Dagueneau
It has been a cloudy dry morning so far at HQ with the promise of sunshine as the ground continues to firm-up at many racecourses across the country. While we all welcome the dry spell, the speed with which ground has dried has itself been remarkable and adds further to the considerations when entering horses to ensure the most suitable conditions. It is all part of the planning process and is a very welcome change from the cold and rain.
My runners at Wolverhampton yesterday both performed with merit. Hazarfan was a little keen early, and when Silvestre settled him behind the leaders, the stop-start gallop suited those racing on the pace, and they ultimately held the advantage. Sir Gnet ran an admirable race to be run down late in the contest to be beaten a neck. While it is always frustrating to finish second, it was heartening to see him run so well, and gives us something to build on. Today we despatch three runners from La Grange, sending two to Beverley, and one to Chepstow.
Baasha takes his second start in handicap company in the ‘Hull FC Family Raceday On 30 May Handicap’ over 1m 2f (4.40). It is a typically competitive 3yr old handicap, with a big field of unexposed horses. After disappointing at Yarmouth last time, today we try blinkers with Baahsa to focus his concentration on the job in hand. I am hoping this will bring a much-improved performance. Also at Beverley I run Dagueneau in the ‘Hurn Handicap’ over 1m 4f (5.10). He showed much improved form on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton stepped up to 1m 4f, staying on well from the rear to be beaten a neck in second. I am hopeful this improvement will continue today on his return to turf, and I think he has a solid EW chance.
Finally this evening I run Qaswarah in the ‘Read Silvestre De Sousa At 188Bet Fillies' Handicap’ over 1m 2f at Chepstow (7.20). After an improved showing on her latest start at Lingfield, this will be Qaswarah’s first run in handicap company when she competes off a rating of 66. With only 3 runs under her belt, today will be a further learning experience for Qaswarah and will guide towards her future plans.
All the best,
Ed.