Hayley Turner has been injured while taking her mount Rose Aurora down to the start for the 3:00 Bath. The grey reared backwards landing on her lower left leg/ankle. Clearly in some pain, she has been taken by ambulance to the course medical room. Further details to be updated.
Turner stood down for the rest of the day but thankfully just bruising.
Update: Contrary to earlier news it have been confirmed that Turner suffered a broken ankle.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery after a fantastic group-winning season.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
2:20 Goodwood (30th August) - Result
An EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes over one mile on good ground.
A nice selection of promising fillies from respected stables.
On form this looks a close call between four juveniles: Amber Silk, Swingland, Specific & Defy The Odds. All are held in some regard.
Specific & Defy The Odds ran against each other at Newmarket at the end of July. The former, trained by Mahood Al Zarooni, was fractionally the better that day. The second has since ran out an easy winner when stepping up in distance at Doncaster. Specific was definitely the fitter of the two horses that day and caught Defy The Odds - trained by Sir Henry Cecil - in the closing stages. Cecil's juvenile, a daughter of Galileo, was ridden by Ian Mongan, who has since detailed in the Weekender publication that this is his horse to follow. Mongan was certainly at pains not to whip this filly and give her a nice introduction. A good-looking type, she was probably in need of the run on that initial start. This step up to one mile and Queally taking the ride give the impression this bay filly will be primed for a big run. I would favour her over Specific.
Amber Silk & Swingland, similarly, competed against each other on debut over 7f at Goodwood. There was very little between the pair at the line, although they had contrasting races. They both finished with some purpose and this extra furlong is bound to suit.
Amber Silk is quite a compact juvenile. She is likely to travel well. She had a rather luckless day on debut when trapped behind a wall of horses and had to wait until the final furlong to finally see daylight and sprinted to the line. It was an encouraging effort.
Swingland is a big filly. She looks more like a colt and would probably make many of them look small by comparison. Second string to the easy winner Gifted Girl, Paul Cole should know what it takes to win this race. The stable have a good win rate with their fancied juveniles on their second start and especially so this season. It could be a close call between the pair. I would imagine Amber Silk is likely to travel much the better of the two. Although Swingland may be wiser for that experience and Cole often instructs his jockey's to set the pace. I would just favour Swingland simply because she looked the type to improve more for that first start, being such a big, imposing filly.
It is interesting to note there is a form line between these four horses. Rythmic who beat Specific and Defy The Odds on debut has since beaten Perfect Delight who finished in something of a blanket finish with Amber Silk and Swingland. In fact, drawing a line through all of these juveniles they look quite closely matched. The deciding factor is likely to be who improves most for fitness and this extra furlong.
Conclusion: A four-cornered affair. A difficult call. I would slightly favour the other three juveniles over Specific who looked fit and ready to run on debut. Defy The Odds is a good-looking filly and she is likely to be primed for today. Amber Silk will probably travel the best of these, while Swingland is a brute of a filly who looks the type to able to fight her corner. All three juveniles have sound each way claims if prices allow. I would favour Defy The Odds & Swingland.
HCE: ''A commanding performance from the big filly Swingland. Good to see Cole's juveniles hitting the mark.''
An EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes over one mile on good ground.
A nice selection of promising fillies from respected stables.
On form this looks a close call between four juveniles: Amber Silk, Swingland, Specific & Defy The Odds. All are held in some regard.
Specific & Defy The Odds ran against each other at Newmarket at the end of July. The former, trained by Mahood Al Zarooni, was fractionally the better that day. The second has since ran out an easy winner when stepping up in distance at Doncaster. Specific was definitely the fitter of the two horses that day and caught Defy The Odds - trained by Sir Henry Cecil - in the closing stages. Cecil's juvenile, a daughter of Galileo, was ridden by Ian Mongan, who has since detailed in the Weekender publication that this is his horse to follow. Mongan was certainly at pains not to whip this filly and give her a nice introduction. A good-looking type, she was probably in need of the run on that initial start. This step up to one mile and Queally taking the ride give the impression this bay filly will be primed for a big run. I would favour her over Specific.
Amber Silk & Swingland, similarly, competed against each other on debut over 7f at Goodwood. There was very little between the pair at the line, although they had contrasting races. They both finished with some purpose and this extra furlong is bound to suit.
Amber Silk is quite a compact juvenile. She is likely to travel well. She had a rather luckless day on debut when trapped behind a wall of horses and had to wait until the final furlong to finally see daylight and sprinted to the line. It was an encouraging effort.
Swingland is a big filly. She looks more like a colt and would probably make many of them look small by comparison. Second string to the easy winner Gifted Girl, Paul Cole should know what it takes to win this race. The stable have a good win rate with their fancied juveniles on their second start and especially so this season. It could be a close call between the pair. I would imagine Amber Silk is likely to travel much the better of the two. Although Swingland may be wiser for that experience and Cole often instructs his jockey's to set the pace. I would just favour Swingland simply because she looked the type to improve more for that first start, being such a big, imposing filly.
It is interesting to note there is a form line between these four horses. Rythmic who beat Specific and Defy The Odds on debut has since beaten Perfect Delight who finished in something of a blanket finish with Amber Silk and Swingland. In fact, drawing a line through all of these juveniles they look quite closely matched. The deciding factor is likely to be who improves most for fitness and this extra furlong.
Conclusion: A four-cornered affair. A difficult call. I would slightly favour the other three juveniles over Specific who looked fit and ready to run on debut. Defy The Odds is a good-looking filly and she is likely to be primed for today. Amber Silk will probably travel the best of these, while Swingland is a brute of a filly who looks the type to able to fight her corner. All three juveniles have sound each way claims if prices allow. I would favour Defy The Odds & Swingland.
HCE: ''A commanding performance from the big filly Swingland. Good to see Cole's juveniles hitting the mark.''
Monday, 29 August 2011
Fixtures Fears Over Future Of Ffos Las Racecourse
The British Horseracing Authority plans to cap fixtures in 2012 to 1,400, due to concerns about declining horse numbers.
Ffos Las racecourse near Trimsaran says it faces a potential drop from from 29 to 16 or 17 race meetings next year.
Course owner Dai Walters said it will not be economically viable to operate on such restricted fixtures.
In 2009 Ffos Las became the first new turf horseracing course to open in Britain for around 80 years.
The course was built on an old mine and had hopes to challenge some of the best courses in Europe.
Course manager Tim Long said he was "very concerned" over the BHA's plans for fixtures in 2012.
The racecourse has delivered on all its promises to the British racing industry” Tim Long General manager and clerk at Ffos Las He said: "Ffos Las has brought horse racing to an area of Britain where there had been none previously.
"It has significantly boosted local businesses, increased employment directly and indirectly, and helped tourism.
'Considerable sums'
"The racecourse has delivered on all its promises to the British racing industry, becoming the first new turf track for the sport since before the Second World War.
"It is investing considerable sums to meet the prize-money requirements of the Horsemen's Group of racehorse owners, trainers and jockeys; and it is further developing horse racing in one of the remoter parts of the country."
Of 29 fixtures scheduled for 2011 at Ffos Las, 13 are funded by the racecourse itself rather than with any form of central funding for prize-money.
'Shelved'
"We can't run the track on just 16 fixtures because we've still got to employ all the groundsmen and staff as if there were 30 fixtures - it will just not be economical," owner Mr Walters told BBC Radio Wales.
"We are quite prepared to lose two or three fixtures but if it falls to 16 Ffos Las will have to be shelved.
"If they took one or two fixtures off everybody, it would be fair."
He added that Ffos Las stood to lose 30% of its fixtures because it is the newest racecourse.
At the start of June, the BHA suspended its 2012 fixture allocation process because of the uncertainty surrounding how fixtures would be funded due to the decline in levy funding. We have taken this action to try to ensure that falling horse numbers will not erode the attractiveness of British racing”
The total number of fixtures is to be finalised by the end of September.
Ruth Quinn, director of racing at the BHA said the board had taken the decision as a bid to to protect the long term health of the sport.
"Although the size and shape of the fixture list cannot be finalised until the impact of the significantly reduced levy has been confirmed, we have taken this action to try to ensure that falling horse numbers will not erode the attractiveness of British racing, both as a sporting spectacle and as a betting medium.
Decline
"The process will involve removing a majority of the leasehold fixtures that had been agreed on a one-year only basis for 2011 between racecourses and horsemen, and we will continue to consult with stakeholders to ensure that the fixture slots that are removed will be those that are of the least value to racing.
"Horse numbers have been in steady decline since peaking in 2008 and, with the significantly reduced foal crops due to reach racing age, the sport cannot continue at its previous capacity."
The BHA said nearly 40% of races currently attract seven or fewer runners and cites recent research by Weatherbys which shows the decline in horse numbers is predicted to increase from 3.2% in 2011 to around 7% in 2012.
Ffos Las racecourse near Trimsaran says it faces a potential drop from from 29 to 16 or 17 race meetings next year.
Course owner Dai Walters said it will not be economically viable to operate on such restricted fixtures.
In 2009 Ffos Las became the first new turf horseracing course to open in Britain for around 80 years.
The course was built on an old mine and had hopes to challenge some of the best courses in Europe.
Course manager Tim Long said he was "very concerned" over the BHA's plans for fixtures in 2012.
The racecourse has delivered on all its promises to the British racing industry” Tim Long General manager and clerk at Ffos Las He said: "Ffos Las has brought horse racing to an area of Britain where there had been none previously.
"It has significantly boosted local businesses, increased employment directly and indirectly, and helped tourism.
'Considerable sums'
"The racecourse has delivered on all its promises to the British racing industry, becoming the first new turf track for the sport since before the Second World War.
"It is investing considerable sums to meet the prize-money requirements of the Horsemen's Group of racehorse owners, trainers and jockeys; and it is further developing horse racing in one of the remoter parts of the country."
Of 29 fixtures scheduled for 2011 at Ffos Las, 13 are funded by the racecourse itself rather than with any form of central funding for prize-money.
'Shelved'
"We can't run the track on just 16 fixtures because we've still got to employ all the groundsmen and staff as if there were 30 fixtures - it will just not be economical," owner Mr Walters told BBC Radio Wales.
"We are quite prepared to lose two or three fixtures but if it falls to 16 Ffos Las will have to be shelved.
"If they took one or two fixtures off everybody, it would be fair."
He added that Ffos Las stood to lose 30% of its fixtures because it is the newest racecourse.
At the start of June, the BHA suspended its 2012 fixture allocation process because of the uncertainty surrounding how fixtures would be funded due to the decline in levy funding. We have taken this action to try to ensure that falling horse numbers will not erode the attractiveness of British racing”
The total number of fixtures is to be finalised by the end of September.
Ruth Quinn, director of racing at the BHA said the board had taken the decision as a bid to to protect the long term health of the sport.
"Although the size and shape of the fixture list cannot be finalised until the impact of the significantly reduced levy has been confirmed, we have taken this action to try to ensure that falling horse numbers will not erode the attractiveness of British racing, both as a sporting spectacle and as a betting medium.
Decline
"The process will involve removing a majority of the leasehold fixtures that had been agreed on a one-year only basis for 2011 between racecourses and horsemen, and we will continue to consult with stakeholders to ensure that the fixture slots that are removed will be those that are of the least value to racing.
"Horse numbers have been in steady decline since peaking in 2008 and, with the significantly reduced foal crops due to reach racing age, the sport cannot continue at its previous capacity."
The BHA said nearly 40% of races currently attract seven or fewer runners and cites recent research by Weatherbys which shows the decline in horse numbers is predicted to increase from 3.2% in 2011 to around 7% in 2012.
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Tecbet Wins Book Prize
HCE: We are pleased to announce Tecbet has won this month's FREE book prize: Gary Whiltshire's Winning It Back.
Next month's book prize: McCoy: A Racing Post Celebration by Brough Scott.
Take a closer look at HCE - Your Daily Racing Blog
Saturday, 27 August 2011
5:50 Redcar (27th August)
A restricted Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 6f on soft ground.
Master Bond could go well in what looks to be a moderate contest. This son of Misu Bond was sent off favourite on debut at Beverley but disappointed. It came at a time when many of Brian Smart's juveniles were out of form and after a lengthy spell on the sidelines this bay colt may have claims.The key to this juveniles chances today rests upon the betting. If priced 13/2 & less, this would make a good each way selection.
HCE: ''Very much a two-horse race with Deepsand and Master Bond battling at the furlong pole with former taking the spoils. Both clear of the third, Trioomph.''
Master Bond could go well in what looks to be a moderate contest. This son of Misu Bond was sent off favourite on debut at Beverley but disappointed. It came at a time when many of Brian Smart's juveniles were out of form and after a lengthy spell on the sidelines this bay colt may have claims.The key to this juveniles chances today rests upon the betting. If priced 13/2 & less, this would make a good each way selection.
HCE: ''Very much a two-horse race with Deepsand and Master Bond battling at the furlong pole with former taking the spoils. Both clear of the third, Trioomph.''
Friday, 26 August 2011
1:20 Newmarket (26th August)
Of the others, Balady would be a positive if backed to 13/2 & less. John Dunlop's filly showed little on debut but the stable know their horses and if a much shorter price than you would expect, then worthy of note.
Conclusion: A tricky race. I get the feeling Candycakes will run a big race today. It spoke well that Bell's filly was made favourite on debut. An attractive juvenile. The way Spencer was at pains to give her an easy introduction was a pointer that connections hold this youngster in some regard. A fair each way prospect. Clive Brittain has not had the best of seasons but he knows a decent horse when he sees one. If his comments are to be believed Semayyel has a touch of class. She will be much wiser for her initial start, which wasn't as bad as it looked. A hit and hope to some extent, but at speculative odds it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see this daughter of Green Desert go well.
HCE: ''Clive Brittain had raved about this Semayyel (most recently in Racing Ahead Magazine) and this would have been a special win for the stable who have not been in the best of form this season. It was great to see Russell Price victorious in the saddle, who regularly rides Semayyel on the gallops. Balady showed improved form to battle up the hill, while the well supported Hazel Lavery finished third.''
A Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 7f on good to firm ground.
An open race. A handful of form horse and many debutantes, some well bred.
Candycakes was made favourite for her debut over course and distance. This good-looking daughter of Cape Cross has plenty of size and scope to progress with racing. Trying to assess the form of that inital start is difficult, the 6th has since shown an element of ability. However, time may tell it was a hot race. What caught my attention was the way Michael Bell's two-year-old was ridden by Spencer. He hardly moved a muscle, clearly instructed to give her an enjoyable introduction, and in doing so gave the impression this bay filly is held in some regard. I can imagine a few punters being miffed by the ease she was handled when holding every chance of winning, with a sign there was better to come.
An outsider with potential for better is Semayyel. Clive Brittain's season has been horrendous, although one or two juveniles have proven ability along the way. This daughter of Green Desert went to Newmarket last time for the Sweet Solera Stakes (Group 3) but she refused to go into the stalls. Brittain - often over optimistic when entering his juveniles - has given his youngster, owned by Saeed Manana, many flashy Group entries and commented that he holds this filly in high regard. She was quite well backed on debut at Windsor and although her finishing position doesn't look anything to crow about it wasn't a bad debut for the fact she was very slow from the stalls, to a point where she couldn't get competitive. A fair-looking juvenile, at speculative odds she may be something of a dark horse. If backed it would be a sign of confidence.
Of the others, Balady would be a positive if backed to 13/2 & less. John Dunlop's filly showed little on debut but the stable know their horses and if a much shorter price than you would expect, then worthy of note.
Conclusion: A tricky race. I get the feeling Candycakes will run a big race today. It spoke well that Bell's filly was made favourite on debut. An attractive juvenile. The way Spencer was at pains to give her an easy introduction was a pointer that connections hold this youngster in some regard. A fair each way prospect. Clive Brittain has not had the best of seasons but he knows a decent horse when he sees one. If his comments are to be believed Semayyel has a touch of class. She will be much wiser for her initial start, which wasn't as bad as it looked. A hit and hope to some extent, but at speculative odds it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see this daughter of Green Desert go well.
HCE: ''Clive Brittain had raved about this Semayyel (most recently in Racing Ahead Magazine) and this would have been a special win for the stable who have not been in the best of form this season. It was great to see Russell Price victorious in the saddle, who regularly rides Semayyel on the gallops. Balady showed improved form to battle up the hill, while the well supported Hazel Lavery finished third.''
Thursday, 25 August 2011
A Wandering Mind...Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit
Dishy Guru served up a decent winner in the 4:30 Lingfield. I was in two minds whether to bet or not but in a weakish race there was a fighting chance of gaining a place at worst and if Blanshard's youngster had a level of ability or the favourite disappointed it could be a promising wager. What helped make my decision was seeing Dishy Guru drift to 10/1+ on Betfair. I took even money about the place to cover the stake. I generally lay my total bet if selections are backed to half their odds (a no-lose bet is never a bad thing in my book). However, it wasn't quite backed to those odds so I let the bet ride. As I often state when I am talking about gambling, bets, winning & losing - there is no logic to any given race. I guess that is how backers of Princess Of Orange felt when she ran much too wide on the final bend. At that moment I noticed my in-running bet to lay my potential win at 1.1 was laid. From that point it made no difference whether Dishy Guru served up a win, finished a gallant second or nipped to the bar for a sip of OJ.
Dishy Guru served up a decent winner in the 4:30 Lingfield. I was in two minds whether to bet or not but in a weakish race there was a fighting chance of gaining a place at worst and if Blanshard's youngster had a level of ability or the favourite disappointed it could be a promising wager. What helped make my decision was seeing Dishy Guru drift to 10/1+ on Betfair. I took even money about the place to cover the stake. I generally lay my total bet if selections are backed to half their odds (a no-lose bet is never a bad thing in my book). However, it wasn't quite backed to those odds so I let the bet ride. As I often state when I am talking about gambling, bets, winning & losing - there is no logic to any given race. I guess that is how backers of Princess Of Orange felt when she ran much too wide on the final bend. At that moment I noticed my in-running bet to lay my potential win at 1.1 was laid. From that point it made no difference whether Dishy Guru served up a win, finished a gallant second or nipped to the bar for a sip of OJ.
4:30 Lingfield (25th August)
Rae Guest has trained some talented juveniles in his time and Princess Of Orange was backed from huge odds for her debut at Windsor. This daughter of Dutch Art was a breeze-up purchase at 48,000gns. A strong type for the fairer sex, she went off 7/1 for that first start but a wide draw, inexperience and competitive opposition made winning a stiff task. That looked a decent maiden and Princess Of Orange ran on quite well at the finish. Not the easiest to assess, but a good-looking juvenile who is likely to be much wiser today.
Zain Point was run off his hooves over 5f, when chasing home easy winner Sea Odyssey. That looked a poor race beyond the winner who is no super star. This extra furlong will help although I would prefer others.
Conclusion: A trick race where potential rather than cast iron form is the order of the day. Princess Of Orange was a talking horse on debut and that support leads me to think there will be much more to come. Rae Guest knows how to prime a horse and this daughter of Dutch Art is most probably the horse to beat. She is a good-looking filly, although at the price I would rather take a watching brief. Dishy Guru could be a canny each way bet. That was a pretty hot race at Salisbury and to finish fourth may not have been a disappointment by any means. The uncertainty is trying to assess Blanshard's juvenile. Is he on the right or wrong side to win a race of this nature? The trainer's juveniles often progress with racing and Dishy Guru showed signs of inexperience on his second start. A fair-looking colt he could be a fair each way bet although you need to take a slight leap of faith, which always tempers enthusiasm. If a big drifter on the exchanges, could be worth a few quid to make the frame and fingers crossed a win in what looks a moderate race.
HCE: ''Not the strongest of races. Dishy Guru running a true line round the final bend most probably stole a winning advantage as the errant Princess Of Orange done her supporters no favours running very wide. The latter ran on well but Blanshard's juvenile had the edge.''
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
A Wandering Mind...Back To Trade
A few races today of interest but as for betting I had to wait until 8:20 Kempton & 8:40 Wolverhampton. There wasn't too much to think about with Backtrade. I went for a decent straight win at 3/1 and hoped it would be backed to half those odds pre-race or in-running. It was certainly well backed considering William Hill had it priced 4/1 early this morning. I laid my bet before the start. Fortune done front running but it seemed a half-hearted effort. Not sure if Backtrade didn't go round the bend or whether his jockey decided to take him a fraction wide. I got the feeling he was confident of a win and perhaps worried they may tire in the final furlong if pressing forward.I would have much rather seen him press on and go clear. After coasting, push came to shove and he couldn't handle the finish of Hans Adielsson's Compton Target, who looked a decent type, physically, compared to Balding's two-year-old. Backtrade touched 1/4 in-running so there was plenty of chances for punters to cover themselves if taking that option. A little disappointed with the ride in ways although you can't blame connections for probably insisting they didn't go a stride to fast.
The 8:40 Wolverhampton turned out to be an eventful race for me. After taking a closer look at the race later in the day I thought Ed McMahon's Chelsea Mick had a similar form line to the favourite, Rockme Cockney. I watched the juvenile on debut at Haydock and thought he looked a nice individual - not the biggest but compact and had a fluent running action. This son of Hawk Wing showed up well until the furlong pole on debut and this experience and drop back in distance looked ideal. In a very restricted auction race he was certainly worth a second look and the odds were good. I had a win and place bet at 13/1 on Betfair. I missed the biggest odds (drifted to 18/1) and then quite well backed late on. Chelsea Mick travelled well at the head of the field and put in a sterling performance. However, John Hill's representative, Travelling, ran on with real purpose and I had a horrible feeling it would catch my selection in the dying strides. It did. However, all wasn't lost. As a little insurance policy I put the potential win bet up in-running at 1.1. The laptop in my office had frozen just before the start of the race, so I had no idea whether the bet had been laid or not. Rushing to my second laptop in the other room - always have two open just in case something crazy happens - I opened the page to see - to my joy and no doubt some poor souls horror - that it had been laid in-running. So a second was pretty much as good as a win.
The 8:40 Wolverhampton turned out to be an eventful race for me. After taking a closer look at the race later in the day I thought Ed McMahon's Chelsea Mick had a similar form line to the favourite, Rockme Cockney. I watched the juvenile on debut at Haydock and thought he looked a nice individual - not the biggest but compact and had a fluent running action. This son of Hawk Wing showed up well until the furlong pole on debut and this experience and drop back in distance looked ideal. In a very restricted auction race he was certainly worth a second look and the odds were good. I had a win and place bet at 13/1 on Betfair. I missed the biggest odds (drifted to 18/1) and then quite well backed late on. Chelsea Mick travelled well at the head of the field and put in a sterling performance. However, John Hill's representative, Travelling, ran on with real purpose and I had a horrible feeling it would catch my selection in the dying strides. It did. However, all wasn't lost. As a little insurance policy I put the potential win bet up in-running at 1.1. The laptop in my office had frozen just before the start of the race, so I had no idea whether the bet had been laid or not. Rushing to my second laptop in the other room - always have two open just in case something crazy happens - I opened the page to see - to my joy and no doubt some poor souls horror - that it had been laid in-running. So a second was pretty much as good as a win.
8:20 Kempton (24th August) - Result
Backtrade could take some pegging back if employing similar tactics as seen at Windsor last time when finishing a creditable third. This son of Holy Roman Emperor isn't the most imposing of horses: quite small & wiry but a speedy type who should be suited by this tight track. Balding commented that they held this juvenile in some regard. Perhaps he hasn't quite lived up to those expectations but in what looks to be a moderate handicap, from a low draw, this bay colt could well have many of these struggling to go the pace by half way. He was pretty much on a par with Amazing Storm & Sir Fredlot with 100m to go at Windsor before tiring in the latter stages. Perhaps Fortune went a shade too quick. However, that speed will not be lost round this course. This 6f will be easier to last than Windsor, which bodes well for a bold effort. A fair each way bet if odds allow, and certainly one to lay your stake at short odds in-running.
Flavius Victor is a good-looking colt and this drop back to 6f is likely to benefit. One for the short list, who could well be running on strongly at the line.
Conclusion: Fortune is likely to press on with Backtrade after showing good pace at Windsor. This juvenile looks ideally suited to this track and if able to coast for the first furlong or so before accelerating off the bend could take some catching. An ideal back to lay. If tiring last time was due to a slight lack of fitness, this would be a superb bet. On balance, Balding's juvenile most likely ran his race. A fair chance.
HCE: ''Backtrade needed to be a back to trade to have any hope of winning some cash. He travelled well for most but couldn't overpower Compton Target. Nice to see Hans Adielsson gain his first two-year-old winner, quite an attractive juvenile compared with the second.''
Harbouring Thoughts Of Success With Hannon's Top Juvenile
Harbour Watch will have his final start of the season in either the Middle Park or Dewhurst Stakes.
Both races take place on the same day now on October 8, but there is a difference of opinion in the Richard Hannon camp as to which event will suit him best.
The trainer feels the seven furlongs of the Dewhurst will suit him fine, but his son and assistant Richard jnr is happy to keep him to six furlongs for now.
"It depends which Richard you talk to. Basically he's going to go for one of the big races at the end of the season, either the Dewhurst or the Middle Park," said David Redvers, racing manager for the part-owners Pearl Bloodstock.
"The plan has always been the Dewhurst because Richard senior is absolutely confident that he'll stay a mile next year, but Richard junior seems to be leaning towards the Middle Park so it's a case of watch this space really," he told At The Races.
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