There is a distinct sense that Aidan O’Brien feels Mendelssohn will run a big race in this year’s ClassicIt was a stop-and-stare moment at Churchill Downs on Thursday morning as a 15-strong cortege of runners from Aidan O’Brien’s stable made their way from the quarantine barn to the dirt track for some light exercise. Mendelssohn, who runs in the Classic, led the way with the trainer’s son Donnacha in the saddle, followed by a long line of runners with obvious chances in their respective races, including Sergei Prokofiev (Juvenile Turf Sprint), Just Wonderful (Juvenile Fillies’ Turf), Anthony Van Dyck (Juvenile Turf), Happily (Mile), Gustav Klimt (Mile) and Magical, who will be a significant opponent for Enable in Saturday’s Turf. Related: Breeders'...
Punters must ask themselves whether the famed Irishman’s presence amounts to a tip in itselfWhat’s Davy Russell doing at Bangor for one ride? This is just one of the questions facing punters today, but a key one, since the Irishman is aboard a clear favourite, Epalo De La Thinte, in the bumper race that closes Bangor’s card. Related: Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s ‘passion for horses’ praised amid racing tributes Catterick 12.25 Leodis Dream 12.55 Pearl Noir 1.25 Illustrissime (nap) 2.00 Weld Al Emarat 2.30 Valkenburg 3.05 Handsome Dude 3.35 It’s A Wish 4.10 Clergyman Continue reading...
Gordon Elliott has revealed that he and the horse’s owners want to try to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in MarchSamcro has become favourite with some bookmakers for the Champion Hurdle after news broke this morning that the hugely promising chestnut will be kept to the smaller obstacles this season. The news, which runs counter to the general expectation that he would begin a steeplechasing career this week, was broken by the trainer Gordon Elliott through his Betfair blog. Related: Bryony Frost back in the limelight after battling Aintree victory on Frodon Redcar 12.05 Pendleton (nb) 12.35 Timetodock 1.05 Mister Chiang 1.40 Warrior’s Spirit 2.15 Bill Cody 2.50 Make Me 3.25 Alfie’s Angel 4.00 Sfumato Continue reading...
The Charlie Hills-trained colt can thwart Aidan O’Brien’s bid for a ninth success in the race now called the Vertem FuturityAidan O’Brien seeks a ninth success at Doncaster in the race now known as the Vertem Futurity but certain to be referred to as the Racing Post Trophy for some years yet. He has a fine chance with the well-backed, classy colt Magna Grecia, beaten by only a French raider at Newmarket recently, but Charlie Hills may have an even better prospect.Phoenix Of Spain (4.05) ran an excellent race to be second in the Champagne Stakes last time out and the winner has since followed up in the Dewhurst Stakes. No other horse has got as close to Too Darn...
Track officials start inquiry after horses ran out in the home straight with races at their mercyThe extraordinary capacity of this place to produce drama was on show once again here on Friday, as what had seemed a mundane early-season card featured two sensational finishes in which horses swerved off the course with victory in their grasp. Dan Skelton was beside himself after watching his One For Billy turn left off the run-in at the end of a race but became the fortunate beneficiary when Oighear Dubh did the same thing two hours later, leaving Skelton’s Sam Red as the winner. Related: Winx: how good is the horse whose dung sells for $200 a bag? This scene certainly sums up...