Sparkle
A cold but dry morning here in Suffolk. It's a very special day today where we remember not only the moment that World War 1 ended but we also remember everyone who lost their life in conflicts around the world and it is important to observe the two minute silence at 11am.
The dual on the dirt on Saturday in the Breeders’ Cup Classic has resulted in Arrogate heading the world rankings and California Chrome sitting one pound behind him in second spot. It was a fantastic race and it was a shame to see California Chrome get beaten but he lost nothing in defeat and the pair pulled nearly eleven lengths clear of proven Grade 1 performers making their status as the World’s top two racehorses warranted. The top ranked horse on turf is Winx and there is little argument that she is a star given the manner in which she won her second Cox Plate but it would be fantastic to see her cement this by heading over to Europe, Almanzor sits just in behind her and he has scope to achieve a 130+ rating in 2017.
Magdalene Fox finished sixth at Chelmsford yesterday evening. The winner won very convincingly and looks one to follow during the Winter but our horse showed some promise for the future given that he had to be dropped in from his wide draw. It was not a race with great depth but he made up ground against the bias and he has the potential to win a race in the right grade.
We have two runners today and our first runs at the very early time of 11:45. Sparkle arguably ran her best race yet at Haydock and shaped as if this 7f trip will unlock some improvement. The form of that Haydock race has worked out well and I hope she can run well here in what is a competitive race. Picking out some dangers, Hersigh has been well supported and is likely to be ridden positively given the manner of her Chelmsford win over a mile, Jet Setter has two solid pieces of form and is also likely to improve for this seventh furlong. Twiggy has had five runs in Maiden company but she is not without hope on her handicap debut.
Gloryette runs later on in the 1m4f Apprentice handicap at 3:40. She has the right man on board in George Wood but the draw has not been kind to her out in stall 12. She has showed she possesses ability in Maiden company but has proved to be very frustrating since she has moved into handicaps. This looks to be her best opportunity yet and I hope the application of blinkers can help bring out some improvement. It is a very open race with none of the field in fantastic form but Bamako Du Chatelet won two races over course and distance earlier in the year and given how well he has been supported, he has to rate the biggest threat.