The gallopers circle as Nick looks on.
Largely cool and overcast.
A busy work morning on the flat gallop and I was surprised how much the ground has dried out. Considering we took a deluge over the weekend, I would say it is now riding on the quick side of good, almost good to firm, and we would need another decent downpour to use the grass again on Friday.
Day one of Glorious Goodwood and Mrs D and I are about to arrive on the south coast. We will be staying at my parents this evening and I will be undertaking the annual ritual of playing for a Goodwood XI against a Lord’s Taveners XI after racing. Included among the opposition are former Zimbabwe international Gus McKay, comedian Andy Parsons and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire host Chris Tarrant. A match report will be published tomorrow!
We saddle one runner at the meeting today with Oasis Fantasy lining up in the Summer Stakes. He has been the subject of plenty of support overnight, not least because he was a Pricewise selection, and while I think he holds solid claims I’m unsure if he should be favourite.
You can forget his run in the Northumberland Plate where he was scuppered by a wide draw, and he was probably unlucky not to win at Epsom when forced to check as the pace increased. He likes the course, has the ground to suit and we are delighted Richard Hughes can ride again as we all know he is a magician around here.
It would be thrilling if we could provide him with a winner before he bows out on Saturday – this is my favourite meeting of the year and I’m sure it’s just about top of the tree for Richard as well.
Trip To Paris has been declared for the Goodwood Cup on Thursday and apart from having to shoulder a 4lb penalty, I couldn’t be happier going into the race. Island Remede has also been declared for the Lillie Langtry with Richard Hughes booked.
Three entries for Nottingham on Monday including our first of the year in nursery company, with Queensbury Odyssey having been given the option of the mile 0-70 there.
Five movers in the handicap and Times Up is down 3lb to 95. We are going to persevere with him and we now have the option of moving down another bracket.
I hope all those enjoying to the Downs have an excellent afternoon, or week if you are a hardcore fan. We might not have the weather on our side, but I’m sure that won’t dampen any spirits on and off the course!
Back tomorrow.
Ed