Racecourse side this morning.
Overcast, very windy and generally miserable.
A busy work morning with 20 heading racecourse side to the watered gallop. Richard Hills came in to partner Zarwaan, who was scratched from the Hunt Cup at the first forfeit stage this morning – he will be aimed at the Wokingham. Paul Hanagan and Tom Queally also rode one lot while Mr Gredley and his son Tim were on the Heath.
One runner today with Taqneen heading to Wolverhampton for the one mile handicap. He was bitterly disappointing at Ripon last month, but the step up in trip on soft ground seemed to catch him out and we know he is much better than that. His reappearance fifth at Kempton suggested there is life in his mark of 77 and this doesn’t look a particularly strong race on paper. Toga Tiger probably brings the most solid credentials to the table but we are hopeful of a bold show.
Two decs for Thursday this morning. Pyla will go to Lingfield in first-time cheekpieces where she will be reunited with Hayley Turner, while Tocororo heads to Wolverhampton for the mile and a half contest there. Martin Harley maintains the partnership.
A handful of domestic entries for next Monday while we also gave Manndawi the option of running in the Silver Stakes, a mile and a quarter Listed contest for three-year-olds and upwards, at the Curragh on Sunday. The ground should be right for him there and it looks a sensible place to start all being well.
Eight movers in the handicap this morning although nothing too exciting. Hanno has been given a 1lb rise for his Brighton win, so you can’t say fairer than that, while Trip To Paris continues his ascendancy with a rating of 107, 4lb higher than when he finished second in the Henry II.
England cricket fans are set for a nerve-racking final day at Headingley. This series has been a real treat and, weather permitting, today should be no different – hopefully we get the right result.
Finally, we waved goodbye to a stable stalwart yesterday morning as Mubaraza has been officially retired. He will return to Shadwell for a spell of recuperation before heading off the British Racing School where he will be a super ride for those learning their trade. He was a grand stayer in his pomp, finishing third in a Northumberland Plate and fourth in a Chester Cup, and while it is a shame he could never plunder one of the major prizes, he gave us some fine days out and we wish him a long and happy retirement.
Ed