Red Cadeaux, Trip To Paris and Manndawi have landed safely in Melbourne!
A very cold start to what is turning out to be a beautiful day in Newmarket.
Just a quick one on a busy weekend. I am pleased to report that my Melbourne-bound trio have landed safely and are settling in for their first night in Red Cadeaux's barn in Weribee quarantine. Robin reports that the flight went smoothly and our passengers travelled well; watch this space for more Melbourne news.
Mrs Patino popped in late morning to see her horses before joining us for lunch. It’s always good to welcome Mrs P back to the yard and both her older horses run this afternoon. Prince Gagarin goes first in the Cambridgeshire and while he blew up in soft ground at Sandown he should strip fitter for that run. This is the ultimate cavalry charge, but we hope he will acquit himself with credit over what could prove a particularly suitable trip.
We also saddle Oasis Fantasy at Haydock for Mrs Patino and he has been a frustrating horse all season. The draw hasn’t been particularly kind to him on a number of occasions and he was too free over course and distance last time. It wouldn’t be at all surprising should he pop up in a race like this, but he remains a bit of an enigma.
God Willing goes in the concluding mile handicap and he continues to slip down the weights. He shaped encouragingly at Doncaster two weeks ago and he should go well from a good draw.
Lastly, Dora’s Field makes her debut in the seven furlong maiden which opens the card at Newmarket and she is a scopey daughter of Rip Van Winkle who works with some talent. However, she will benefit plenty from this initial experience and I imagine this is a good maiden.
No declarations for Monday but we have made a number of entries for next Fridayat Ascot and Wolverhampton.
Back Monday. Ed.