Red Verdon excercising at Saint Cloud
After an overcast start the sun came out during the morning here in Newmarket today. The ground has moved to the firm side of good very quickly and unfortunately I have had to take Vivre Pour Vivre out of the last. I worked some horses on the Al Bahathri this morning and I was pleased with how they all went. We have now headed off to Newbury for the return of Trip To Paris.
Sparkle made her debut in the 6f Fillies’ maiden at Newbury yesterday and having ran green she shaped with a great deal of promise when running on in the latter stages, I hope she can build on this in the future. Tibr came fourth in the 6f Listed contest for two year olds and three nice horses finished in front of him so this was very much a step back in the right direction for him. Blushes was slowly away and fly leapt at Nottingham, she stayed on in the closing stages to finish fourth.
Trip To Paris returns from the injury he suffered in the Japan Cup later on this afternoon at 3:00. Newbury is a lovely racecourse to start him off at, he is running over a trip short of his optimum and he will undoubtedly improve for the run. The main thing is that he returns safe and sound and then we will aim him at some of the top staying races after this. Dutch Uncle was struck into last time, it was nothing serious but enough for Pat Cosgrave to ease him off, he runs in the 1m Handicap at Newmarket run at 3:15. He is wearing first time cheekpieces today to help him concentrate and the ground will be more to his liking. It is a decent contest but if he returns to his early season form he would have an each way chance.
It is extremely windy at the Open and I am sure I would lose a lot of balls around Royal Troon today. It will be interesting to see how the leaders cope with it later on.