Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at the Derby & Oaks Pictures. Plus, there one I like for Saturday’s Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
The Going Is Good?
Great British Racing (GBR) have launched a new 40-second promo for their campaign “The Going Is Good.”
According to Simon Michaelides, who heads up GBR, the initiative targets “people who have never had a relationship with racing but who are open to it,” as well as “casual fans who have either lapsed or are attending only once a year.” The goal is to encourage more frequent racecourse visits.
The campaign is clearly aimed at boosting racecourse attendance, particularly from casual or lapsed fans. That’s not a bad goal — the sport does need new faces. But judging by the 40-second promo and the comments from GBR’s Simon Michaelides, this feels like another glossy marketing push with little real substance.
We’re told the aim is to reach people who’ve never had a relationship with racing. Fine — but if you don’t offer them a reason to return beyond a boozy day out with friends—but it’s unlikely to spark genuine interest in the sport.
Racing has enough of a problem being seen as a background activity at major meetings — this sort of campaign risks reinforcing that image. Where’s the nod to the sport’s depth? Its stars, stories, history? Even a glimmer of its competitive drama or the betting?
There’s nothing here to ignite a lifelong passion — just another fun Saturday out, forgotten by Monday.
Of course, racing needs to modernise. And yes, the sport is at risk if it doesn’t attract younger, more diverse audiences. But those audiences deserve better than a hollow slogan. If The Going Is Good is as ambitious as GBR claims, let’s hope future phases dig deeper. Because right now, it’s style over substance — and the sport can ill afford that.
What do you think?
Derby and Oaks Picture
It’s been a volatile couple of days in the Derby market. The Lion In Winter has surged back into favouritism despite his underwhelming Dante return. In contrast, stablemate Delacroix—previously a leading contender—has drifted to as big as 5/1. Meanwhile, Ruling Court, the 2,000 Guineas winner, remains a steady 4/1 shot.
As I said last week, Pride Of Arras would be my idea of the Derby favourite after his Dante win. The runner-up, Damysus, still has more to offer and 12/1 looks fair—despite slight concerns about him handling Epsom’s undulations.
One at a price I like is Purview, who chased home Delacroix last time. He’s 33/1, but that likely reflects the expectation he’ll skip Epsom and head to the Irish Derby instead.
As for The Lion In Winter, I think he’s a ludicrous price now. But remember, the same was said about Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy before they won. There’s bound to be more movement in the market before Derby Day.
Musidora Standout Holds Value
The Oaks picture looks a straight shootout between Charlie Appleby and Aidan O’Brien. Appleby has the 1,000 Guineas heroine Desert Flower, solid at 5/2 across the board.
Aidan has options galore—Whirl, Minnie Hauk, and Giselle all won trial races. I’m stunned Whirl is still 10/1 with Bet365. That price might hint she’ll head to France for the Prix de Diane, but I thought her Musidora Stakes win was the standout Oaks trial this season.
There’s been cash on Fakaleyah, a filly I like very much. But she was very keen at Newmarket, and I’m not convinced she’ll stay 1m 4f if she’s as free going as last time. That said I think she’s Group1 filly.
One that’s slipped under the radar is Elwateen. She shaped well when fourth in the 1,000 Guineas, still green, yet only beaten 2¼ lengths by Desert Flower. She’s bred to stay and looks excellent each-way value at 20/1 but needs to be supplemented which seems likely.
Plenty can still change—but as things stand, Whirl and Elwateen look like the Oaks value plays. It’s just a shame we don’t know if Whirl or Elwateen will line up in the race.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
After a hectic few weeks with Chester and York taking centre stage, the midweek action has been quiet by comparison. That changes on Friday, as both Haydock and Goodwood kick off two-day meetings.
At Haydock, Friday’s highlight is the Listed Cecil Frail Stakes (3:00). Goodwood’s feature is the Listed William Hill Festival Stakes, part of a seven-race card.
Across the Irish Sea, it’s Classic time at the Curragh on Saturday. The Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas (3:40) takes top billing on Saturday, with the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas and Tattersalls Gold Cup completing a high-class Sunday card.
Group Races and Royal Ascot Clues
Haydock's Saturday card is packed with quality. The Group 2 Betfred Sandy Lane Stakes (3:00) brings the Commonwealth Cup hopefuls together over 6f. Just 25 minutes later, the older sprinters take their turn in the Group 2 Betfred Temple Stakes (3:25) over the minimum trip. The big handicap is the Betfred Silver Bowl Heritage Handicap (1:50), always a lively betting heat.
Goodwood hosts two Listed races once considered Derby and Oaks trials. The Cocked Hat Stakes (2:05), formerly the Predominate, was won by Derby hero Troy in 1979. Meanwhile, the Height Of Fashion Stakes (3:15), once known as the Lupe Stakes, was a stepping stone to the Oaks. That said, with Epsom now just two weeks away, it’s unlikely we’ll see a Classic winner emerge from either contest.
ITV Racing will be live from all angles—four races from Haydock, two from Goodwood, plus a pair of 2-year-old features from Beverley: the Hilary Needler Trophy (2:10) and the Bet365 Two-Year-Old Trophy (2:45). They’ll also broadcast the Irish 2,000 Guineas live from the Curragh.
Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas
Plenty to look forward to across four meetings this weekend, but the standout contest is Saturday’s Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas.
Field Of Gold now looks likely to go off a strong favourite — he's no bigger than 10/11 with William Hill, and Colin Keane has been booked for the ride. He ran a blinder when second to Ruling Court in the Newmarket Guineas, closing late after conceding first run. On form, he's the one to beat — but 10/11 looks short enough to me.
One at a bigger price who appeals is Rashabar, who shaped well when second to Jonquil in the Greenham on his return. That form looks solid now with the winner going close in the French 2,000 Guineas. It’s unclear if Rashabar is a definite runner, but if he lines up, the 16/1 still available — and even 20s in a place — looks generous. I’d have him more like an 8/1 shot for this year’s Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas.
Rashabar – 20/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (each way).
One small note of caution: dry weather is on the way out for a few days. Rain is forecast for Saturday, which could complicate the punting picture. That said, the racecourses need a drop, so we can’t grumble too much.
Given the weather forecast I won’t be looking at the rest of Saturday’s racing until closer to the day.
Good luck with your Wednesday bets.
John