Walking home.
Overcast, gloomy and still cold for the time of year.
Three runners this afternoon. We hadn’t originally planned to declare Vereri Senes for the mile and a half maiden but it didn’t look a great race when it reopened, so we thought we should have a crack – never look a gift horse in the mouth I suppose!
Kitten’s Red has been given the coffin draw at Kempton – we think he is still quite well handicapped following his classified win at Bath and the second has won since. It will be tough for Willie Twiston-Davies to get him prominent from stall 14, but the other market principals aren’t in great draws either, which might be a saving grace.
The blinkers go back on Justice First after a moody performance at Lingfield, but he should strip fitter for his first run in over 100 days and he’s not badly treated on his win in January.
Two declarations for Friday – Arethusa heads to Sandown for the fillies’ handicap and Scrutinise goes later on the card.
England fans are still recovering from that balmy performance at Edgbaston yesterday. Never before have I seen the side play with so much freedom and enjoyment – long may it last.
The hype/excitement/tension is building for Royal Ascot and entries for Tuesday closed today. We made one – Qeyaadah for the Coventry. The international raiders can be spotted on the Heath each morning and this is shaping up to be one of the great Royal meetings.
On that note, I have the pleasure of attending the pre-Ascot dinner at the Jockey Club Rooms this evening and a bumper crowd will be in attendance by all accounts. I’m sure everyone will be fancy their chances – I’ll report back tomorrow with any winners!
Ed.