Trip To Paris will be partnered by Hugh Bowman in the Caulfield Cup.
Overcast and gloomy and the rain is about to begin.
Not that the weather can dampen the atmosphere in Newmarket as Book One has got off to an explosive start. Multiple six-figure lots have already gone through the ring and it appears trade will be white-hot all week.
James and Nicky Stafford were here this morning to watch Scrutinise complete a piece of work on the long gallop. He was one of seven we sent up the Limekilns second lot and a visit to Debby’s Diner followed before we headed up to Tattersalls.
We will have a flow of guests all week and Harry is due to join us this evening. I was delighted he was able to secure a maiden Group 3 victory with Robin Of Navan at Chantilly yesterday and he has experienced plenty of success across the Channel this season thanks to some excellent pieces of placing. A tilt at the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud now beckons and we will all be cheering him home.
One runner this evening with Ejbaar tackling sprinting for the first time in the six furlong handicap at Kempton. He bumped into an improver when second at Lingfield last time out, but he showed plenty of speed on that occasion and his pedigree – by Oasis Dream out of an Albany winner – suggests he is well worth a go at this sort of test. Stall 10 isn’t perfect, but his mark is workable and we are hopeful of a big run.
One declaration for Thursday with Tartoor set to try and avenge last month’s narrow course and distance defeat in the mile and a quarter maiden at Chelmsford.
The latest round of acceptances for the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup were announced this morning and notable defections for the latter included St Leger third Fields Of Athenry. As Twitter has already revealed, Hugh Bowman will ride TTP in the Caulfield Cup.
Back tomorrow with an update on any purchases.
Ed.