Ed and the Gold Cup winner.
The rain has finally stopped but it was pretty persistent since late morning yesterday.
36mm. Miserable to be out in but perfect for the ground, with the grass now riding on the easy side of good. We took seven workers to the flat gallop first lot, including Gordon Stakes hopeful Prince Gagarin and Red Galileo, who was given an entry in the Glorious Stakes this morning.
He is also engaged in Listed company at San Sebastian next month, as is Red Avenger, who remains on course for the Betfred Mile on Friday having been confirmed this morning. Rain might scupper his chances, though.
Times Up got shuffled back in the Brown Jack yesterday while the ground had gone against him too. He was one of the last off the bridle but just couldn’t pick up – he deserves another crack at a similar sort of handicap on better ground.
It was agonising to watch Sagaciously get beaten a nose but pleasing to get her back on track - she relished the soft ground and got the trip well. We were conceding 8lb to the progressive winner and our filly shouldn’t be long in getting her head back in front.
Three runners this afternoon. Zarwaan has to lump top weight in the International at Ascot which will be difficult. He has track, trip and ground in his favour, while a low draw is often beneficial when the ground is on the slow side, but it would be difficult to suggest he is the best handicapped horse in the field.
Naady returns to a mile and a quarter on the all-weather at Lingfield and she shaped as if a return to this trip would suit at Haydock. Stall 11 is tricky, but it’s not a good race.
Europa is due to line up in the staying handicap that closes the card on the July Course, but we will need to monitor the ground for her. She wants some ease but not a bog, so we will be keeping an eye on the rain today.
While I’m at it, we have two running tomorrow. Biff Johnson lines up in the maiden at Carlisle and on paper we probably only have Pamushana to beat. She is declared to run at York this afternoon, so her absence would leave our horse with a gilt-edged opportunity.
Ejbaar sets the standard in his maiden at Pontefract, but much will depend on how good Charlie Appleby’s newcomer is.
A couple of further entries for Friday including Scrutinise in the mile and a half handicap at Goodwood.
Finally, I hope this afternoon’s King George isn’t decimated by a spate of non-runners as it was shaping up to be one of the most intriguing renewals for years. Nobody could blame connections for not running on testing ground, not least those involved with Golden Horn, but it would be a great spectacle if the Derby winner does take on his elders.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Ed