TODAY feels a bit like after the Lord Mayor’s show. Yesterday was one of the finest day’s racing for many a year. We saw a fabulous Epsom Derby winner steered to victory by a 44-year-old Italian who, apart from being the most charismatic figure in the sport, remains one of the finest exponents of race riding. Golden Horn’s trainer John Gosden, in producing the one-two in Flat’s blue riband, proved that he is a genius at handling thoroughbreds and heir apparent to Sir Henry Cecil with the huge respect that he is in held by the sport. And last night, with a thrilling pillar-to-post performance, American Pharoah galloped into racing folklore with a scintillating triumph in the Belmont Stakes, thus becoming the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown. This really is a great game. So how do you top that? Well, another racing behemoth Hurricane Fly goes to Auteuil for the Grande Course de Haies Hurdle over 3m1½f. Or there is racing at Perth and Goodwood, of course…
Actually, they are decent cards for a Sunday and for the Daily Double we’ll have one tip at each meeting. The only downside of yesterday was my spectacularly underwhelming tipping. Hope to do better this week. SOLAR FLAIR is an each-way fancy at Goodwood (5.10). He was unlucky at Nottingham first time out this season before running just okay in his next two races when fancied. He drops to 7f today and that could make a difference. He has already been nibbled at in the market. Dettori and Gosden should take the opener with Keble, although nobody will get rich, while Richard Hughes is an interesting booking for Lady Gibraltar.
The other leg of the double is OWEN NA VIEW (3.50) up at Perth. Now, on the face of it, he has a huge task against the classy Sea Lord, who is making his chasing debut. But Owen Na View is a terrific jumper and the drop back to 2m could be the making of him. I also have a soft spot for Habbie Simpson (2.55) who will enjoy the quick ground.
Be lucky!
Today I must write one hundred times:
I must learn to spell the word Pharoah before posting comments.
OK, just the once. Dunnit!
Hi Jason,
I’ve been away for a couple of days, but what a weekend’s racing.
As you have rightly written, Golden Horn was subliminal in the Derby, winning very easily. His acceleration was reminiscent of Troy and Dancing Brave (ok, he was only second). I hope he goes and proves himself a true champion against the older horses. I understand that New Bay is scheduled to take him on in the Eclipse. This certainly a race to savour.
Unfortunately Golden Horn cannot win the triple crown, but on the other side of the pond we saw a deserved winner of the US version with another scintillating display by American Pharaoh. I don’t know what his intended program is, but all roads will lead to the Breeders Cup, possibly via the Travers.
Interestingly, American Pharaoh is another horse that the pundits predicted might not stay the Belmont trip, yet he blasted them all away by making all the running. Famously Secretariat did the same thing back in 1973. They said he might not stay, yet he took on the speed horse, Sham, and led from start to finish for that breath taking 31 length victory. If my memory serves me correct, he set a track record that still stands today. If I’m wrong, hopefully you will correct me.
Fabulous run by Qualify to win the Oaks. I didn’t see that one coming. I did think that Diamondsandrubies looked a little unlucky in the bumping that occurred behind the first two. Possibly cost her a place.
I was delighted to see Pethers Moon win the Coronation Cup. I have a feeling that this may have been the first mile and a half Group One win for either of the Hannon’s. I stand corrected if I’m wrong, but nothing comes to mind.
Finally, a great win by David Pipe in France on Sunday. His second big win of the season over there.
Cheers!