Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece, I’m taking a quick look at Saturday's racing. However, before that, I want to share a few thoughts on jockey Kieran Shoemark.
Kieran Shoemark
You must feel for jockey Kieran Shoemark. Not only is Kieran following in the footsteps of Frankie Dettori as the stable jockey to the Gosdens, but he’s also taken over at a time when the Gosdens have their weakest team in years. Frankie couldn’t have exited stage left at a better time if he tried.
He badly needed a big race winner at Goodwood, but both Emily Upjohn and Free Wind flopped. I mentioned in Sunday’s column that Emily Upjohn has got cute with her jockeys as she’s got older and, without a change of tactics, she’s going to have the upper hand with her riders. As for Free Wind, maybe she’s just regressive now and wouldn’t have won whoever was in the saddle. However, Kieran gave her no chance by settling her at the back in a steadily run Lily Langtry Stakes.
Now it seems the owners of Inspiral are considering a change of jockey as the mare bids for a hat-trick of wins in Sunday’s Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. If Inspiral were to win with another jockey, it would make other owners in the yard stop and think about who should be riding their horses. A stable jockey’s position becomes untenable once a major owner (s) in the yard clearly have no confidence in him.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
The Shergar Cup at Ascot dominates ITV Racing's Saturday coverage, although they will also cover three races from Haydock and one from Newmarket. Given only ten runners can participate in each race at the Shergar Cup and jockey bookings will only be available after final declarations later today, it’s a waste of time looking at the meeting at this stage even if you will be having a bet.
On the topic of the Shergar Cup, Joanna Mason replaces Saffie Osborne on the Ladies team as the latter has been booked for some good rides at the Lancashire track. That could be a tip in itself. For many punters, team racing like the Shergar Cup appeals as much as a bowl of sick. Long-time readers of the column will know it leaves me cold. However, in the last couple of years, I have had bets at the Shergar Cup and no doubt will this year.
Meanwhile, the Haydock card is more promising for punters wanting to look away from the Shergar Cup. The highlights include the Group 3 Betfred Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (3:00) and the Listed Dick Hern Stakes (4:45). At Newmarket, the highlight is the Group 3 Jenningsbet Sweet Solera Stakes (3:40) for the juvenile fillies.
Thursday Racing
The Racing League caravan arrives in Chepstow this evening. If you’re interested today’s ’lay or play' selection runs in the first race on the Chepstow card.
Last time out C&D winner Lady Flora (5:30) is the 7/2 joint favourite in the early bird betting for the mile handicap. On the plus side Osin Murphy takes over in the saddle. However, the improving 3-year-old is up 7lb and a notch in class. More significantly her trainer Andrew Balding 16 winners from 101 bets 16% -33.99 43 places 43% with his LTO handicap winners including 2 winners from 28 bets 7% -22.05, 10 places 36% in 2024.
Is Lady Flora a ‘lay or play’ for you?
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John
I’m a Backer Not’a Layer-(as I’ve NEVER Laid a Bet, with Any Betting Company. Apart frm M8’s), & then it’s ALWAYS Been Paid Out @ Price-ie, If 1 of’my M8’s had £5-EW On’a 6/1-Shot, With E’moi, I’d Take the Bet as Long as a £10-Note, Was Put in My Hand, B4’t Race. If Not NO BET… An Once we had Watch the Race Win or Lose. I’d Either Pay Out the £47:50=1/4+(Notta 1/5)-Or I’d Keep the Tenner, let me say Now, I’ve Received MORE, THAN I’VE EVER PAID OUT……….
19.10 at Chep.
David Allan interviewed after winning on Manila Scouse:
‘The ground is soft all over’.
19.15 at Chep.
The going is changed:
Good to soft (soft in places).
19.20 Chep.
Trainer Ian Williams is interviewed:
‘I don’t know where they are getting this going description from, it’s heavy out there’.
FFS!!!!
(Left comments are stating entries are being made an hour before the ‘actual entry time’).
On the plus side, Michael Stoute looks like he has 2 very nice 2yr old fillies now..Anna Swan looked a bit tasty at Yarmouth today didn’t she.
Let’s hope he can keep her and ‘Formal’
sound (for a change).
A bit harsh?
Yea, Chepstow were either wrong with the going stick and thought they could wing it or had overwatered prior to the meeeting.
Anna Swan looks an Oaks filly and given her dams pedigree to see her winning over 7f as a juvenile was very encouraging.