Tadleel
It has been a misty morning at La Grange with the forecast warning of the threat of thundery showers later in the day. The sudden change in weather has brought equally sudden changes in ground conditions to several racecourses, with the prospect of a soft ground Derby looking more likely than would have been considered a few days ago. Such is the British summer and yesterday our runners at Nottingham raced on ground considerably softer than expected with differing results. Melodies did not enjoy running on soft ground and could not get traction as the pace increased. We have learned from the experience and she will improve plenty for the outing. Thankfully, Dagueneau managed to get through the ground and showed grit and determination in the final furlong for a hard-fought victory. I don’t think he enjoyed the conditions, but the recent runs he has had may have stood him in good stead for a battle as he galloped to the line. I congratulate his owner Mr Gemmell and look forward to more success with Dagueneau in the future.
Today I have one runner and send Tadleel to Chelmsford for the 1m’ Extra Places At totesport.com Handicap’ (7.10). He returned from a break to run at Chester but a high draw there gave him little chance of getting involved. He has come forward nicely since Chester and while I am expecting a better performance, this evening’s contest looks to be a very competitive affair, filled with unexposed improving types. Providing he jumps sharply he has a good draw in stall one and he will need to do so to figure against this competition.
All the best
Ed