Dark Red
On what promises to be a busy Oaks day at Epsom, it has been a hectic morning for all at La Grange too with the preparation of our nine runners today. The staff and I have been busy ensuring all details have been attended to as we go through the necessary logistics involved in sending out nine runners in one day. My first runner to the starting gates is the doughty Dark Red in the 1m 2f ‘Investec Wealth & Investment Handicap’ (3.45) at Epsom. While it is a quick reappearance for Red having ran at Chelmsford 8 days ago, he has performed well for a quick turnaround in the past and I am hoping today will be similar. The softening conditions at Epsom will help as he acts well with some ease in the ground and while this looks a very competitive contest, Red has winning course form and is well enough in himself to give a good account today. He faces some up and coming opponents but I am still hoping he will have a decent EW chance.
Next up I run two in the 1m ‘Weldricks Pharmacy In Support Of Weston Park Confined Novice Stakes’ (6.30) at Doncaster. Global Giant has his second run back from his break having performed satisfactorily at HQ on Guineas weekend. After racing prominently there, he tired in the final furlong to finish 5th. The run has brought him forward nicely and while there are some potentially very good horses in opposition, I am optimistic of an improved showing from Global Giant this evening. Decoration Of War also takes his chance here and after his Windsor run, Adam Kirby suggested he was still green and needing more race experience. On his form thus far, he will struggle against the principles.
Khanmurjan makes his debut in the 6f ‘Goodwood Racehorse Owners Group/EBF Novice Stakes’ (6.40). Mr Jaber’s beautifully bred son of Scat Daddy has been pleasing me at home and is ready for a run. The forecast soft ground may not be his optimum underfoot conditions but the experience will teach him plenty and I am hopeful he can have a pleasant introduction to racing.
Agar’s Plough is next to the starting gates at Doncaster in the 7f ‘Alan Wood Plumbing & Heating Supporting WPCC Handicap’ (7.00). After a tardy start at Nottingham, Agar’s made significant ground mid race, before tiring in the final furlong. Today is his third outing as a 3yr old and I am optimistic he will continue to progress. The 7f trip at Doncaster should suit well and I hope he will have decent EW chance.
Next it is back to Goodwood where Roca Magica makes her debut in the 2yr old 6f ‘Golf at Goodwood Median Auction Maiden Fillies' Stakes’ (7.10). With all 2yr olds starting out, the first day at school is very important to their future progress. I am hoping she will have a positive experience and progress for the run. She is a daughter of first season sire Garswood and has been going along nicely at home.
Teenage Gal is next up at Goodwood when she takes her chance in the 6f ‘Fabco Sanctuary/British EBF Fillies Handicap’ (7.45). She again ran well on her seasonal reappearance at HQ and has been allotted a mark of 73 for her handicap debut. It looks a competitive field and after showing early speed over 7f last time, I decided to drop her back to 6f on this occasion. The ground may be a little softer than she would prefer but she is ready to take her chance and I am hopeful she can give a good account.
Navajo Squaw is next under orders at Doncaster when she runs in the 1m2f ‘Ant-Marketing Supporting Weston Park Cancer Charity Fillies' Handicap’ (8.40). She has been slow to come to hand and has disappointed thus far on the racecourse. She begins her handicap career off a mark of 61, and tonight should tell us more with regard to her future preferences and targets.
Our final runner for the day is Grandscape in the 1m 4f ‘Weston Park Cancer Charity Handicap’ (9.10) at Doncaster. He disappointed me a little on his last run at HQ and I am hoping for a much-improved performance tonight. He steps up to 12f for the first time and I think this will benefit his chance both on breeding and what he is showing me at home. It is as usual a competitive affair but I am hopeful Grandscape can come forward from Newmarket and enjoy the increased emphasis on stamina.
Enjoy Epsom!
All the best
Ed