Dark Red
Good afternoon! It is the start of a Glorious week of racing at Goodwood and we are busy with four runners spread all over the country. The serious business will be taking place on the cricket pitch, however, where I play in the match against the Lord Taverners eleven at Goodwood. My team features the likes of Charlie Hills, Ed Chamberlain, Oli Bell, Nick Gifford and Marcus Armytage, but we will be up against former internationals such as Chris Adams, Chris Cowdrey and Neil Smith. Oh dear!
On the track I will saddle Dark Red in the 1.50, the mile and a quarter handicap he won last year, only to be demoted in the stewards room. We are drawn a little wider than ideal in 10, but have William Buick booked to do the steering and a horse that remains as tough and consistent as ever. He is probably as good as ever too, but the fact he is 10 pounds higher than last year probably says it all about our chances.
At Beverley we run Khanmurjan in the 2.05, a seven and a half furlong novice. This son of Scat Daddy is improving with every run and has the form in the book to suggest he can be competitive. The concern is that the ground is good to soft and might be a little sticky, which would probably not be ideal. Graham Lee rides, and we hope for the best.
Later at Beverley Conflagration goes in the 4.55, a 0-75 over an extended seven furlongs. He won nicely at Leicester on his latest start and has had a break since. He might sharpen up for this run, and the race he won has produced mixed signals form-wise. However, he looks to be in the right race and can run ok, if he gets away with the ground. Tom Eaves is booked to ride.
At Yarmouth at 5.50 we run Indian Warrior in the 0-70 handicap over five furlongs. The return to five and first time cheek-pieces will hopefully enable a little improvement, but after 14 starts and no wins, we are possibly clutching at straws! That said, he has the ability to win and it is hoped that Tom Queally is the man who can bring the best out of him with a positive and forceful type of ride.
Enjoy the racing and all the best,
Ed.