The doughty campaigner begins his fifth Flat season and can deliver victory despite a 337-day absenceJumping fans often complain that Flat horses are rushed off to stud much too quickly, but Stradivarius was a winner last weekend and Benbatl (3.35), another seven-year-old “entire”, is back to start a fifth season on the level in the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday.Saeed bin-Suroor’s doughty campaigner finished fifth behind Wings Of Eagles in the 2017 Derby, has three Group One wins to his name and while he has not run for 337 days, he won off an almost identical break in September 2019. Continue reading...
The doughty campaigner begins his fifth Flat season and can deliver victory despite a 337-day absenceJumping fans often complain that Flat horses are rushed off to stud much too quickly, but Stradivarius was a winner last weekend and Benbatl (3.35), another seven-year-old “entire”, is back to start a fifth season on the level in the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday.Saeed bin-Suroor’s doughty campaigner finished fifth behind Wings Of Eagles in the 2017 Derby, has three Group One wins to his name and while he has not run for 337 days, he won off an almost identical break in September 2019. Related: Talking Horses: Goodwood and York crowds offer hope for racing recovery Goodwood 1.15 Willoughby Bay 1.50 Clitheroe...
Trainer given Classics boost in early-season trials after pair triumph at NewburyFew trainers’ dreams of Classic success survive the early-season trials largely unscathed, but Richard Hannon came closer than most here on Sunday as wins for Snow Lantern and Chindit left him with credible contenders for both the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket next month.Snow Lantern’s success came in a maiden at the top of the card, but she won it so readily that she was cut to around 8-1 to emulate her mother, Sky Lantern, who won the Classic for Hannon’s father, also Richard, in 2013. Related: Jockey Lorna Brooke dies after fall at Taunton racecourse early in April Pontefract Continue reading...
The Nell Gwyn Stakes has eight of the 10 fillies in the field still holding an entry in the Classic over an extra furlong on 2 MayThe increasing trend for going to the Guineas without a prep race among many leading yards has not been a positive one for races like the Nell Gwyn Stakes, the highlight on the second day of Newmarket’s Craven meeting.The latest renewal looks a strong one, however, with eight of the 10 fillies in the field still holding an entry in the Classic over an extra furlong on 2 May. Related: Talking Horses: Unhappy Monday for Bez after his horse refuses to race Continue reading...
Filly could provide a “life-changing” moment for charity if connections decide to supplement her for NewmarketIt’s too early to be making actual predictions for the 1,000 Guineas but I know for sure which horse I’ll be cheering for, having been told by the owner-breeder that all prize money won by Dan’s Dream goes to a spinal injury research charity. Dan’s Dream won a notable trial race in the Fred Darling at Newbury on Saturday and the question now is whether she should be supplemented for the Newmarket Classic a week on Saturday, at a cost of £30,000. Related: Aidan O’Brien team steps up a gear as Order Of St George returns in style Newton Abbot 1.30 Goldslinger 2.00 Sensulano 2.30...