Trip To Paris and Red Cadeaux discuss plans for Melbourne.
A warm and pleasant return to England.
Apologies for the lack of blog over the last couple of days – I landed mid-morning and it’s been a frantic week in Kentucky. As would be expected, trade was extremely strong and the big hitters were out in full force. We made two purchases - a filly by War Front who is out of an unraced half-sister to Exchange Rate and a colt by Distorted Humour. Both are exciting prospects.
Plenty has happened this side of the pond over the last couple of days. Our own Johnny Fisher, who was granted his apprentice license last week, had his first ride in public at Wolverhampton on Monday and he did an excellent job, belying his inexperience to look neat and aware. An excellent start from him.
The Melbourne Cup weights were released and it’s interesting the handicapper has given both Red Cadeaux and Trip To Paris 55kgs. Official ratings can’t split them in this country and we have our own personal showdown to look forward to, as well as trying to win the most coveted prize of all!
Preparations are well underway for the Newmarket Open Weekend and earlier in the week Mrs Dunlop attended a practice session for the racing celebrities show jumping extravaganza on Sunday. Senior Whim, our trusty hack, annihilated every obstacle put in his way – as a former chaser we think they weren’t big enough for him – while Hugo Palmer’s mount provided much entertainment by shying away from all he could, giving Hugo a few close shaves as a result! Sunday will be most entertaining.
No runners this afternoon following the abandonment of Yarmouth yesterday evening. It’s a terrible shame for the track that the weather has ruined the meeting, but safety concerns must come first and extremes of weather make life very difficult for all involved.
We have also had to declare Taqneen a non-runner at Pontefract due to a runny nose.
One declaration for Saturday with Fieldsman, who was due to run at Yarmouth, having been rerouted to Ayr for the seven furlong handicap. Adam Kirby keeps the ride.
A handful of entries for Wednesday including Oasis Fantasy, who was also set to run this afternoon, given the option of the mile and a half handicap at Goodwood. So, too, was Scrutinise.
Back tomorrow.
Ed.