doubtful now as everything seems to be going for the race.
