Storm leads the string as Mrs D returns to action.
Another scorcher this morning with the temperature on the brink of 30 degrees.
I am shooting off very shortly to play golf in the annual Blandford Bloodstock tournament this afternoon, which is a good opportunity to take advantage of the glorious weather.
The sun was out in force at Wimbledon yesterday and Liam Broady was the golden ray as Britain’s wildcard registered a marvellous victory over Marinko Matosevic. With the Ashes on the horizon, the sporting summer is well and truly in full swing and the beautiful weather makes is just superb.
We worked nine on the watered gallop first lot including Prince Gagarin and Island Remede. Both went very nicely, but both require some cut underfoot, so the weather will dictate our plans.
Mrs D made her long-awaited comeback to the saddle this morning as she rode out for the first time since her injury two months ago. Thanaaya ensured she enjoyed a pleasant return and all is well in the aftermath.
One runner this afternoon with Kitten’s Red heading to Brighton for the mile and a half handicap. Nothing really went right from his wide draw at Kempton last time, but the form of his Bath success suggests a mark of 66 remains workable. The ground is right for him and we think he will appreciate this trip so we are hopeful of a good performance.
Three declarations for Thursday with Naady and Queensbury Odyssey Haydock bound while Souk Al Tahab will head to Lingfield.
Five movers in the handicap this morning and we feel a little hard done by. Zarwaan has been raised 7lb for his head win, taking his mark to 109. There are few occasions where the winning margin is so small and the subsequent rise so steep – life will be tough for him in the big handicaps now.
Red Avenger also got 4lb for his dead-heat Newcastle. Considering he got 3lb for landing the Goodwood Mile, that too seems a little steep.
Finally, I was incredibly saddened to hear of the death of Kauto Star this morning. The racing world has united to pay tribute to this magnificent steeplechaser, which is testimony to the regard within which he was held, and I doubt we will see another horse capable of landing a pair of Tingle Creeks and a pair of Gold Cups anytime soon.
Back tomorrow.
Ed