Heavy Rain Leads To Going Change’s

Hi all,

Salisbury Washout

Southern England was hit with heavy rain on Thursday, leading to disruptions. Salisbury’s card was abandoned due to waterlogging, and Ascot's going was changed to soft for its Friday fixture. It was a shame to lose Salisbury's biggest meeting of the season. The track had applied 6mm of water on Monday, and after a summer of artificial watering, the combination with torrential rain led to inevitable problems.

Meanwhile, Newbury, in a puzzling move, watered the final furlong on Thursday night despite the forecast of rain. Fortunately, the going only shifted to soft, sparing them from Salisbury’s fate.

Remembering Grahame Liles

On Thursday, I learned of the passing of Grahame Liles, the legendary Northern on course bookmaker, at age 89 after a long illness. I had the privilege of working with Grahame for a couple of years in the 1980s. He was a true old-school bookmaker, a good boss and a gentleman. Grahame also made a lasting impact in Rugby League, serving as Chairman of Hunslet Rugby League Club from the late 1980s until 2012, when he gifted the club to its supporters. Read more here.

He’ll be missed by many in Horse Racing and Rugby League circles, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

Friday Racing

I haven’t reviewed Ascot after the ground turned soft, but I have taken a closer look at the Haydock card. At least the heavy rain has stayed away from Haydock.

Haydock

3:45 – Frankelian finished runner-up in a Lingfield maiden 27 days ago. He’s fitted with first-time cheekpieces, and hopes are the step up to 1m 6f will bring out improvement as he returns to handicap company. Gifted Angel, a three-time winner over hurdles, is still searching for his first win on the flat (0 from 18). However, he showed promise when finishing 3rd of 10 at Chester two starts back, and he’s now 1lb lower after a lacklustre run at York in July. Softer ground should play to his strengths, and a repeat of his Chester performance would make him a solid contender.

My preference, however, is Hardy Bloke. He looked in need of a longer trip when 6th of 11 in a Pontefract maiden over 1m 2f two starts ago. A winner over hurdles (3m) on heavy ground when trained in Ireland, staying handicaps appear to suit his profile. On handicap debut, he looks to be on a workable mark.

4:20 – Persuasion isn't a frequent winner (3 from 38), but he's been in solid form over his last three runs. He narrowly missed out by a head in last year's edition of this race and is now running off a 3lb lower mark. While he'd likely prefer firmer ground, he should still be competitive and won't be far off the mark.

For those of you following the ‘lay or play’ qualifiers there are two on Friday.

Good luck with your Friday bets!

John