[Ian]

What does anyone expect Murtagh to do just take a pull and allow Getaway through? Getaway was infront of Soldier Of Fortune had he had the pace he wouldn’t have got hemmed in.

[Ian]

I give two fifths of [expletive] all about that Ian. The thing is, it becomes difficult to back any horse against a Coolmore cavalry because you can expect Magnier to be pulling strings.

That’s two Coronation Cups in a row where Coolmore bent me over. It’s nothing illegal or indecent, but bloody hell it’s hard work to oppose them.

And I just buttered up E-W on Cape Amber. Eek.

What does worry you is trying to work out what they are going to do in the Derby / Oaks. Has to be a worry when there is a lack of information regarding the runners.

I’m on Cape Amber as well and Chinese White.

[Ian]

Yeah – I hate Coolmore. They don’t win races, they just manipulate them.

They did their home work what is wrong with that?

Song Of Hiawatha made the running, the stayer McCarthur tracked him and the horse with the foot sat in and waited. Perfect tactics.

I wouldn’t mind but it didn’t take a brain surgeon to work out what tactics were going to be employed by the Ballydoyle team.

[Ian]

Getaway just didn’t have the pace to get away (pardon the pun) from Soldier Of Fortune and Murtagh rode a superb race as ever. Good horse as Getaway is I was surprised he went of favourite over Soldier Of Fortune given that Getaway still hasn’t won a G1 and he’s a 5yo. Still it made the Soldier a backable price.

Youmzain as ever placed, one of those horses who is always just going to find one better.

Cracking race.

[Ian]

Never say die Sanders – has Seb got a brother then?

Following her Musidora victory I was convinced that Lush Lashes need only turn up to take this race, but I find myself drastically reappraising the field in light of the ramblings of one Jim Bolger.
More than half of the intended sixteen runners can be dismissed with out a second thought, whether it be due to an insufficient level of form, uninspiring jockey booking (Sugar Mint could be rated 130 and Michael Hills would manage to finish second) or a thoroughly detestable trainer, so I’m left with Katiyra, Clowance, Cape Amber, Chinese White and Michita.

Of the quintet I have backed Katiyra and Michita, in the belief that Clowance isn’t quite up to scratch, Cape Amber will be given far too much to do and Chinese White was only impressive in winning a soft ground Listed race, the runner-up from which has been beaten since.

I have a lot of time for Ralph Beckett and hope Look Here runs well, though that is dependent on Sanders being a little more awake this time around.

I wouldn’t be so sure about that. If you listen to PCH on the Racing Post site audio thinghy he quite clearly states that they treated the Musidora as only a trial for Cape Amber. PCH thinks the horse has improved hugely, needs 12f and he expects a huge run from her.

Cape Amber wasn’t really put in the race in the Musidora I think she will be this time.

[Ian]

I can’t agree with you i’m afraid. The New Approach/Bolger affair has stimulated a little interest for various reasons but it looks a weak renewal to me. Some horses that just shouldn’t be there on ability, some that should defintely not be there on staying power and some others that are badly overhyped for the little they’ve achieved on the course. Where the hell is Twice Over!?

I’m hoping Tartan Bearer can win as he looks the only potential "star" in the field [at a mile-and-a-half anyway].

I think its often very difficult to predict the strength of a Derby before the race. That said it did look relatively week before New Approach and Casual Conquest were added but now I’d say it looks potentially stronger than last years race which take the winner out looked extremely weak pre-race on paper.

I too am on Tartan Bearer Michael Stoute has said one or two things which I found surprisingly if not bullish, very hopeful, and Keiran fallon is said to be very keen on the horse. Those two know the time of the day and Ryan Moore didn’t appear to hesitate in choosing Tartan Bearer.

I wouldn’t say he is the only potential star in the race. Casual Conquest could be literally anything, New Approach could be top class at the trip if he stays,Curtain Call, Tajaaweed neither of those have yet reached their potential and then there’s Aidan O’Brien who knows which of his horses will "take off" and by how much.

[Author]

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